Berkshire advances in the over -the -out of profits, but the questions persist about cash

Berkshire Hathaway The actions obtained an impulse after the conglomerate of Warren Buffett reported an increase in operational profits, but the shareholders who expected news of what will happen with their huge pile of cash could be disappointed.

The class A actions of the father of Geico and BNSF Railway, based in OMAHA, jumped almost 4% on Monday after the Berkshire profit report on Saturday. Berkshire’s operational benefit, profits from the company’s absolute property businesses, Skyrock shot 71% at $ 14.5 billion In the fourth quarter, helped by the Insurance Subscription, where the profits increased by 302% from the most annual period, to $ 3.4 billion.

However, Berkshire’s investment of his portfolio holdings decreased sharply, in the fourth quarter, to $ 5.2 billion of $ 29.1 billion in the period of year and more. Berkshire sold more shares than he bought for a ninth consecutive quarter in the three months of last year, which takes the total sale of shares to more than $ 134 billion in 2024. In particular, Buffett of 94 years has been reducing aggressively The two largest capital of Berkshire Holdings – Apple and Bank of America.

As a result of the sales spree, the gigantic Berkshire cash battery grew to another record, $ 334.2 billion, compared to $ 325.2 billion at the end of the third quarter.

In the annual Buffett letter, The “Olaha Oracle” said that raising a record amount of cash did not reflect an attenuation of his love for buying shares and businesses.

“Despite what some commentators currently see as an extraordinary position in cash in Berkshire, the vast majority of their money remains in actions,” Buffet wrote. “That preference will not change.”

He hinted that high assessments were the reason to sit in his hands in the middle of a furious upward market, saying “often, nothing seems convincing.” Buffett also supported Greg Abel’s ability, his chosen successor, to choose capital opportunities, even comparing it with the deceased Charlie Muger.

Meanwhile, the arrest of Berkshire’s repurchase is still in place, since the conglomerate repurchase zero actions in the fourth quarter and in the first quarter of this year, until February 10.

Some investors and analysts expressed their impatience with the lack of action and continued waiting for an explanation, while others have faith in the conservative position of Buffet will pave the way for great opportunities in the next recession.

“Shareholders must feel comfortable to know that the company continues to be achieved to survive and emerge stronger from any economic or market recession being in a financial position to take advantage of opportunities during a crisis,” said Bill Stone, investment director of Genview Trust Company and a Berkshire shareholder.

Berkshire leaves a strong year, when he recovered from 25.5% in 2024, surpassing the S&P 500, the best since 2021. The action has increased more than 5% until now in 2025.

Correction: The successor chosen by Buffett is Greg Abel. An earlier version wrote his name badly.