Subject: Re: Buffett sold more Apple
I think there is a misunderstanding, so let me rephrase my hypothesis:
The quarterly report says:
"In the preceding table, investment gains and losses on equity securities sold during the period represent the difference between the sales proceeds and the fair value of the equity securities sold at the beginning of the applicable period or, if later, the acquisition date."
To me, this means, for example, BRK held shares of XYZ worth $1,000 as of 3/31, which it sold in Q2 for $1,100. The table therefore includes $100 of gains, while the taxable gains are a lot more, i.e. the difference between the $1,100 and its original acquisition cost. Only if the securities were purchased during Q2, the gains shown in the table would be the "real" gains.