Berkshire Hathaway's first quarter 2026 operating earnings rose 18% to $11.35 billion, driven by strong insurance results.

Berkshire Hathaway reported first quarter 2026 operating earnings of $11.35 billion, an 18% increase from the prior year, while GAAP net earnings were $10.11 billion. The company's results were primarily driven by strength in its insurance operations.

Key Highlights

• Operating earnings grew 18% year-over-year to $11.35 billion, reflecting broad strength across its businesses.
• Insurance underwriting profit increased 29% to $1.72 billion, a key driver of the overall earnings growth.
• Insurance float, a core source of capital for investment, grew to a record $176.9 billion at the end of the quarter.