How to Get Your Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report
Hello, fellow investors and curious minds! Are you ready to dive into the legendary wisdom of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger? The Berkshire Hathaway annual report is more than just a financial document; it's a masterclass in value investing, a treasure trove of insights, and a glimpse into the mind of the Oracle of Omaha. But where do you find this highly sought-after document? Let's embark on this journey together.
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| How Do I Get My Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report |
Step 1: Choose Your Path - Digital or Physical
First, you need to decide how you want to access the report. Do you prefer the convenience of a digital PDF, or are you a traditionalist who loves the feel of a printed report in your hands? The good news is, Berkshire Hathaway makes it easy to get the report in both formats, though the digital version is now the primary method.
Which one is right for you?
The Digital Download: This is the fastest and easiest way to access the report. You can download it instantly, search for specific keywords, and read it on any device. It's also the most environmentally friendly option.
The Physical Copy: While less common now, some shareholders may still receive a printed copy. If you're a shareholder, check your mailbox around the time of the report's release. However, most communication is now digital.
Let's explore the digital path first, as it's the most common and accessible method.
Step 2: Accessing the Annual Report Online
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
This is the most direct and reliable way to get the report. Berkshire Hathaway maintains a simple, no-frills website that is the official source for all its reports.
Sub-heading: The Official Berkshire Hathaway Website
Navigate to the Source: Open your web browser and go to the official Berkshire Hathaway website:
www.berkshirehathaway.com. You'll notice it's very basic, a testament to Warren Buffett's focus on substance over style.Find the "Reports" Section: On the homepage, look for a link that says "Annual & Interim Reports" or something similar. It's usually a prominent link on the main navigation menu or in the footer.
Select the Desired Year: Once you're on the reports page, you'll see a list of annual and interim reports for various years. The most recent annual report is typically at the top of the list. Click on the link for the year you want. For example, you would click on "2024 Annual Report" for the most recent one.
Download the PDF: Clicking the link will usually open the report as a PDF file directly in your browser. From there, you can easily download it to your computer or device by clicking the download icon.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Different Reports
On the reports page, you might see several different files. Don't be confused!
"Annual Report": This is the one you're looking for. It's the full report that includes Warren Buffett's famous letter to shareholders, a detailed overview of the company's businesses, and the consolidated financial statements.
"SEC Form 10-K": This is the official annual report that Berkshire Hathaway files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It's a more technical and detailed document that includes audited financial statements and a comprehensive business description. While the annual report is more narrative and shareholder-friendly, the 10-K is the legal filing. You can also find this on the SEC's EDGAR database by searching for "Berkshire Hathaway Inc."
Step 3: What to Look for in the Report
Once you have the report, don't just skim it. This is where the real value lies! Here's a step-by-step guide to navigating its key sections:
Sub-heading: The Chairman's Letter
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
This is, without a doubt, the most important part of the entire report. Warren Buffett's letter to shareholders is a masterpiece of corporate communication. He discusses the company's performance, his philosophy on investing, the state of the economy, and his long-term outlook.
Start here first! Read it from beginning to end.
Pay close attention to his candid admissions of mistakes and his timeless principles.
Look for his discussion of "intrinsic value" and his thoughts on the various businesses in the Berkshire portfolio, such as GEICO, BNSF, and its energy businesses.
Sub-heading: The Business Segments
After the letter, you'll find a detailed breakdown of Berkshire Hathaway's diverse businesses. Berkshire is not a single company; it's a collection of many companies, from insurance to railroads to manufacturing.
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Read about each segment's performance and contribution to the overall company. This will give you a better understanding of how Berkshire makes its money.
Look for key metrics like revenue, earnings, and capital expenditures for each segment.
Sub-heading: Consolidated Financial Statements
This is the numbers part. Don't be intimidated! The financial statements tell you the health of the company.
Income Statement: This shows you how much profit the company made over the past year. Look at the revenue, expenses, and net income.
Balance Sheet: This provides a snapshot of the company's assets (what it owns) and liabilities (what it owes) at a specific point in time. Pay attention to the cash and investments on hand—a key characteristic of Berkshire.
Cash Flow Statement: This shows you the cash coming in and out of the business from operations, investing, and financing activities.
Sub-heading: Notes to the Financial Statements
Don't skip this section! The notes provide crucial context and detail about the financial figures. They explain accounting policies, significant transactions, and other important information. It's where you'll find the fine print that can be just as important as the big numbers.
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
Step 4: Keeping Up with New Reports
The annual report is typically released in late February or early March of the following year. For example, the 2024 annual report was released in early 2025.
Sub-heading: How to Get Notified
Check the Berkshire Hathaway Website Regularly: This is the most reliable way to know when the new report is out.
Follow Financial News: Major financial news outlets like CNBC, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal will cover the release of the report and Warren Buffett's letter extensively.
SEC Filings: You can also track the Form 10-K filing on the SEC's EDGAR database. The release of the annual report often coincides with this legal filing.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions about getting the Berkshire Hathaway annual report, with quick and helpful answers.
How to find a historical Berkshire Hathaway annual report? You can find an archive of historical reports on the official Berkshire Hathaway website under the "Annual & Interim Reports" section. They have reports going back many years.
How to get a physical copy of the Berkshire Hathaway annual report? In the past, shareholders would receive a physical copy. Today, the primary method is digital. If you are a shareholder, check your brokerage account communication preferences or contact Berkshire Hathaway's transfer agent, but it is highly likely you will need to download the PDF online.
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
How to read the Berkshire Hathaway annual report for a beginner? Start with Warren Buffett's letter to shareholders. It's written in plain English and explains the company's performance and philosophy. Then, look at the business segments section to understand the different companies Berkshire owns.
How to find the Berkshire Hathaway SEC filings? You can find all of Berkshire Hathaway's SEC filings, including the 10-K, on the SEC's official EDGAR database. Simply search for "Berkshire Hathaway Inc." or its ticker symbols, BRK.A or BRK.B.
How to know when the next Berkshire Hathaway annual report will be released? The annual report is typically released on a Saturday in late February or early March. You can check the company's website or follow financial news for the official release date.
How to get the annual report if I own BRK.B shares? Whether you own Class A (BRK.A) or Class B (BRK.B) shares, the process to access the annual report is the same. The report is for all shareholders and is available online for everyone.
How to attend the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting? To attend the annual meeting, you must be a shareholder of either BRK.A or BRK.B. You can request credentials from your brokerage firm. However, the Q&A session is also webcast live on CNBC.com, allowing non-attending shareholders and the public to watch.
How to find Warren Buffett's shareholder letters only? The Berkshire Hathaway website has a dedicated section for "Shareholder Letters" where you can find an archive of only the letters, separated from the full annual report.
How to compare Berkshire's performance to the S&P 500? The annual report often includes a table that compares Berkshire's per-share book value growth to the S&P 500's total return over time, highlighting the long-term performance.
How to find information on Berkshire's subsidiaries in the report? The "Business Segments" section of the annual report provides a detailed overview of each of Berkshire's subsidiaries, their performance, and their contribution to the overall company.
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