Edward Jones analyst James Shanahan has downgraded Berkshire Hathaway's rating from Buy to Hold, citing its consistent outperformance in the financial sector. The stock has seen impressive growth, but bank stocks have struggled.
Edward Jones analyst James Shanahan has downgraded Berkshire Hathaway's (BRK.A, BRK.B) rating from Buy to Hold. The decision was made due to the company's consistent outperformance within the financial sector, which has made further gains less likely.
Berkshire Hathaway shares have seen an impressive 15.5% increase this year, surging ahead of both the S&P 500 index and the Financial Select Sector SPDR exchange-traded fund (XLF). However, while Berkshire Hathaway has experienced remarkable growth, bank stocks have struggled, with the SPDR S&P Bank ETF (KBE) witnessing a decline of 17%.
Shanahan attributes Berkshire's appreciation to an improved earnings outlook, driven by increased investment activity and a rise in income from the company's substantial cash holdings. Berkshire currently boasts a cash reserve of almost $150 billion, which is approximately 20% of its market value.
Furthermore, Berkshire Hathaway's reputation as a safe haven investment and investors' confidence in the company's leadership team, led by CEO Warren Buffett, have also contributed to the stock's success.
While Shanahan had previously been one of only two analysts with a positive outlook on Berkshire Hathaway, his recent rating change reflects a shift in his opinion. UBS analyst Brian Meredith remains bullish on the stock, and it currently trades at around 1.5 times book value and 22 times projected 2023 earnings.
Since Shanahan upgraded Berkshire Hathaway to Buy last year, the stock has gained approximately 30%, outperforming the S&P 500.
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