BRK.B Share Price – Live Quote, Performance & Analysis

Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares continue to attract significant attention from investors seeking exposure to Warren Buffett’s legendary conglomerate. Trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker BRK.B, these securities offer a more accessible entry point compared to the astronomical Class A shares while maintaining the same underlying ownership in one of the world’s most valuable companies.

The latest trading data shows BRK.B shares at approximately $480, reflecting recent market volatility that has impacted major indices across the board. Investors tracking the stock will find a range of metrics—from valuation ratios to market capitalization—that paint a comprehensive picture of where this blue-chip holding stands today.

This article provides a detailed examination of current pricing, historical performance, fundamental metrics, and the broader context surrounding Berkshire Hathaway’s Class B shares. Whether evaluating a potential position or monitoring an existing holding, understanding these factors remains essential for informed decision-making.

What is the Current BRK.B Share Price?

Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares traded at $480.27 as of the latest reported close, representing a decline of $4.92 or approximately 1.01% from the previous session. The stock moved within a daily range of $478.92 to $484.86 during the most recent trading day.

• Previous close stood at $485.19, with the bid sitting at $480.00 against an ask of $480.81
• Trading volume reached approximately 4 million shares, below the average of 5 million shares
• Market capitalization totals roughly $1.04 trillion with 2.16 billion shares outstanding
• The stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol BRK.B
• Class B shares represent approximately 1/1,500th of Class A share value, enabling broader retail access
• BRK.B demonstrates higher liquidity than BRK.A with average daily volume around 5.32 million shares

How Has BRK.B Stock Performed Recently?

Examining the recent performance trajectory reveals a stock that has experienced notable volatility within the broader market correction. The 52-week trading range spans from a low of $455.19 to a high of $542.07, indicating significant price discovery activity over the past twelve months.

Understanding the 52-Week Price Range

The 52-week high of $542.07 was reached during a period of market optimism surrounding Berkshire’s investment portfolio and operating businesses. Conversely, the low of $455.19 reflects moments of market stress and sector rotation away from traditional value positions.

Extended historical data suggests the stock has traded as low as $395.66 in broader views, while some reports indicate lows around $440.10 during specific periods. This variability underscores the importance of consulting multiple data sources when analyzing price movements.

Year-to-Date Performance Context

Book value per share has grown at an impressive compound annual rate of 18.3% from 1965 through 2024, consistently outperforming the S&P 500’s 10.4% return over the same span. This long-term perspective remains central to Berkshire’s investment thesis and Warren Buffett’s approach to capital allocation.

Recent intraday movements show declines ranging from 1.01% to 1.1% in the most recent sessions, aligning with broader market pressures affecting large-cap equities. These short-term fluctuations represent normal market behavior rather than fundamental concerns about the underlying business.

Morningstar estimates fair value at approximately $326 per share, suggesting the current market price of $480 trades at roughly a 465% premium to this valuation estimate. The rating includes a “wide” economic moat designation, reflecting Berkshire’s competitive advantages across its diverse operating subsidiaries and investment portfolio.

BRK.B Fundamentals and Dividends

A thorough examination of Berkshire Hathaway’s financial metrics provides essential context for evaluating the Class B shares. The conglomerate’s diversified operations spanning insurance, railways, energy, and consumer goods create multiple earnings streams that support the overall valuation.

Key Valuation Metrics

The normalized P/E ratio stands at approximately 23.30, though some sources report 16.03 depending on the calculation methodology used. Additional valuation indicators include a price-to-book ratio of 1.44 and a price-to-sales ratio of 2.52. Return on equity (normalized) reaches 11.21%, demonstrating effective deployment of shareholder capital.

Market capitalization estimates vary slightly across reporting platforms, ranging from $1.04 trillion to $1.11 trillion. These figures place Berkshire among the largest publicly traded companies globally and reflect the substantial scale of its insurance float, operating assets, and equity portfolio.

Dividend Policy

Berkshire Hathaway does not pay dividends to shareholders. This policy aligns with Warren Buffett’s philosophy of reinvesting profits to maximize long-term compounding rather than distributing cash to investors. Instead, the company utilizes cash flows for share buybacks and strategic acquisitions that aim to enhance intrinsic value over time.

BRK.B Versus BRK.A Comparison

The Class A shares of Berkshire Hathaway trade at approximately $775,000 per share, making them among the highest-priced securities on any major exchange. Class B shares were designed to provide accessibility to retail investors, with each B share representing roughly 1/1,500th of the economic interest of one Class A share.

Both share classes maintain voting rights proportional to their economic interests and participate equally in the underlying conglomerate’s performance. The primary distinction lies in price accessibility and liquidity characteristics, with BRK.B trading volume substantially exceeding that of BRK.A on a typical session.

Is BRK.B Stock a Good Buy Now?

Evaluating whether BRK.B represents an attractive investment opportunity requires considering both quantitative metrics and qualitative factors surrounding Berkshire Hathaway’s business fundamentals. The current trading price reflects substantial premium to Morningstar’s fair value estimate, though such premiums are not unusual for high-quality franchises with durable competitive advantages.

2024 Financial Performance

Recent financial results for the fiscal year ending December 2024 reveal mixed operational dynamics. Revenue reached $94.92 billion, representing a 1.65% year-over-year increase. However, net income declined significantly to $19.69 billion, down 47.59% compared to the prior year, largely reflecting investment portfolio valuation changes and realized gains in the previous period.

Despite the net income decline, earnings per share surged 71.86% to $6.73, benefiting from the company’s ongoing share repurchase program. EBITDA came in at $27.87 billion, down 45.16% year-over-year, while free cash flow registered negative $78.75 billion, declining 23.90% as the company deployed capital for acquisitions and investments.

Cash from operations totaled $4.62 billion, declining 67.91% from the prior year, though this figure fluctuates significantly based on timing of insurance premiums, investment activity, and working capital changes. Berkshire’s projecting approximately $375 billion in revenue for 2025 based on current business trajectory.

Investment Thesis Considerations

Several factors support continued optimism regarding Berkshire Hathaway’s long-term value creation potential. The company maintains a fortress balance sheet with substantial cash reserves, operates businesses with significant pricing power, and benefits from Warren Buffett’s disciplined capital allocation approach spanning more than five decades.

The economic moat surrounding Berkshire’s insurance operations—particularly GEICO and reinsurance giant General Re—provides both float for investment and recurring premium income. Complementing these businesses are wholly-owned subsidiaries spanning Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and a diverse array of manufacturing and service companies.

Recent Price Milestones and Timeline

Tracking key milestones helps contextualize where BRK.B stands within its longer-term trajectory and what price levels have marked significant moments for the stock and its investors.

1. 52-Week High ($542.07): Represents the peak trading price within the past year, reached during favorable market conditions and positive sentiment toward value-oriented investments.
2. Current Price ($480.27): The latest closing price reflects a pullback of approximately 11.4% from the 52-week high, aligning with broader market corrections affecting large-cap equities.
3. 52-Week Low ($455.19): The floor established during market stress periods demonstrates the support level that has historically attracted buying interest.
4. Year-to-Date Decline: Recent sessions have shown negative returns between 1.01% and 1.1% per day, contributing to year-to-date underperformance against certain benchmarks.
5. 2024 Book Value Growth: Despite price volatility, book value per share continued expanding, maintaining the historical premium to market price that has characterized Buffett’s tenure.

What Information Is Verified Versus Uncertain

Understanding Berkshire Hathaway’s Business Context

Berkshire Hathaway functions as a diversified conglomerate with operations spanning multiple sectors of the global economy. Warren Buffett has led the company since the 1960s, transforming a struggling textile manufacturer into one of the world’s most valuable enterprises through disciplined acquisitions and shrewd investment decisions.

The company’s structure combines wholly-owned operating subsidiaries with a substantial equity investment portfolio. Insurance operations provide crucial float—the difference between premiums collected and claims paid—that Buffett has historically deployed for strategic investments and acquisitions.

Class B shares were introduced in 1996 to enable smaller investors to participate in Berkshire’s growth without purchasing Class A shares at astronomical prices. The dual-class structure preserves the voting influence of long-term shareholders while democratizing access to the investment returns Berkshire has generated over decades.

The decentralized management philosophy empowers subsidiary executives to operate their businesses with substantial autonomy while benefiting from Berkshire’s capital resources and strategic guidance. This approach has produced consistent returns across economic cycles and market conditions.

Sources and Expert Commentary

“Berkshire Hathaway’s book value per share grew at 18.3% annually from 1965 through 2024, compared to 10.4% for the S&P 500 over the same period.”

— Morningstar, BRK.B Quote Analysis

“The economic moat for Berkshire Hathaway is rated as wide, reflecting durable competitive advantages across its insurance operations, railway network, and energy businesses.”

— Morningstar, Stock Rating Methodology

For the most current pricing data and official filings, investors should consult the NYSE listing page for BRK.B and Berkshire Hathaway’s SEC filings. Additional information regarding the conglomerate’s operations and investor relations materials can be found on the official Berkshire Hathaway website.

Summary

Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares represent ownership in one of the world’s most storied investment vehicles, currently trading near $480 with a market capitalization exceeding $1 trillion. The stock has pulled back from its 52-week high while maintaining substantial premium to various valuation estimates. Despite recent net income declines reflecting portfolio dynamics rather than operational deterioration, the company’s diversified business model, experienced leadership, and disciplined capital allocation continue to define its investment appeal for those with long-term horizons. Anyone considering an investment in BRK.B should factor in broader market conditions and their individual financial objectives when making allocation decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions