Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-A) Stock Investment Calculator & Historical Return Analysis
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is known for its diverse portfolio of businesses and investments, and for being led by renowned investor Warren Buffett. The company operates in a wide array of industries, including insurance, freight rail transportation, utilities and energy, manufacturing, service, and retailing. Investors often view Berkshire Hathaway Inc. as a key player in the market, analyzing its long-term potential through various revenue models, brand recognition, and consistent presence in its industry.
This Berkshire Hathaway Inc. stock investment calculator allows you to explore how a hypothetical investment in BRK-A might have performed over time. By adjusting the investment amount and time period, you can visualize potential growth, compare outcomes across different market cycles, and better understand the impact of long-term investing.
What if you invested $1000 in BRK-A on Jan 1, 2020?
Explore hypothetical investment results for stocks, ETFs, and more. See real historical data and share your discoveries.
Understanding Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s Historical Performance
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s stock performance has historically reflected both broader market trends and company-specific milestones. Like many growth-oriented stocks, BRK-A has experienced periods of growth driven by innovation and market demand.
When analyzing Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s historical returns, it's important to consider:
- Market cycles: Strong bull markets often amplify returns, while recessions can temporarily suppress performance.
- Business model evolution: Changes in revenue strategies and product lines can significantly impact stability.
- Long-term trends: Over extended periods, compounding can play a larger role than short-term price fluctuations. Try our calculator to explore returns over 5 years or larger investments over 10 years.
This calculator helps you see how these factors might have affected an investment depending on when you entered the market.
Historical Annual Returns
Over the past 40 years, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has delivered an average annual return of 17.4%. The stock peaked in 1989 with a massive +86.6% gain, while investors faced a downturn in 2008 (-30.7%). Overall, the stock finished in the green 33 times out of 40 years.
Avg Return
+17.4%
Win Rate
83%
33W - 7L
Best
+86.6%
1989
Worst
-30.7%
2008
Performance Consistency
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Annual Returns by Year
| Year | Annual Return | Start Price | End Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | +15.10% | $2450.00 | $2820.00 |
| 1987 | +1.20% | $2915.00 | $2950.00 |
| 1988 | +49.21% | $3150.00 | $4700.00 |
| 1989 | +86.56% | $4650.00 | $8675.00 |
| 1990 | -22.61% | $8625.00 | $6675.00 |
| 1991 | +34.07% | $6750.00 | $9050.00 |
| 1992 | +34.67% | $8725.00 | $11750.00 |
| 1993 | +38.35% | $11800.00 | $16325.00 |
| 1994 | +24.77% | $16350.00 | $20400.00 |
| 1995 | +57.35% | $20400.00 | $32100.00 |
| 1996 | +8.25% | $31500.00 | $34100.00 |
| 1997 | +37.72% | $33400.00 | $46000.00 |
| 1998 | +52.51% | $45900.00 | $70000.00 |
| 1999 | -19.86% | $70000.00 | $56100.00 |
| 2000 | +29.56% | $54800.00 | $71000.00 |
| 2001 | +4.42% | $72400.00 | $75600.00 |
| 2002 | -2.09% | $74300.00 | $72750.00 |
| 2003 | +17.50% | $71700.00 | $84250.00 |
| 2004 | +4.33% | $84250.00 | $87900.00 |
| 2005 | +1.75% | $87100.00 | $88620.00 |
| 2006 | +23.17% | $89300.00 | $109990.00 |
| 2007 | +29.91% | $109000.00 | $141600.00 |
| 2008 | -30.65% | $139300.00 | $96600.00 |
| 2009 | -0.79% | $99990.00 | $99200.00 |
| 2010 | +20.93% | $99600.00 | $120450.00 |
| 2011 | -4.77% | $120498.00 | $114755.00 |
| 2012 | +15.25% | $116320.00 | $134060.00 |
| 2013 | +27.43% | $139610.00 | $177900.00 |
| 2014 | +28.18% | $176320.00 | $226000.00 |
| 2015 | -11.54% | $223600.00 | $197800.00 |
| 2016 | +24.36% | $196295.00 | $244121.00 |
| 2017 | +21.05% | $245850.00 | $297600.00 |
| 2018 | +3.46% | $295755.00 | $306000.00 |
| 2019 | +11.69% | $304057.00 | $339590.00 |
| 2020 | +1.62% | $342261.00 | $347815.00 |
| 2021 | +31.19% | $343525.00 | $450662.00 |
| 2022 | +3.17% | $454300.00 | $468711.00 |
| 2023 | +15.57% | $469525.00 | $542625.00 |
| 2024 | +23.85% | $549787.00 | $680920.00 |
| 2025 | +11.74% | $675500.00 | $754800.00 |
Historical annual returns for Berkshire Hathaway Inc.. Data shows year-over-year percentage change in stock price.
Why Use a "What If" Stock Calculator?
Many investors wonder questions such as:
- What if I had invested 5 years ago?
- How does timing affect long-term returns?
- What role does compounding play in stock investments?
A what-if investment calculator answers these questions by turning historical data into practical insights. Rather than focusing on daily price movements, it encourages a long-term perspective, which is especially useful for retirement planning, portfolio comparisons, and financial education.
Key Innovations
- ✓A unique investment philosophy focused on acquiring and holding strong businesses with durable competitive advantages.
- ✓Decentralized management approach, granting significant autonomy to its subsidiary companies.
Business Segments
- InsuranceEngages in primary insurance and reinsurance of property and casualty risks.
- Freight Rail TransportationOperates the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, one of the largest railroad systems in North America.
- Utilities and EnergyEngages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and natural gas through Berkshire Hathaway Energy.
How to Interpret the Results
The results shown are based on historical performance and are meant for educational and informational purposes only. They do not account for future market conditions, taxes, transaction fees, or individual investment strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results, but historical analysis can help investors understand risk, volatility, and growth potential.
For best use:
- Compare multiple time ranges to see how outcomes differ
- Use consistent assumptions across different stocks
- Combine this tool with fundamental research and diversification principles