1. How does Mr. Buffett’s age affect Berkshire Hathaway’s recent strategic moves such as buying Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad instead of another large insurance company? 

2. What does his purchase of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad say about where Buffett thinks about global energy conservation trends? (Hint: How does the energy efficiency of shipping goods via rail compare with shipping goods via truck or airplane?) 

Berkshire Hathaway has an organizational culture that revolves around Warren Buffett, the “Oracle of Omaha.” Berkshire Hathaway’s business model has been to purchase insurance companies. Buffett, who has been a very savvy investor, has made a fortune from investing “float” money; that is, the insurance premiums taken in and held before they are paid out to settle claims. Recently the company started moving away from its traditional business and buying major industrial businesses instead.