Berkshire Hathaway Holds Record 397 Billion Dollar Cash Reserve

Berkshire Hathaway holds a record 397 billion dollars in cash and short-term U.S. Treasury bills as of the end of the first quarter. This reserve represents the highest amount in the company's history as a share of its market value.

Under the leadership of Chairman Warren Buffett and CEO Greg Abel, the conglomerate has maintained a net-selling streak of stocks for over three years. In the first quarter alone, the company sold approximately 24 billion dollars in stocks while purchasing 16 billion dollars. This cautious investment posture coincides with market volatility triggered by recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran.

The cash reserve earns roughly 12 billion dollars annually in interest at yields near 3.7%. Buffett describes this position as optionality, intended to allow the company to move decisively when attractive investment opportunities emerge at lower prices.