Which company became the first non-technology U.S. company to exceed a $1 trillion market cap?

Berkshire Hathaway became the first non-technology U.S. company to exceed a $1 trillion market capitalization in August 2024.

The milestone reflected the value of Berkshire’s insurance operations, investments, rail business, energy companies, and many wholly owned subsidiaries. Its shares rose above the threshold before the company’s annual stock split took effect.

Berkshire Hathaway is closely associated with Warren Buffett, who began accumulating shares in the 1960s and transformed the struggling textile company into a diversified holding company. Greg Abel became chief executive in 2025, while Buffett remained chairman at that time.

Berkshire is unusual because it has historically retained substantial earnings and invested them rather than paying regular dividends. Its Class A shares are among the highest-priced publicly traded shares, while Class B shares provide a lower-priced alternative.