Warren Buffett’s Business Portfolio
1 Apple
Role: Major Shareholder
Founded: 1976
Valuation: ~$2.9T
Focus: Technology
Ownership: ~5.8%
2 Bank of America
Role: Major Shareholder
Founded: 1904
Valuation: ~$300B
Focus: Banking
Ownership: ~13%
3 Coca-Cola
Role: Major Shareholder
Founded: 1892
Valuation: ~$250B
Focus: Beverages
Ownership: ~9.3%
4 American Express
Role: Major Shareholder
Founded: 1850
Valuation: ~$150B
Focus: Financial Services
Ownership: ~20.6%
5 Chevron
Role: Major Shareholder
Founded: 1879
Valuation: ~$280B
Focus: Energy
Ownership: ~6.4%
6 Berkshire Hathaway Energy
Role: Subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway
Founded: 1966 (as MidAmerican Energy)
Valuation: Not Publicly Traded (Part of Berkshire Hathaway)
Focus: Utilities
Ownership: 100% (through Berkshire Hathaway)
7 BNSF Railway
Role: Subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway
Founded: 1995
Valuation: Not Publicly Traded (Part of Berkshire Hathaway)
Focus: Railroad Transportation
Ownership: 100% (through Berkshire Hathaway)
8 GEICO
Role: Subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway
Founded: 1936
Valuation: Not Publicly Traded (Part of Berkshire Hathaway)
Focus: Insurance
Ownership: 100% (through Berkshire Hathaway)
9 See’s Candies
Role: Subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway
Founded: 1921
Valuation: Not Publicly Traded (Part of Berkshire Hathaway)
Focus: Confectionery
Ownership: 100% (through Berkshire Hathaway)
10 Dairy Queen
Role: Subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway
Founded: 1940
Valuation: Not Publicly Traded (Part of Berkshire Hathaway)
Focus: Fast Food
Ownership: 100% (through Berkshire Hathaway)
Warren Buffett’s Business Investment Timeline
- 1962: Buffett began purchasing shares of Berkshire Hathaway, a textile manufacturing company, initially believing it was undervalued. He later recognized its potential as a vehicle for his investments.
- 1967: Berkshire Hathaway expanded into the insurance business, acquiring National Indemnity Company and National Fire & Marine Insurance Company, marking a significant shift in its business model.
- 1970s: Buffett’s investment strategy heavily focused on insurance, using the “float” (premiums collected before claims are paid) to fund further acquisitions. GEICO, a prominent auto insurer, became a key holding.
- 1983: Berkshire Hathaway made a substantial investment in Nebraska Furniture Mart, demonstrating Buffett’s interest in businesses with strong regional dominance and sound management.
- 1986: The acquisition of Scott Fetzer, a diversified manufacturing and distribution company, broadened Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio beyond insurance and investments.
- 1988: Buffett began acquiring a significant stake in The Coca-Cola Company, recognizing its powerful brand and consistent profitability, a holding that remains one of Berkshire’s largest.
- 1996: Berkshire Hathaway acquired GEICO in its entirety, solidifying its position in the insurance sector and providing a consistent source of capital.
- 1998: General Re, a reinsurance company, became part of Berkshire Hathaway, further strengthening its insurance operations and expanding its global reach.
- 2000s: Buffett’s investments expanded to include significant holdings in companies like Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF), demonstrating a focus on essential infrastructure and transportation.
- 2009: Berkshire Hathaway acquired a major stake in Burlington Northern Santa Fe, which was later fully acquired in 2010, marking one of Buffett’s largest acquisitions and a long-term bet on the American economy.
- 2010: Acquiring Lubrizol, a specialty chemical company, added another dimension to Berkshire’s diverse industrial holdings.
- 2015: Berkshire Hathaway made a significant investment in Precision Castparts Corp., a manufacturer of complex metal components, particularly for the aerospace industry, reflecting a move into high-value manufacturing.
- 2016: Berkshire Hathaway increased its stake in Apple Inc., initially a surprising move given Buffett’s traditional aversion to technology stocks, but later becoming one of its largest holdings due to Apple’s strong consumer brand and ecosystem.
- 2022: Berkshire Hathaway increased its stake in Occidental Petroleum, reflecting a strategic investment in the energy sector, highlighting a focus on companies with strong asset bases and cash flow.
- Ongoing: Buffett continues to oversee Berkshire Hathaway’s vast portfolio, emphasizing long-term value and disciplined investment, while also overseeing the company’s succession planning.