Berkshire Hathaway, under CEO Greg Abel, has reported a significant increase in share repurchases during the third quarter of 2026, buying back $9.6 billion in stock—more than double the $4.5 billion repurchased in the previous quarter. This brings the company’s total share buybacks for the year to approximately $14.4 billion.
Despite this aggressive buyback strategy, the conglomerate experienced a decline in both operating and overall profits. Operating earnings from its wholly-owned businesses fell by 5.8% year-over-year to $12.705 billion, primarily due to a sharp 43% drop in profits from its insurance segment. Insurance investment income also decreased by 14%, totaling $2.734 billion. On the broader scale, overall earnings dropped 28% from $30.796 billion a year ago to $22.112 billion, largely attributed to nearly 50% lower investment gains, which amounted to $9.407 billion.
Conversely, growth was noted in Berkshire’s railroad, energy, and manufacturing sectors, contributing positively to its financial outlook. Notably, Berkshire’s stock has outperformed the S&P 500 amid a notable shift away from technology stocks. Class A shares increased by over 12% in the past month, contrasting with a 5.5% decline in the S&P 500. Year-to-date, Berkshire’s stock has risen by 13%, whereas the broader index is up 7.8%.
Berkshire Hathaway’s cash reserves grew by 3% during this period, reaching $377.435 billion, although adjusted cash holdings showed a slight decline of 1.9%. The company’s primary equity holdings—Alphabet, American Express, Apple, Bank of America, and Coca-Cola—remained unchanged.
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