Berkshire Hathaway profit doubles in second quarter

10. Aug 2026

(AWP Alliance News) - Berkshire Hathaway Inc on Monday reported a surge in quarterly profit, boosted by investment gains, though it noted that higher fuel prices had offset gains for part of its portfolio.

The Omaha, Nebraska-based investment company's net attributable earnings more than doubled to USD25.77 billion in the second quarter from USD12.37 billion a year earlier. Investment gains surged to USD16.08 billion from USD6.36 billion.

Total revenue rose to USD101.81 billion from USD92.52 billion.

For Insurance and Other, Berkshire reported that insurance premiums earned ticked up to USD22.48 billion from USD22.20 billion.

Berkshire noted that net earnings from insurance underwriting declined 13% in the second quarter, but were up 3.6% in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025.

"We experienced no significant catastrophe events in the first six months of 2026, while after-tax losses from significant events were USD850 million in the first six months of 2025," the company explained.

Sales and service revenue advanced to USD57.28 billion from USD49.66 billion. Leasing revenue rose to USD2.89 billion from USD2.51 billion, while interest, dividend and other investment income increased to USD5.86 billion from USD6.0 billion.

For Railroad, Utilities and Energy, the company booked an increase in railroad and transportation revenue, to USD6.55 billion from USD5.72 billion. Utilities and energy operating revenue grew to USD5.41 billion from USD5.12 billion, while service revenue and other income rose to USD1.35 billion from USD1.32 billion.

Berkshire said: "Earnings in 2026 benefited from higher shipping volumes and improved operating efficiencies, partly offset by increases in fuel costs and the impact of higher effective income tax rates."

Cash and equivalents stood at USD41.36 billion at the end of June, down from USD101.23 billion a year prior.

Total costs and expenses were higher, at USD86.07 billion, versus USD79.38 billion on-year.

Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares closed 0.8% lower at USD780,086.00 each on Friday in New York. Class B shares were up 0.3% at USD523.50 during pre-market trading on Monday.

By Holly Munks, Alliance News reporter

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