Berkshire Hathaway stock split: will Warren Buffett’s successor change course?
Berkshire Hathaway has long been recognised for its disciplined approach to capital management, share structure and corporate governance. These principles have reflected Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy, which emphasises patience and long-term value creation.
Explore Berkshire Hathaway’s stock split history, Buffett’s long-standing philosophy, and current analyst perspectives as the company moves into a new phase.
What is Berkshire Hathaway?
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK) is a diversified holding company based in Omaha, Nebraska, with operations spanning insurance, rail transport, utilities, manufacturing, and retail. Warren Buffett, who has led the business since 1965, will remain chairman after stepping down as CEO, ensuring continuity in its long-term investment approach.
The company’s key holdings include insurers such as GEICO, energy provider Berkshire Hathaway Energy, freight operator BNSF Railway, and technology giant Apple (AAPL) – a cornerstone of its equity portfolio.
Berkshire Hathaway’s market performance in 2025
Berkshire Hathaway’s Class A (BRK.A) shares reached record highs earlier in 2025 before moderating slightly after Buffett’s retirement announcement. As of November 2025, the A shares trade below their peak but remain among the most valuable publicly listed equities.
Meanwhile, Class B (BRK.B) shares have gained around 5.4% in 2025, compared with the S&P 500’s 16% rise. Analysts attribute this difference to investor caution around the leadership transition rather than to any change in the company’s fundamentals.
Despite short-term volatility, Berkshire’s underlying performance remains strong, supported by robust operating profits, a solid cash position, and recent acquisitions such as the $9.7bn purchase of OxyChem, which broadens its exposure to the energy and chemicals sectors.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
What is a stock split?
A stock split divides a company’s existing shares into multiple new shares, lowering the price per share but keeping the total market value the same. It’s a structural adjustment, not a change in fundamentals.
For example, if a share trading at $1,000 undergoes a 10-for-1 split, shareholders receive 10 shares worth $100 each. The total investment value remains unchanged.
Berkshire Hathaway’s stock split history
Berkshire Hathaway’s history with stock splits is unusual among large US corporations. The company has only ever conducted one split – and only for its Class B shares.
| Class | Year issued | Split date | Split ratio | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRK.A | Original | Never | None | Preserve exclusivity and control |
| BRK.B | 1996 | January 2010 | 50-for-1 | Improve accessibility |
The original Class A shares have never been split, reflecting Buffett’s view that a high share price encourages long-term ownership and discourages speculative trading.
The Class B shares, first introduced in 1996 to allow broader investor participation, underwent a 50-for-1 split in January 2010 to enhance affordability. No further splits have been announced since.
Why has Buffett resisted a stock split?
Buffett has consistently stated that he is 'not into stock splits', arguing that maintaining a high price per share helps attract shareholders aligned with Berkshire’s long-term investment philosophy.
By keeping Class A shares unsplit, Buffett aimed to preserve exclusivity and limit short-term speculation. The creation of Class B shares offered accessibility without compromising the company’s original structure.
Even as Berkshire’s valuation reached record levels, Buffett reaffirmed in 2025 that there were no plans to split Class A shares, describing such a move as 'inconsistent with the company’s principles'.
Leadership transition and outlook
As Buffett prepares to hand over day-to-day management to Greg Abel, Berkshire Hathaway faces a generational leadership transition. The change marks the end of an era but not a shift in corporate philosophy.
Buffett has confirmed he will step back from writing the company’s annual shareholder letter after 2025, symbolising a new chapter in leadership. His continued role as chairman, however, will help ensure stability and adherence to long-standing principles – including the company’s stance against stock splits.
Key takeaways
- No Berkshire Hathaway stock split is expected in the foreseeable future.
- Class A shares remain unsplit, consistent with Buffett’s philosophy of attracting long-term investors.
- The only split occurred in 2010, when Class B shares underwent a 50-for-1 division.
- Despite short-term underperformance relative to the S&P 500, Berkshire’s fundamentals remain sound.
- Leadership transition to Greg Abel is under way, with Buffett staying on as chairman.
In summary
Berkshire Hathaway’s stock split history is one of the simplest in corporate America – a single 2010 split for Class B shares, and none for Class A. With Buffett’s principles continuing to guide its governance, a future split appears highly improbable, even as a new generation takes charge.
Will Berkshire Hathaway stock split again?
It’s considered very unlikely that Berkshire Hathaway will split its stock again. Warren Buffett has long opposed stock splits, arguing that a high share price encourages investors focused on long-term growth rather than short-term speculation. The company has only ever split its stock once – a 50-for-1 split of its Class B shares in January 2010 – and its original Class A shares have never been split. With Greg Abel set to succeed Buffett as CEO, analysts expect the company to maintain this stance, continuing to prioritise stability and long-term value over accessibility-driven changes.
What was the price of BRK.B when it split?
Berkshire Hathaway’s Class B (BRK.B) shares were trading at around $3,500 before the January 2010 split. The 50-for-1 stock split reduced the price to roughly $66 per share, making the stock more accessible to smaller investors without affecting the company’s overall market capitalisation. Since then, BRK.B shares have appreciated and, as of 2025, remain significantly above their post-split levels, reflecting the company’s diversified holdings and steady performance over time.
Is Berkshire Hathaway a good investment?
Berkshire Hathaway is widely viewed as a financially resilient and well-managed company, but whether it represents a suitable investment depends on an individual’s objectives and risk appetite. The company’s conservative balance sheet, strong liquidity position, and diversified portfolio support its long-term stability, while the leadership transition to Greg Abel indicates continuity in strategy. However, as with all equities, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results, and investors should assess market conditions and personal circumstances before making any trading or investment decisions.
Can I trade Berkshire Hathaway CFDs on Capital.com?
Yes, you can trade Berkshire Hathaway share CFDs on Capital.com, allowing you to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. CFD trading lets you go long or short, depending on your market outlook. It’s important to remember that CFD trading involves margin, as leverage can amplify both potential gains and losses.