Sector: Financials|Industry: Insurance - Diversified|Market Cap: $1.10T|Employees: 392K
Berkshire Hathaway Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the insurance, freight rail transportation, and utility businesses worldwide. The company provides property, casualty, life, accident, and health insurance and reinsurance; and operates railroad systems in North America. It also generates, transmits, stores, and distributes electricity from natural gas, coal, wind, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear, and geothermal sources; operates natural gas distribution and storage facilities, interstate pipelines, liquefied natural gas facilities, and compressor and meter stations; and holds interest in coal mining assets. In addition, the company manufactures boxed chocolates and other confectionery products; specialty chemicals, metal cutting tools, and components for aerospace and power generation applications; flooring products; insulation, roofing, and engineered products; building and engineered components; paints and coatings; and bricks and masonry products, as well as offers manufactured and site-built home construction, and related lending and financial services. Further, it provides recreational vehicles, apparel and footwear products, jewelry, and custom picture framing products, as well as alkaline batteries; castings, forgings, fasteners/fastener systems, aerostructures, and precision components; and cobalt, nickel, and titanium alloys. Additionally, the company distributes televisions and information; franchises and services quick service restaurants; distributes electronic components; and offers logistics services, grocery and foodservice distribution services, and professional aviation training and shared aircraft ownership programs. It also retails automobiles; furniture, bedding, and accessories; household appliances, electronics, and computers; jewelry, watches, crystal, china, stemware, flatware, gifts, and collectibles; kitchenware; and motorcycle clothing and equipment. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders decreased from $12.702 billion in Q1 2024 to $4.603 billion in Q1 2025, primarily due to a $6.435 billion investment loss compared to a $1.876 billion investment gain in the prior year. This volatility highlights the impact of market fluctuations on Berkshire's earnings.
Pre-tax underwriting earnings decreased from $3.326 billion in Q1 2024 to $1.722 billion in Q1 2025. This decline was largely driven by significant losses from the Southern California wildfires, impacting the insurance underwriting segment.
BNSF's net earnings increased from $1.143 billion to $1.214 billion, reflecting a slight increase despite a revenue increase from $5.644 billion to $5.676 billion. Improved operating efficiencies contributed to the earnings growth.