Berkshire Hathaway became the first publicly traded United States company outside the technology sector to reach a $1 trillion market capitalization in August 2024.
Berkshire Hathaway crossed the threshold on 28 August 2024. The conglomerate owns operating businesses and a large investment portfolio, with major interests in insurance, railroads, utilities, energy, manufacturing, and consumer brands.
The company is especially associated with Warren Buffett, who transformed a struggling textile manufacturer into a diversified holding company. Berkshire’s insurance operations, including GEICO and reinsurance businesses, provide capital that can be invested across its portfolio.
The milestone is often described as the first non-technology U.S. company to reach $1 trillion. Berkshire differs from a typical operating corporation because its market value reflects both subsidiaries and publicly traded investments. Its Class A shares are among the highest-priced publicly traded shares in the world.