For the fifth straight quarter, the firm declined to buy back its own shares, even after sliding 12% since May, when Buffett said he would step down as CEO by year's end.

Berkshire's operating profit generated from the conglomerate's wholly owned businesses including insurance and railroads jumped 34% in the third quarter.

For the fifth straight quarter, the firm declined to buy back its own shares, even after sliding 12% since May, when Buffett said he would step down as CEO by year's end.