The Warren Buffett investment with 1,810% earnings growth

When Warren Buffett first started buying Berkshire Hathaway Energy in 2000, it was making $122m a year. In 2023, it earned over $2.3bn.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Buffett at the BRK AGM

Image source: The Motley Fool

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

In 2023, a Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.B) subsidiary generated $2.3bn in profits. When Warren Buffett first bought the business back in 2000, it was earning $122m.

That means its earnings have grown by 1,810% over the last 23 years. And I think there are some important lessons investors can take from the result.

The business

The subsidiary in question is Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE). The business owns a variety of energy assets including wind farms, transmission infrastructure, and natural gas pipelines.

Should you invest £1,000 in JD Sports right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if JD Sports made the list?

See the 6 stocks

In general, utilities aren’t known for their growth prospects. They’re more commonly thought of as reliable sources of dividends because they’re hard – or impossible – to compete with.

Growing earnings by 1,810% sounds like a lot – and it is. But over 23 years of compounding, it actually works out to just over 13.5% a year on average.

Put that way, it sounds much less remarkable. And this is a great illustration of what Warren Buffett’s style of investing is all about. 

Durable growth

What Buffett values most in an investment is durability. In looking for acquisition targets, Berkshire Hathaway focuses on steady growth over an extremely long period.

BHE is a great example of this. Since 2000, the subsidiary has expanded its asset base through a combination of building infrastructure and acquiring it from other companies.

All of this has cost money – the utilities subsidiary doesn’t grow without requiring any additional capital. And that introduces risk.

Nonetheless, the regulated nature of the industry means Berkshire has been able to earn a good return on its assets. And this is why it has been able to keep growing at a good rate.

Future prospects

Growing earnings at 13.5% per year for 23 years is an impressive achievement. For most companies, this just isn’t possible because there aren’t enough opportunities around. 

BHE might be different though. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) should increase power demand and the shift to renewable energy should create significant growth potential.

Yet all of this depends on how the utilities industry is regulated. This is the biggest risk to BHE’s future growth and it’s entirely out of Berkshire Hathaway’s hands. 

At the 2024 Annual Shareholder Meeting, Buffett raised concerns about regulation. But if the business is able to earn a good return, it has the cash to keep making investments.

Valuation

Until recently, Berkshire Hathaway owned 92% of BHE’s shares. But earlier this week, it bought the remaining 8% for around $4bn, implying a price for the overall business of around $49bn.

That’s less than the implied $87bn Berkshire paid when it last bought shares in 2022. But it should be noted that the subsidiary earned $4bn in 2021 – almost twice what it made in 2023.

This underlines the point that even the best businesses have their ups and downs. But the growth of Buffett’s utilities business since 2000 has been nothing short of outstanding.

Should you invest £1,000 in JD Sports right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets.

And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if JD Sports made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Stephen Wright has positions in Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

artificial intelligence investing algorithms
Investing Articles

Up 272% in just a year, is Palantir stock just getting started?

This writer recognises that Palantir has grown its business very well -- but does the stock price offer him an…

Read more »

Runner standing at the starting point with 2025 year for starting in new year 2025 to achieve business planing and success concept.
Investing Articles

Up 50%? The Aston Martin share price forecast is mind-blowing! 

If analysts are right, the Aston Aston Martin share price could absolutely rocket in the year ahead. Harvey Jones says…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As the S&P 500 drops, here are 2 Stocks and Shares ISA holdings I’m watching

Our writer has different views on how President Trump's tariffs might affect these two US holdings in his Stocks and…

Read more »

Surprised Black girl holding teddy bear toy on Christmas
Investing Articles

£10,000 invested in Tesla stock at Christmas is now worth…

Tesla stock has been one of best-performing investments of the past decade. But things haven't gone to plan for investors…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Up 279% in 5 years, could Meta stock keep soaring?

Meta stock has more than tripled in five years. This writer sees lots to like about the business but also…

Read more »

Pink 3D image of the numbers '2025' growing in size
Investing Articles

25% total return in a year? Is now the perfect time to buy BP shares?

BP shares are on the front line of today's global economic and political uncertainty but analysts think they can still…

Read more »

Affectionate Asian senior mother and daughter using smartphone together at home, smiling joyfully
Investing Articles

With Cash ISA changes coming, could now be the time to consider buying shares?

Changes to the Cash ISA could lead to greater investment in the stock market. This could be a good thing…

Read more »

Investing Articles

These FTSE 100 dividend shares just got cheaper, thanks to President Trump!

Investors buying dividend shares can lock in bigger long-term yields when share prices take a tumble. These two just did…

Read more »