Known Berkshire Hathaway holdings

We often get asked for information on which companies Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway have bought in to, and which companies they own outright.
The known holdings of Berkshire Hathaway are many and varied and some information can be gleaned from their 2002 balance sheet. Whether the holdings shown at that time remain will only be known when the next annual general meeting takes place in May 2004, and at that time we will update this list (subscribe to our newsletter to be sure that you are informed when this article is updated).
Berkshire Hathaway had, as of 2002, holdings in the following companies.

Companies Berkshire Hathaway owns

GEICO - Primarily a motor insurance company, reputedly number 6 in America which provided earnings to Berkshire in 2002 of 271 million dollars. (Read our history of GEICO)
General Re - One of the largest reinsurers in the world, which contributed negatively to Berkshire’s earnings in 2002.
Shaw Industries - Makes tufted broadloom carpet. A good contributor to Berkshire in 2002 to the tune of 258 million dollars.
Nebraska Furniture Mart - This originally family owned company’s store in Omaha is the largest of its kind in the USA, and probably the world. Its new store in Kansas City will, with 450,000 square feet, be Number 2. The story of this company is a Warren Buffet classic and can be found here  Berkshire also owns R.C. Willey Home Furnishings, Star Furniture, and Jordan’s Furniture.
Borsheim’s Jewelry - This is another classic Buffett company. Berkshire also owns Helzberg Diamond Shops.
Benjamin Moore - This company makes and sells architectural and industrial coatings.
Johns Manville - This company makes and sells insulation and building products.
Acme Building Brands - Makes face brick and concrete masonry products.
MiTek Inc - A manufacturer of steel connector products and engineering software.
Fruit of the Loom - This apparel company has about one third of the US market for men and boy’s underwear.
Garan - This company makes and distributes children’s wear under the brand name Garanimals.
Fechheimer
H.H. Brown - A leading manufacturer and seller of shoes
Justin Brands - Another shoe maker which has been improving its margins over the years.
Dexter - This shoe maker has been turned around from a loser to a winner.
Scott Fetzer - This company makes commercial and industrial products under the brand names of Kirby and Campbell Hausfeld brand names and put 83 million dollars into Berkshire’s coffers in 2002.
FlightSafety International - Provides training for aircraft and ship operators.
NetJets - NetJets provides fractional ownership programs for general aviation aircraft and is the market leader. The flight services sector of Berkshire added 133 million dollars in 2002.
The Buffalo News
See’s Candies - This famous company will sell you candy at its stores or over the Internet.
Albecca - A company that designs, makes and sells high-quality picture framing products under the name Larson-Juhl.
CTB International - A leading manufacturer of equipment for the livestock and agricultural industries
International Dairy Queen - A well known franchise, with over 6000 outlets.
The Pampered Chef - A recent acquisition and reputedly the largest direct seller of house ware products in America. This company sells a lot of its products through home parties a la Tupperware.

Mid American Energy Holdings - This company Holds gaslines in Wyoming and the Mid-West of the USA.

Substantial holdings in other companies

As at the date of the 2002 Annual General Meeting, Berkshire Hathaway had substantial holdings in the following companies.

• American Express Company
• The Coca-Cola Company
• The Gillette Company
• H&R Block, Inc
• M&T Bank
• Moody’s Corporation
• The Washington Post Company
• Wells Fargo & Company

It also held stock in other companies to the value of $5,383 million .