Intriguing!  Of course that so-called "compact format" (in the article) is a 32-bit unsigned integer, capped at 2^32-1.  While going to 64-bit integer is a very clean solution (not the only one), interpreting the 32-bit integer as having 3 decimal digits would also preserve exact one-eighths (0.125) and result in a new cap of 10x the current cap.

 

Hartmut W Sager - Tel +1-204-339-8331

On Fri, 7 May 2021 at 12:34, Trevor Cordes <trevor@tecnopolis.ca> wrote:

Kind of funny.  Computer nerds will instantly spot the (bit) reason for
the limitation in $$ amount.

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/buffetts-refusal-split-berkshire-stock-creating-y2k-problem-nasdaq

What's interesting is they are still allowing 4 "cents" digits.  I guess
it's a holdover from the fraction days where stocks were "10 1/8".  I'm
pretty sure no broker lets you trade in anything less than a cent these
days.

I wonder if their fix is to switch to 2 digit cents, or move to 64-bit
systems and storage.  My guess is the former would be infinitely easier,
though you may lose some historical precision if you make the change
retroactive.

If they go 2-digit cents, Buffett can grow to $42M a share... which should
take a decade at least (depending on inflation levels).  :-)
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