Berkshire Hathaway Ends Stock Selling Streak With Alphabet Investment

Starting in January 2026, Greg Abel assumed the role of CEO at Berkshire Hathaway, initiating a shift from the cash-hoarding strategy of his predecessor. In the second quarter of 2026, the conglomerate ended a 14-quarter selling streak by becoming a net buyer of stocks, purchasing $23.47 billion in equity securities against $3.69 billion in sales. This activity included a $10 billion private placement of Alphabet Inc. shares to support AI development, a move initiated by chairman Carlos Slim.

Financial results for the quarter showed net income more than doubling to $25.67 billion, while operating earnings rose 16% to $12.98 billion. The conglomerate reduced its cash reserves from $397.4 billion in March to approximately $365.5 billion by June 30. This deployment included $4.53 billion in share repurchases—a sharp increase from the $235 million repurchased in the first quarter—and a stake in Japanese insurer Tokio Marine.

Beyond equity markets, Abel executed the $6.8 billion acquisition of homebuilder Taylor Morrison Homes, which closed on July 24. While BNSF Railway and energy divisions saw profit growth, the company's insurance arm struggled; GEICO reported a 45% drop in pre-tax underwriting earnings due to rising accident claims and marketing costs. Abel intends to unify site-built homebuilding operations into a combined platform and focus on improving margins at BNSF.