BUSINESS

Berkshire Hathaway Q1 Profit Rises, Cash Nears Record

PUBLISHED May 2, 2026, 8:54 AM ET

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Omaha, Nebraska. Berkshire Hathaway reported on Saturday that its first-quarter operating profit rose 18% to $11.35 billion and that net income, including investment gains, more than doubled to $10.1 billion, equating to $7,027 per Class A share; the company also repurchased $234 million of its own stock during the quarter. The company reported that cash holdings ended March at a record $397.4 billion, reflecting limited major acquisitions and net stock-sales activity; Berkshire noted that net income figures include unrealized gains and downplayed their significance, and the modest buybacks were the first since May 2024, with immediate implications for capital deployment plans this year.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Prior years: Berkshire accumulated large cash balances while seeking suitable acquisitions.
Q1 2026: Operating profit rose 18% to $11.35 billion, driven by insurance and segment gains.
Q1 2026: Net income including investment gains more than doubled to $10.1 billion.
Q1 2026: Berkshire repurchased $234 million of stock, its first buybacks since May 2024.
End of March 2026: Cash totaled $397.4 billion, a record high for the company.

News Intelligence

Berkshire Hathaway's financial health can impact your investments. If you own their stock, the company's profit rise and stock buybacks could boost your portfolio. If you're considering investing, their record cash holdings suggest stability. Check your investment strategy today.

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Who Benefited

Berkshire Hathaway shareholders and large cash holders benefited from higher operating earnings, a doubling of net income to $10.1 billion, and the company's $234 million share repurchases during the quarter.

Who Impacted

Several consumer-oriented Berkshire subsidiary businesses experienced stress from economic uncertainty, and potential acquisition targets saw Berkshire retain a record cash balance rather than deploy capital.

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