How to Buy Berkshire Hathaway Shares: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
So, you've decided to invest in one of the most iconic and successful companies in the world, the legendary conglomerate led by the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett. That's a fantastic decision, and you're on the path to becoming a part of a company that has consistently delivered value for its shareholders. But where do you even begin? Don't worry, we're here to guide you through every step of the process. Let's dive in and get you started on your investment journey!
Step 1: Understand the Two Classes of Berkshire Hathaway Shares
Before you do anything else, it's absolutely crucial to understand that Berkshire Hathaway has two distinct classes of stock, each with its own ticker symbol and price point. This is a unique structure designed to cater to different types of investors.
Class A Shares (BRK.A): This is the original stock, and it's famous for its astronomically high price. As of late June 2025, a single Class A share trades for over $700,000. These shares have never been split, a decision by Warren Buffett to discourage short-term trading and attract long-term, committed investors. Each Class A share carries significant voting rights. Unless you're a high-net-worth individual or institutional investor, this class is likely out of your reach.
Class B Shares (BRK.B): This is the more accessible and affordable option for retail investors. The Class B shares were created in the 1990s to make the company's stock available to a wider audience. They trade at a much lower price, typically in the range of a few hundred dollars per share. While they have fewer voting rights (1/10,000th of a Class A share), they represent the same underlying ownership of the company's businesses. For most individual investors, this is the one you will be buying.
So, the first thing to decide is which class of shares you are going to purchase. For the vast majority of people, the answer is clear: BRK.B. This guide will focus on purchasing the more accessible Class B shares.
Step 2: Open and Fund a Brokerage Account
You can't buy stocks directly from Berkshire Hathaway. You need an intermediary, a brokerage firm, to facilitate the transaction for you. This is where you'll create an investment account to hold your shares.
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Choose a Reputable Brokerage: There are many online brokerage platforms available, both in India and internationally. When choosing one, consider factors like:
Fees and Commissions: Look for brokerages with low or zero transaction fees for stock trades.
User-Friendly Platform: A clean and easy-to-use interface is essential, especially for new investors.
Fractional Share Availability: This is a game-changer! Some brokerages allow you to buy fractions of a share, which means you can invest a specific dollar amount (e.g., $100) instead of having to buy a full share. This is especially useful for expensive stocks like BRK.B.
International Trading Access: If you are in India, ensure the brokerage provides access to US stocks (listed on the NYSE). Many Indian platforms now offer this service.
Complete the Account Opening Process: This typically involves filling out an online application and providing proof of identification and address (like your PAN and Aadhaar card). The process is usually quick and can be completed in a few minutes.
Fund Your Account: Once your account is opened and verified, you'll need to transfer money into it from your bank account. Most brokerages offer multiple funding methods, such as ACH transfers or bank wire transfers. Make sure you transfer enough funds to cover the cost of the shares you want to buy, plus any associated fees.
Step 3: Research and Plan Your Purchase
Before you hit the "buy" button, it's a good idea to do some research and formulate a plan. While Berkshire Hathaway is a well-established company, every investment carries risk.
Review Berkshire Hathaway's Fundamentals: While you're buying into a conglomerate, it's wise to look at their financial reports. You can find their annual and quarterly reports on the company's investor relations website. Check out their revenue, net income, and earnings to get a sense of their financial health.
Decide on Your Investment Amount: How much do you want to invest? Based on your financial goals and risk tolerance, determine the total amount you are comfortable putting into Berkshire Hathaway. Remember, you can either buy a certain number of shares or, if fractional shares are available, invest a specific dollar amount.
Choose an Order Type: When you're ready to buy, you'll typically have two main order types to choose from:
Market Order: This order executes immediately at the best available market price. It's the simplest and fastest way to buy, but the price you pay might be slightly different from the last quoted price due to real-time market fluctuations.
Limit Order: This allows you to set a specific price you are willing to pay for the stock. The order will only be executed if the stock's price drops to or below your set limit. This gives you more control over the purchase price, but there's no guarantee the order will be filled.
Step 4: Place Your Order and Become a Shareholder!
Now for the exciting part!
Log in to Your Brokerage Account: Access the trading platform.
Search for the Ticker Symbol: In the search bar, type in BRK.B.
Enter the Purchase Details:
Select the number of shares you want to buy, or the dollar amount you want to invest if you're buying fractional shares.
Choose your order type (Market or Limit).
Review and Submit: Carefully review all the details of your order before confirming the trade.
Congratulations! Once your order is executed, you are now a proud shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, investing alongside Warren Buffett and his team! You can now monitor your investment's performance within your brokerage account.
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| How Do You Buy Berkshire Hathaway Shares |
10 Related FAQ Subheadings with Quick Answers
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How to find the current price of Berkshire Hathaway shares?
You can easily find the live share price for BRK.B on financial news websites, your brokerage's platform, or by searching on Google Finance for "BRK.B stock price."
How to buy fractional shares of Berkshire Hathaway?
You can buy fractional shares of BRK.B through brokerage platforms that offer this feature. Simply enter the dollar amount you want to invest instead of the number of shares when placing your order.
How to convert Class A shares to Class B shares?
Yes, each Class A share can be converted into 1,500 Class B shares at the holder's option. However, Class B shares cannot be converted back into Class A shares.
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How to invest in Berkshire Hathaway from India?
Indian investors can buy Berkshire Hathaway shares by opening an international trading account with a brokerage that provides access to US stocks, such as INDmoney or Angel One. You will need to complete KYC verification and fund your account in US dollars.
How to know if Berkshire Hathaway is a good investment for me?
Berkshire Hathaway is considered a diversified investment, almost like a mutual fund or ETF, due to its diverse portfolio of owned businesses and public stock holdings. You should consider if this aligns with your long-term investment philosophy, and it's always recommended to consult with a financial advisor.
How to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock without a brokerage account?
It is not possible to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock directly from the company. You must have a brokerage account to purchase the shares on a public exchange like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
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How to find out if Berkshire Hathaway pays dividends?
Berkshire Hathaway famously does not pay dividends. Warren Buffett believes that reinvesting the company's earnings back into the business or acquiring new companies provides more value to shareholders over the long term.
How to avoid high fees when buying Berkshire Hathaway stock?
To avoid high fees, choose an online brokerage platform that offers commission-free trading on US stocks. Be sure to check for any hidden fees, such as account maintenance fees or withdrawal charges.
How to place a limit order for Berkshire Hathaway stock?
On your brokerage platform, when placing a buy order, select "Limit Order" as the order type. Then, specify the maximum price per share you are willing to pay and the number of shares you want to buy.
How to find out about Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting?
Information about Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting, including dates and details, is announced on the company's official website and in their financial filings. This event, known for Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger's Q&A sessions, is a major event for investors.
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