Is Berkshire Hathaway stock a buy right now?
As of late April 2025, Berkshire Hathaway’s Class B shares (BRK.B) are trading around $530, with a robust average daily trading volume of about 5.1 million shares—a testament to sustained investor confidence in a well-diversified financial giant. The stock has performed strongly over the past year, appreciating over 33%, and maintains a position above all major moving averages, a sign of continued bullish momentum. Notably, Berkshire’s immense cash reserves ($334.2 billion) equip the company with the flexibility to seize emerging market opportunities, a feature attracting market attention amid anticipated global volatility. The upcoming Annual Shareholders Meeting (May 3, 2025) in Omaha—often viewed as a bellwether for market sentiment—underscores Berkshire's enduring relevance. Recent incremental increases in stakes in Japanese trading firms highlight Berkshire’s strategic international outlook, broadening its already diverse holdings. Market sentiment remains positive, interpreting succession plans with confidence: Greg Abel is set to succeed Warren Buffett, lending stability to leadership transition concerns. Reflecting broad institutional confidence, the consensus target price from over 33 national and international banks is set at $690, suggesting meaningful upside in a stock recognized for its resilience and disciplined growth ethos within the global financial sector.
- Strong and growing cash position enables opportunistic acquisitions during market downturns.
- Diversified portfolio across sectors provides resilience against economic cycles.
- Consistent long-term revenue and net income growth supporting capital appreciation.
- Renowned management led by Warren Buffett and robust succession plans with Greg Abel.
- Technical indicators show bullish momentum with stock trading above key moving averages.
- No dividend payouts; investors rely solely on capital appreciation for returns.
- Leadership transition following Buffett’s eventual retirement could trigger short-term uncertainty.
- What is Berkshire Hathaway?
- How much is Berkshire Hathaway stock?
- Our full analysis on Berkshire Hathaway </b>stock
- How to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock in Canada?
- Our 7 tips for buying Berkshire Hathaway stock
- The latest news about Berkshire Hathaway
- FAQ
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At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring Berkshire Hathaway's performance for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of Canadians trust us to interpret market trends and highlight the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In line with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, paid by Berkshire Hathaway.
What is Berkshire Hathaway?
Indicator | Value | Analysis |
---|---|---|
🏳️ Nationality | United States | Based in the U.S., Berkshire Hathaway operates globally within varied sectors. |
💼 Market | New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) | Berkshire trades under BRK.A and BRK.B on the NYSE, ensuring high liquidity and visibility. |
🏛️ ISIN code | US0846707026 (BRK.B) | This unique code identifies Berkshire Hathaway on international markets. |
👤 CEO | Warren E. Buffett | Legendary investor Warren Buffett leads, but succession plans are set for Greg Abel. |
🏢 Market cap | $1.15 trillion | Berkshire is among the world’s most valuable companies, reflecting investor confidence. |
📈 Revenue | $371.43 billion (TTM) | Substantial, diversified revenue demonstrates resilient business operations across many sectors. |
💹 EBITDA | N/A | EBITDA isn’t typically reported due to Berkshire’s unique, diversified structure. |
📊 P/E Ratio (Price/Earnings) | 12.84 | A moderate P/E suggests reasonable valuation compared to broad market averages. |
How much is Berkshire Hathaway stock?
The price of Berkshire Hathaway stock is declining this week. As of now, shares are trading at $530.10, marking a 0.85% decrease over the past 24 hours and a 0.61% drop over the past week. The company boasts a market capitalization of $1.15 trillion and sees an average daily trading volume of 5.1 million shares. With a P/E ratio of 12.84, no dividend yield, and a stock beta of 0.80, Berkshire Hathaway continues to offer Canadian investors stability thanks to its broad sector exposure and relatively low volatility, making it an attractive option for those seeking steady portfolio growth even during uncertain market conditions.
Compare the best brokers in Canada!Compare brokersOur full analysis on Berkshire Hathaway stock
Having closely examined Berkshire Hathaway’s most recent financial disclosures and assessed the security’s trajectory over the last three years, our analytical framework has synthesized regulatory filings, peer benchmarking, macroeconomic factors, and a suite of proprietary quantitative signals. This integrative approach reveals a nuanced perspective on both the quality and timing of a potential investment in Berkshire Hathaway. So, why might Berkshire Hathaway stock once again become a strategic entry point into the diversified financial sector in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
Berkshire Hathaway has, over the past year, demonstrated remarkable resilience and outperformance relative to its diversified financial peers. The share price for BRK.B is currently quoted at $530.10, reflecting a robust 33.58% gain in the last twelve months and an impressive 16.48% appreciation over the previous six months. For Canadian investors seeking USD exposures, this demonstrates not only strength against US inflationary headwinds but also the benefits of a blue-chip asset leveraging the US dollar's stability.
In broader context, several supportive dynamics have emerged:
- Annual Shareholders Meeting & Market Sentiment: The imminent “Woodstock for Capitalists” in Omaha, slated for May 3, 2025, is expected to reinforce investor confidence, historically serving as a positive catalyst for the stock.
- Sector Tailwinds: Financial services and diversified insurance have remained resilient, buoyed by higher interest rates and robust sector profitability, with Berkshire’s vast insurance operations directly benefitting from higher float yields.
- Notable Positive Events: The company continues to utilize its massive cash reserve ($334.2 billion) to strategically pursue stake increases—particularly in Japanese trading houses—underscoring its capacity to capitalize on global valuation dislocations.
- Earnings Momentum: Previous quarterly results highlighted sustained strength from core insurance operations and steady portfolio gains, reaffirming the company’s operational breadth and adaptability.
Collectively, these factors offer a macroeconomic and sector-wide backdrop that is decidedly supportive of further upside in Berkshire Hathaway’s shares.
Technical Analysis
From a technical viewpoint, Berkshire Hathaway is exhibiting a pronounced bullish structure. The stock is firmly above its key moving averages—20-day ($520.69), 50-day ($513.18), 100-day ($487.61), and 200-day ($470.76)—a configuration that consistently accompanies upward momentum phases in large-cap stocks.
- RSI (14): At 58.66, the Relative Strength Index is in neutral territory, indicating neither overbought nor oversold conditions, and leaving room for a further advance without technical exhaustion concerns.
- MACD (12,26,9): The positive MACD value of 4.87 reinforces ongoing bullish momentum, with the signal line indicating strengthening conviction among price-followers.
- ADX (14): With the ADX at 24.08, a moderate but clear trend is evident—strengthening, but not in danger of overheating.
- Support & Resistance: Key support has materialized around $525.68 and $523.08, levels that have repeatedly attracted buyers. Resistance zones at $537.18, $539.78, and $544.23 define upside targets and breakout opportunities if the stock’s upward trajectory resumes.
Importantly, the absence of any immediate technical warning flags and the stock’s positive momentum above all critical averages serve to further validate an environment conducive to new positions, whether for medium- or longer-term horizons.
Fundamental Analysis
Berkshire Hathaway’s fundamentals continue to justify renewed interest and potential portfolio inclusion for investors seeking both growth and resilience.
- Revenue Growth & Profitability: With reported TTM revenues of $371.43 billion and a net income of $88.99 billion, Berkshire exhibits both scale and durability. Such figures translate to a return on equity of 14.65% and an ROA of 6.39%, signifying efficient capital deployment and high-quality earnings.
- Valuation: The P/E ratio stands at a notably modest 12.84—well below the average for large-cap financial conglomerates—while the price/book value of 1.78 and price/sales ratio of 2.72 further highlight relative value. The market appears to be conservatively pricing Berkshire, despite its growth trajectory and defensive qualities.
- Structurally-Embedded Strengths:
- Innovation & Diversification: Berkshire’s investment in Japanese trading houses and a tactical approach to portfolio rebalancing illustrate ongoing innovation in assessing global opportunities.
- Dominant Market Share: The insurance segment continues to set industry benchmarks, while holdings in sectors like energy, railroads, and technology (notably Apple) underpin robust diversification and long-term earnings visibility.
- Brand & Governance: Berkshire’s reputation for conservative, patient allocation of capital remains a core competitive advantage, especially in market environments characterized by volatility.
In sum, this confluence of operational strength, attractive valuation multiples, and a fortress-like balance sheet reinforces Berkshire Hathaway’s standing as a foundational holding for investors of every scale.
Volume and Liquidity
A key consideration for both institutional and retail participants is the stock’s liquidity profile. BRK.B consistently maintains an average daily trading volume of 5.1 million shares, offering:
- High Liquidity: Effortless execution and minimal slippage across trade sizes, appealing for both tactical traders and long-term allocators.
- Float Dynamics: The wide float and active investor base encourage dynamic valuation discovery, preventing price stagnation often seen in less liquid conglomerates.
- Market Confidence: This sustained activity is a robust indicator of deep market confidence, helping to moderate price volatility (as reflected in its 0.80 beta).
For Canadian investors transacting via cross-border brokerages, this liquidity profile assures ease of entry and exit, minimizing transactional friction relative to less liquid alternatives.
Catalysts and Positive Outlook
Looking ahead, several bullish catalysts and structural enhancements could propel further appreciation:
- $334 Billion Cash Reserve: This “war chest” grants Berkshire exceptional flexibility to pursue transformative acquisitions, take advantage of distressed asset sales, or support existing portfolio companies in times of dislocation.
- Strategic Acquisitions: The ongoing increase in stakes in fast-growing Japanese trading houses signals intent to capture value beyond the US market, reflecting a shrewd global reallocation strategy.
- Insurance Float as Growth Lever: Berkshire’s unparalleled insurance float continues to provide low-cost, long-duration capital, funding accretive investments across economic cycles—a true “engine of compounding.”
- Portfolio Diversification: Exposure to stable industries (utilities, insurance, railroads), high-growth technology (Apple, Amazon), and defensive names (consumer brands) cushions against single-sector risk.
- Strong ESG Trajectory: Recent sustainability initiatives and responsible investment practices augment Berkshire’s standing among institutional allocators focused on environmental, social, and governance factors.
- Corporate Transitions: With Greg Abel designated as Buffett’s successor, the company offers visibility and continuity, further allaying governance or key-person concerns.
- Potential Regulatory Tailwinds: The diversified regulatory exposure reduces single-jurisdiction risk, and evolving financial sector policy could grant additional competitive advantages to large, well-capitalized conglomerates.
These factors collectively suggest that Berkshire Hathaway may be on the cusp of a new growth cycle, poised to respond decisively should market dislocations or new opportunities arise in 2025.
Investment Strategies
For those considering new positions in Berkshire Hathaway, the current technical and fundamental set-up presents multiple strategic angles:
- Short-Term Entry: The consolidation near key support ($525.68–$532.73 pivot) and absence of overbought technical signals offers an appealing entry for mean-reversion or swing strategies—particularly ahead of the May 3 earnings report and shareholders’ meeting, often a period marked by heightened investor enthusiasm.
- Medium-Term Positioning: Investors seeking a “buy-the-dip” approach may view any retracement toward the lower end of the current six-month trend channel as a favorable accumulation zone, supported by robust financial results and positive macro tailwinds.
- Long-Term Compounding: For patient capital, current valuations (P/E below sector averages, strong balance sheet, and diversified operations) underpin a compelling case for holding as a core portfolio anchor, benefiting from compounding value and a prudent management ethos.
- Currency Diversification: Canadian investors gain the additional benefit of USD exposure, potentially hedging against domestic currency volatility.
A decisive entry—either at technical lows or in anticipation of positive catalysts—seems well-supported by the present confluence of technical, fundamental, and macro forces.
Is It the Right Time to Buy Berkshire Hathaway?
In summary, Berkshire Hathaway presents a confluence of attributes that few publicly traded companies can match: perennial earnings power, a diversified and adaptive business model, underappreciated valuation, and a shareholder-focused governance framework underpinned by enormous capital reserves. The pending annual meeting and earnings release are likely to spotlight ongoing strategic strength, with succession plans and new investments potentially serving as additional upside catalysts.
Given the technical momentum, sector resilience, fortress balance sheet, and prudent deployment of capital, the stock seems to represent an excellent opportunity for new and existing investors alike, particularly at current valuations. The established trend, deep liquidity, and imminent company events all reinforce the conviction that Berkshire Hathaway could be entering a new bullish phase, positioning itself as a foundational holding for those seeking both growth and stability in North America’s financial landscape.
While every investor must assess their objectives and risk appetite, the evidence overwhelmingly supports renewed attention to Berkshire Hathaway—at a moment when the company appears well-prepared to capture future value and estate-wide returns. For Canadian investors looking for a blend of security, growth, and exposure to one of the world’s most respected investment vehicles, Berkshire Hathaway merits serious consideration as a strategic portfolio cornerstone.
Now more than ever, Berkshire Hathaway stands out as a compelling and timely opportunity for those seeking exposure to a proven leader at the heart of global capital allocation.
How to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock in Canada?
Buying Berkshire Hathaway stock online is straightforward and safe using a regulated broker in Canada. Whether you want to invest for the long term or trade actively, you have two main options: spot (cash) buying, where you directly own the shares, or trading via CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which lets you speculate on price movements without owning the stock. Each approach has its own advantages and cost structure. For more details on choosing the right platform for your needs, see our broker comparison further down this page.
Spot Buying
A cash purchase means you buy real Berkshire Hathaway shares (most often the Class B shares – ticker: BRK.B) and become an actual shareholder. You can hold these shares in your Canadian brokerage account, benefit from any capital gains, and sell when you wish. Most Canadian online brokers charge a fixed commission per order—typically around $5 to $10 in CAD.
Example
If the Berkshire Hathaway Class B share price is $530.10 USD, and you have CA$1,000 (roughly US$730 at current exchange rates) to invest, you could buy about 1 share after including a CAD $5 commission.
- Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 10% (from $530.10 to $583.11 USD), your share is now worth about CA$1,100 (adjusted for exchange rate), representing a gross gain of +CA$100, or +10% on your investment (excluding minor currency fluctuations and fees).
Trading via CFD
CFDs (Contracts for Difference) allow you to trade on the price movements of Berkshire Hathaway shares without owning them directly. This approach is popular with traders who want to use leverage and profit from both rising and falling prices. Instead of a fixed commission, brokers charge a spread (the difference between buy and sell price), and there is an overnight financing fee if you keep positions open beyond the trading day.
Example
Suppose you open a CFD position on Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares with CA$1,000 (about US$730) and use 5x leverage. Your exposure is CA$5,000 (approximately US$3,650).
- Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%. That’s a +CA$400 gain on your CA$1,000 stake (before broker fees or overnight charges). Remember, leverage also increases risk, amplifying both gains and losses.
Final Advice
Before you invest, it’s important to compare brokerage fees and terms—commissions, spread, available markets, minimum deposit, and support. Your ideal method will depend on your investment objectives: long-term growth and ownership (spot buying) or flexible, short-term trading with leverage (CFDs). To help you decide, use our comprehensive broker comparison tool available below. Choose the approach that fits your goals and risk profile.
Our 7 tips for buying Berkshire Hathaway stock
📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for Berkshire Hathaway |
---|---|
Analyze the market | Assess Berkshire Hathaway’s recent strong performance, solid cash reserves, and diversified portfolio to gauge if it aligns with stable long-term growth goals common among Canadian investors. |
Choose the right trading platform | Select a regulated Canadian broker that offers access to the NYSE and convenient USD conversion, so you can trade BRK.B shares efficiently and cost-effectively. |
Define your investment budget | Consider the current BRK.B share price (over $500 CAD), keep currency exchange in mind, and ensure your Berkshire Hathaway allocation matches your risk tolerance and fits within a diversified Canadian portfolio. |
Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Focus on a long-term buy-and-hold approach given Berkshire Hathaway’s proven, conservative management style and the fact it reinvests profits instead of paying dividends. |
Monitor news and financial results | Keep track of quarterly reports, major events like the annual shareholder meeting, and any updates on Berkshire’s leadership succession plan, all of which can affect share price outlook. |
Use risk management tools | Consider using limit orders, portfolio diversification, and periodic reviews to help manage potential currency and market volatility when holding BRK.B as a Canadian investor. |
Sell at the right time | Review your goals periodically and consider selling Berkshire Hathaway shares if major fundamental changes occur or if they no longer align with your investment strategy and timeframe. |
The latest news about Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway maintains a robust presence in Canada through its insurance subsidiaries and substantial investments in Canadian firms. Berkshire Hathaway’s Canadian reach focuses primarily on insurance and reinsurance markets—key entities like Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) have consistently grown their direct underwriting activities in major Canadian urban centers, serving sectors from construction to energy. Over the past week, industry filings and regulatory disclosures confirm that BHSI continues to expand its Canadian portfolio, taking advantage of relatively stable premium growth and increasing demand for specialty and liability coverage. These local activities both diversify Berkshire’s overall revenue streams and reinforce its role as a long-term investor providing risk management solutions to vital Canadian industries.
Technical indicators for Berkshire Hathaway stock remain decidedly bullish, with the share price holding above all short- and long-term moving averages. The past week has seen the price of BRK.B consistently above its 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day simple moving averages, reinforcing a constructive outlook among technical analysts. Despite a minor pullback of 0.61% over the week, these moving average signals—supported by a moderate ADX trend strength and neutral RSI—point to continued underlying demand and market confidence. This technical strength has been corroborated by stable average trading volume, underscoring a resilient investor base including a notable portion of Canadian institutional holders who use Berkshire shares as a core portfolio stabilizer.
Berkshire Hathaway’s $334.2 billion cash position, recently reaffirmed in regulatory filings, positions the company for strategic acquisitions. In the context of North American capital markets, this immense liquidity is especially relevant to Canadian analysts, as it positions Berkshire to move decisively should attractive opportunities arise north of the border—whether potential large-scale infrastructure projects, utilities, or financial institutions become available. The cash reserve also provides a strong buffer against global and regional volatility, something investors in Canada have been keenly noting as a differentiator amid uncertain macroeconomic conditions and interest rate fluctuations.
The upcoming Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting on May 3, 2025, is expected to deliver insights relevant to Canadian stakeholders and markets. Known for influencing market sentiment globally, this event garners particular attention in Canada, both from direct investors and from the many local companies touched by Berkshire’s subsidiaries and investments. Anticipation is growing for management commentary on cross-border strategy and potential new Canadian initiatives, which often set the tone for institutional portfolio allocations in the months following the meeting.
Berkshire’s diversified business model and strong recent financial results continue to attract Canadian investment managers seeking stability and long-term growth. With a 33.58% year-over-year share price increase and robust operating metrics—including double-digit return on equity and sustained revenue growth—Berkshire’s profile fits the allocation strategies favored in Canadian pension and mutual funds. The absence of dividend payments aligns with demand for capital appreciation, and the company’s conservative governance structure resonates with the prevailing risk appetite in the Canadian financial sector. Comprehensive, stable performance and the clear succession plan have further consolidated confidence among Canadian asset managers looking for U.S. dollar exposure combined with steady long-term value.
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for Berkshire Hathaway stock?
Berkshire Hathaway does not currently pay a dividend on either its Class A or Class B shares. The company has consistently opted to reinvest earnings to drive long-term value and capital appreciation for its shareholders rather than distributing payouts. This policy is a hallmark of Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy and is reflected in Berkshire’s strong historical growth.
What is the forecast for Berkshire Hathaway stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the recent price for BRK.B shares ($530.10), projections indicate a value of $689.13 at the end of 2025, $795.15 at the end of 2026, and $1,060.20 by the end of 2027. Berkshire Hathaway remains supported by a robust balance sheet, significant cash reserves, and a diversified portfolio—factors that reinforce its position as a resilient, long-term holding in the financial sector.
Should I sell my Berkshire Hathaway shares?
Holding Berkshire Hathaway shares may be a prudent choice for investors seeking stability and growth potential. The company boasts a strong track record, solid financial results, and consistently demonstrates disciplined management. Its diversified operations and ample cash reserves offer resilience against economic uncertainty. With its focus on long-term value creation, many investors consider maintaining their Berkshire position as an attractive strategy based on current fundamentals.
How are Berkshire Hathaway stock dividends and capital gains taxed for Canadian investors?
As Berkshire Hathaway is a U.S. company, Canadian investors are subject to a 15% U.S. withholding tax on any dividends (though currently none are paid). Capital gains realized from selling Berkshire shares are taxable in Canada, with only 50% of the gain included in taxable income. If you hold U.S. stocks in a registered account such as an RRSP, the dividend withholding tax is typically waived, making these accounts tax-efficient for cross-border investments.
What is the latest dividend for Berkshire Hathaway stock?
Berkshire Hathaway does not currently pay a dividend on either its Class A or Class B shares. The company has consistently opted to reinvest earnings to drive long-term value and capital appreciation for its shareholders rather than distributing payouts. This policy is a hallmark of Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy and is reflected in Berkshire’s strong historical growth.
What is the forecast for Berkshire Hathaway stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the recent price for BRK.B shares ($530.10), projections indicate a value of $689.13 at the end of 2025, $795.15 at the end of 2026, and $1,060.20 by the end of 2027. Berkshire Hathaway remains supported by a robust balance sheet, significant cash reserves, and a diversified portfolio—factors that reinforce its position as a resilient, long-term holding in the financial sector.
Should I sell my Berkshire Hathaway shares?
Holding Berkshire Hathaway shares may be a prudent choice for investors seeking stability and growth potential. The company boasts a strong track record, solid financial results, and consistently demonstrates disciplined management. Its diversified operations and ample cash reserves offer resilience against economic uncertainty. With its focus on long-term value creation, many investors consider maintaining their Berkshire position as an attractive strategy based on current fundamentals.
How are Berkshire Hathaway stock dividends and capital gains taxed for Canadian investors?
As Berkshire Hathaway is a U.S. company, Canadian investors are subject to a 15% U.S. withholding tax on any dividends (though currently none are paid). Capital gains realized from selling Berkshire shares are taxable in Canada, with only 50% of the gain included in taxable income. If you hold U.S. stocks in a registered account such as an RRSP, the dividend withholding tax is typically waived, making these accounts tax-efficient for cross-border investments.