🔊CEOInterviews

Warren Buffett on utility industry investment

From Warren Buffett shares his insights on the public utility space · · CNBC Television

“And I would say that our enthusiasm for buying public utility companies is different than it now than it would be would have been a couple years ago. That happens in other industries too, but it's pretty dramatic in public utilities. And it's particularly dramatic in public utilities because they are going to need lots of money. So, if you're going to need lots of money, you probably ought to behave in a way that encourages people to give you lots of money.”

Warren Buffett
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & President, Berkshire Hathaway
Policy Impact utility industry investmentcapital requirementsregulatory environment

On , Warren Buffett, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & President at Berkshire Hathaway, spoke about utility industry investment during Warren Buffett shares his insights on the public utility space on CNBC Television.

Warren Buffett shares his insights on the public utility space
Watch on YouTube at 4:46
Warren Buffett shares his insights on the public utility space
CNBC Television
Watch on YouTube at 4:46
Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett presides over the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting.
Warren Buffett

About Warren Buffett

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & President · Berkshire Hathaway

Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, said at the company’s 2026 annual shareholder meeting that the transition of CEO duties to Greg Abel is “all working” and that Abel is “doing everything I did and then some.” Buffett described the current environment for deploying Berkshire’s cash as “not ideal,” noting that the company has roughly $380 billion in cash on hand. He characterized much of today’s market activity as “gambling,” comparing the markets to “a church with a casino attached” and stating that “the casino’s gotten very attractive to people.” He said that buying one-day options is “not investing” and “not speculating,” but “gambling.” Buffett also reflected on Berkshire’s $35 billion investment in Apple, which he said has grown to about $185 billion pre-tax over ten years. He praised Tim Cook’s leadership, saying Cook “succeeded a legend” in Steve Jobs and calling Cook’s record “one of the miracles of American business management.” In a separate interview, Buffett said his message to shareholders and partners is to follow the golden rule: “Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you.” He added that he has not learned new industries in recent years and that he understands fewer businesses as a percentage of the whole than he did a decade ago.

Profile compiled from Warren Buffett's verified public interviews and appearances. See all quotes & transcripts →

More from Warren Buffett Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B) Full Transcript Explore All Executives