Berkshire Hathaway reports Q3 2026 operating earnings down 5.8% to $12.7 billion
Berkshire Hathaway posted operating earnings of $12.705 billion for the third quarter of 2026, a 5.8% year‑over‑year decline, while net earnings fell 28% to $22.112 billion. Cash and equivalents rose to $377.4 billion and the company repurchased $9.6 billion of its own shares. Insurance underwriting earnings dropped to $1.352 billion and investment gains fell to $9.407 billion, but BNSF, energy and manufacturing segments posted higher earnings.
Why it matters
The decline in operating earnings and net earnings highlights weaker insurance performance and lower investment gains, which may affect Berkshire’s cash generation and dividend capacity. The $9.6 billion share repurchase indicates continued capital return to shareholders despite earnings pressure.
Key facts
- 1Operating earnings were $12.705 billion, down 5.8% YoY. econotimes.com
- 2Net earnings attributable to shareholders were $22.112 billion, down 28.2% YoY. finance.yahoo.com
- 3Cash, cash equivalents and short‑term U.S. Treasury bills totaled $377.4 billion. econotimes.com
- 4The company repurchased $9.6 billion of its own stock during the quarter. finance.yahoo.com
- 5Insurance underwriting earnings fell to $1.352 billion from $2.369 billion a year earlier. econotimes.com
- 6Investment gains were $9.407 billion, down from $17.311 billion a year earlier. econotimes.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 4 of 4 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.