Berkshire Hathaway made significant moves in the stock market during the second quarter of 2026. After more than three years of inactivity, the company, now under the leadership of new CEO Greg Abel, transitioned from being a net seller to a net buyer of equities. Berkshire invested $23.5 billion in stocks while only selling $3.7 billion during this period.
Following a trend of cautious cash management where the company amassed a cash reserve nearing $400 billion, Berkshire's cash reserves decreased to approximately $365 billion by the end of Q2 2026. This reduction reflects the company's strategic investment decision, especially in terms of share buybacks. After pausing buybacks since 2024, Berkshire initiated a significant repurchase program in March 2026, which continued with over $3.3 billion in buybacks in July alone.
One of the most notable decisions from Berkshire involved a $10 billion increase in its stake in Alphabet, Google’s parent company. This investment alone accounts for a substantial portion of the recent $23.5 billion purchases, driving home the point that Berkshire is willing to double down on its successful positions when opportunities arise.
In an additional display of confidence, Greg Abel publicly invested his after-tax salary of $15 million into Berkshire shares, aligning his financial interests closely with those of the company and its shareholders. He has committed to making this investment annually. With these actions, Berkshire Hathaway signals a proactive approach and renewed confidence in its investment strategy.