The first comprehensive and detailed financial history of Berkshire Hathaway in one book, in chronological format.
For the first time the complete financial history of Berkshire Hathaway is available under one cover in chronological format. Beginning at the origins of the predecessor companies in the textile industry, the reader can examine the development of the modern-day conglomerate year-by-year and decade-by-decade, watching as the struggling textile company morphs into what it has become today.
This comprehensive analysis distils over 10,000 pages of research material, including Buffett's Chairman's letters, Berkshire Hathaway Annual Reports and SEC filings, annual meeting transcripts, subsidiary financials, and more. The analysis of each year is supplemented with Buffett's own commentary where relevant, and examines all important acquisitions, investments, and other capital allocation decisions.
The appendices contain balance sheets, income statements, statements of cash flows, and key ratios dating back to the 1930s-materials brought together for the first time. The structure of the book allows the new student to follow the logic, reasoning, and capital allocation decisions made by Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger from the very beginning. Existing Berkshire shareholders and long-time observers will find new information and refreshing analysis, and a convenient reference guide to the decades of financial moves that built the modern-day respected enterprise that is Berkshire Hathaway.
"With this project, Adam has a done a wonderful job extending the Berkshire Classroom by providing a comprehensive analysis of the rich corporate history and unique entrepreneurial leadership."
MAC SYKES, Gabelli Funds
"I and my teammates at the Gabelli Organization have been tracking Warren's success for some 50 years. Adam's book captures the work and highlights the history of Berkshire and the hard and diligent work of Buffett and Munger."
MARIO GABELLI, Chairman and CEO, Gabelli Funds
"Few activities can be more rewarding for any value investor than studying the history and evolution of Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway. Adam has done us all a huge favor with his yeoman efforts in producing this treatise. Since it is chronologically ordered, it is an invaluable reference guide for all things Berkshire."
MOHNISH PABRAI, Investor, businessman, and philanthropist
"I thought nothing else of value could be written about Warren Buffett. I was wrong. Adam's detailed chronology of Berkshire's evolution reveals the successes and failures of Warren in a unique and digestible way. A worthwhile
read for every Buffett scholar, amateur and professional alike."
DREW ESTES, Banyan Capital
"The question must be asked, 'Why another Berkshire book?' When you read this monumental effort by Adam Mead, the answer will be obvious...read cover to cover, both the uninitiated to Berkshire and its most ardent followers will derive enormous utility and satisfaction from it...I learned so many new and important things about Berkshire and its history. It is my pleasure to encourage you to enjoy this gem."
CHRISTOPHER P. BLOOMSTRAN
"For students of history, especially the history of Berkshire Hathaway's early days, Adam Mead's book is a must-read. I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to visit Berkshire's past through this wonderful book. I recommend it highly."
THOMAS A. RUSSO, Gardner Russo & Gardner LLC
