Berkshire Operating Earnings Rose 71% to $14.5 Billion in Fourth Quarter - Barron's
1. Operating earnings surged 71% in Q4, boosting insurance and investment income. 2. Record operating profit set; minimal share buybacks reflect strong market valuation. 3. Cash balance reached record high via substantial Apple equity sales. 4. Geico’s underwriting profit nearly doubled, driving overall insurance surge. 5. Mixed sector performance adds long-term risk to sustained growth.