DaVita Inc.

Symbol: DVA (NYSE)

Company Description:
DaVita is the largest provider of dialysis services in the United States, boasting market share of about 35% when measured by clinics. The firm operates over 3,000 facilities worldwide, mostly in the US, and treats about 280,000 patients globally each year. Government payers dominate US dialysis reimbursement. DaVita receives about two thirds of US sales at government (primarily Medicare) reimbursement rates, with the remainder coming from commercial insurers. While commercial insurers represent only about 10% of US patients treated, they represent nearly all of the profits generated by DaVita in the US dialysis business. Berkshire Hathaway owns about 45% of DaVita.