The Practical Way

Warren Buffett Investment Lessons, part 7

Tuesday, 8th December 2009 | Stocks, Wealth Building

How he runs Berkshire Hathaway

In 1992, Warren Buffett say that Berkshire’s after-tax overhead costs are under of 1% of reported operating earnings and less than 1/2 of 1% of look-through earnings. In 1996, the after-tax headquarters expense amounts to less than two basis points (1/50th of 1%) measured against net worth.

Warren Buffett does not believe in flexible operating budgets, as in “Non-direct expenses can be X if revenues are Y, but must be reduced if revenues are Y – 5%”. In addition, it makes no sense to add unneeded people or activities because profits are booming, or cutting essential people or activities because profitability is shrinking.[...]