Berkshire Hathaway's Biggest Companies: What's Really Under The Umbrella?
So, Berkshire Hathaway. You’ve heard the name. It’s Warren Buffett’s giant, money-making machine. But what does it actually own? Think of it as a massive umbrella. Under that...
So, Berkshire Hathaway. You’ve heard the name. It’s Warren Buffett’s giant, money-making machine. But what does it actually own?
Think of it as a massive umbrella. Under that umbrella are some of the most boring—and brilliant—companies you’ve ever used. We’re talking about the stuff of ordinary life.
It’s a wild, fun mix. You can be bitten by a Berkshire-owned rattlesnake, then go buy a Berkshire-owned necklace to cheer up. Let’s peek under the hood.
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Insurance: The Cash Cow That Moos
First up: GEICO. That talking gecko? Totally owned by Berkshire. They spend billions on ads, yet the gecko has never paid a dime in rent.
Then there’s General Re. They insure other insurance companies. It’s insurance for insurers—woah, meta. Also: Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies.
But the crown jewel is National Indemnity Company. Buffett calls it the engine. It collects premiums today, and pays claims years later. That money? Buffett uses it to buy everything else.
Geico’s Quirky Origin Story
Did you know Geico was originally for government employees only? The name literally means Government Employees Insurance Company. Today, anyone can get a quote. Even a talking lizard.
Fun fact: Geico’s mascot was almost a pig. They tested a pig, a duck, and a parrot. The gecko won because he looked “sophisticated.”
Berkshire Hathaway Revenue and Growth Statistics (2024) - SignHouse
Railroads: The Big Steel Snake
Berkshire owns BNSF Railway. It’s one of the largest railroads in North America. Every time you see a mile-long train hauling coal or iPads, that’s probably BNSF.
It’s ugly. It’s loud. But it’s wildly profitable. Buffett calls it an “indispensable asset” for America. And it runs on diesel, not magic.
Quirky detail: BNSF employs more than 35,000 people. That’s more than the entire population of Monaco. They also move corn syrup. Lots and lots of corn syrup.
Utilities: The Boring Kind of Hero
Next: Berkshire Hathaway Energy. They own power plants, pipelines, and even a wind farm in Iowa. They make electricity so you can charge your phone and read this.
But here’s the funny part: they also own PacifiCorp. That utility serves 2 million customers. If you live in Oregon, they literally flip your light switch. No thanks, just profit.
Itw Owned Companies at Tawana Tibbs blog
They also own NV Energy in Nevada. If you gamble in Las Vegas, the lights on the Strip? Yeah, that’s Berkshire’s power. They win even if you lose blackjack.
Retail: From Doughnuts to Diamonds
Berkshire loves stuff you can touch. They own See’s Candies. Those little boxes of chocolates? Pure Berkshire magic. Buffett bought it in 1972 for $25 million. It has since earned him billions.
Then there’s Dairy Queen. Every Blizzard you eat? That’s Berkshire. They also own Benjamin Moore paint. (Yes, the paint that makes your living room look fancy.)
But the weirdest retail win? Fruit of the Loom. Yes, your underwear. If you’re wearing cotton briefs right now, there’s a solid chance you’re entangled with Berkshire.
The Boring That’s Actually Exciting
What about Clayton Homes? They build manufactured homes—trailer parks, basically. Buffett loves them because people always need a roof.
📊 Buffett's Portfolio Visualized - by App Economy Insights
And Larson-Juhl—a company that makes picture frames. Seriously. They dominate the frame market. You’ve probably hung a framed photo using their product and never knew it.
Manufacturing: The Surprising Giant
Berkshire owns Precision Castparts. They make parts for jet engines—like for Boeing and Airbus. It’s incredibly high-tech, complex metal stuff. And it’s very boring, unless you’re an engineer.
They also own Lubrizol. They make additives for motor oil. Ever seen a car engine? Lubrizol is the secret sauce. It’s not glamorous, but it’s sticky money.
And Johns Manville? They make insulation for your attic. Yes, the fluffy pink stuff? Berkshire owns it. It’s not sexy, but it keeps your house warm in winter.
The Quirky Finale: Random Stuff
Ready for the weirdest? Berkshire owns Business Wire. Every press release you ignore? They helped send it. Also: NetJets—a fractional jet ownership company. Rich people fly on tiny planes thanks to Buffett.
Berkshire Hathaway - Estoppey Value Investments
They also own The Buffalo News. A newspaper! In an age of dying papers, Berkshire still prints one. Why? Because Buffett likes local news. And it’s profitable, actually.
Oh, and they own Oriental Trading Company. You know those cheap plastic toys you buy for party favors? That’s Berkshire. From candy to jet engines to party kazoos.
Why This All Matters (In a Fun Way)
Look around your house. Look at your shirt. Check your food. Is it a GEICO billboard? See’s candy wrapper? A train rolling past? Chances are high you’re surrounded by Berkshire.
It’s a little creepy, but mostly awesome. It’s like a giant, friendly monster that owns everything you touch. And it’s run by an 94-year-old who eats McDonald’s breakfast every day.
So next time you bite a Blizzard or flip a light switch, smile. You’re living under Warren Buffett’s umbrella. And it’s huge.
