STOCK TITAN

Berkshire Hathaway Q3 operating earnings fall to $12.7B

Berkshire acquired approximately $9.6 billion in treasury shares during the third quarter, bringing the nine-month total to about $14.4 billion.

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Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. reported earnings for the third quarter and first nine months ended September 30, 2026. Third-quarter net earnings attributable to shareholders were $22.112 billion, compared with $30.796 billion in 2025; third-quarter operating earnings were $12.705 billion, versus $13.485 billion. For the first nine months, net earnings were $57.885 billion, versus $47.769 billion, while operating earnings were $37.034 billion, compared with $34.286 billion.

Investment gains were $9.407 billion in Q3 2026, versus $17.311 billion a year earlier, and $20.851 billion for the first nine months, versus $17.243 billion. Berkshire noted that GAAP includes changes in unrealized gains and losses on equity securities in investment gains (losses), and that investment gains in a quarter are not indicative of quarterly business performance. Berkshire acquired approximately $9.6 billion in treasury shares during Q3 and about $14.4 billion during the first nine months. Insurance float was approximately $178.5 billion at September 30, 2026, an increase of approximately $2.1 billion since year-end 2025.

2 points · 0 major

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Rhea-AI Sentiment measures something else, the tone of the wording.

0 major · 2 points

How the balance works

Positive

  • Minor pointFirst-nine-month net earnings were $57.885 billion, versus $47.769 billion in 2025.
  • Minor pointFirst-nine-month operating earnings were $37.034 billion, versus $34.286 billion in 2025.

Negative

  • Moderate pointThird-quarter net earnings were $22.112 billion, versus $30.796 billion in 2025.
  • Moderate pointThird-quarter operating earnings were $12.705 billion, versus $13.485 billion in 2025.
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Third-quarter net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders $22.112 billion Third quarter 2026; $30.796 billion in third quarter 2025
Third-quarter operating earnings $12.705 billion Third quarter 2026; $13.485 billion in third quarter 2025
First-nine-month net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders $57.885 billion First nine months of 2026; $47.769 billion in 2025
First-nine-month operating earnings $37.034 billion First nine months of 2026; $34.286 billion in 2025
Investment gains $9.407 billion Third quarter 2026; $17.311 billion in third quarter 2025
Treasury shares acquired Approximately $9.6 billion Third quarter 2026
Insurance float Approximately $178.5 billion At September 30, 2026; increased approximately $2.1 billion since year-end 2025
operating earnings financial
"operating earnings defined as net earnings exclusive of investment gains (losses)"
Operating earnings are the profit a company generates from its core business activities after subtracting everyday costs like wages, rent, and materials but before interest, taxes and one‑time gains or losses. Think of it as the result of running the business day to day—like a household’s monthly budget outcome before mortgage interest or a sudden unexpected bill—and investors use it to judge how healthy and repeatable a company’s core profit is.
investment gains (losses) financial
"changes in unrealized gains (losses) of our equity security investments"
Investment gains (losses) are the increase or decrease in the value of money placed into assets such as stocks, bonds or real estate, calculated by comparing what you paid (plus any income like interest or dividends) to what you receive when you sell or if the asset’s market price changes. They matter to investors because they determine actual profit or shortfall, influence portfolio decisions, cash flow and tax obligations, and signal whether holdings are performing like a growing plant or a wilting one.
insurance float financial
"insurance float (the net liabilities we assume under insurance contracts)"
Insurance float is the pool of premium money an insurer holds between receiving payments from customers and paying out claims, which the insurer can invest in the meantime. For investors, float is important because it acts like an interest-free or low-cost source of capital that can boost investment returns and company profitability if managed well, but it also signals potential risk if claims rise or reserves are underfunded—think of it as a temporary, investable cash balance that must be handled responsibly.
Third-quarter net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders $22.112 billion Compared with $30.796 billion in third quarter 2025
Third-quarter operating earnings $12.705 billion Compared with $13.485 billion in third quarter 2025
First-nine-month net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders $57.885 billion Compared with $47.769 billion in the first nine months of 2025
First-nine-month operating earnings $37.034 billion Compared with $34.286 billion in the first nine months of 2025

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What were BRK's third-quarter 2026 net and operating earnings?

BRK reported third-quarter 2026 net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders of $22.112 billion and operating earnings of $12.705 billion. The corresponding 2025 figures were $30.796 billion and $13.485 billion. For the first nine months, net earnings were $57.885 billion and operating earnings were $37.034 billion.

How much did Berkshire spend on treasury shares in 2026?

Berkshire acquired approximately $9.6 billion in treasury shares during the third quarter of 2026, bringing the total for the first nine months to about $14.4 billion.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (D)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED) November 7, 2026

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

 

 

 

 

Delaware

001-14905

47-0813844

(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION

OF INCORPORATION)

(COMMISSION

FILE NUMBER)

(I.R.S. EMPLOYER

IDENTIFICATION NO.)

 

 

 

3555 Farnam Street

Omaha, Nebraska

68131

(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

(ZIP CODE)

(402) 346-1400

REGISTRANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

 

Title of each class

Trading

Symbols

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Class A Common Stock

BRK.A

New York Stock Exchange

Class B Common Stock

BRK.B

New York Stock Exchange

1.125% Senior Notes due 2027

BRK27

New York Stock Exchange

2.150% Senior Notes due 2028

BRK28

New York Stock Exchange

1.500% Senior Notes due 2030

BRK30

New York Stock Exchange

2.000% Senior Notes due 2034

BRK34

New York Stock Exchange

1.625% Senior Notes due 2035

BRK35

New York Stock Exchange

2.375% Senior Notes due 2039

BRK39

New York Stock Exchange

0.500% Senior Notes due 2041

BRK41

New York Stock Exchange

2.625% Senior Notes due 2059

BRK59

New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 


ITEM 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On November 7, 2026, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. issued a press release announcing the Company’s earnings for the third quarter and first nine months ended September 30, 2026. A copy of this press release is furnished with this report as an exhibit to this Form 8-K.

 

ITEM 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibit 99.1

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Earnings Release Dated November 7, 2026

Exhibit 104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

2

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

November 9, 2026

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

 

/s/ Chuck C. Chang

 

By: Chuck C. Chang

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

3

 


Exhibit 99.1

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 7, 2026

 

Omaha, NE (BRK.A; BRK.B) –

 

Berkshire’s operating results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2026 and 2025 are summarized in the following paragraphs. However, we urge investors and reporters to read our 10-Q, which has been posted at www.berkshirehathaway.com. The limited information that follows in this press release is not adequate for making an informed investment judgment.

Earnings of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries for the third quarter and first nine months of 2026 and 2025 are summarized below. Earnings are stated on an after-tax basis. (Dollar amounts are in millions, except for per share amounts).

 

 

Third Quarter

 

 

First Nine Months

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders

$

22,112

 

 

$

30,796

 

 

$

57,885

 

 

$

47,769

 

Net earnings includes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment gains (losses)

 

9,407

 

 

 

17,311

 

 

 

20,851

 

 

 

17,243

 

Other-than-temporary impairment of
      investment in Kraft Heinz

 

—

 

 

 

—

 

 

 

—

 

 

 

(3,760

)

Operating earnings

 

12,705

 

 

 

13,485

 

 

 

37,034

 

 

 

34,286

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders

$

22,112

 

 

$

30,796

 

 

$

57,885

 

 

$

47,769

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per average equivalent Class A Share

$

15,502

 

 

$

21,413

 

 

$

40,377

 

 

$

33,214

 

Net earnings per average equivalent Class B Share

$

10.33

 

 

$

14.28

 

 

$

26.92

 

 

$

22.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding

 

1,426,372

 

 

 

1,438,223

 

 

 

1,433,603

 

 

 

1,438,223

 

Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding

 

2,139,557,257

 

 

 

2,157,335,139

 

 

 

2,150,404,500

 

 

 

2,157,335,139

 

Note: Per share amounts for Class B shares are 1/1,500thof those shown for Class A shares.

In the table above, investment gains (losses) in each period predominantly relate to our investments in equity securities. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) require that we include the changes in unrealized gains (losses) of our equity security investments as a component of investment gains (losses) in our earnings statements. Investment gains (losses) in 2026 include gains of $7.7 billion in the third quarter and $11.6 billion in the first nine months and in 2025 include gains of $9.2 billion in the third quarter and $3.3 billion in the first nine months due to changes during the third quarter and the first nine months in the unrealized gains that existed in our equity security investment holdings. Investment gains (losses) in 2026 also include after-tax realized gains on sales of investments of $1.7 billion in the third quarter and $9.3 billion in the first nine months and in 2025 include $8.1 billion in the third quarter and $14.6 billion in the first nine months. Investment gains (losses) in the table above also include losses of $0.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 from other investments.

The amount of investment gains (losses) in any given quarter is usually meaningless and delivers figures for net earnings per share that can be extremely misleading to investors who have little or no knowledge of accounting rules.


An analysis of Berkshire’s operating earnings follows (dollar amounts are in millions).

 

Third Quarter

 

 

First Nine Months

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

Insurance – underwriting

$

1,352

 

 

$

2,369

 

 

$

4,800

 

 

$

5,697

 

Insurance – investment income

 

2,734

 

 

 

3,181

 

 

 

8,472

 

 

 

9,441

 

BNSF

 

1,729

 

 

 

1,449

 

 

 

4,664

 

 

 

4,129

 

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company

 

1,612

 

 

 

1,489

 

 

 

3,617

 

 

 

3,288

 

Manufacturing, service and retailing

 

4,042

 

 

 

3,616

 

 

 

11,711

 

 

 

10,277

 

Other*

 

1,236

 

 

 

1,381

 

 

 

3,770

 

 

 

1,454

 

Operating earnings

$

12,705

 

 

$

13,485

 

 

$

37,034

 

 

$

34,286

 

* Includes foreign currency exchange losses related to non-U.S. Dollar denominated debt in 2026 of $343 million in the third quarter and gains of $232 million in the first nine months and in 2025 includes foreign currency exchange gains of $331 million in the third quarter and losses of $1.3 billion in the first nine months.

Berkshire acquired approximately $9.6 billion in treasury shares during the third quarter of 2026, bringing the nine-month total to about $14.4 billion. On September 30, 2026, there were 1,418,900 Class A equivalent shares outstanding. At September 30, 2026, insurance float (the net liabilities we assume under insurance contracts) was approximately $178.5 billion, an increase of approximately $2.1 billion since yearend 2025.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. The reconciliations of such measures to the most comparable GAAP figures in accordance with Regulation G are included herein.

Berkshire presents its results in the way it believes will be most meaningful and useful, as well as most transparent, to the investing public and others who use Berkshire’s financial information. That presentation includes the use of certain non-GAAP financial measures. In addition to the GAAP presentations of net earnings, Berkshire shows operating earnings defined as net earnings exclusive of investment gains (losses), impairments of goodwill and intangible assets and other-than-temporary impairments of equity method investments.

Although the investment of insurance and reinsurance premiums to generate investment income and investment gains or losses is an integral part of Berkshire’s operations, the generation of investment gains or losses is independent of the insurance underwriting process. Moreover, as previously described, under applicable GAAP accounting requirements, we are required to include the changes in unrealized gains (losses) of our equity security investments as a component of investment gains (losses) in our periodic earnings statements. In sum, investment gains (losses) for any particular period are not indicative of quarterly business performance.

About Berkshire

Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries engage in diverse business activities including insurance and reinsurance, utilities and energy, freight rail transportation, manufacturing, services and retailing. Common stock of the company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading symbols BRK.A and BRK.B.

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release are “forward looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guaranties of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those forecasted.

 

 

— END —

 

 

Contact

Chuck Chang

402-346-1400


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