Berkshire Hathaway reported Saturday a huge year-over-year increase in operating earnings in the first quarter, while its cash holdings bubbled to record levels. The Warren Buffett-led conglomerate posted an operating profit — which encompasses earnings from the company’s wholly owned businesses — that surged 39% to $11.22 billion from the year-earlier period. That gain was led by a 185% year-on-year increase in insurance underwriting earnings to $2.598 billion from just $911 million. Geico earnings swelled 174% to $1.928 billion from $703 million a year prior. Insurance investment income also swelled 32% to more ... (full story)