Another reason for the small rise in the share count over the decades is that Buffett refuses to issue stock options, restricted stock or any other stock compensation to employees or directors. He has never done so. Everyone at Berkshire gets paid in cash.

Warren Buffett secret stock purchase has been kept confidential for months to avoid triggering copycat trades.

Warren Buffett has requested confidentiality in a new Berkshire Hathaway position. Will investors find out the stock Thursday?