For the first time since 2018, Buffett’s company didn’t buy back any stock in the quarter, according to FactSet.

For 2024, American Express expects its revenue to increase 9% as its EPS rises 23% to 25%. It attributes that growth to the stabilizing U.S. economy, its growing adoption among higher-income Gen Z and millennial shoppers, and its international expansion.

It is indeed interesting that Berkshire now holds $320 billion in cash vs just $272 billion in equity investments. Put another way, Buffett is holding more cash than stocks. "That’s a lot of firepower if markets see a sustained drop," notes Colas. "While Berkshire is not especially expensive, its multiple may be worrisome to a value investor ."