Investing in Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate led by the legendary Warren Buffett, is a dream for many aspiring investors. However, when it comes to the Class A shares (ticker: BRK.A), the price tag can be a jaw-dropping reality check. As of late June 2025, a single share of BRK.A costs over $700,000!
But don't let that sticker shock deter you. While it's a significant investment, the process of buying these shares is more straightforward than you might think. Let's embark on this journey together.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Buy a Piece of the Oracle's Empire?
Before we dive into the technical steps, let's get personal. Buying BRK.A stock isn't like buying a pack of biscuits. It's a serious commitment. So, ask yourself:
Do you have the capital? This is the most crucial question. You'll need a substantial amount of money to even consider purchasing a single share.
Are you a long-term investor? Warren Buffett's philosophy is all about holding for the long run. If you're looking for quick gains, this might not be the right investment for you.
Have you done your research? Even with a company as famous as Berkshire Hathaway, it's essential to understand its diverse portfolio of businesses, its financial health, and the risks involved.
If you've answered "yes" to these questions, then congratulations! You're ready to take the next step. If not, consider starting with the more accessible Class B shares (BRK.B), which are a fraction of the cost and offer a way to get exposure to the company's portfolio.
Step 2: Choose Your Brokerage and Open an Account
You can't buy BRK.A directly from Berkshire Hathaway. You need a brokerage account to do so. This is your gateway to the stock market. Here's what to look for when choosing a brokerage firm:
Sub-heading 2.1: Find a Brokerage that Offers High-Priced Stocks
Not all brokerages can handle the sheer price of a BRK.A share. Make sure the one you choose allows you to buy and hold such high-value stocks. Look for a reputable platform with a strong track record and good security features. In India, for example, platforms like Groww and INDmoney offer access to US stocks.
Sub-heading 2.2: The Account Opening Process
Opening a brokerage account is a fairly standard procedure. It typically involves:
Registration: Provide your basic personal information like your name, email, and phone number.
KYC Verification: Complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process by submitting government-issued identification and proof of address. This is a crucial step for security and regulatory compliance.
Funding: Once your account is verified, you'll need to link your bank account to it and transfer the necessary funds to purchase the stock.
Remember to check for any minimum balance requirements or transaction fees before you open the account.
Step 3: Research and Analyze BRK.A
You've got your account, you've got the money, but don't just buy the stock blind! Even though it's a stable, well-known company, understanding its financials and performance is vital.
Sub-heading 3.1: Dive into the Financials
Berkshire Hathaway's annual reports and quarterly filings are a treasure trove of information. Look at key metrics like:
Revenue and Net Income: How much money is the company making?
Earnings Per Share (EPS): What is the profit allocated to each share?
Debt-to-Equity Ratio: Is the company over-leveraged?
Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio: This helps you understand if the stock is overvalued or undervalued relative to its earnings.
Sub-heading 3.2: Understand the Business
Berkshire Hathaway is not a single company; it's a conglomerate of many different businesses. You're not just investing in one industry, but a wide range of them, from insurance (GEICO) and railroads (BNSF) to energy (Berkshire Hathaway Energy) and manufacturing. Understanding this diversification is key to appreciating the stock's stability.
Step 4: Place Your Order
This is the exciting part! You've done your homework, and you're ready to buy.
Sub-heading 4.1: Find the Right Ticker
Search for the stock using the ticker symbol BRK.A on your brokerage platform. Don't confuse it with BRK.B, the Class B shares.
Sub-heading 4.2: Choose Your Order Type
Market Order: This is the simplest type of order. You buy the stock at the best available price at that moment. Be cautious with this on high-volatility days, as the price might change slightly.
Limit Order: This allows you to set a maximum price you're willing to pay for the stock. If the price goes above your limit, your order won't be executed. This gives you more control over the purchase price. Given the high cost of BRK.A, a limit order is often a prudent choice.
Sub-heading 4.3: Submit Your Order and Own a Piece of History
Enter the number of shares you want to buy (likely just one!) and submit the order. The brokerage will execute your trade, and the shares will appear in your account. Congratulations! You are now a shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway Class A.
Step 5: Monitor and Manage Your Investment
Your journey doesn't end with the purchase. Now you're a long-term investor, and it's essential to stay informed.
Keep an eye on company news: Follow news related to Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries.
Attend the annual meeting (if you can!): As a shareholder, you're invited to the famous Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, a must-attend event for any serious investor.
Re-evaluate periodically: While you're in it for the long term, it's wise to periodically review your investment and ensure it still aligns with your financial goals.
10 Related FAQs
How to buy Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock?
To buy Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock, you follow the same steps as for Class A, but use the ticker symbol BRK.B. The cost is a fraction of BRK.A, making it more accessible.
How to buy fractional shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class A?
Some modern brokerages, especially in the US, allow you to buy fractional shares. This means you can invest a certain dollar amount (e.g., $1,000) and own a fraction of a BRK.A share.
How to find a broker that allows buying Berkshire Hathaway Class A from India?
You can use international trading platforms like Groww and INDmoney that allow Indian investors to open a US brokerage account and trade US stocks, including BRK.A.
How to understand the difference between BRK.A and BRK.B?
BRK.A shares have never been split and are much more expensive. They carry greater voting rights. BRK.B shares are a small fraction of the price and have fewer voting rights. They are designed to be more accessible to a wider range of investors.
How to check the current price of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock?
You can check the live stock price on financial news websites, your brokerage platform, or by searching for "BRK.A stock price" on a search engine.
How to attend the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting?
To attend the annual meeting, you need to be a shareholder. You will need to present proof of your share ownership to get access to the event.
How to research Berkshire Hathaway's subsidiaries?
You can find a list of Berkshire Hathaway's subsidiaries on their official website and in their annual reports. You can also research them individually to understand their performance and contribution to the conglomerate.
How to convert Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares to Class B?
You can convert Class A shares into Class B shares, but you cannot convert them back. This conversion is done through your brokerage.
How to interpret Berkshire Hathaway's P/E ratio?
Berkshire Hathaway's P/E ratio is often difficult to interpret due to the nature of the conglomerate. Investors often look at other metrics and the overall performance of its holdings to assess its value.
How to find a brokerage with low fees for US stocks?
Research online brokerages and compare their fee structures for international trading, including commission fees, currency conversion fees, and account maintenance fees.