Berkshire Hathaway reported a 16% increase in operating earnings in the second quarter, driven by growth in its energy, railroad, and manufacturing divisions, which offset weakness in its insurance segment.
Berkshire also repurchased $4.5 billion worth of its stock. While that amount is significantly higher than the previous quarter, it was still below some investors’ estimates.
CEO Greg Abel is actively utilizing the conglomerate’s significant cash reserves. Berkshire ended a 14-quarter period of net stock sales, recording close to $20 billion in net purchases over the last three months.
Berkshire’s report indicated that it had added over $21 billion worth of commercial, industrial, and other stocks to its portfolio, but the earnings report does not specify the stocks it purchased. That information will be released in a separate filing later this month.
Abel took over as CEO in January when Buffett retired after leading the company for six decades. However, Buffett remains chairman.
Berkshire shares are roughly 3% higher in 2026.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
