Feb 22 (Reuters) - Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway ( BRK/A )

on Saturday posted its third straight record annual

operating profit, bolstered by large increases in underwriting

earnings and investment income in its insurance businesses.

Operating profit rose 27% to $47.44 billion in 2024 from

$37.35 billion a year earlier.

Fourth-quarter operating profit also set a record, rising

71% to $14.53 billion, or about $1,010 per Class A share, from

$8.48 billion a year earlier, reflecting gains in its insurance

operations and from foreign currency changes.

Quarterly net income totaled $19.69 billion, or $13,695 per

average equivalent share, as the value of Berkshire's holdings

in Apple ( AAPL ), American Express ( AXP ) and other stocks

increased. For the year, net income totaled $89 billion.