Story perspectives

Berkshire Q1 Cash $397B, Buys Alphabet, Sells Visa

5/25/2026

Summary

Berkshire Hathaway Q1

Berkshire Hathaway, led by CEO Greg Abel, ended Q1 2024 with $397.4 billion in cash and Treasury bills.
It posted $11.35 billion operating earnings and $10.1 billion net earnings, bought $15.9 billion and sold $24.1 billion, leaving a $263.1 billion portfolio with the top ten holdings accounting for 90.72%.
Trades included a boost in Alphabet Class A, a Delta Air Lines stake, a cut in Chevron, and exits from Visa, Mastercard, UnitedHealth Group, Amazon.com and Charter Communications.

Summary

Abel Leads Berkshire

Greg Abel (CEO) became CEO in early 2026 after Warren Buffett (chairman) retired and pledged his $15 million salary to buy Berkshire Hathaway shares.
Berkshire Hathaway authorized up to $325 million of share buybacks to boost earnings per share.
Abel’s first annual report said he will focus on high-conviction holdings and sell 16 minor positions.
Berkshire re-entered Delta with a $2.8 billion stake, showing belief in the airline’s sustainable advantage.

History

Historical Context

Berkshire Hathaway’s habit of holding large cash balances dates back to the 1990s, and under Warren Buffett it funded landmark deals such as the $34 billion purchase of Burlington Northern Santa Fe in 2009. After Buffett named Greg Abel as successor in 2025, Abel assumed the CEO role in 2026, overseeing a $397 billion cash pile that continues to drive major acquisitions.

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Berkshire Hathaway Q1

Berkshire Hathaway, led by CEO Greg Abel, ended Q1 2024 with $397.4 billion in cash and Treasury bills.
It posted $11.35 billion operating earnings and $10.1 billion net earnings, bought $15.9 billion and sold $24.1 billion, leaving a $263.1 billion portfolio with the top ten holdings accounting for 90.72%.
Trades included a boost in Alphabet Class A, a Delta Air Lines stake, a cut in Chevron, and exits from Visa, Mastercard, UnitedHealth Group, Amazon.com and Charter Communications.

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