# Operating earnings rose nearly 18% to $11.35 billion during the first three months of the year.

*business · news · 2026-05-02 · The Financial Express*

## Key points

- Berkshire Hathaway restarted share buybacks for the first time since May 2024, totaling $234 million.
- Greg Abel's first full quarter as CEO showed a continuation of Berkshire's conservative investment strategy.
- Berkshire now faces difficulty deploying capital due to high market valuations and a record cash balance.
- Abel sold equity holdings previously managed by Todd Combs, who has since joined JPMorgan Chase.

**Companies:** Berkshire Hathaway, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on The Financial Express](https://www.financialexpress.com/market/global-markets/berkshire-hathaways-cash-pile-hits-record-397-billion-in-greg-abels-first-quarter-as-ceo/4225463/)

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