Earnings surge at Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B) in Q1 2026
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. reported sharply higher results for the first quarter of 2026 and detailed several governance updates. Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders were $10,106 million, up from $4,603 million a year earlier, while operating earnings rose to $11,346 million from $9,641 million.
Net earnings per average equivalent Class A share were $7,027 versus $3,200, and Class B share earnings were $4.68 versus $2.13. Insurance underwriting, BNSF, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and manufacturing, service and retailing all contributed to operating earnings. Insurance float was about $176.9 billion at March 31, 2026.
The board confirmed that Charles C. Chang will succeed Marc D. Hamburg as Chief Financial Officer on June 1, 2026, with an annual cash salary of $8,000,000. In connection with Mr. Hamburg’s retirement, Berkshire will provide up to 30 NetJets flight hours per year through May 31, 2037, at an estimated cost of about $490,000 per year, including tax gross-up payments.
Shareholders elected all director nominees, approved on a non-binding basis the compensation of named executive officers, and supported holding the advisory vote on executive compensation every three years. A shareholder proposal on a workforce and human-capital oversight report did not pass. The company also amended and restated its by-laws to align officer roles, capital stock provisions, and execution of papers with its current operating structure.
Positive
- Strong earnings growth: Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders increased to $10,106 million from $4,603 million, and operating earnings rose to $11,346 million from $9,641 million, indicating significantly higher profitability across major business segments.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Berkshire’s Q1 2026 shows significantly higher earnings and stable governance.
Berkshire Hathaway delivered materially higher profitability in Q1 2026. Net earnings attributable to shareholders rose to $10,106 million from $4,603 million, while operating earnings increased to $11,346 million from $9,641 million. Earnings per Class A and B shares more than doubled year over year.
Management emphasizes that GAAP investment gains and losses, including about $7.0 billion of unrealized equity investment losses in Q1 2026, can make net earnings volatile. Operating earnings exclude investment gains (losses), impairments of goodwill and intangible assets, and certain equity method impairments, aiming to reflect underlying business performance.
Insurance underwriting, BNSF, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and manufacturing, service and retailing all contributed to operating earnings. Insurance float reached approximately $176.9 billion as of March 31, 2026. Governance developments include the planned CFO transition to Charles C. Chang, adjustments to officer roles in the by-laws, and strong shareholder support for the existing compensation framework and advisory vote frequency.