Of course! Here is a very lengthy and detailed step-by-step guide on how to buy Berkshire Hathaway shares in Australia.
Ready to Invest in a Legend? A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Buy Berkshire Hathaway Shares in Australia
Have you ever looked at the investing world and thought, "How can I get a piece of that success?" If you've been following the investing journey of the "Oracle of Omaha," Warren Buffett, then you've likely come across Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B). It's not just a company; it's a conglomerate of diverse businesses and a portfolio of some of the world's most iconic companies. For Australian investors, getting access to this legendary stock might seem complex, but with the right guidance, it's completely achievable. So, are you ready to add a slice of Buffett's empire to your portfolio?
Step 1: Understand the Two Tickers - BRK.A vs. BRK.B
Before you do anything else, it's crucial to understand that Berkshire Hathaway has two classes of shares. This is a common point of confusion, but it's actually quite simple.
Class A Shares (Ticker: BRK.A)
The Original: These are the original Berkshire Hathaway shares, and they come with a price tag that reflects their legacy. As of late June 2025, a single BRK.A share is worth hundreds of thousands of US dollars.
Voting Power: Each Class A share comes with a significant amount of voting power, giving shareholders a say in company decisions.
A Rarity: Warren Buffett has famously stated that he will never split the Class A shares. This is a key reason for their astronomical price, as it encourages long-term investors and discourages short-term speculation.
Class B Shares (Ticker: BRK.B)
The Accessible Option: This is the class of shares that was created to be more accessible to retail investors. The price per share is a fraction of the Class A shares, making it much more affordable.
Lower Voting Power: Each Class B share has significantly less voting power than a Class A share (currently 1/10,000th of a Class A share).
Convertibility: Class A shares can be converted into 1,500 Class B shares, but you cannot convert Class B back into Class A.
The Smart Choice for Most: For the vast majority of Australian investors, the BRK.B shares are the practical and sensible choice. They offer you the same economic exposure to the company's performance, but at a price that won't require you to sell your house.
Engaging Question: Given the huge price difference and voting rights, which share class do you think aligns better with your investment goals: the prestigious but expensive BRK.A, or the affordable and accessible BRK.B?
Step 2: Choose a Share Trading Platform with US Market Access
Since Berkshire Hathaway is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), you can't buy it directly on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). You'll need an Australian-based share trading platform that provides access to international markets, specifically the US stock market.
Sub-heading: Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Broker:
Brokerage Fees: Look for a platform with competitive brokerage fees for international trades. These can be a flat fee per trade or a percentage of the trade value.
Foreign Exchange (FX) Fees: You'll be converting Australian Dollars (AUD) to US Dollars (USD) to buy the shares, so check the FX conversion rate and any associated fees. Even a small percentage can add up on larger trades.
Platform Features: Does the platform offer a user-friendly interface, real-time data, research tools, and mobile app access?
CHESS Sponsorship: For ASX shares, CHESS sponsorship means the shares are held in your name. For US shares, it's often a custodial model. Understand how your shares will be held.
Fractional Shares: Some platforms allow you to buy a fraction of a share. This can be a great way to start investing in high-priced stocks like BRK.B with a smaller amount of capital.
Sub-heading: Popular Australian Brokers for US Shares:
Here are some of the well-known platforms that Australians use to access US stocks:
Stake: A popular choice known for its low brokerage fees and focus on US equities.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR): A comprehensive platform with a wide range of assets and competitive pricing, often favored by more experienced traders.
CommSec: Australia's largest online broker, offering access to a range of international markets.
Selfwealth: Known for its flat-fee brokerage for both ASX and US trades.
Webull: A newer player in the Australian market with a focus on low fees and advanced trading tools.
Remember to compare the fees, features, and user experience of each platform to find the one that suits your needs best.
Step 3: Open and Fund Your Brokerage Account
Once you've chosen your platform, it's time to set up your account.
Sub-heading: The Account Opening Process:
Application: You'll typically need to complete an online application form, providing your personal details, including your full name, address, and contact information.
Verification: Have your identification documents ready, such as your driver's license or passport, as well as your tax file number (TFN). This is a standard regulatory requirement.
Funding: Once your account is approved, you'll need to transfer funds from your Australian bank account into your brokerage account. Most platforms offer a variety of funding methods, including bank transfers and sometimes debit/credit card payments.
Make sure to check the time it takes for funds to clear. Some transfers can be instant, while others may take a few business days.
Step 4: Convert Your AUD to USD
This is a critical step for international investing. Your Australian dollars need to be converted to US dollars to buy shares on the NYSE.
Platform's FX Service: Most platforms have an integrated foreign exchange service. You'll simply place an order to convert your AUD into USD.
Be mindful of the FX rate and fees. A difference of even a few pips can impact your overall return. Some platforms offer real-time conversions, while others may have set conversion times.
Step 5: Search for Berkshire Hathaway and Place Your Order
With your US dollars ready to go in your brokerage account, you're now ready to make the purchase!
Search by Ticker: In the platform's search bar, type in the ticker symbol for Berkshire Hathaway. For the accessible shares, it will be BRK.B.
Choose Your Order Type: You'll typically have two main order types:
Market Order: This places an order to buy the shares at the best available market price right now. This is a quick and easy option, but the price might fluctuate slightly from what you see on the screen.
Limit Order: This allows you to set a specific price at which you want to buy the shares. Your order will only be executed if the share price reaches or falls below your specified limit. This gives you more control over the price you pay.
Specify Quantity or Amount: You can either specify the number of shares you want to buy or, if your platform supports it, the dollar amount you want to invest (for fractional shares).
Review and Confirm: Before you hit the "buy" button, double-check all the details of your order, including the ticker, order type, quantity/amount, and estimated cost.
Submit the Order: Once you're confident, submit your order. You'll receive a confirmation when the trade is executed.
Step 6: Monitor Your Investment and Portfolio
Congratulations! You are now a shareholder in Berkshire Hathaway. But the journey doesn't end there.
**Keep an eye on the news**: Stay informed about the company's performance, annual shareholder meetings, and Warren Buffett's letters to shareholders.
Track Performance: Use your brokerage platform's tools to monitor the performance of your investment over time.
Rebalance Your Portfolio: Periodically review your entire investment portfolio to ensure your Berkshire Hathaway shares still align with your overall financial goals and risk tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to buy BRK.A or BRK.B shares?
You can buy both BRK.A and BRK.B shares through an online brokerage platform that offers access to the US stock market, like Stake, Interactive Brokers, or CommSec. For most investors, the more affordable BRK.B shares are the way to go.
How to find the Berkshire Hathaway ticker symbol for trading?
The ticker symbol for Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares is BRK.A and for Class B shares is BRK.B. These are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
How to choose the best broker in Australia to buy US shares?
Look for a broker with low brokerage fees, competitive foreign exchange rates, a user-friendly platform, access to US exchanges, and features like fractional shares. Compare platforms like Stake, Selfwealth, and Interactive Brokers.
How to convert AUD to USD for stock purchases?
Most Australian brokerage platforms that offer international trading have an integrated foreign exchange service. You can convert your AUD to USD directly within your account to fund your US stock purchases.
How to buy a fraction of a Berkshire Hathaway share?
Some modern brokerage platforms, such as Stake and Webull, offer fractional share trading. This allows you to invest a specific dollar amount (e.g., $100) and buy a portion of a BRK.B share, rather than needing to buy a full share.
How to understand the difference between Class A and Class B shares?
Class A (BRK.A) is the original, very expensive share with full voting rights, while Class B (BRK.B) is the more affordable, accessible share with lower voting rights. Both provide the same economic exposure to the company's performance.
How to place a limit order for Berkshire Hathaway shares?
After finding BRK.B in your brokerage platform, select "Limit Order" as the order type. You will then be prompted to enter the maximum price per share you are willing to pay. Your order will only execute if the stock's price drops to that level or below.
How to check the current price of BRK.B in AUD?
Your brokerage platform will typically show the live price of BRK.B in USD. Some platforms may provide a converted AUD price, but you'll need to consider the live exchange rate and any FX fees to calculate the true cost in AUD.
How to deal with currency fluctuations when buying US stocks?
Currency fluctuations between AUD and USD will impact the value of your US stock holdings. You need to be aware that a strong AUD makes US stocks cheaper to buy, while a weak AUD makes them more expensive. The reverse is true when you sell.
How to know if buying Berkshire Hathaway shares is right for me?
Investing in any single stock carries risk. Before buying, conduct your own research on Berkshire Hathaway's fundamentals, performance, and future outlook. Consider if it aligns with your long-term investment strategy and risk tolerance. It's always wise to consult a financial advisor if you are unsure.