No. of Recommendations: 4
As mentioned in another thread...
WEBspired writes on M* Gregg Warren- BRK comments...there is a possibility that a lot of the disposals, perhaps including this one, may have been related to the newish minimum tax rules. If they hadn't taxably realized enough profits they'd have had to pay tax on *unrealized* gains.
I don't know the new rules well, but I sure wish I knew if this was a material part of the reason. Maybe raising the huge cash pile shouldn't be interpreted as particularly bearish or safety-oriented move on the part of Mr Buffett. He's happy for the firm to pay tax, but he's also happy to arrange matters so the number isn't bigger than it has to be.
Jim
