Berkshire Hathaway gains as Q2 results reflect solid earnings, buybacks, and equity purchases

Berkshire Hathaway stock rose 2.2% after Q2 earnings beat estimates, driven by strong manufacturing results and a $4.5B share buyback. The company became a net equity buyer, investing $22B including in Alphabet, reducing cash reserves to $365.5B. However, insurance underwriting profits declined due to GEICO's worsening combined ratio. Analysts offered mixed views: Cavenagh Research upgraded to Buy citing capital allocation confidence, while Millennial Dividends downgraded to Hold, warning that further GEICO deterioration could outweigh capital deployment benefits.

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) stock gained 2.2% in Monday midday trading after the investing juggernaut delivered a solid earnings beat, revived its stock buybacks, and became a net buyer of equities during Q2. CFRA analyst Catherine Seifert is encouraged by the conglomerate's consolidated results. Q2 operating earnings per class B share (BRK.B) were...