Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway profits increase 45% despite near-record cash pile

Lack of 'exciting' investment opportunities

Lauren Mason
clock • 2 min read

‘Sage of Omaha’ Warren Buffett’s $173bn Berkshire Hathaway saw operating profits of $7.3bn during the final three months of 2021, despite sitting on an historically high cash pile of $146.7bn.

The results, which were driven by strong returns from Buffett's utility holdings and BNSF Railway, mark a 45% uptick compared to the same time period during the previous year, although Buffett by his own admission has found "little that excites us" in terms of where to allocate the rest of his capital. In a letter to shareholders published on Saturday (26 February), Buffett said: "Alas, there was little action… in 2021. We did, though, make reasonable progress in increasing the intrinsic value of your shares. That task has been my primary duty for 57 years. And it will continue to be." ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Stock market crashes – the rational and the emotions

Stock market crashes – the rational and the emotions

'Several characteristics associated with previous pre-crash periods are present today'

Paul Wood
clock 30 September 2026 • 5 min read
Baillie Gifford workforce faces 10% reduction following voluntary exit programme

Baillie Gifford workforce faces 10% reduction following voluntary exit programme

Around 160 roles vacated

clock 23 September 2026 • 1 min read
Nine SJP funds flagged for underperformance in AoV despite improvements on last year

Nine SJP funds flagged for underperformance in AoV despite improvements on last year

89% of assets given green light

Alex Sebastian
clock 22 September 2026 • 2 min read