BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC
Q1 2024 Form 13-F
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC Form 13-F reported portfolio values from Q3 2013 to Q4 2024
Description and Activity
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a multinational conglomerate holding company with a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning various industries, including insurance, railway transportation, utilities and energy generation, manufacturing, retailing, and services. The company operates on a decentralized basis, allowing senior management to focus on capital allocation and the strategic direction of their respective segments.
A significant part of Berkshire Hathaway's operations lies in its insurance segment, which has a global presence in 26 countries. This segment includes well-known entities such as GEICO, a direct-to-consumer automobile insurer, and the Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group, which provides a range of reinsurance coverages worldwide. The insurance subsidiaries collectively boast strong financial health, with a combined statutory surplus of $303 billion as of the end of 2023, and high ratings from credit agencies.
The company's railway transportation business is represented by BNSF Railway, one of North America's largest freight railroad networks, transporting a variety of commodities. Additionally, Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) focuses on utilities and energy generation, owning and operating electric utilities and renewable energy projects, with a significant emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy sources. Continue reading...
Berkshire's manufacturing operations are extensive, encompassing companies like Precision Castparts Corp., which manufactures complex metal components for aerospace and industrial applications, and Lubrizol, which produces specialty chemicals and performance materials for various markets. The company also has significant investments in retailing and services through brands such as AutoNation, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and See's Candies.
Marmon Holdings, another Berkshire subsidiary, comprises over 100 autonomous businesses operating in sectors like foodservice technologies, metal services, and transportation products. Notable entities within Marmon include CTB International Corp., which provides agricultural systems, and LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc., which serves the oil and gas industry.
Berkshire Hathaway's diverse range of businesses and global operations make it a major player in multiple markets, with a strong reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. However, the company's extensive footprint across various sectors and regions also presents regulatory, competitive, and operational challenges that it must continuously navigate to maintain its market position.