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Warren Buffett, one of the richest men on the planet and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) (BRK.B), oversees a company valued at approximately $1 trillion with an annual revenue surpassing $350 billion. Yet, the website of this corporate behemoth appears straight out of the early internet era, with no flashy visuals, animations, or modern design elements in sight.
Instead, the landing page of Berkshire Hathaway's website, stark in its simplicity, features a bare list of hyperlinks on a white background, a text ad for Geico car insurance, and a physical mailing address in Omaha for feedback submissions. The site even warns visitors that, due to its small team, responses to queries are unlikely. For many, it’s hard to believe this minimalist site is the online face of America’s seventh-largest public company, a conglomerate employing about 400,000 people across a diverse range of subsidiaries like Geico, See’s Candies, and BNSF Railway. Despite its basic nature and general lack of substance, the website still sees about 400,000 visitors every month.
A Testament to Buffett’s Values
Buffett, a man famously averse to frivolous spending, has kept Berkshire's online presence as humble as his own lifestyle. At 94, he continues to drive a modest car, eat McDonald's (MC) breakfasts, and live in the Omaha house he bought in 1958. Despite his $144 billion net worth, Buffett has never drawn more than a $100,000 salary, reflecting his values of thrift and simplicity.
In recent years, the billionaire has even pledged to give away his substantial fortune. He plans to leave the entirety of his wealth to charitable causes set up by his children.
Efficient and Investor-Centric
The website’s layout isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s also in line with Buffett’s vision for the companies in its portfolio. There’s no unnecessary spending on frivolous features, but it still provides everything one needs if you’re an investor in Berkshire Hathaway. For those with a vested interest in Berkshire, the website provides direct access to the essentials — decades’ worth of annual reports, shareholder letters, SEC filings, and subsidiary links — without the distraction of elaborate design.
This ideology has not only helped turn Berkshire Hathaway into one of the best-returning companies in history but also attracted a loyal fanbase of dedicated investors. Berkshire Hathaway's Annual Shareholder Meeting is considered a pinnacle event within the investing world, and attracts thousands every year looking to hear Buffett speak.
An Enduring Legacy of Frugality
In a world dominated by sleek, high-budget corporate websites, Berkshire Hathaway remains a timeless, low-cost online bulletin board that’s decidedly “Buffett” in every way. This, ironically, might even help Berkshire Hathaway stand out amongst its peers for differentiating so far from the norm. The site’s austerity stands as a digital monument to Buffett's lifelong principles: keeping things simple, valuing substance over style, and saving every dollar — even if it means sticking with a 1990s aesthetic.
For Berkshire Hathaway, frugality isn’t just a principle — it’s the brand. And, like the billionaire himself, this website is likely here to stay, looking and operating exactly the same, no matter how many years pass or dollars the company earns.
On the date of publication, Caleb Naysmith did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
