Berkshire Beyond Buffett Book Summary - Berkshire Beyond Buffett Book explained in key points
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Berkshire Beyond Buffett summary

The Enduring Value of Values

4.1 (69 ratings)
17 mins

Brief summary

Berkshire Beyond Buffett by Lawrence A. Cunningham examines how Berkshire Hathaway can continue beyond Warren Buffett, by evaluating past acquisitions and investments to help readers understand the company's future.

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    Berkshire Beyond Buffett
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    While Berkshire subsidiaries are diverse, they all share common core values.

    Starting from humble roots in 1965, Berkshire Hathaway has grown to become one of the world’s largest corporations.

    This company’s iconic leader, Warren Buffet, rocketed to fame in the 1990s as his savvy stock-picking gained him shares in top companies such as American Express, Coca-Cola and the Washington Post Company.

    As a corporation, Berkshire Hathaway’s holdings are vast and diversified, and its influence extends over a wide array of commercial, financial and manufacturing interests.

    Some of the companies it owns include: GEICO, the second most-popular car insurer in the United States; Burlington Northern Santa Fe, one of North America’s major transcontinental railroads; and MidAmerican Energy, a global energy supplier.

    And it’s not just through Berkshire Hathaway’s broad engagement in many different businesses that it demonstrates its ability to diversify. The company’s subsidiaries differ widely in almost every measurable category, such as acquisition price, company size and number of employees.  

    With such a variety of companies under one roof, a degree of homogeneity might be expected.

    Berkshire Hathaway’s subsidiaries do indeed share its own unique corporate culture, built on core values that serve to bring unity to such a wide-ranging portfolio.

    One of the company’s core values is eternality. Long-term partnerships are highly valued at Berkshire Hathaway; the firm presents itself to subsidiaries, including many family businesses, as a place where they can find a permanent home.

    In this way, unifying traits and commonalities are found in bonds of trust rather than in simple financial metrics. These traits when taken together create the Berkshire Hathaway culture.

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    What is Berkshire Beyond Buffett about?

    Berkshire Beyond Buffett (2014) reveals the core values that define Berkshire Hathaway’s corporate culture as established by its founder, Warren Buffett. The book goes on to prove that the investment company’s unique view of investing and operating will ensure its success even after Buffett’s passing.

    Berkshire Beyond Buffett Review

    Berkshire Beyond Buffett (2014) explores the future of Berkshire Hathaway after Warren Buffett's reign ends. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers a unique perspective on the company's succession plans and the challenges it will face post-Buffett, providing valuable insights for investors and enthusiasts alike.
    • By examining Berkshire's culture, values, and long-term strategies, the book reveals how the company has built its success, offering lessons that can be applied to any business.
    • The author's thorough research and analysis, coupled with interviews from key players, give readers a comprehensive understanding of Berkshire's future and its impact on the business world.

    Best quote from Berkshire Beyond Buffett

    Lose money for the firm, and I will be understanding; lose a shred of reputation for the firm, and I will be ruthless. – Warren Buffett

    —Lawrence A. Cunningham
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    Who should read Berkshire Beyond Buffett?

    • Financial professionals or traders interested in Berkshire Hathaway’s success
    • Entrepreneurs, business owners and company managers
    • Fans of Warren Buffett and his investing strategies

    About the Author

    Lawrence E. Cunningham is the Henry St. George Tucker III Research Professor of Law at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. His writings have appeared in university journals and in publications such as the Financial Times, the New York Post and The New York Times. Other books include The AIG Story (with Maurice E. Greenberg) and How to Think Like Benjamin Graham and Invest Like Warren Buffett.

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    Berkshire Beyond Buffett FAQs 

    What is the main message of Berkshire Beyond Buffett?

    The main message of Berkshire Beyond Buffett is the enduring qualities of Berkshire Hathaway and its ability to thrive beyond Warren Buffett.

    How long does it take to read Berkshire Beyond Buffett?

    The reading time for Berkshire Beyond Buffett varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Berkshire Beyond Buffett a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Berkshire Beyond Buffett is worth reading as it provides valuable insights into Berkshire Hathaway's unique culture and the future prospects of the company.

    Who is the author of Berkshire Beyond Buffett?

    The author of Berkshire Beyond Buffett is Lawrence A. Cunningham.

    What to read after Berkshire Beyond Buffett?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Berkshire Beyond Buffett, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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