Core Viewpoint - Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded Berkshire Hathaway's Class A shares from "in line with the market" to "underperform," citing multiple factors moving in the wrong direction [1] Summary by Relevant Categories Analyst Ratings - The downgrade marks the only "sell" rating among six analysts covering the company tracked by Bloomberg [1] Concerns - Analyst Meyer Shields expressed concerns over macroeconomic uncertainty and succession risk, indicating that these factors contribute to the stock's potential underperformance [1] - The report highlights the emergence and/or persistence of earnings pressure as a significant factor affecting the stock's outlook [1]

Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hathaway has received a rare "sell" rating from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, reflecting analysts' cautious outlook on its earnings prospects due to macro risks and concerns over Warren Buffett's impending retirement [1]. Group 1: Rating Changes - Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded Berkshire Hathaway's Class A shares from "in line with the market" to "underperform," citing that "many factors are moving in the wrong direction" [1]. - This downgrade marks the only "sell" rating among the six analysts covering the company [1]. Group 2: Analyst Concerns - Analyst Meyer Shields expressed concerns about macroeconomic uncertainty and the risk associated with Berkshire Hathaway's succession plan, particularly with Vice Chairman Abel set to replace Buffett as CEO [1]. - The report indicates that the stock is expected to perform poorly amid emerging and/or sustained earnings pressures [1]. Group 3: Stock Performance - On Monday, Berkshire Hathaway's Class B shares fell approximately 1%, while the stock has risen 7.8% year-to-date, compared to a 16% increase in the S&P 500 index during the same period [3].