Which company became the first non-technology U.S. company to reach a $1 trillion market cap in 2024?

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

Its achievement was unusual because Berkshire is a diversified holding company rather than a software, semiconductor, or internet business. Its major holdings and operating subsidiaries span insurance, railroads, utilities, energy, manufacturing, retail, and services.

The company was led for decades by Warren Buffett, whose value-investing approach emphasized purchasing durable businesses and holding them for long periods. Berkshire's Class A shares are among the highest-priced publicly traded shares in the world because the company has never split them.

The $1 trillion figure refers to the total market value of Berkshire's publicly traded equity. It does not mean Berkshire had $1 trillion in cash, and it differs from the value of the businesses it owns based on accounting measures.