Hey there! Ever wondered about investing in one of the most legendary companies in the world, the one helmed by the Oracle of Omaha himself, Warren Buffett? You've heard the name Berkshire Hathaway, but a quick look at its stock price can be... well, breathtaking. Let's dive into the fascinating world of Berkshire Hathaway stock and break down exactly what makes it so expensive, and more importantly, how you can actually buy a piece of it.
Step 1: Get to Know the Two Faces of Berkshire Hathaway Stock
First things first, let's clear up a common misconception. When you hear about the insanely high price of Berkshire Hathaway stock, people are usually talking about its Class A shares. But did you know there's another, much more accessible option?
Think of it like this:
Berkshire Hathaway Class A (BRK.A): This is the original stock, the one that has never been split. It's the one that grabs headlines with its colossal price tag. As of late June 2025, one single share of BRK.A costs over $729,000! Yes, you read that right. It's designed for long-term investors and carries significant voting rights. The high price is a deliberate strategy by Warren Buffett to attract investors who are committed to the company for the long haul, not just for short-term speculation.
Berkshire Hathaway Class B (BRK.B): This is the "Baby Berkshire" stock, created in 1996 to make the company accessible to a wider range of investors. It has a much, much lower price. A single share of BRK.B is currently priced around $485. It represents 1/1500th of the economic value of a Class A share and has 1/10,000th of the voting rights. This is the practical entry point for most individual investors.
So, when you ask "how expensive is Berkshire Hathaway stock," the answer depends entirely on which class you're talking about!
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| How Expensive Is Berkshire Hathaway Stock |
Step 2: Understand Why the Class A Stock Is So Pricey
The price of a Berkshire Hathaway Class A share isn't just a number; it's a testament to the company's incredible success and a reflection of its unique business philosophy.
Sub-heading: No Stock Splits
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
Unlike most companies that split their stock to make it more affordable and liquid, Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares have never been split. This means that as the company's value has grown exponentially over decades under Warren Buffett's leadership, the price of a single share has soared to unimaginable heights. This strategy ensures that the shareholder base remains composed of investors who are truly aligned with the company's long-term vision.
Sub-heading: A Collection of Powerhouses
When you buy a share of Berkshire Hathaway, you're not just buying a piece of a single company. You're buying a piece of a massive conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of businesses. This includes everything from insurance giants like GEICO and BNSF Railway to consumer brands like Dairy Queen and Duracell, as well as significant stakes in companies like Apple, Coca-Cola, and American Express. The value of the stock is a reflection of the collective worth of all these entities.
Step 3: A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Berkshire Hathaway Stock
Now that you know the difference between the two classes, let's get down to the brass tacks of buying some for yourself. This guide focuses on the more accessible Class B shares.
Sub-heading: Step 3.1: Open a Brokerage Account
This is the foundational step. You can't buy stocks directly from Berkshire Hathaway. You need a brokerage account, which is like a bank account for investments. You can open one with a traditional brokerage firm or a popular online platform.
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
Choose your brokerage: Research different brokers and their fees, platforms, and features. Look for one that offers access to U.S. stocks and, if you're interested, allows for fractional shares.
Complete the application: The process is straightforward and typically involves providing personal information and verifying your identity.
Fund your account: Link your bank account and transfer funds to your new brokerage account. This is the money you'll use to buy the stock.
Sub-heading: Step 3.2: Decide on Your Investment Strategy
Before you click "buy," consider how you want to invest.
Whole shares vs. fractional shares: Do you have enough money to buy one or more whole shares of BRK.B, or do you want to invest a specific dollar amount? Many brokerages now offer fractional shares, which means you can buy a portion of a share. This is a game-changer and makes owning a piece of Berkshire Hathaway accessible even if you only have a few dollars to invest. For example, if BRK.B is at $485 and you have $100 to invest, you can buy a fractional share worth $100.
Market order vs. limit order:
A market order will execute your trade immediately at the best available price.
A limit order allows you to set a maximum price you're willing to pay. This can be useful if you believe the price might drop.
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Sub-heading: Step 3.3: Place Your Order
This is the exciting part!
Search for the ticker symbol: In your brokerage platform, search for BRK.B. Remember, that's the ticker for the more affordable Class B shares.
Enter the details: Specify whether you want to buy by the number of shares or by a dollar amount (if fractional shares are available).
Review and submit: Double-check your order details and confirm the trade. Congratulations, you're now a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder!
Step 4: Analyze the Costs Beyond the Share Price
The sticker price of the stock is just one part of the equation. There are other costs to consider when investing.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
Sub-heading: Brokerage Commissions
Many online brokerages now offer commission-free trading for U.S. stocks, which is great news for investors. However, some platforms might still charge a small fee per trade, so it's essential to check.
Sub-heading: Exchange Rates (for international investors)
If you are buying from outside the U.S., you'll need to consider the exchange rate between your local currency and the U.S. dollar. For example, as a resident of Walwadi, India, you'll be converting Indian Rupees to U.S. Dollars. A strong dollar can make the stock more expensive for you, while a weaker dollar can make it cheaper.
Step 5: The Value Proposition: Is It Worth It?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock depends on your investment goals and risk tolerance. It's a company with a long history of solid performance and a reputation for stability. However, like any investment, it carries risks.
Pros: Diversification across multiple industries, strong management under Warren Buffett and his team, and a history of robust returns.
Cons: The price of the Class A shares is a barrier for many, and the company's sheer size means it might not see the explosive growth of smaller, younger companies.
Always remember to do your own research (due diligence) before making any investment decisions.
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
FAQ - How to buy Berkshire Hathaway Stock
How to check the current price of Berkshire Hathaway stock? You can check the live price of BRK.A and BRK.B on financial news websites, your brokerage platform, or by simply searching on Google for "BRK.A stock price" or "BRK.B stock price".
How to buy Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock? To buy a single share of BRK.A, you need to open a brokerage account with a platform that supports U.S. stock trading and have over $700,000 readily available in your account. The process is the same as buying any other stock, but the capital requirement is exceptionally high.
How to invest in Berkshire Hathaway with a small amount of money? You can invest with a small amount of money by buying Berkshire Hathaway Class B (BRK.B) shares, especially if your brokerage offers fractional shares. This allows you to invest a specific dollar amount, such as $10 or $100, and own a fraction of a share.
How to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock from India? You can buy Berkshire Hathaway stock from India by opening an international trading account with a brokerage that facilitates U.S. stock trading. You will need to complete KYC verification and fund your account in USD.
How to know if Berkshire Hathaway stock is a good investment for me? Determining if it's a good investment depends on your personal financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. It's important to research the company's fundamentals, its business model, and its historical performance, and consider if it fits within your diversified portfolio.
How to convert Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares to Class B? Yes, Class A shares can be converted into Class B shares at any time. However, the reverse is not possible; you cannot convert Class B shares into Class A shares.
How to understand the difference in voting rights? Class A shareholders have significantly more voting power per share. A single Class B share has 1/10,000th of the voting rights of a Class A share. This gives Class A shareholders more influence in company decisions.
How to find a brokerage that offers fractional shares? Many popular online brokerage firms offer fractional shares. You can check their websites or contact their customer service to confirm if they have this feature before opening an account.
How to calculate the return on my Berkshire Hathaway investment? You can calculate your return by subtracting your initial investment from the current value of your shares and dividing that number by your initial investment. Many brokerage platforms also provide a portfolio tracker that shows your gains or losses.
How to stay updated on Berkshire Hathaway news? You can follow financial news outlets, subscribe to newsletters from investment platforms, and check the company's official investor relations website for quarterly and annual reports to stay informed about Berkshire Hathaway's performance and news.
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