berkshire hathaway stock latest news: No buybacks, no bargains: Warren Buffett builds $344 billion war chest as Berkshire Hathaway sells stocks again

Berkshire Hathaway stock latest news: Berkshire Hathaway shares slipped more than 2% on Monday after Warren Buffett’s conglomerate reported a dip in operating earnings and confirmed it’s still sitting on a massive cash pile while continuing to sell stocks and halt share buybacks, as per a report.

Berkshire Hathaway Stock Falls After Q2 Earnings Drop

Operating earnings fell 4% year over year to $11.16 billion in the second quarter, dragged down largely by weaker insurance underwriting results, as reported by CNBC. While other businesses like railroads, energy, manufacturing, services, and retail posted higher profits than a year ago, but the drop in insurance underwriting dragged down overall results, according to the report.

Investors React to Lack of Share Buybacks and Market Activity

Investors appeared underwhelmed as both Berkshire’s Class A and B shares fell following the report, as per the CNBC report. The stock has now lost about 12% from its all-time high in early May, just before 94-year-old Buffett formally announced Greg Abel would take the reins as CEO at the end of 2025, according to CNBC.

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Kraft Heinz Write-Down Sparks Fresh Concerns Over Berkshire Hathaway’s Portfolio

In a move that raised concerns, Berkshire also revealed a big write-down for the firm’s underperforming Kraft Heinz stake, as per the report. The move came following reports that found that the consumer goods giant has been considering a spinoff of its grocery business, according to the CNBC report. The conglomerate for the first time recorded a loss of $3.8 billion from its 27% Kraft Heinz stake, as reported by CNBC.

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While two Berkshire executives had also stepped down as directors from Kraft Heinz’s board in May, according to the report.Bill Stone, CIO of The Glenview Trust Company and a Berkshire shareholder, said that “The investment had been carried on Berkshire’s books for more than its market value for some time,” adding, “Buffett has long acknowledged that he paid too much for Kraft Heinz, especially in light of the increased competition in the branded food category,” as quoted by CNBC.ALSO READ: Tesla in turmoil? Elon Musk admits he could be ousted, slams claims of loan ties to stock

Berkshire’s Cash Reserves Hit $344 Billion Amid Stock Sell-Off

Even Buffett’s cash hoard of $344.1 billion was maintained close to a record high, as Berkshire was a net seller of stocks for an 11th quarter in a row, dumping $4.5 billion in equities in the first six months of 2025, as reported by CNBC.

The firm also did not repurchase any stock in the first half of this year and through July 21, even though shares suffered a sizable correction, according to the report.

Analysts Say Lack Of Bold Moves In Q2 Disappointed Wall Street

Kyle Sanders, analyst at Edward Jones, wrote in a note that, “While we believe Mr. Abel will build credibility with investors over time, we think near-term catalysts for BRK are increased investment activity, a potential large acquisition, and share repurchases,” and added that “None of those happened this quarter, which we view as somewhat disappointing,” as quoted in the CNBC report.

FAQs

Why did Berkshire Hathaway stock fall this week?
Berkshire shares fell after the company posted a drop in operating earnings and didn’t announce any share buybacks or new investments.

How much cash is Berkshire holding now?
As of Q2 2025, Berkshire is sitting on a $344.1 billion cash pile, one of the largest in its history, as per the CNBC report.

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