Buffett's Disappointing 2012

In the following video, Motley Fool financial analysts Matt Koppenheffer and David Hanson discuss Warren Buffett's letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders this year. In the letter, Buffett tells shareholders that it was a "sub-par" year, and one of only nine years in the company's 48-year history that it has grown in book value less than the S&P 500's percentage gain for the year. Matt puts this "disappointment" into perspective by looking at Berkshire's performance on a longer timeline.

Warren Buffett's long track record of success has made him one of the best investors of all time. With Buffett at the helm, Berkshire Hathaway has grown book value per share at a compounded annual rate of 19.8% for nearly 50 years! Despite an incredible historical track record, investors have to understand the key issues to watch moving forward. To help investors, the Fool's resident Berkshire Hathaway expert Joe Magyer has created this premium research report on the company. Inside, you'll receive ongoing updates as key news hits, as well as reasons to both buy and sell the stock. Claim a copy by clicking here now.

The article Buffett's Disappointing 2012 originally appeared on Fool.com.

David Hanson has no position in any stocks mentioned. Matt Koppenheffer owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool recommends Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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