Berkshire Hathaway Q2 Earnings Rise 16% as Abel Shifts to Net Stock Buyer

Berkshire Hathaway reported a strong second quarter on August 8, 2026, with operating earnings rising 16% and the company making a significant shift in its investment strategy under CEO Greg Abel. The conglomerate moved from a long period of net selling stocks to becoming a net buyer for the first time in over three years, while also increasing its share repurchases.

Operating earnings, a key measure of the company's core business performance, climbed to $12.98 billion for the quarter ending June 30, up from $11.16 billion in the same period last year. The results were driven by strength outside of insurance, with manufacturing, service, and retail businesses posting a 24% increase in earnings to $4.47 billion. Net earnings, which include investment gains, more than doubled to $25.67 billion, largely due to $16.08 billion in unrealized appreciation from the company's stock portfolio.

The most notable development was Abel's deployment of capital. Berkshire Hathaway purchased approximately $20 billion more in stocks than it sold during the quarter, ending a streak of 14 consecutive quarters as a net seller. This marked a clear change in direction from the conservative approach...