Berkshire Hathaway Inc, led by the renowned investor Warren Buffett, recently reached a remarkable milestone, crossing the $1 trillion market capitalization mark. This achievement is a testament to the company’s enduring success, attracting investors who trust Buffett’s vision. Among those investors is his sister, Bertie Buffett Elliott.
At 90 years old, Elliott shared her investment journey in Berkshire Hathaway during a May 2024 interview. In a Berkshire Hathaway annual letter, Buffett praised his sister, calling her a smart investor and avid reader of newspapers. Recognizing her brother’s superior investment skills, Elliott made a strategic decision to fully trust in his approach.
“I figured out that Warren was better at it than I was. That was easy,” Elliott recalled in an interview with CNBC’s Becky Quick. While the decision seems simple in hindsight, Elliott admitted that it required some adjustments, particularly regarding Berkshire Hathaway’s no-dividend policy.
“I was in a place in my life where I wanted some dividends,” she explained. “Once I got over that hump and realized… I can decide when I declare a dividend… by selling some stock. And it’s capital gains instead of regular income tax. And that’s good.” This strategy allowed Elliott to manage her financial withdrawals while reaping the benefits of Berkshire Hathaway’s growing stock value.
Over time, Elliott’s confidence in her decision to remain fully invested in her brother’s company solidified, despite occasional temptations from brokers and other investment opportunities. “Luckily, I didn’t even have to think about it much,” Elliott said. “I knew I was all in with Warren and still am all the way.”
For Elliott, her relationship with her brother transcends business. Despite his global success, she still sees him as “my big brother.” While the world may perceive him as a financial titan, Elliott cherishes the bond they share, emphasizing that he’s always looked out for her. “He’s always been a wonderful big brother. And I love him. And I feel so lucky that he’s my big brother.”
