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How Much is a Share of Berkshire Hathaway Right Now? A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome, aspiring investor! If you're here, you're likely curious about a company that's become a legend in the world of finance, led by the "Oracle of Omaha" himself, Warren Buffett. Berkshire Hathaway is not your average company, and its stock price is a testament to that. Let's break down exactly what a share costs and how you can get your hands on a piece of this iconic business.
| How Much Is A Share Of Berkshire Hathaway Right Now |
Step 1: Discovering the Current Price - It's a Tale of Two Tickers!
Before we can tell you the price, you need to understand a crucial detail: Berkshire Hathaway has two different classes of stock. This is a very important distinction, as their prices are vastly different.
Class A Shares (BRK.A): The VIP Ticket The Class A shares are the original shares, and they are famously, and deliberately, expensive. Warren Buffett has never split this stock, believing that a high price attracts long-term, serious investors.
As of Friday, June 28, 2025, the price of a single Class A share (BRK.A) is approximately $729,000 to $731,000.
Isn't that a staggering number? This is not a typo. It makes BRK.A the most expensive publicly traded stock in the world. The price fluctuates throughout the day, so it's always best to check a live stock quote from a reliable source like Google Finance, Nasdaq, or your brokerage account for the most up-to-the-minute value.
Class B Shares (BRK.B): The Accessible Entry Point Recognizing that most investors cannot afford a Class A share, Berkshire Hathaway introduced Class B shares in 1996 and later split them in 2010. These are often referred to as "Baby Berkshires."
As of Friday, June 28, 2025, the price of a single Class B share (BRK.B) is approximately $485 to $493.
This is the share class that is accessible to a vast majority of retail investors. While it gives you a much smaller slice of the company, it still allows you to invest alongside Warren Buffett and his team.
So, when someone asks "how much is a share of Berkshire Hathaway," your first question should be: "Which class?"
Step 2: Understanding the Differences Beyond Price
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
Now that you know the price of both classes, let's explore what you get for your money. The differences are not just about the sticker price.
Voting Rights: This is a key distinction. Each Class A share has a significant amount of voting power, while a Class B share has only 1/10,000th of the voting rights of a Class A share. For most retail investors, this difference is negligible as they don't hold enough shares to influence company decisions anyway.
Convertibility: This is a fascinating feature. A Class A share can be converted into 1,500 Class B shares at any time. However, the reverse is not possible. You cannot convert Class B shares into Class A shares. This one-way conversion mechanism helps maintain the price relationship between the two classes.
Liquidity: The Class B shares (BRK.B) are much more liquid and have a higher trading volume due to their lower price and accessibility. This makes it easier for investors to buy and sell them.
Step 3: A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Share
So, you've decided which class of stock is right for you. Now, let's walk through the process of actually buying a share.
Sub-heading: 3.1: Open a Brokerage Account
You cannot buy a share of Berkshire Hathaway directly from the company. You need a brokerage account, which is an investment account that allows you to buy and sell stocks and other securities. If you don't have one, this is your first step. Popular brokerage firms include Charles Schwab, Fidelity, E-Trade, and many others.
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
Sub-heading: 3.2: Fund Your Account
Once your account is open, you need to deposit money into it. This can typically be done by linking your bank account and transferring funds electronically.
Sub-heading: 3.3: Place Your Order
This is where the magic happens!
Search for the Ticker: In your brokerage platform's search bar, type in the ticker symbol for the share class you want to buy: BRK.A or BRK.B.
Choose Your Order Type: You'll typically have a choice between a "market order" and a "limit order."
Market Order: This tells your broker to buy the shares at the best available price right now. It's fast and easy, but the final price might be slightly different from what you see on the screen due to market fluctuations.
Limit Order: This allows you to set a specific price at which you want to buy the stock. Your order will only be executed if the stock's price drops to or below your specified limit. This gives you more control but may not be executed immediately.
Specify Quantity: Here's where it gets interesting, especially with BRK.A.
Whole Shares: If you are buying Class B shares (BRK.B), you can specify the number of shares you want to purchase (e.g., "5 shares").
Fractional Shares: Many brokerages today offer the ability to buy fractional shares. This is a game-changer! It allows you to invest a specific dollar amount (e.g., "$100") and own a fraction of a share. This is the only way most people can invest in BRK.A, by buying a small piece of it.
Sub-heading: 3.4: Execute and Monitor
Once you've filled out your order, click "buy" or "submit." Your order will be processed, and you will become a shareholder in Berkshire Hathaway! Don't forget to monitor your investment's performance within your brokerage account.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Step 4: A Word of Caution from the Oracle Himself
While the stock's performance has been incredible over the long term, remember that past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Warren Buffett has always advised investors to buy good companies at a reasonable price and hold them for the long term. He also advocates for a temperament that allows you to invest when others are fearful.
Even with a legend like Warren Buffett at the helm, the stock can experience price fluctuations. It's crucial to have a long-term investment horizon and be prepared for market volatility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find the live price of Berkshire Hathaway stock? You can find the live price of both BRK.A and BRK.B on financial news websites, stock market apps, and within your brokerage account. Simply search for the ticker symbol, "BRK.A" or "BRK.B."
How to buy a fractional share of Berkshire Hathaway? You can buy a fractional share through many modern brokerage platforms. During the buying process, instead of entering the number of shares, you can choose the option to enter a dollar amount you want to invest. The brokerage will then purchase a corresponding fraction of the share for you.
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
How to invest in Berkshire Hathaway if I don't have a lot of money? The most practical way is to buy Class B shares (BRK.B) or fractional shares of either class through a brokerage that offers them. BRK.B is much more affordable and allows you to participate in the company's growth.
How to buy Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock? You can buy a whole Class A share through a brokerage account, but you will need a significant amount of capital (over $700,000) to do so. A more accessible option is to buy a fractional share if your brokerage supports it.
How to convert Class A shares to Class B shares? A Class A share is convertible into 1,500 Class B shares at the holder's option. You would typically do this through your brokerage firm.
How to get a share of Berkshire Hathaway for free? You can't get a share for free. You must purchase it through a brokerage account. Be wary of any offers that claim to give you free stock, as they may be scams.
How to find a brokerage that offers fractional shares? Many major brokerages and fintech platforms now offer fractional shares. Do some research online or check with your preferred brokerage to see if they have this feature.
How to invest in Berkshire Hathaway through an ETF or mutual fund? You can indirectly invest in Berkshire Hathaway by purchasing an S&P 500 index fund or an ETF, as BRK.B is a component of the S&P 500 index.
How to see the voting rights of BRK.A vs. BRK.B? The voting rights are a core part of the stock's structure. You don't "see" them in the price quote, but you should be aware that Class A has significantly more voting power than Class B.
How to learn more about Berkshire Hathaway's business? You can read the company's annual reports, quarterly reports, and Warren Buffett's famous annual letters to shareholders on Berkshire Hathaway's official investor relations website. This is an excellent way to understand the company's diverse portfolio of businesses.