Berkshire Hathaway, led for decades by Warren Buffett, is among the world's most valuable public companies.
Berkshire Hathaway is a diversified holding company with businesses and investments spanning insurance, railroads, utilities, manufacturing, retail, and financial assets. Warren Buffett became its chairman and chief executive in 1965 and transformed the struggling textile company into an investment-focused conglomerate.
Its major operating businesses have included GEICO, BNSF Railway, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and numerous manufacturing and consumer brands. Berkshire's market capitalization reflects the combined value investors place on its operating companies, investment portfolio, insurance operations, and financial strength.
A notable feature is Berkshire's Class A shares, which have an unusually high per-share price. That price does not by itself determine market capitalization; the relevant calculation also includes the number of shares outstanding. Berkshire also issues lower-priced Class B shares.