There are a few reasons why the cash stockpile swelled by nearly $40 billion. For one thing, Berkshire generated $13.5 billion in operating income as previously mentioned. Second, Berkshire didn't buy back any shares once again during the third quarter.

Berkshire Hathaway has a record-high cash reserve of $381.7 billion after increasing its third-quarter earnings by 34% from a year ago, the firm reported.

The conglomerate inches closer to Warren Buffett’s retirement as CEO with a record cash pile.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway saw a significant 17% profit jump, fueled by a robust insurance sector and strong investment returns. Despite the

Get the latest on Berkshire Hathaway's Q3 earnings, investment strategies, and the impact of policy shifts as Buffett transitions leadership.

KBW analysts downgraded Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B, BRK-A) to the equivalent of a Sell rating, just ahead of the company's earnings results on Saturday. KBW managing director and P&C insurance analyst Meyer Shields joins Market Domination Overtime to explain the downgrade and discuss the upcoming earnings report.

Insurance has always been the core of Berkshire Hathaway’s success. The premiums collected by its subsidiaries — from GEICO to its global reinsurance group — form the “float” that powers Mr. Buffett’s investments across stocks and businesses. That float totaled roughly US$171 billion last year, generating US$11 billion in underwriting profit.