Overview
- Berkshire bought about $16 billion of stocks in the first quarter of 2026, sold more than $24 billion, and closed the $9.7 billion purchase of OxyChem.
- Taken together, the stock purchases and the OxyChem deal outweighed equity sales, which may mark an end to Buffett’s 13‑quarter stretch of net selling.
- Cash on hand stood near $400 billion at quarter‑end, giving Berkshire ample room to invest during market stress or to fund more deals.
- New CEO Greg Abel told shareholders he will keep the conglomerate intact with a focused stock portfolio that still includes large stakes in American Express and Coca‑Cola.
- Ted Weschler now runs a larger share of the portfolio after Todd Combs’s exit, a shift that likely contributed to the quarter’s heavier trading.