Berkshire Hathaway A and B shares
What is the difference between Berkshire Hathaway A shares and B shares?
Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett said in a memo dated February 2, 1999 (updated on July 3, 2003 and on January 20, 2010) that Berkshire Hathaway Inc has two classes of common stock designated Class A and Class B.
The memo makes it clear on the differences between the two classes of shares. “A share of Class B common stock has the rights of 1/1,500th of a share of Class A common stock except that a Class B share has 1/10,000th of the voting rights of a Class A share (rather than 1/1,500th of the vote).”
Another point to note in the memo is the “convertible” aspect: “Each share of a Class A common stock is convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into 1,500 shares of Class B common stock. This conversion privilege does not extend in the opposite direction. That is, holders of Class B shares are not able to convert them into Class A shares.”
“Both Class A & B shareholders are entitled to attend the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting which is held the first Saturday in May,” said the memo.
Recommended reading:
(1) The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America, Third Edition
