| Valuation method | Value, € | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 258.60 | -36 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 247.98 | -38 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | 405.70 | 1 |
| Graham Formula | 358.80 | -11 |
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRYN.DE) is a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, with a diversified portfolio spanning insurance, railroads, utilities, manufacturing, retail, and services. Listed on the Deutsche Börse (XETRA), the company operates through subsidiaries in key sectors, including GEICO (insurance), BNSF Railway (freight transport), and Berkshire Hathaway Energy (utilities). With a market capitalization exceeding €961 billion, Berkshire Hathaway is renowned for its disciplined capital allocation under Warren Buffett’s leadership. The company’s business model combines cash-generating insurance operations (float-driven investments) with long-term holdings in stable industries like utilities and industrials. Its decentralized structure allows subsidiaries to operate independently while benefiting from Berkshire’s financial strength. The company’s sector-agnostic approach and focus on intrinsic value make it a unique player in financial services and beyond.
Berkshire Hathaway offers investors exposure to a resilient, diversified portfolio with low correlation to broader markets (beta: 0.87). Strengths include a fortress balance sheet (€47.7B cash), consistent earnings (€89B net income in FY2024), and a proven capital-reinvestment strategy. However, its size limits high-growth opportunities, and succession risks post-Buffett remain a concern. The lack of dividends may deter income-focused investors, but the company’s buyback program and compounding equity portfolio provide alternative value creation. Its utility and rail segments offer inflation-resistant cash flows, while insurance underwriting margins are cyclical. Trading at a premium, BRYN.DE suits long-term investors seeking low-volatility, compounder exposure.
Berkshire Hathaway’s competitive advantage stems from its unique conglomerate structure, which combines insurance float (a low-cost capital source) with disciplined acquisitions of cash-generating businesses. Unlike pure-play insurers or industrials, Berkshire’s diversification mitigates sector-specific risks. Its railroad (BNSF) and energy utilities enjoy near-monopolistic positions in North America, with high barriers to entry. The company’s brand and financial heft allow it to negotiate favorable terms in acquisitions (e.g., Precision Castparts, Clayton Homes). However, its decentralized model can limit operational synergies. Competitors in insurance (e.g., Chubb) or rail (e.g., Union Pacific) may outperform in niche segments, but Berkshire’s scale and Buffett’s capital-allocation track record are unmatched. Its lack of dividend payouts contrasts with peers like Allianz, potentially narrowing its investor base. Regulatory risks in utilities and railroads pose long-term challenges.