Under the leadership of legendary investor and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B 1.61%) (BRK.A 1.55%) has displayed an incredible long track record of success. Over six and a half decades, this powerhouse conglomerate has delivered annual returns of almost 20%, outpacing the S&P 500 by a wide margin.
The company's investment prowess under Buffett makes it the wellspring of investment ideas for both seasoned and novice investors. However, Berkshire's success isn't solely due to its investment portfolio. A big part of Berkshire's long-term success is attributed to its diverse portfolio of wholly-owned businesses, which provide significant cash flows to power its ever-growing investment portfolio.
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That said, the stock has struggled in recent weeks alongside the broader market, as investors anticipate that expected interest rate cuts may not be as deep as once expected. Additionally, Berkshire is a major player in the insurance sector, and the financial implications of the recent California wildfires have weighed on the stock.
With Berkshire trading 7% off its 52-week high, today could be a good buying opportunity for long-term investors. Here's why.
Berkshire is an incredibly diverse company
Investing in companies has been a cornerstone of Berkshire Hathaway's incredible success for over half a century. This is why many investors eagerly await the conglomerate's quarterly 13-F filings to see what stocks it is investing in and see them as an indicator of what Buffett and his team think about the overall market.
Berkshire has built a vast portfolio of privately held companies that generate consistent cash flows. That's because Berkshire invests heavily in industries vital to the overall economy that can perform well across economic cycles. Those industries include materials, energy, railroads, consumer goods, and insurance.
What helps these companies succeed is Berkshire's approach to management. Buffett has a unique, hands-off approach to management. That's because he invests in management teams he trusts and allows them to operate independently. This contrasts with activist investing, like that done by Carl Icahn or Bill Ackman, who invest in companies and take an active role in making changes and unlocking value for investors.
This is Berkshire's secret sauce to success
Insurance is one industry that has significantly contributed to Berkshire's success. The conglomerate owns numerous insurance companies, including GEICO, Allegany Corporation, General Re, and Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance. Berkshire Hathaway is the second largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. today; only State Farm is larger.
As a student of Benjamin Graham, Buffett has been a vocal advocate for insurance and often attributes Berkshire's turnaround to its pivotal acquisition of National Indemnity in 1967. According to Buffett, the conglomerates' expansive insurance holdings are "a very large chunk of Berkshire's value."
Insurance is a timeless product sought out by individuals and businesses to protect themselves against losses. Many regulations require insurance policies, such as those for automotive or homeowners, if you have a mortgage, which is why insurance products enjoy consistent demand. This business grows alongside expanding economies and inflation, which is why it has such robust cash flows.
Through the first three quarters of 2024, Berkshire raked in $77.3 billion in revenue from its insurance operations.
Its insurance holdings and numerous other holdings and investments are why the company generated $21 billion in free cash flow over the past year. This is the cash left after accounting for operating and capital expenses, and it can be used to pay dividends, repurchase stock, or make fresh investments.
BRK.B Free Cash Flow data by YCharts
Is Berkshire Hathaway a buy?
Owning Berkshire is an investment in a company with broad exposure to the U.S. economy. What makes it appealing is its cash position, especially as interest rates remain elevated.
After a selling spree last year, Buffett and his team at Berkshire are sitting on $325 billion in cash and short-term investments. Most of the conglomerate's money is in treasuries, which provide it with cash flow, while interest rates on Treasury bills remain above 4%.
This also gives Berkshire the flexibility to use this massive cash stockpile to pursue appealing investment opportunities. This patient, long-term approach is why Berkshire has been able to withstand the test of time, which is why I think it's an excellent stock to buy today.
