巴菲特退休前为数不多的加仓又“爆雷”！什么信号？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent investment activities of Berkshire Hathaway in Pool Corporation, highlighting the challenges faced by the company and the broader implications for the U.S. economy, particularly in relation to consumer spending and market dynamics [2][10]. Group 1: Investment Activities - Berkshire Hathaway began investing in Pool Corporation in Q3 2024, acquiring 404,057 shares at an average price of approximately $345.95 [5]. - By Q4 2024, Berkshire increased its holdings by 48.17%, bringing the total to 598,689 shares [6]. - In Q1 2025, the stock price declined significantly, prompting Berkshire to increase its position by 144.53%, resulting in a total of 1,464,000 shares [7]. - The company continued to buy aggressively in Q2 2025, adding 1,994,885 shares, reaching a peak holding of 3,458,885 shares, representing 8.24% of Pool's total shares [7]. - However, in Q4 2025, Berkshire reduced its position by selling 390,000 shares, marking a shift in strategy as the stock price fell to an average of $259.34 [8][9]. Group 2: Pool Corporation's Financial Performance - Pool Corporation's Q4 2025 earnings report revealed revenues and earnings per share (EPS) below Wall Street expectations, leading to a significant stock sell-off [10]. - The company's net sales for 2025 were $5.289 billion, a decline from $5.311 billion in 2024, while net profit decreased by 6.4% to $406.4 million [11]. - Despite a slight improvement in gross margin, the overall financial health of Pool Corporation showed signs of deterioration, with operating cash flow dropping 44% to $365.9 million [12]. Group 3: Broader Economic Implications - The struggles of Pool Corporation reflect broader economic vulnerabilities in the U.S., particularly in consumer spending patterns, where the top 10% of earners account for nearly 49% of total consumer spending [13]. - The article highlights a concerning trend where the bottom 80% of earners have seen their spending power stagnate, contributing to a fragile economic environment [13]. - The reliance on stock market performance to drive consumer spending among the wealthy raises concerns about the sustainability of this economic model, especially in light of potential market corrections [15].