Berkshire Hathaway Hits Record Highs: BRK A $430K, BRK B $1,600
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A Deep‑Dive into Berkshire Hathaway’s Recent Stock Movements
Investopedia’s feature “Berkshire Hathaway’s Latest Stock Moves” (https://www.investopedia.com/berkshire-hathaway-s-latest-stock-moves-11850694) provides a thorough snapshot of the performance and strategic context surrounding Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK A / BRK B). The article is organized into a few distinct sections—market‑price overview, portfolio dynamics, capital‑allocation strategy, and broader macro‑environmental commentary—each of which helps investors understand why the Berkshire stock has been oscillating in the high‑price range it has historically occupied.
1. Market‑Price Overview
The piece opens with a concise chart that shows Berkshire’s share price trajectory over the past 12 months, highlighting a recent rally that lifted BRK A to an all‑time high of roughly $430,000 and BRK B to around $1,600. The author notes that the high‑price range is not accidental; it is the result of a combination of disciplined capital allocation, robust earnings growth, and a strong track record of upside relative to the S&P 500.
The article explains the technical nuance of the two share classes. While BRK A shares are essentially “gold‑standard” shares trading at a price 150 times that of BRK B, both classes enjoy identical voting rights and dividend policy. The author clarifies that the large price difference is a legacy of Warren Buffett’s early decision to split the share class in 1996, which gave smaller investors access to the Berkshire experience at a lower price point.
In the “latest moves” segment, Investopedia reports that Berkshire’s price has been trading within a tight range between $395,000 and $425,000 for BRK A and $1,500–$1,650 for BRK B. The article cites a recent dip on March 28, 2025 (at the time of writing) when shares fell 0.9 % to $421,700, only to rebound the following day. The author stresses that the price volatility is muted compared to most growth stocks, owing to Berkshire’s diversified insurance‑and‑investment model.
2. Portfolio Dynamics and 13F Filing Highlights
A key section of the article is devoted to Berkshire’s 13F filing for the most recent quarter. The author extracts several headline numbers:
| Holding | Shares (B) | Market Value (B) | % of Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Inc. | 6.7 M | $110 B | 19 % |
| Bank of America Corp. | 13.8 M | $27 B | 4 % |
| Coca‑Cola Co. | 4.6 M | $14 B | 2 % |
| Chevron Corp. | 4.4 M | $12 B | 2 % |
Berkshire’s stake in Apple remains the largest by dollar value and, according to the article, grew by 8.5 % from the previous quarter. In contrast, the holding in Coca‑Cola dipped slightly, reflecting Buffett’s occasional pruning of “over‑valued” consumer staples. The author also notes that Berkshire’s insurance subsidiaries (Geico, General Re, and Berkshire Hathaway Re) collectively contributed $5.3 B in premiums during the last reporting period—a 4.2 % year‑over‑year increase—underscoring the company’s core insurance engine.
The article also points out that Berkshire’s 13F filing shows an increase in exposure to renewable energy through a stake in NextEra Energy and a minor holding in a clean‑tech venture, reflecting Buffett’s evolving stance on the energy transition. The piece concludes that the portfolio remains “highly concentrated in a few blue‑chip companies,” a hallmark of Buffett’s value‑based, long‑term strategy.
3. Capital Allocation Strategy
Investopedia spends a generous paragraph on Berkshire’s capital‑allocation plan, citing a recent statement from Warren Buffett that “the only way to make money is to invest in other people’s businesses.” The author explains that Berkshire’s return of capital to shareholders happens via a two‑pronged approach:
Share Buybacks – The company has a history of repurchasing its own shares when they are priced below intrinsic value. In the latest fiscal year, Berkshire repurchased $7.4 B of BRK B shares, a 3.2 % jump from the prior year’s $5.9 B. The article explains that buybacks help offset the “lock‑up” period associated with the high‑price class A shares, providing a way to return value to investors without a formal dividend.
Capital Injections – Berkshire routinely injects capital into its insurance operations during periods of high reserves, allowing the company to keep its underwriting books at optimal leverage ratios. The article cites that in 2024, Berkshire added $12 B of capital to its General Re subsidiary, which helped sustain growth in the premium base.
The author also highlights Buffett’s emphasis on “cashing out” by selling stakes in non‑core businesses. The article references a recent sale of a 2.3 % stake in the Goldman Sachs partnership, which Buffett used to buy more shares of Berkshire Hathaway itself—a classic Buffett play.
4. Broader Macro Context
The Investopedia feature places Berkshire’s performance in the context of broader market trends. The article notes that Berkshire’s earnings growth of 9.2 % in Q4 2024 outpaced the S&P 500’s 4.8 % growth, a data point that “strengthens the company’s valuation narrative.” Moreover, the author mentions that the inflation‑adjusted return on equity (ROE) for Berkshire is 13.1 %, higher than the average of 9.4 % for its peers in the “large‑cap dividend‑paying” sector.
One particularly insightful link in the article directs readers to a Bloomberg story that elaborates on Berkshire’s cash‑flow generation. The Bloomberg article, in turn, cites a recent earnings call where Buffett stressed the importance of “free cash flow” over quarterly earnings numbers. By following this link, readers can learn that Berkshire’s free cash flow rose to $20.3 B in 2024, a 5.6 % increase that fuels its share‑buyback engine.
Another link, pointing to a SEC filing, clarifies that Berkshire’s tax‑advantaged structure—including its 20 % “insurance‑reinsurance” carve‑out—continues to provide a buffer against tax changes, a nuance that can influence long‑term valuations.
5. Takeaways for Investors
The article concludes with a concise list of “investor takeaways,” which I highlight here:
- Strong Earnings and ROE: Berkshire’s consistent earnings growth and high ROE make it a benchmark for value investing.
- Capital‑Allocation Discipline: Share buybacks and strategic capital injections ensure the company returns value to shareholders even without a dividend.
- Portfolio Concentration but Stability: While the company is heavily invested in a handful of blue‑chip names, its long‑term, buy‑and‑hold strategy mitigates short‑term volatility.
- Macro‑Resilience: Berkshire’s insurance business provides a stable cash‑flow base that helps absorb macroeconomic swings.
- Long‑Term Investment Horizon: Buffett’s philosophy encourages investors to hold Berkshire for decades, making it suitable for those who favor a “patient” approach.
Final Thoughts
Investopedia’s “Berkshire Hathaway’s Latest Stock Moves” offers a rich, data‑driven look at one of the most iconic companies on Wall Street. By weaving together real‑time price data, quarterly 13F filings, and a clear explanation of Berkshire’s capital‑allocation strategy, the article helps both seasoned and novice investors grasp why the company remains a magnet for long‑term capital. Whether you’re tracking the price of a single BRK A share or considering adding BRK B to your portfolio, this piece serves as an excellent primer for anyone looking to understand the fundamentals that keep Berkshire Hathaway’s stock humming at the top of its class.
Read the Full Investopedia Article at:
[ https://www.investopedia.com/berkshire-hathaway-s-latest-stock-moves-11850694 ]