brk a stock guide

BRK.A (Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Class A)

brk a stock commonly refers to Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s Class A shares, issued under the ticker symbols BRK.A (also shown as BRK-A or BRK A) and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This article explains what BRK.A represents, how its share class works, its market and governance features, and practical ways investors can gain exposure — with timely references and neutral, fact‑based context.

This guide will help readers: understand the core characteristics of the brk a stock; compare Class A and Class B shares; review trading, liquidity and valuation considerations; and learn practical participation routes including Bitget platform options.

Overview

BRK.A (the brk a stock) is the Class A common stock of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the diversified holding company historically led by Warren Buffett. Class A shares are the highest‑priced and highest‑voting share class in Berkshire’s capital structure. BRK.A typically carries significantly greater voting power per share than the newer Class B shares and is known for its very high per‑share market price.

Berkshire Hathaway operates as a conglomerate holding company with substantial operations and equity investments across insurance, railroads, utilities and energy, manufacturing, services, and consumer retail businesses. The brk a stock is often considered a single‑ticker way to own a diversified set of large operating businesses plus a sizable public securities portfolio.

Company background (Berkshire Hathaway)

Berkshire Hathaway traces its roots to textile manufacturing businesses in the early 20th century and evolved into a diversified holding company under Warren Buffett’s leadership from the mid‑20th century onward. Under Buffett, Berkshire became known for a long‑term investment philosophy, significant insurance operations (including GEICO and other insurance subsidiaries), ownership of BNSF Railway, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a wide range of manufacturing and retail subsidiaries, and a large portfolio of publicly traded equity stakes.

As of year‑end 2025, Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway; his retirement marked a management transition that was widely covered in financial media. As of Dec 31, 2025, the company’s executive responsibilities were passed to successor leadership, with Greg Abel named CEO. (Reporting date: Dec 31, 2025 — source: mainstream financial coverage.)

Share classes and structure

Berkshire Hathaway issues two principal classes of publicly traded common stock: Class A (BRK.A) and Class B (BRK.B). The brk a stock (Class A) is the original high‑par, high‑voting share class. Class B shares were introduced later to provide more affordable and liquid access to Berkshire ownership for a broader set of investors.

Key differences between the two classes include price, voting power, liquidity and convertibility terms:

• Price and accessibility: brk a stock trades at a very high per‑share price compared with BRK.B. That high price can make direct ownership of a single BRK.A share suitable primarily for large investors or institutions, though fractional share programs or other vehicles can increase accessibility.
• Voting power: Each BRK.A share carries full voting rights as set out in the company charter. BRK.B shares have materially reduced voting rights per share; the charter defines the conversion and voting ratios.
• Convertibility: Under the company’s charter, Class A shares may be convertible into Class B shares under specified terms (for liquidity or estate planning purposes). The conversion is generally one‑way (A → B) and is subject to charter rules and anti‑dilution provisions.

Class A characteristics

The brk a stock has several distinguishing features:

• Very high per‑share price and high nominal value compared with typical U.S. equities.
• Full voting rights per share, making BRK.A the more powerful class for shareholder voting matters.
• Limited float relative to Berkshire’s total market capitalization; the concentrated ownership and small-capitalization‑style share count contribute to unique liquidity dynamics.
• The company historically resisted a conventional stock split of BRK.A, preferring instead to issue BRK.B as an accessible alternative. That board stance has shaped investor expectations about price and supply.
• Typical holders of brk a stock include institutions, family offices, and individual investors with substantial capital or special access to fractionalization services.

Class B characteristics (comparison)

BRK.B is designed to offer more affordable ownership of Berkshire Hathaway’s economic exposure. It features a lower per‑share price, lower voting power per share, and generally higher trading volume and liquidity than BRK.A. For many retail investors, BRK.B or fractional BRK.A shares provide more practical ways to obtain economic exposure to Berkshire Hathaway without purchasing a full BRK.A share.

Ticker symbols and identifiers

Common market identifiers for the brk a stock are:

• NYSE ticker: BRK.A (sometimes shown as BRK-A or BRK A by various brokers and data vendors)

For precise security identifiers such as ISIN or CUSIP, consult Berkshire Hathaway’s SEC filings and official exchange records for the current registered values and any changes. Official filings and exchange records are the authoritative sources for such identifiers.

Trading, liquidity and market microstructure

BRK.A trades on the New York Stock Exchange during regular market hours. Key trading characteristics of the brk a stock include:

• Low share float and low daily trading volume compared with many large‑cap stocks due to the small number of outstanding Class A shares and high per‑share price.
• Execution mechanics: Because of the high nominal share price, some retail brokers may route orders differently or require special handling. Fractional trading services offered by some platforms can enable smaller dollar purchases of BRK.A economics without buying full shares; alternatively, BRK.B or ETFs can provide liquidity and accessibility.
• Market participants: Institutions and market makers active in large‑cap equities generally provide liquidity in BRK.A, but intraday spreads and fill characteristics can differ from more liquid, lower‑priced stocks.
• Implications: Low turnover in the brk a stock can result in larger price moves on relatively modest net flows compared with very liquid names. Investors sensitive to execution quality should discuss order routing and fill expectations with their brokerage.

When direct purchase of BRK.A is operationally difficult, investors often consider BRK.B, fractional BRK.A offerings where available, or funds that include Berkshire Hathaway exposure as practical alternatives. Bitget provides trading services and may offer mechanisms for accessing U.S. equities exposure through its platform — check Bitget product listings and account features for availability and local regulatory compliance.

Price history and market capitalization

Berkshire Hathaway has a long multi‑decade track record of compounding intrinsic value under Warren Buffett’s leadership. The brk a stock reflects both Berkshire’s operating business performance and the mark‑to‑market value of its large public securities portfolio.

• Long‑term performance: Berkshire is noted for decades of above‑average returns under Buffett when compared with many indices, often measured on a book value per share and stock‑price basis.
• Market capitalization milestones: Berkshire achieved major market capitalization milestones in recent years as its stock price and underlying assets grew. For time‑specific market cap and per‑share price points, consult live exchange data and dated market reports.
• Recent moves and drivers: As of Jan 24, 2026, some coverage noted portfolio changes and active repositioning under new leadership. As of Jan 22, 2026, commentators also discussed Berkshire’s recent equity purchases and sales in the context of a post‑Buffett era. (Dates and reporting sources: Jan 24, 2026 — 24/7 Wall St.; Jan 22, 2026 — The Motley Fool.)

Note: Market cap and price data change daily. Always consult the NYSE quote page or verified financial data providers for current figures and use the specific report date when citing historical values.

Financials and valuation

Investors and analysts who review the brk a stock commonly track a set of core financial metrics:

• Book value per share: Berkshire’s book value per share has historically been an important internal benchmark for valuation and long‑term performance comparisons.
• Revenue and net income from consolidated operations: Berkshire’s operating businesses (insurance underwriting and investment income, railroads, energy, manufacturing) drive consolidated top‑line and bottom‑line results.
• Cash and equivalents: Berkshire’s large cash reserves and available liquidity are central to its capital allocation strategy and ability to complete acquisitions.
• Price multiples: While P/E and price/book ratios are used, Berkshire’s conglomerate structure and large non‑operating investment portfolio mean valuation should incorporate both operating free cash flow and investment portfolio mark‑to‑market.

Analysts, proxy advisors and commentators use these metrics to evaluate the brk a stock relative to historical performance and peers. For up‑to‑date financial statements and precise numeric values, consult Berkshire Hathaway’s most recent Form 10‑K, Form 10‑Q filings, and the company’s annual shareholder letter.

Dividends and capital allocation policy

Historically, Berkshire Hathaway has not paid cash dividends on common shares, preferring to deploy free cash for acquisitions, share repurchases (in certain periods), and investments in operating businesses and securities. This long‑standing policy has been central to shareholder expectations regarding the brk a stock.

Investors therefore evaluate Berkshire’s capital allocation decisions — large acquisitions, insurance float deployment, share buybacks, and portfolio changes — as the effective distribution and use of corporate cash rather than through a recurring dividend.

Ownership and governance

Berkshire’s ownership and governance structure has been shaped by founders, long‑standing executives and concentrated insider ownership. Important governance points for the brk a stock include:

• Major insiders: Historically, Warren Buffett was the most prominent executive and economic owner. After his retirement as CEO at the end of 2025, executive responsibilities moved to Greg Abel and other senior managers. (Reporting date: Dec 31, 2025 — press reporting.)
• Voting structure: BRK.A carries full voting rights per share; BRK.B has reduced voting power by design.
• Board composition: The board oversees capital allocation and corporate governance matters. Changes in senior management can influence strategic priorities and portfolio decisions.
• Recent governance events: As of early 2026, coverage noted potential portfolio sales (for example, a reported potential sale of certain long‑held stakes) and leadership direction from the new CEO. For instance, reporting in late 2025 and early 2026 discussed a possible sale of a sizeable stake in Kraft Heinz and other rebalancing activity attributed to the post‑Buffett transition. (Sources: various financial reporters — see References.)

Regulatory filings and investor communications

Key Berkshire filings and communications for brk a stock investors include:

• Annual report and shareholder letter: Berkshire’s longstanding annual shareholder letter is a primary source of management’s commentary about results and capital allocation.
• SEC filings: Form 10‑K (annual), Form 10‑Q (quarterly), and proxy statements contain authoritative financials and governance information.
• 13F filings: Large institutional investors’ 13F filings show public equity holdings and can reveal overlapping positions between Berkshire and other funds at quarter‑end.
• Annual shareholder meeting: Berkshire’s shareholder meeting has historically attracted wide investor attention and provided direct Q&A with management.

Always verify important details using the latest company filings and dated investor communications.

Notable corporate events and controversies

Berkshire’s long history includes major acquisitions, celebrated investments, and occasional high‑profile setbacks. Recent notable items that affected perceptions of the brk a stock include:

• Portfolio repositioning under new leadership: Following Buffett’s retirement at the end of 2025, reporters highlighted potential changes to long‑held positions. As of Jan 24, 2026, coverage discussed which stocks in Berkshire’s portfolio might be sold or trimmed under CEO Greg Abel. (Source: 24/7 Wall St., Jan 24, 2026.)
• Kraft Heinz stake and potential sales: As of late 2025 and early 2026, Berkshire’s position in Kraft Heinz attracted attention when Berkshire registered a potential sale of a large number of Kraft Heinz shares. Media reported the company had lowered the book value of that stake in earlier periods, and commentary noted that the loss of Berkshire’s support could influence Kraft Heinz’s market dynamics. (Reporting timeframe: late 2025 — source coverage summarized in public press.)
• Increasing allocations to technology names: In recent quarters before and during 2025, Berkshire increased certain technology holdings and added new large positions, reflecting an evolution in portfolio composition relative to earlier decades. Coverage in early 2026 noted overlap between Berkshire’s holdings and the Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large Cap ETF (GRNY), including common positions in Apple, Alphabet, Amazon and American Express. (Reporting source timing: January 2026 — summarized financial reports.)

Investment considerations and risks

This section frames neutral considerations investors commonly weigh with respect to the brk a stock (no investment advice):

• Diversification: Berkshire combines operating businesses plus a public securities portfolio, offering diversified exposure within a single holding company structure.
• Scale effects: Berkshire’s large asset base can make generating high percentage returns more challenging than in earlier decades because size limits the impact of incremental investments.
• Leadership transition risk: Buffett’s retirement at the end of 2025 and the appointment of Greg Abel introduces a governance and execution transition that market participants monitor closely. (Reporting date: Dec 31, 2025.)
• Liquidity and execution: The brk a stock’s high per‑share price and limited float can affect execution and price sensitivity to flows.
• Regulatory and macro risks: Berkshire’s insurance operations, energy holdings and industrial businesses expose it to macroeconomic cycles, regulatory changes and industry‑specific trends.

Investors and analysts typically consider both qualitative factors (management skill, capital allocation discipline) and quantitative measures (book value growth, consolidated earnings, cash holdings) when assessing the brk a stock.

How investors participate

There are multiple pragmatic ways to gain exposure to Berkshire’s economics, depending on cost, liquidity and platform support:

• Buying BRK.A directly: Purchasing the brk a stock directly on the NYSE is straightforward when brokers support the order and the investor can cover the full per‑share price. This route is most common for institutions, high‑net‑worth individuals, and investors seeking full voting rights tied to BRK.A.
• Buying BRK.B: Class B shares provide more affordable per‑share pricing and higher liquidity; they represent economic exposure with reduced voting power.
• Fractional shares: Some brokerage platforms and retail services offer fractional ownership of high‑priced shares, enabling smaller dollar investments in BRK.A economics.
• Funds and ETFs: Several mutual funds and ETFs may hold Berkshire shares as part of diversified portfolios; these provide indirect exposure and ease of trading.
• Platform choices: For traders and investors seeking trading or custody services, Bitget offers trading platforms and custody solutions; for Web3 wallet needs, consider Bitget Wallet where applicable. Confirm product availability and regulatory eligibility in your jurisdiction before trading.

Note: When considering any participation route, verify settlement mechanics, custody arrangements, fees, and regulatory compliance with the chosen platform.

Performance benchmarking and analyst coverage

Common benchmarks and frameworks applied to the brk a stock include:

• Benchmarks: S&P 500 comparisons and book value per share growth are frequent yardsticks; Berkshire historically communicated book value growth as an internal performance metric.
• Analyst coverage: Major financial data providers, sell‑side analysts and independent researchers publish coverage and valuations for Berkshire. Analyst notes and media coverage frequently discuss shifts in portfolio holdings, capital allocation and operating results.
• Metric frameworks: Analysts often combine operating business metrics (free cash flow, EBIT) with investment‑portfolio metrics (unrealized gains/losses, realized investment results) to form a comprehensive view of Berkshire’s valuation.

As of early 2026, several outlets tracked Berkshire’s holdings and portfolio shifts during the leadership transition, and noted overlapping positions with funds such as the Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large Cap ETF (GRNY). For example, reporting in January 2026 listed four stocks common to both Berkshire’s portfolio and GRNY: Apple, Alphabet, Amazon and American Express. (Reporting example dates: Jan 22–24, 2026 — financial press summaries.)

See also

• BRK.B (Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares)
• Berkshire Hathaway (corporate overview and subsidiaries)
• Warren Buffett (historical CEO and investment philosophy)
• List of Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries
• New York Stock Exchange (listing exchange information)

References and further reading

Sources and reporting used as background for this article (select examples — consult original filings and dated reports for precise figures):

• 24/7 Wall St., coverage regarding Berkshire portfolio and potential sales (reporting date: Jan 24, 2026).
• The Motley Fool, reporting on Berkshire purchases and portfolio context (reporting date: Jan 22, 2026).
• CNBC, public BRK.A quote pages and portfolio reporting summaries.
• Yahoo Finance, BRK‑A quote and market data pages.
• Morningstar, Berkshire Hathaway Class A research and context.
• NYSE market quote and listing information for BRK.A.
• Public press summaries about Berkshire’s registration to potentially sell Kraft Heinz shares and management transition coverage (reporting timeframe: late 2025 to early 2026).

For authoritative and dated numeric data (current market price, market capitalization, ISIN/CUSIP, and up‑to‑date holdings), always refer to Berkshire Hathaway’s SEC filings and the NYSE quote page dated at the time of your inquiry.

External links

Suggested official sources (search for these by name in your browser or platform): Berkshire Hathaway official website; NYSE BRK.A quote page; Bitget platform product pages and Bitget Wallet documentation for custody and wallet features.

Practical notes and recent news highlights (dated context)

• As of Dec 31, 2025, Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway after decades of leadership. (Source: mainstream press coverage dated Dec 31, 2025.)
• As of Jan 24, 2026, financial commentary and reporting highlighted that Berkshire’s new CEO Greg Abel may adjust the conglomerate’s portfolio, with media discussing potential sales such as a registered potential Kraft Heinz sale and other repositioning steps. (Source: 24/7 Wall St., Jan 24, 2026.)
• As of Jan 22, 2026, the Motley Fool and other outlets noted Berkshire’s recent buying and selling activity in the context of leadership transition and portfolio rebalancing.

Readers should treat these dated notes as context rather than exhaustive or current market facts — verify any numeric figures against the specific report date and official filings.

How Bitget can help you explore BRK exposure

If you are researching ways to access U.S. equities exposure while managing execution and custody needs, Bitget offers trading platform features and custody products that may assist eligible users. For Web3 wallet needs, Bitget Wallet provides supported wallet functionality. Confirm product availability and regulatory eligibility for your account and jurisdiction before trading or transferring assets.

Further exploration: check Bitget’s product documentation and account support for details on equity access, fractional shares (where offered), and custody solutions. Always perform due diligence and consult official company filings for the brk a stock when making informational decisions.

Final notes and next steps

The brk a stock is a distinctive, high‑priced share class representing ownership in a diversified conglomerate with a long history of active capital allocation. For timely numeric data and holdings, use the company’s SEC filings and dated market quotes; for trading access, review Bitget’s platform eligibility and product listings.

To learn more about gaining exposure to Berkshire Hathaway, comparing BRK.A vs BRK.B, or exploring fractional and fund‑based alternatives, explore Bitget platform features and consult the latest Berkshire Hathaway investor communications and SEC filings for precise, dated facts.