Berkshire cash reserves exceed $350 billion, reaching a company-record high level recently

On April 22, the crypto community account Crypto Rover (@cryptorover) posted on X, comparing Berkshire Hathaway’s current cash holdings to similar situations before the 1999 dot-com bubble and before the 2007 global financial crisis. According to Berkshire Hathaway’s latest publicly disclosed financial filing, the company currently holds more than $350 billion in cash and short-term assets.

Berkshire Hathaway’s Cash Holdings Breakdown

According to Berkshire Hathaway’s financial disclosures, the company’s current combination of cash and short-term assets totals more than $350 billion, one of the highest records in recent years. The holdings are mainly allocated to U.S. short-term Treasury securities, balancing liquidity and fixed income.

Discussion on Historical Data Comparisons Triggered by Crypto Rover’s Post

According to a post published by Crypto Rover (@cryptorover) on X on April 22, the author listed three major periods of large-scale cash accumulation in Berkshire Hathaway’s history:

1999: A massive increase in cash reserves, followed by the dot-com bubble bursting in 2000

2007: Cash reserves accumulated again, followed by the global financial crisis erupting in 2008

2026 (current): Cash reserves reach $350 billion

In the post, Crypto Rover claims that in the first two cases above, “mainstream stocks fell 80% to 90%.” The complete historical data and calculation method for the post are not accompanied by independent source citations in the original post.

Berkshire Hathaway’s Historical Cash Allocation Record

According to Berkshire Hathaway’s annual reports over the years and Warren Buffett’s letters to shareholders, Buffett did in fact increase cash and short-term Treasury holdings during periods of elevated market valuations. In 1999, Berkshire’s cash holdings rose significantly during a time when tech stock valuations were soaring. Before the outbreak of the 2007 financial crisis, Berkshire again increased its cash allocation, and after the market pulled back sharply in 2008 and 2009, it actively pursued equity acquisitions, including preferred stock investments in Goldman Sachs and General Electric.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the data source for Berkshire Hathaway’s $350 billion cash holdings?

According to Berkshire Hathaway’s latest publicly disclosed financial filing, the company’s cash and short-term assets exceed $350 billion. The specific figure is based on the latest quarterly report (10-Q) or annual report (10-K), and is primarily allocated to U.S. short-term Treasury securities.

Is the comparative data from 1999 and 2007 in Crypto Rover’s post supported by any official sources?

According to Crypto Rover’s April 22 X platform post, the comparative data was compiled by the author themselves, and the post itself does not include specific source citations from Berkshire’s official reports or from independent third-party research organizations.

What records exist regarding Berkshire Hathaway’s historical actions in 2008 to 2009?

According to Berkshire Hathaway’s annual reports over the years, during the 2008 to 2009 global financial crisis, Buffett used cash reserves to complete large-scale preferred stock investments in companies such as Goldman Sachs and General Electric. The details of the related transactions were disclosed in the company’s annual financial statements.