Berkshire Hathaway reported record annual earnings Saturday as its Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett warned Washington in his annual letter to shareholders to spend the company’s tax dollars wisely — and remember those who get the “short straws in life.”
Buffet’s conglomerate paid $26.8 billion in tax last year, the letter reveals.
“Uncle Sam … spend it wisely. Spend it wisely. Take care of the many who, for no fault of their own, get the short straws in life. They deserve better. Never forget that we need you to maintain a stable currency and that result requires both wisdom and vigilance on your part,” wrote Buffet.
“I thought honestly in a very subtle way that was a powerful message,” said CFRA Research analyst Cathy Seifert.
Operating earnings for 2024 were up 70% from 2023.
Berkshire now holds a record $334.2 billion cash, after selling off much of its Apple and Bank of America stock in the past year — almost double what it had a year ago.