Of course! Let's dive into the world of Berkshire Hathaway's annual reports. Getting your hands on a physical copy is a classic rite of passage for any dedicated investor or fan of Warren Buffett's wisdom. Let's get you set up to receive this legendary document.
Are you ready to hold a piece of financial history in your hands? The Berkshire Hathaway annual report is more than just a dry financial document; it's a testament to long-term value investing, filled with Warren Buffett's famously insightful and witty letter to shareholders. We're going to walk through the exact steps to ensure you get a hard copy delivered right to your door.
Step 1: Determine Your Shareholder Status
This is the most important step, as your path to getting a hard copy depends on whether you are a registered shareholder or a "beneficial" owner.
Registered Shareholder: You hold your shares directly with Berkshire Hathaway's transfer agent, EQ Shareowner Services. This means your name is on the company's official share register. You likely have stock certificates or hold your shares through a direct registration system (DRS).
Beneficial Owner (holding in "street name"): You hold your shares through a brokerage account. This is the most common way for individual investors to own stock. Your broker (like Fidelity, Schwab, or TD Ameritrade) is the "record holder," and you are the "beneficial owner."
So, which one are you? If you bought your shares through a brokerage app or website, you are almost certainly a beneficial owner. If you received physical certificates or opened an account directly with a transfer agent, you are a registered shareholder.
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| How To Get A Hard Copy Of Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report |
Step 2: Take Action Based on Your Status
Tip: Scroll slowly when the content gets detailed.
Now that you know your status, let's follow the appropriate path.
If you are a Beneficial Owner (Shares held in a brokerage account):
This is the most common scenario, and it's also where the process can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Your brokerage firm is the one responsible for providing you with the company's proxy materials, which include the annual report.
Sub-heading: Contact your Brokerage Firm Directly
Check your account settings: First, log in to your brokerage account online. Look for settings related to "communication preferences," "document delivery," or "proxy materials." Many brokers default to electronic delivery to save on printing and mailing costs. You will need to change this setting to "mail" or "paper delivery."
Call their customer service: If you can't find the setting online, pick up the phone and call your broker's customer service line. Tell them you are a shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A or BRK.B) and you want to receive a hard copy of the annual report and all future proxy materials. Be specific and firm in your request.
Look for the "Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials": The SEC allows companies to send a notice instead of a full printed set of materials. This notice, which you receive from your broker or directly from the proxy distribution service they use, will have instructions on how to request a paper copy. Look for a link or a phone number on this notice and follow the instructions carefully. The notice will likely direct you to a website like
www.investorelections.comor a similar platform.
If you are a Registered Shareholder (Shares held directly with EQ Shareowner Services):
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
As a registered shareholder, the process is typically more straightforward.
Sub-heading: Contact the Transfer Agent
Check your communication preferences with EQ Shareowner Services: Just like with a broker, you can manage your preferences online. Visit the EQ Shareowner Services website and log in to your account.
Call or write to EQ Shareowner Services: If you prefer a more direct approach, you can contact the transfer agent by phone or mail.
Phone: Call the Shareowner Relations Department at 1-877-602-7411 during business hours (typically 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time).
Mail: Send a written request to their address. A simple letter stating your name, address, and that you would like to receive a hard copy of the annual report should suffice. You can find their mailing address on the Berkshire Hathaway website under "Common Stock" or "Shareholder Information."
Step 3: Be Patient and Persistent
Once you have made your request, you need to be patient. The annual report is typically mailed out after it's been released on the Berkshire Hathaway website and filed with the SEC, which is usually in late February or early March.
The mailing can take a while: Don't panic if you see the PDF online but haven't received your copy yet. Mail can take several weeks to arrive, especially for international shareholders.
Follow up if needed: If you haven't received the report by the end of March or early April, it's a good idea to follow up with your broker or the transfer agent to ensure your request was processed correctly.
Step 4: Explore Alternatives and Other Avenues
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
What if you're not a shareholder but want a copy? Or what if you just want to guarantee you get one?
Sub-heading: Purchasing a Copy
eBay and other online marketplaces: Each year, some individuals sell their hard copies on sites like eBay. This is a great option if you're not a shareholder or just want an extra copy.
The Annual Meeting: If you're lucky enough to attend the legendary Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, you can often pick up a copy there. It’s a fantastic experience and a guaranteed way to get the report.
Third-party services: Websites like AnnualReports.com sometimes offer hard copies, but it's important to check their availability, as they may not always have them for Berkshire Hathaway.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to adding the latest Berkshire Hathaway annual report to your bookshelf. Enjoy the read – it's a masterclass in business and investing!
Related FAQ Questions
How to check if I am a registered shareholder or beneficial owner? You can check your brokerage statement or contact your broker directly. If your account shows your shares are held "in street name" or in a nominee account, you are a beneficial owner. If you have physical stock certificates or a DRS statement, you are a registered shareholder.
How to change my document delivery preference with my broker? Log in to your online brokerage account and navigate to the "account settings," "profile," or "document preferences" section. Look for an option to change from "electronic" or "online" to "mail" or "paper" delivery for proxy materials and annual reports.
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
How to contact Berkshire Hathaway's transfer agent? The transfer agent is EQ Shareowner Services. You can contact them by phone at 1-877-602-7411 or by mail at EQ Shareowner Services, P. O. Box 64854, St. Paul, MN 55164-0854.
How to request a hard copy if I received a Notice of Internet Availability?
The notice will contain a control number and instructions. You can typically request a paper copy by visiting the specified website (e.g., www.investorelections.com), calling the toll-free number provided on the notice, or sending an email with your control number.
How to find the Berkshire Hathaway annual report online?
The digital version is always available for free on the official Berkshire Hathaway Inc. website, www.berkshirehathaway.com, under the "Annual & Interim Reports" or "Shareholder Letters" section.
How to get a copy if I live outside the United States? The process is similar, but you may need to contact your international broker or the transfer agent directly. Be aware that international mail can take longer, and some brokers may charge a fee for international mailing of documents.
How to get a copy of a historical Berkshire Hathaway annual report? Historical annual reports, including Warren Buffett's letters, are available for free in PDF format on the official Berkshire Hathaway website. You can also sometimes find them for sale on online marketplaces or in book compilations.
How to get a copy if I am not a shareholder? You can purchase a copy from online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon, or you can simply download and print the PDF version from the Berkshire Hathaway website.
How to get on the mailing list for future reports? By setting your document delivery preference to "paper" or "mail" with your broker or the transfer agent, you will be automatically added to the mailing list for all future annual reports and proxy materials.
How to ensure I receive the report every year? Make sure your mailing address is up-to-date with your broker or the transfer agent. It's a good practice to periodically check your communication preferences to ensure they haven't been reverted to electronic delivery.
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