# Net earnings came in at $10.1 billion, up from $4.6 billion a year ago.

*business · news · 2026-05-03 · Markets Insider*

## Key points

- Berkshire Hathaway's Q1 2026 net earnings rose to $10.1 billion, mainly from smaller investment losses.
- BNSF railroad unit's earnings increased by about 13%, offsetting GEICO’s higher claim costs.
- Berkshire's cash and Treasury bill holdings surpassed $390 billion, reaching a new high.
- The company sold $24.1 billion in stocks versus $15.9 billion bought, reflecting market caution.
- Berkshire completed a $9.5 billion acquisition of a chemical unit from Occidental Petroleum this quarter.

**Companies:** Berkshire Hathaway, Occidental Petroleum
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Markets Insider](https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/berkshire-hathaway-brk-a-reports-strong-q1-as-core-profit-holds-despite-investment-losses-1036098121)

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