Watchlist Weekly: The Best of the Week Ending May 16, 2026

Introducing the fact of the week.

May 15, 2026

Fact of the Week:

Berkshire Hathaway generated more equity capital in the five years ended 2025 than in Buffett’s first 53 years running the company. It generated $321 billion, of which $47 billion was returned to shareholders via buybacks.

Note: This comes from my presentation at VALUExBRK, which you can find here: The Oracle’s Classroom.

(Thanks for the idea, Carter.)

Auto Rates on the Decline in Florida

Auto insurers have enjoyed strong profits in recent years. GEICO’s target is a 4% profit (96% combined), but it has been writing closer to 90% in recent years.

BRK vs. Softbank (Economist)

The Economist argues that either Berkshire (net cash) or Softbank (heavy borrower) will survive. I don’t think it’s mutually exclusive. Berkshire will survive anything, but it doesn’t need a 1929 / 1987 / 2009 to prove its worth. Softbank is fragile and will only look brilliant if things work out.