Berkshire Hathaway bought back $9.6 billion of its shares in the third quarter
Berkshire Hathaway repurchased $9.6 billion of its shares in the third quarter, more than double the $4.5 billion bought back in the second quarter, as operating earnings fell 5.8% year over year to $12.705 billion. CNBC said 2026 buybacks reached about $14.4 billion. Reuters said new CEO Greg Abel showed greater willingness to deploy cash than his predecessor Warren Buffett.
More context
Berkshire Hathaway bought back $9.6 billion of its shares in the third quarter as operating earnings fell 5.8% year over year, the company said Saturday. The repurchases were more than double the $4.5 billion spent in the second quarter and brought 2026 buybacks to about $14.4 billion, CNBC reported. The acceleration reflected new CEO Greg Abel’s greater willingness to deploy the company’s cash than predecessor Warren Buffett, Reuters reported. Operating earnings from wholly owned businesses totaled $12.705 billion, down from $13.485 billion a year earlier. Insurance underwriting fell 43% to $1.352 billion, while insurance investment income declined 14% to $2.734 billion. Railroad, energy and manufacturing earnings grew year over year. Berkshire’s cash pile rose from the previous quarter to $377.4 billion at the end of September, Bloomberg reported.
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Verifier’s note
Bloomberg reports that operating earnings fell and Berkshire spent $9.6 billion on buybacks, its highest quarterly amount so far that year; CNBC explicitly reports accelerated repurchases alongside lower profits; and Reuters’ headline reports faster buybacks despite falling profit. All are dated November 7, 2026, consistent with the proposed event’s timing.