TLDR
- Q1 operating earnings fell 14% to $9.64 billion
- Net earnings plunged to $4.6 billion from $12.7 billion last year
- Insurance underwriting profit halved due to catastrophe claims
- BNSF Railway and energy units delivered steady gains
- Cash pile reached a record $347.7 billion
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK-B) stock closed at $539.80 on May 2, gaining 1.80%.
However, the stock has reported a disappointing first-quarter performance.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.( BRK-B)
Warren Buffett’s conglomerate posted operating earnings of $9.64 billion, down 14% year-over-year, as insurance losses and volatile markets dented results. Net earnings dropped sharply to $4.6 billion, compared to $12.7 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting a $5 billion investment loss this quarter. Berkshire is slated to report its next earnings between late July and early August 2025.
Insurance Woes Drag Down Profits
Berkshire’s insurance operations were the main source of weakness in Q1. Underwriting profit fell to $1.34 billion from $2.60 billion last year, as catastrophe claims surged. While insurance investment income held steady at $2.89 billion, the hefty underwriting losses dragged down overall earnings.
The volatility in Berkshire’s investment portfolio also hit the bottom line. The company recorded a $5 billion investment loss this quarter, a stark reversal from the $1.5 billion gain booked in the same period last year. These swings are a reminder of the market-sensitive nature of Buffett’s investment-driven model.
$BRK Berkshire Hathaway Q1 FY25.
“The one problem with the investment business is that things don’t come along in an orderly fashion.” ~ Warren Buffett.
• Net profit $4.7B.
• Segment margin 13% (-1pp Y/Y).
• Investment losses (unrealized) $6.4B.
• Cash and short-term… pic.twitter.com/MO5OJssKvO— App Economy Insights (@EconomyApp) May 3, 2025
Rail and Energy Units Steady the Ship
Amid the insurance turbulence, some of Berkshire’s key operating units provided stability. BNSF Railway posted a solid $1.21 billion in earnings, slightly ahead of last year. Berkshire Hathaway Energy delivered a standout performance, with profits jumping 53% to $1.10 billion thanks to higher utility rates and strong renewables output.
The company’s vast manufacturing, service, and retail group was flat year-over-year at $3.06 billion, while its other operations slipped to just $41 million, down from $1.08 billion, as float income dipped.
Cash Hoard Hits New Record
Despite the soft start to 2025, Berkshire’s balance sheet remains a fortress. The company ended the quarter with a record $347.7 billion in cash, equivalents, and short-term securities. Buffett and vice chairman Greg Abel signaled they are on the lookout for specialty insurance acquisitions and industrial bolt-ons, though they remain patient, waiting for the right opportunities.
With this massive cash pile, Berkshire is well-positioned to pounce when market dislocations arise. Investors will be watching closely for signs of a clean underwriting quarter or a potential acquisition that could reinvigorate BRK-B shares after this subdued performance.
