Berkshire Hathaway was the first US business to reach a US$1 trillion market capitalization without being a technology company.
Berkshire Hathaway crossed US$1 trillion in August 2024, becoming the first US non-technology company to achieve that market value. Its operations include insurance, rail transportation, utilities, energy, manufacturing, and retail businesses, along with a large portfolio of public-company investments.
The company is led by Warren Buffett, who transformed Berkshire from a declining textile manufacturer into a diversified holding company. Buffett and vice chairman Charlie Munger emphasized buying durable businesses and allocating capital over long periods.
Berkshire’s two main share classes have different prices and voting rights, but both represent ownership in the same corporation. Its unusual structure means comparisons with technology giants must account for its broad collection of operating subsidiaries and investments rather than a single dominant product.