How To Buy Berkshire Stock (2026 Guide)

Last updated 05/15/2024 by

SuperMoney Team

Edited by

Benjamin Locke

Fact checked by

Andrew Latham

Summary:

Purchasing Berkshire Hathaway stock is a strategic decision that involves selecting the appropriate brokerage and understanding the difference between Class A and Class B shares. Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy, favoring long-term growth through index funds and the practice of dollar-cost averaging, offers a pragmatic approach for investors in 2026. We outline the steps to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock and highlights Buffett’s advice for building wealth by betting on America’s economic future.

Purchasing Berkshire Hathaway stock represents a significant investment decision, given the company’s storied history and its association with legendary investor Warren Buffett. As one of the most respected and closely followed conglomerates globally, Berkshire Hathaway offers potential investors a unique blend of stability and growth opportunities across a diverse portfolio. Before taking the plunge, investors should carefully consider their brokerage options, fees, and the specific class of stock that aligns with their investment goals and financial capacity.

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Purchasing Berkshire Hathaway stock

To acquire shares of Berkshire Hathaway, you’ll need to utilize a brokerage account. Begin by depositing funds into your account, then use the brokerage’s search function to locate Berkshire Hathaway’s stock using the ticker symbol “BRK.B.” It’s important to note that purchasing shares directly from Berkshire Hathaway is not an option.

Berkshire Hathaway offers different classes of stock, with Class B shares (“BRK.B”) being the more accessible option for most investors due to their lower price point compared to Class A shares (“BRK.A”). While Class A shares provide greater voting rights, the vast majority of individual investors will find that Class B shares meet their investment needs without the need for significant voting power.

How to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock

Investing in Berkshire Hathaway requires a few steps, but with the right approach, you can add this esteemed company’s stock to your portfolio.

Open and Fund a Brokerage Account: Start by selecting and opening a brokerage account. After setting it up, deposit the funds you plan to invest. Different accounts offer various tax advantages, so choose the one that best suits your financial goals.
Research Berkshire Hathaway’s Fundamentals: Examine Berkshire Hathaway’s financial health by reviewing its annual and quarterly reports on the investor relations website. Consider the company’s revenue, net income, earnings, competition, and management. For guidance, refer to resources on how to research stocks.
Decide on Your Investment Amount: With the price of Class B Berkshire Hathaway stock fluctuating, determine how much you want to invest. If the full share price is beyond your budget, consider purchasing fractional shares, allowing you to invest a specific dollar amount rather than buying a whole share.
Place Your Order: Ready to buy? Search for “BRK.B” in your brokerage’s purchasing platform. Decide between a market order for immediate execution at the current price or a limit order to specify a maximum price you’re willing to pay. Finalize your purchase by submitting the order.

Warren Buffett’s investment strategy for 2024

Embracing Buffett’s wisdom

Warren Buffett, the legendary investor behind Berkshire Hathaway, has amassed a fortune exceeding $120 billion, not through speculative bets but through shrewd, long-term investments. Despite the allure of picking individual stocks, Buffett’s most enduring piece of advice for investors looking to prosper in 2024 and beyond is surprisingly straightforward: bet on America.

Buffett’s core belief

During the 2020 annual meeting of Berkshire Hathaway, amidst the global pandemic’s peak, Buffett reaffirmed his belief in the resilience and growth potential of the American economy. His conviction that the U.S. will continue to overcome challenges and grow has been validated by the economy’s robust recovery post-pandemic. Buffett advocates for a simple yet effective approach to investing: purchasing low-cost index funds that track the S&P 500, which historically returns an average of 10% annually.

Implementing Buffett’s advice

Choosing the right index fund

For those inspired by Buffett’s confidence in the American economy, investing in an S&P 500 index fund is a practical step toward building wealth. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is highlighted as a prime example, known for its minimal management fees and the reliability of Vanguard as an investment firm.

The strategy: dollar-cost averaging

Buffett’s strategy involves consistent investment in the index fund over time, regardless of market fluctuations. This method, known as dollar-cost averaging, mitigates the risk of investing at market peaks and builds a solid foundation for returns as the market grows. It’s a disciplined approach that emphasizes patience and long-term commitment over short-term gains.

Why Buffett’s strategy works

Buffett’s investment philosophy offers a safeguard against the emotional pitfalls of investing. With the market near all-time highs, the temptation to time the market can be strong. However, Buffett’s method focuses on steady growth over time, leveraging America’s economic strength and the diversified nature of the S&P 500 to build lasting wealth.

How to find a brokerage to buy Berkshire Hathaway

When considering the purchase of Berkshire Hathaway stock, selecting the right brokerage is a crucial first step. A brokerage acts as the gateway to the stock market, offering access to a range of investments, including the esteemed shares of Berkshire Hathaway. The choice of brokerage can significantly impact your investment experience, from the fees you pay to the ease with which you can manage your investments. Below are four key steps to guide you in choosing a brokerage that aligns with your financial goals and preferences for buying Berkshire Hathaway stock. This guidance aims to streamline the process, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your investment strategy.

Step	How to Choose a Brokerage for Buying Berkshire Hathaway
1	Evaluate Brokerage Fees: Look for brokerages with low or no commission fees for stock trades to minimize costs.
2	Check Access to Stock Classes: Ensure the brokerage offers access to both Class A (BRK.A) and Class B (BRK.B) Berkshire Hathaway stocks, depending on your investment capacity.
3	Review Account Types: Consider the types of accounts offered (e.g., taxable, IRA) and any tax advantages specific to your investment goals.
4	Assess Platform Usability: Choose a brokerage with a user-friendly platform that provides easy access to market data, research tools, and customer support.

Key takeaways

Investing in Berkshire Hathaway requires a brokerage account, with Class B shares being the most accessible option for individual investors due to their lower price point compared to Class A shares.
Warren Buffett advocates for a simple investment strategy focusing on long-term growth, emphasizing the purchase of low-cost index funds that track the S&P 500, reflecting his confidence in the American economy’s resilience.
The strategy of dollar-cost averaging is recommended, allowing investors to build their investment over time and mitigate the risk of market volatility.
Choosing the right brokerage involves evaluating fees, stock class access, account types, and platform usability to ensure it aligns with your investment goals and preferences.

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Table of Contents

Step	How to Choose a Brokerage for Buying Berkshire Hathaway
1	Evaluate Brokerage Fees: Look for brokerages with low or no commission fees for stock trades to minimize costs.
2	Check Access to Stock Classes: Ensure the brokerage offers access to both Class A (BRK.A) and Class B (BRK.B) Berkshire Hathaway stocks, depending on your investment capacity.
3	Review Account Types: Consider the types of accounts offered (e.g., taxable, IRA) and any tax advantages specific to your investment goals.
4	Assess Platform Usability: Choose a brokerage with a user-friendly platform that provides easy access to market data, research tools, and customer support.