Berkshire Hathaway is an investment conglomerate led by Warren Buffett and one of the world’s largest companies by market capitalization.
Berkshire Hathaway owns or invests in businesses across insurance, railroads, utilities, energy, manufacturing, retail, and finance. Its insurance operations, including GEICO and major reinsurance businesses, provide capital that the group can invest elsewhere.
Warren Buffett became chairman and chief executive after acquiring control of the textile company Berkshire Hathaway in the 1960s. He gradually transformed it into a diversified holding company, while Charlie Munger served for decades as vice chairman and Buffett’s close business partner.
Berkshire’s Class A shares are famous for their exceptionally high per-share price, while Class B shares provide a more accessible alternative. Share price alone does not determine market capitalization; the total number and value of all share classes do.