Berkshire Hathaway is famous for owning GEICO, BNSF Railway, and major stock investments under Warren Buffett’s leadership.
Berkshire began as a textile manufacturer formed through the 1955 merger of Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates and Hathaway Manufacturing Company. Warren Buffett acquired shares during the 1960s and eventually redirected the business toward insurance and investments.
Insurance subsidiaries provide a major source of investable funds known as float. Berkshire has used that capital to acquire operating businesses and purchase large stakes in public companies, while generally allowing subsidiaries substantial independence.
Unlike many technology-led companies with enormous market values, Berkshire’s valuation reflects insurance, rail transportation, utilities, manufacturing, retail, and an extensive investment portfolio. Its Class A shares are among the highest-priced publicly traded shares in the world.