Berkshire Hathaway 40 BNSF operating income $1.35B

Berkshire Hathaway 40 BNSF operating income $1.35B

Berkshire Hathaway’s BNSF Railroad Reports 5% Year-Over-Year Operating Income Increase

Berkshire Hathaway’s BNSF Railroad segment reported operating income of $1.35 billion for the third quarter of 2025, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase. This growth contributed to Berkshire Hathaway’s broader operating earnings of $13.5 billion for the period, which marked a 34% rise compared to the same quarter in 2024. The railroad’s performance contrasted with mixed results across other Berkshire subsidiaries, including a 9% decline in operating income from its energy division.

The BNSF segment’s improvement aligns with broader freight demand trends and operational efficiencies. However, the segment’s contribution to Berkshire’s overall earnings remains smaller than other divisions, such as insurance underwriting, which saw a rebound to $2.4 billion in operating income during the quarter.

Berkshire Hathaway’s cash reserves also reached a record $382 billion by the end of the third quarter, driven by strong operating earnings, the absence of share repurchases, and potential asset sales, including reductions in its Apple stockholding. While BNSF’s $1.35 billion operating income represents a notable increase, it accounts for a fraction of Berkshire’s total cash flow. Investors will continue to monitor the railroad’s performance as part of Berkshire’s diversified portfolio, particularly as CEO succession plans progress ahead of Warren Buffett’s planned departure by year-end.

Data sourced from Berkshire Hathaway’s third-quarter 2025 financial report, as summarized in external analyses.

This article provides factual analysis based on publicly disclosed financial data and does not constitute investment advice.