Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway delivered one other record-breaking 12 months, with working revenue surging 27% to $47.44 billion in 2024, up from $37.35 billion the 12 months earlier than. The corporate’s robust efficiency was pushed by positive factors in insurance coverage underwriting and funding earnings.
The fourth quarter was significantly robust, with working revenue leaping 71% to $14.53 billion, or about $1,010 per Class A share. Internet earnings for the quarter reached $19.69 billion, boosted by positive factors in Apple, American Categorical, and different fairness holdings. For the total 12 months, Berkshire’s internet earnings totaled $89 billion.
Buffett highlighted the corporate’s important tax contributions, revealing that Berkshire paid $26.8 billion to the US authorities in 2024 — greater than another company, together with trillion-dollar tech corporations. This amounted to five% of all company tax income collected within the nation.
The Oracle of Omaha additionally revealed a serious shift in Berkshire’s portfolio: Apple is now not its largest holding. Regardless of Apple’s inventory rising 30% in 2024, Berkshire’s stake within the tech big fell by over $104 billion, making American Categorical its high holding.
Trying forward, Buffett reaffirmed his desire for shares over bonds, stating that Berkshire’s large $334.2 billion money reserve shall be deployed into equities moderately than fixed-income investments.
Warren Buffett began shopping for Berkshire Hathaway inventory in 1962 for simply $7.60 per share. Over the a long time, his funding acumen and refusal to separate the inventory turned it into the world’s most costly share. On Friday, Berkshire’s Class A inventory closed at a staggering $718,750, whereas its extra inexpensive Class B shares traded at $478.74.
To mark his 60 years on the helm, Buffett is providing shareholders an opportunity to buy a particular anniversary e-book on the annual assembly, that includes untold tales and classes from Berkshire’s historical past.
(With inputs from companies)
