Berkshire Hathaway accelerates Q3 2026 share repurchases to a record $9.6 billion
In the third quarter of 2026 Berkshire Hathaway repurchased $9.6 billion of its own stock, the largest quarterly buyback in its history. Operating earnings fell about 6% year‑over‑year to $12.7 billion, driven by weaker insurance underwriting and lower investment gains. Cash and Treasury bills stood at $356.9 billion at quarter‑end, down from $380.2 billion six months earlier. New CEO Greg Abel oversaw the accelerated repurchases while Warren Buffett remains chairman emeritus.
Why it matters
The company says the buyback reflects management’s view that the shares trade below intrinsic value, which should reduce share count and support earnings per share. Investors can expect a modest boost to per‑share metrics but must absorb the lower operating earnings.
Key facts
- 1Berkshire repurchased $9.6 billion of its own stock in Q3 2026. seekingalpha.com
- 2Operating earnings declined 6% year‑over‑year to $12.7 billion. tradingview.com
- 3Cash and Treasury bills were $356.9 billion at the end of September. bdnews24.com
- 4Greg Abel became CEO on January 1 2026 and is leading the accelerated buybacks. 247wallst.com
- 5Warren Buffett remains chairman emeritus, with his son Howard named chairman in September 2026. bdnews24.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 16 of 16 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.