Home / Business and Economy / Abel's Berkshire Hathaway Roars: Earnings Surge 16%
Abel's Berkshire Hathaway Roars: Earnings Surge 16%
7 Sep
Summary
- Berkshire's operating earnings increased 16% in the second quarter under CEO Greg Abel.
- The company holds approximately $365 billion in cash and U.S. Treasury bills.
- Recent acquisitions include OxyChem for $9.4 billion and Taylor Morrison for $6.8 billion.
Berkshire Hathaway has experienced a robust start to the year under CEO Greg Abel, with second-quarter operating earnings climbing 16% year-over-year. The company's market value is estimated at $1.1 trillion, with its stock trading around $505.
Operating earnings, which exclude volatile investment gains and losses, reached approximately $13 billion in the second quarter and $24.3 billion for the first half of 2026. This marks a rebound after a 6% dip in operating earnings during 2025, primarily due to weaker insurance results.
Greg Abel is actively managing Berkshire's significant cash reserves, which stood at roughly $365 billion midyear. Recent significant transactions include the $9.4 billion acquisition of chemicals maker OxyChem in January and the $6.8 billion purchase of homebuilder Taylor Morrison in late July. The company also repurchased $4.5 billion of its stock in the second quarter, a decision now made in consultation with chairman Warren Buffett.
