Berkshire-resultatet faller – Abel øker tilbakekjøpene

Investment titan Berkshire Hathaway reported a net result of $22.1 billion in the third quarter, a 28% decrease from $30.8 billion in the same period last year, according to its quarterly report released on Saturday. Revenue surged 11% to $105.6 billion, up from $95 billion a year prior. Core business earnings, excluding equity investment gains, fell around 6% to $12.7 billion.

The result decline was mainly due to weaker insurance business results and significantly lower investment gains compared to the same period last year. The quarterly report arrives as Berkshire enters a new era following Warren Buffett's transition of the chief executive role to Greg Abel last year, after leading the investment giant for over 60 years.

Abel (64) subsequently took charge of Berkshire's non-insurance operations. In September, Warren Buffett stepped down once more, passing the helm to his son, Howard Buffett. Buffett continued to serve as a legend in investment and board member. In a September letter to shareholders, Buffett expressed great trust in his successors.

"Greg leads the company. Howard will take care of the culture and values," Buffett wrote. One of the most notable changes under Abel's leadership is the increased use of the company's substantial cash reserves. Berkshire bought back its own shares for $9.6 billion in the third quarter, up from $4.5 billion in the previous quarter.

Berkshire had no such buybacks in 2025. By the end of September, Berkshire held $352.3 billion in cash and short-term U.S. Treasury securities, adjusted for unrecorded purchases. The conglomerate owns insurance companies, railroads, power companies, and a large stock portfolio with investments in Apple, Alphabet, and American Express.