ASX300 Investment Gems: Who Are the ‘Berkshire Hathaways’ of Australia?

May 16, 2025 11:02 AM AEST | By Team Kalkine Media

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ASX300 Investment Gems: Who Are the ‘Berkshire Hathaways’ of Australia? — Image source: shutterstock

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Highlights

Warren Buffett’s most lucrative move came at age 86 — there’s still time to act

Three Australian companies that mirror Berkshire Hathaway’s long-term approach

Get exposure to iconic firms like Apple and Berkshire via diversified ASX ETFs

As global markets remained relatively flat overnight—S&P 500 slightly up by 0.4% and Nasdaq slipping 0.2%—there’s growing attention on timeless investment wisdom from one of the world’s most renowned capital allocators: Warren Buffett.

Buffett, now 94, recently announced his decision to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B). Though he will continue as chairman and plans to remain active, the moment marks the end of an era. His legacy includes an eye-watering growth in Berkshire’s A shares, which now trade at over $750,000 each—up from just $10,000 in 1992.

Remarkably, his most profitable investment—Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)—was made when he was 86. This offers a strong reminder that opportunities exist at every stage of life, and time in the market often beats timing the market. Exposure to major US stocks like Apple and Berkshire is accessible locally through ETFs such as the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX:IVV) and Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX:NDQ).

These ETFs also fall under the umbrella of some of the most consistent ASX dividend stocks, which are popular among long-term investors for their income-generating potential. Learn more about these options on Kalkine Media’s overview of ASX dividend stocks.

Shifting focus to the ASX300 index, which includes Australia’s largest and most traded companies, there are local firms that embody the spirit of Berkshire Hathaway—long-term thinkers, strategic capital allocators, and operators of diverse business holdings. Here are three worth noting:

Washington H. Soul Pattinson & Co Ltd (ASX:SOL): A true veteran in Australia’s investment scene, this century-old conglomerate holds interests in public and private businesses, property, credit, and more. Its leadership is known for prudent capital management and generational thinking.

SGH Ltd (ASX:SGH): Previously known as Seven Group Holdings, SGH operates across industrials, energy, and media. Its portfolio includes full ownership of WesTrac, Coates, and Boral, and significant stakes in Beach Energy and Seven West Media.

Gowing Bros Ltd (ASX:GOW): This lesser-known, family-led investment firm has been managing wealth since 1868. Today, it’s focused on property development, listed equities, and credit. While smaller in scale, it maintains a focused, disciplined approach.

These companies are all part of the broader ASX300 index, a useful reference for tracking established Australian businesses. For an in-depth look at the ASX300, visit this Kalkine Media article.

As an old proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.” Investors reflecting on missed chances might find that what lies ahead can still be meaningful—with the right mindset and tools.

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