Here is a very lengthy and detailed post on the topic of how many companies Berkshire Hathaway owns today, with a step-by-step guide and FAQs.
The Berkshire Hathaway Empire: A Deep Dive into Warren Buffett's Holdings
Are you curious about the vast and fascinating world of Berkshire Hathaway? You're in the right place! We're about to embark on a journey to uncover the impressive number of companies owned by this legendary conglomerate, led by the one and only Warren Buffett. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale and diversity of this financial powerhouse.
Step 1: The First Question - What Do You Mean by "Own"?
Before we can even begin counting, we need to clarify a crucial point. When we talk about how many companies Berkshire Hathaway "owns," are we talking about the companies it owns outright, or the publicly traded companies in which it holds a stock position?
This is a common point of confusion, and the answer to our question depends entirely on which category we're looking at.
Wholly Owned Subsidiaries: These are companies that Berkshire Hathaway has acquired completely. They are private companies that are part of the Berkshire Hathaway family, from their products to their management. Think of them as the foundation of the empire.
Equity Holdings: These are the publicly traded companies in which Berkshire Hathaway owns a significant portion of shares. They are investments, often large ones, but Berkshire Hathaway doesn't own the entire company. Think of these as the crown jewels of their investment portfolio.
So, are you ready to explore both sides of the coin? Let's dive in!
Step 2: Unveiling the Wholly Owned Subsidiaries
This is where the true heart of the Berkshire Hathaway empire lies. The number of wholly owned subsidiaries is well over 60, and the list is incredibly diverse. These are not just small businesses; many are household names and industry leaders.
A. The Pillars of the Empire: Insurance and Energy
Two sectors form the bedrock of Berkshire's wholly owned businesses: insurance and energy. These are businesses that generate consistent and substantial cash flow, which Buffett can then use to acquire more companies or make strategic investments.
GEICO: Perhaps the most famous of all. The gecko is a familiar face, and GEICO's massive insurance float (the money collected in premiums that hasn't been paid out in claims) provides a constant stream of capital for Berkshire.
Berkshire Hathaway Energy: This is a colossal entity in itself, owning a network of utility companies including PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, and NV Energy. They provide electricity and natural gas to millions of customers.
General Re: A major global reinsurance company that provides a safety net for other insurance companies.
B. From Candy to Railways: A Diverse Portfolio
Beyond the core pillars, you'll find an astonishing array of businesses under the Berkshire umbrella.
See's Candies: A delicious example of a company with a strong brand and a loyal customer base. A timeless classic in the portfolio.
BNSF Railway: One of the largest freight railroad networks in North America. This is a crucial piece of the American economy and a major cash-generating engine for Berkshire.
International Dairy Queen: From Blizzards to burgers, Dairy Queen is a global favorite that has been part of Berkshire for decades.
Duracell: The iconic battery brand known for its long-lasting power.
Precision Castparts Corp.: A leading manufacturer of complex metal components for the aerospace and industrial markets. A highly technical and valuable acquisition.
McLane Company: A massive wholesale distributor that provides a wide range of products to retailers, convenience stores, and restaurants.
This is just a small sample of the dozens of companies that Berkshire Hathaway fully owns. The list is extensive and includes everything from furniture stores (Nebraska Furniture Mart) to jewelry retailers (Helzberg Diamonds) and private jet services (NetJets). The exact number can fluctuate slightly with acquisitions and divestitures, but it consistently remains in the ballpark of 60 to 70 companies.
Step 3: Decoding the Publicly Traded Portfolio
Now, let's move on to the second part of the equation: the publicly traded stocks that Berkshire Hathaway holds in its investment portfolio. This is where you'll find the names you see in the headlines. As of recent filings in mid-2025, Berkshire's portfolio holds positions in around 30 to 40 publicly listed US equities.
A. The "Big Five" - A Highly Concentrated Portfolio
While the total number of stock holdings is in the dozens, the portfolio is highly concentrated. A massive percentage of the portfolio's value is tied up in a few key companies. As of early to mid-2025, the top five holdings make up a staggering amount of the total portfolio value.
Apple (AAPL): The crown jewel. Despite some trimming of the position in late 2024 and early 2025, it remains Berkshire's largest holding by a significant margin. Buffett considers Apple more of a consumer product company with incredible brand loyalty, rather than just a tech stock.
American Express (AXP): A long-term holding that has been a staple in the portfolio for decades. Buffett loves the business model and the strong competitive advantage of the credit card giant.
Bank of America (BAC): Another major financial holding, representing Buffett's long-standing faith in the banking sector.
Coca-Cola (KO): The classic Buffett investment. He has held shares in the beverage giant since the late 1980s and has no plans to sell.
Chevron (CVX): A more recent but very significant investment in the energy sector, reflecting a strategic move in response to rising oil prices.
These five companies alone account for a majority of Berkshire Hathaway's public equity portfolio.
B. Other Notable Investments
Beyond the top holdings, Berkshire has invested in a variety of other well-known companies, including:
Occidental Petroleum (OXY): A major stake in another oil and gas company, reflecting Berkshire's growing interest in the energy sector.
Kraft Heinz (KHC): A food and beverage company where Berkshire is a major shareholder.
Moody's (MCO): A credit rating agency with a strong moat.
DaVita (DVA): A healthcare services company specializing in dialysis.
Visa (V) and Mastercard (MA): Significant holdings in the payments industry.
Constellation Brands (STZ): A newer position in the beverage alcohol sector.
Step 4: The Final Tally - Putting It All Together
So, how many companies does Berkshire Hathaway own today?
When you combine the two categories, the answer is a bit more complex than a single number.
Wholly Owned Subsidiaries: Over 60 companies
Public Equity Holdings: Around 30 to 40 companies
Therefore, the total number of companies that Berkshire Hathaway has a direct ownership or significant investment in is well over 100. This makes it one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in the world. The beauty of this model is that the cash flow from the wholly owned businesses provides a powerful engine for making further investments in publicly traded companies, creating a virtuous cycle of growth.
The key takeaway is not the exact number, but the quality and diversity of the businesses under the Berkshire umbrella. Warren Buffett and his team focus on acquiring or investing in companies with a strong competitive advantage, excellent management, and a track record of profitability. This is what makes Berkshire Hathaway the investment legend it is today.
Related FAQ
Here are 10 related frequently asked questions, each starting with "How to" for a quick and informative answer.
1. How to find the most up-to-date list of Berkshire Hathaway's public stock holdings? You can find the most current public stock holdings by checking Berkshire Hathaway's quarterly 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This filing is released approximately 45 days after the end of each quarter and provides a snapshot of their equity portfolio.
2. How to invest in Berkshire Hathaway? You can invest in Berkshire Hathaway by purchasing its Class A (BRK.A) or Class B (BRK.B) shares through a brokerage account. The Class B shares are much more affordable and accessible for most investors.
3. How to understand the difference between Berkshire's Class A and Class B shares? Class A shares (BRK.A) are the original shares with a very high price and significant voting rights. Class B shares (BRK.B) were created to be more accessible, trading at a much lower price. They have 1/1500th of the economic interest and 1/10,000th of the voting rights of a Class A share.
4. How to identify what a "wholly owned subsidiary" means for Berkshire Hathaway? A wholly owned subsidiary is a company that is completely owned and controlled by Berkshire Hathaway. Berkshire acquired 100% of the company's stock, and it operates as a private entity under the Berkshire umbrella.
5. How to explain Warren Buffett's investment philosophy in simple terms? Buffett's philosophy, often called "value investing," is about buying shares of great companies at a reasonable price, not necessarily cheap prices. He focuses on businesses with strong, durable competitive advantages ("moats") and holds them for the long term.
6. How to get a job at a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary? Since Berkshire Hathaway is a holding company, you would need to apply directly to one of its subsidiaries, such as GEICO, BNSF Railway, or Dairy Queen. Each subsidiary has its own hiring process and career page.
7. How to value a company like Warren Buffett? While a complex process, Buffett's valuation often involves assessing a company's "intrinsic value" based on its future earnings potential and cash flow. He looks for predictable earnings, strong management, and a business he can easily understand.
8. How to find out which Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary is the most profitable? While detailed financial data is available in Berkshire's annual reports, BNSF Railway and Berkshire Hathaway Energy are consistently among the largest contributors to the company's earnings. GEICO and other insurance operations are also massive profit drivers through their "float."
9. How to follow Warren Buffett's latest moves? You can follow his latest investment moves by reading Berkshire Hathaway's quarterly 13F filings, and by keeping up with the news surrounding the company, particularly the annual shareholder meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, which is broadcast live.
10. How to learn more about the history of Berkshire Hathaway? You can learn more by reading Warren Buffett's annual letters to shareholders, which are a masterclass in business and investing. Additionally, there are many excellent biographies and books written about Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, such as "The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life."
