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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ |
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024
OR
☐ |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-14905
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
47-0813844 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
3555 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
(402) 346-1400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
|
Title of each class
|
Trading Symbols
|
Name of each exchange on which registered
|
|
Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock 0.000% Senior Notes due 2025 1.125% Senior Notes due 2027 2.150% Senior Notes due 2028 1.500% Senior Notes due 2030 2.000% Senior Notes due 2034 1.625% Senior Notes due 2035 2.375% Senior Notes due 2039 0.500% Senior Notes due 2041 2.625% Senior Notes due 2059 |
BRK.A BRK.B BRK25 BRK27 BRK28 BRK30 BRK34 BRK35 BRK39 BRK41 BRK59 |
New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer |
☒ |
Accelerated filer |
☐ |
Non-accelerated filer |
☐ |
Smaller reporting company |
☐ |
|
|
Emerging growth company |
☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 21, 2024:
Class A — |
551,977 |
Class B — |
1,328,446,516 |
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
|
Page No. |
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Consolidated Balance Sheets—September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 |
2 |
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Consolidated Statements of Earnings—Third Quarter and First Nine Months 2024 and 2023 |
4 |
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—Third Quarter and First Nine Months 2024 and 2023 |
5 |
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6 |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—First Nine Months 2024 and 2023 |
7 |
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8 |
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Item 2. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
31 |
Item 3. |
50 |
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Item 4. |
50 |
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50 |
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Item 1. |
50 |
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Item 1A. |
50 |
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Item 2. |
51 |
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Item 3. |
51 |
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Item 4. |
51 |
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Item 5. |
51 |
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Item 6. |
52 |
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52 |
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1
Part I Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions)
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
||
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Insurance and Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents* |
$ |
32,287 |
|
|
$ |
33,672 |
|
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills |
|
288,031 |
|
|
|
129,619 |
|
Investments in fixed maturity securities |
|
16,042 |
|
|
|
23,758 |
|
Investments in equity securities |
|
271,650 |
|
|
|
353,842 |
|
Equity method investments |
|
30,133 |
|
|
|
29,066 |
|
Loans and finance receivables |
|
27,106 |
|
|
|
24,681 |
|
Other receivables |
|
45,458 |
|
|
|
44,174 |
|
Inventories |
|
23,617 |
|
|
|
24,159 |
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
22,300 |
|
|
|
22,030 |
|
Equipment held for lease |
|
17,796 |
|
|
|
16,947 |
|
Goodwill |
|
50,946 |
|
|
|
50,868 |
|
Other intangible assets |
|
28,797 |
|
|
|
29,327 |
|
Deferred charges - retroactive reinsurance |
|
8,885 |
|
|
|
9,495 |
|
Other |
|
20,959 |
|
|
|
19,568 |
|
|
|
884,007 |
|
|
|
811,206 |
|
Railroad, Utilities and Energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents* |
|
4,894 |
|
|
|
4,350 |
|
Receivables |
|
6,588 |
|
|
|
7,086 |
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
182,176 |
|
|
|
177,616 |
|
Goodwill |
|
33,662 |
|
|
|
33,758 |
|
Regulatory assets |
|
5,452 |
|
|
|
5,565 |
|
Other |
|
30,472 |
|
|
|
30,397 |
|
|
|
263,244 |
|
|
|
258,772 |
|
|
$ |
1,147,251 |
|
|
$ |
1,069,978 |
|
——————
* Includes U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $3.6 billion at September 30, 2024 and $4.8 billion at December 31, 2023.
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions)
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Insurance and Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses |
$ |
115,836 |
|
|
$ |
111,082 |
|
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - retroactive reinsurance contracts |
|
33,060 |
|
|
|
34,647 |
|
Unearned premiums |
|
32,997 |
|
|
|
30,507 |
|
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits |
|
18,612 |
|
|
|
20,213 |
|
Other policyholder liabilities |
|
11,107 |
|
|
|
11,545 |
|
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities |
|
34,724 |
|
|
|
32,402 |
|
Payable for purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills |
|
14,868 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Aircraft repurchase liabilities and unearned lease revenues |
|
8,941 |
|
|
|
8,253 |
|
Notes payable and other borrowings |
|
43,651 |
|
|
|
42,692 |
|
|
|
313,796 |
|
|
|
291,341 |
|
Railroad, Utilities and Energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities |
|
21,769 |
|
|
|
22,461 |
|
Regulatory liabilities |
|
6,917 |
|
|
|
6,818 |
|
Notes payable and other borrowings |
|
80,856 |
|
|
|
85,579 |
|
|
|
109,542 |
|
|
|
114,858 |
|
Income taxes, principally deferred |
|
92,107 |
|
|
|
93,009 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
515,445 |
|
|
|
499,208 |
|
Redeemable noncontrolling interests |
|
— |
|
|
|
3,261 |
|
Shareholders’ equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Common stock |
|
8 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Capital in excess of par value |
|
35,478 |
|
|
|
34,480 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
(3,692 |
) |
|
|
(3,763 |
) |
Retained earnings |
|
676,524 |
|
|
|
607,350 |
|
Treasury stock, at cost |
|
(79,249 |
) |
|
|
(76,802 |
) |
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity |
|
629,069 |
|
|
|
561,273 |
|
Noncontrolling interests |
|
2,737 |
|
|
|
6,236 |
|
Total shareholders’ equity |
|
631,806 |
|
|
|
567,509 |
|
|
$ |
1,147,251 |
|
|
$ |
1,069,978 |
|
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
3
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(dollars in millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
|
Third Quarter |
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Insurance and Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Insurance premiums earned |
$ |
22,055 |
|
$ |
21,360 |
|
$ |
65,482 |
|
$ |
61,717 |
|
Sales and service revenues |
|
38,863 |
|
|
39,456 |
|
|
115,227 |
|
|
116,970 |
|
Leasing revenues |
|
2,315 |
|
|
2,104 |
|
|
6,845 |
|
|
6,227 |
|
Interest, dividend and other investment income |
|
5,896 |
|
|
4,047 |
|
|
15,450 |
|
|
11,122 |
|
|
|
69,129 |
|
|
66,967 |
|
|
203,004 |
|
|
196,036 |
|
Railroad, Utilities and Energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Freight rail transportation revenues |
|
5,885 |
|
|
5,828 |
|
|
17,242 |
|
|
17,637 |
|
Utility and energy operating revenues |
|
16,598 |
|
|
19,033 |
|
|
52,336 |
|
|
53,543 |
|
Service revenues and other income |
|
1,383 |
|
|
1,382 |
|
|
3,935 |
|
|
3,890 |
|
|
|
23,866 |
|
|
26,243 |
|
|
73,513 |
|
|
75,070 |
|
Total revenues |
|
92,995 |
|
|
93,210 |
|
|
276,517 |
|
|
271,106 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Investment gains (losses) |
|
20,514 |
|
|
(29,778 |
) |
|
46,247 |
|
|
38,041 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Insurance and Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
15,163 |
|
|
13,719 |
|
|
42,718 |
|
|
42,029 |
|
Life, annuity and health benefits |
|
925 |
|
|
1,144 |
|
|
2,824 |
|
|
3,057 |
|
Insurance underwriting expenses |
|
4,934 |
|
|
3,496 |
|
|
12,733 |
|
|
10,812 |
|
Cost of sales and services |
|
30,323 |
|
|
31,049 |
|
|
90,109 |
|
|
91,989 |
|
Cost of leasing |
|
1,774 |
|
|
1,489 |
|
|
5,204 |
|
|
4,423 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
7,324 |
|
|
5,120 |
|
|
17,292 |
|
|
15,727 |
|
Interest expense |
|
315 |
|
|
311 |
|
|
961 |
|
|
953 |
|
|
|
60,758 |
|
|
56,328 |
|
|
171,841 |
|
|
168,990 |
|
Railroad, Utilities and Energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Freight rail transportation expenses |
|
3,855 |
|
|
4,038 |
|
|
11,705 |
|
|
12,213 |
|
Utility and energy cost of sales and other expenses |
|
14,607 |
|
|
18,249 |
|
|
47,694 |
|
|
50,254 |
|
Other expenses |
|
1,104 |
|
|
1,089 |
|
|
3,341 |
|
|
3,149 |
|
Interest expense |
|
899 |
|
|
949 |
|
|
2,799 |
|
|
2,774 |
|
|
|
20,465 |
|
|
24,325 |
|
|
65,539 |
|
|
68,390 |
|
Total costs and expenses |
|
81,223 |
|
|
80,653 |
|
|
237,380 |
|
|
237,380 |
|
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity method earnings |
|
32,286 |
|
|
(17,221 |
) |
|
85,384 |
|
|
71,767 |
|
Equity method earnings |
|
222 |
|
|
262 |
|
|
967 |
|
|
1,461 |
|
Earnings (loss) before income taxes |
|
32,508 |
|
|
(16,959 |
) |
|
86,351 |
|
|
73,228 |
|
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
6,028 |
|
|
(4,392 |
) |
|
16,541 |
|
|
13,839 |
|
Net earnings (loss) |
|
26,480 |
|
|
(12,567 |
) |
|
69,810 |
|
|
59,389 |
|
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests |
|
229 |
|
|
200 |
|
|
509 |
|
|
740 |
|
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders |
$ |
26,251 |
|
$ |
(12,767 |
) |
$ |
69,301 |
|
$ |
58,649 |
|
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent Class A share |
$ |
18,272 |
|
$ |
(8,824 |
) |
$ |
48,205 |
|
$ |
40,422 |
|
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent Class B share* |
$ |
12.18 |
|
$ |
(5.88 |
) |
$ |
32.14 |
|
$ |
26.95 |
|
Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding |
|
1,436,706 |
|
|
1,446,925 |
|
|
1,437,619 |
|
|
1,450,934 |
|
Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding |
|
2,155,058,383 |
|
|
2,170,387,690 |
|
|
2,156,427,917 |
|
|
2,176,400,554 |
|
——————
* Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent Class B share outstanding are equal to one-fifteen-hundredth of the equivalent Class A amount. See Note 19.
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Net earnings (loss) |
|
$ |
26,480 |
|
|
$ |
(12,567 |
) |
|
$ |
69,810 |
|
|
$ |
59,389 |
|
Other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
|
134 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
217 |
|
Applicable income taxes |
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
(39 |
) |
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
900 |
|
|
|
(801 |
) |
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
(169 |
) |
Applicable income taxes |
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
Long-duration insurance contract discount rate changes |
|
|
(882 |
) |
|
|
920 |
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
1,040 |
|
Applicable income taxes |
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
(204 |
) |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
(253 |
) |
Defined benefit pension plans |
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
66 |
|
Applicable income taxes |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
Other, net |
|
|
(157 |
) |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
(170 |
) |
|
|
(40 |
) |
Other comprehensive income, net |
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
787 |
|
Comprehensive income |
|
|
26,674 |
|
|
|
(12,619 |
) |
|
|
69,884 |
|
|
|
60,176 |
|
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
|
|
260 |
|
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
512 |
|
|
|
747 |
|
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders |
|
$ |
26,414 |
|
|
$ |
(12,799 |
) |
|
$ |
69,372 |
|
|
$ |
59,429 |
|
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
5
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
|
|
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
Common stock |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Treasury |
|
|
Non- |
|
|
Total |
|
||||||
For the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 |
|
$ |
34,488 |
|
|
$ |
(3,763 |
) |
|
$ |
607,350 |
|
|
$ |
(76,802 |
) |
|
$ |
6,236 |
|
|
$ |
567,509 |
|
Net earnings |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
12,702 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
12,832 |
|
Adoption of ASU 2023-02 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(127 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(127 |
) |
Other comprehensive income, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(287 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
(310 |
) |
Acquisitions of common stock |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2,573 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2,573 |
) |
Transactions with noncontrolling interests and other |
|
|
502 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(48 |
) |
|
|
454 |
|
Balance at March 31, 2024 |
|
$ |
34,990 |
|
|
$ |
(4,050 |
) |
|
$ |
619,925 |
|
|
$ |
(79,375 |
) |
|
$ |
6,295 |
|
|
$ |
577,785 |
|
Net earnings |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
30,348 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
150 |
|
|
|
30,498 |
|
Other comprehensive income, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
190 |
|
Acquisitions of common stock |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(345 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(345 |
) |
Transactions with noncontrolling interests and other |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(166 |
) |
|
|
(157 |
) |
Balance at June 30, 2024 |
|
$ |
34,999 |
|
|
$ |
(3,855 |
) |
|
$ |
650,273 |
|
|
$ |
(79,720 |
) |
|
$ |
6,274 |
|
|
$ |
607,971 |
|
Net earnings |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
26,251 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
229 |
|
|
|
26,480 |
|
Other comprehensive income, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
194 |
|
Acquisitions of common stock |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Transactions with noncontrolling interests and other |
|
|
487 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
471 |
|
|
|
(3,797 |
) |
|
|
(2,839 |
) |
Balance at September 30, 2024 |
|
$ |
35,486 |
|
|
$ |
(3,692 |
) |
|
$ |
676,524 |
|
|
$ |
(79,249 |
) |
|
$ |
2,737 |
|
|
$ |
631,806 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
For the third quarter and first nine months of 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
35,175 |
|
|
$ |
(5,052 |
) |
|
$ |
511,127 |
|
|
$ |
(67,826 |
) |
|
$ |
8,257 |
|
|
$ |
481,681 |
|
Net earnings |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
35,504 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
253 |
|
|
|
35,757 |
|
Other comprehensive income, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
Acquisitions of common stock |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(4,439 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(4,439 |
) |
Transactions with noncontrolling interests and other |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Balance at March 31, 2023 |
|
$ |
35,164 |
|
|
$ |
(4,976 |
) |
|
$ |
546,631 |
|
|
$ |
(72,265 |
) |
|
$ |
8,523 |
|
|
$ |
513,077 |
|
Net earnings |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
35,912 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
36,199 |
|
Other comprehensive income, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
736 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
757 |
|
Acquisitions of common stock |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(1,303 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(1,303 |
) |
Transactions with noncontrolling interests and other |
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(163 |
) |
|
|
(179 |
) |
Balance at June 30, 2023 |
|
$ |
35,148 |
|
|
$ |
(4,240 |
) |
|
$ |
582,543 |
|
|
$ |
(73,568 |
) |
|
$ |
8,668 |
|
|
$ |
548,551 |
|
Net earnings (loss) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(12,767 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
(12,567 |
) |
Other comprehensive income, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(32 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
(52 |
) |
Acquisitions of common stock |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(1,087 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(1,087 |
) |
Transactions with noncontrolling interests and other |
|
|
(667 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2,681 |
) |
|
|
(3,348 |
) |
Balance at September 30, 2023 |
|
$ |
34,481 |
|
|
$ |
(4,272 |
) |
|
$ |
569,776 |
|
|
$ |
(74,655 |
) |
|
$ |
6,167 |
|
|
$ |
531,497 |
|
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net earnings |
|
$ |
69,810 |
|
|
$ |
59,389 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Investment (gains) losses |
|
|
(46,247 |
) |
|
|
(38,041 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
9,572 |
|
|
|
9,357 |
|
Other |
|
|
(7,181 |
) |
|
|
(5,556 |
) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
|
2,885 |
|
|
|
848 |
|
Deferred charges - retroactive reinsurance |
|
|
610 |
|
|
|
605 |
|
Unearned premiums |
|
|
2,510 |
|
|
|
3,091 |
|
Receivables and originated loans |
|
|
(1,747 |
) |
|
|
(2,861 |
) |
Inventories |
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
275 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
(1,549 |
) |
|
|
(860 |
) |
Other liabilities |
|
|
(1,729 |
) |
|
|
693 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
(1,195 |
) |
|
|
7,856 |
|
Net cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
25,971 |
|
|
|
34,796 |
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Purchases of equity securities |
|
|
(5,809 |
) |
|
|
(9,142 |
) |
Sales of equity securities |
|
|
133,218 |
|
|
|
32,786 |
|
Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities |
|
|
(385,224 |
) |
|
|
(178,503 |
) |
Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities |
|
|
30,755 |
|
|
|
44,325 |
|
Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities |
|
|
226,901 |
|
|
|
106,879 |
|
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired |
|
|
(362 |
) |
|
|
(8,564 |
) |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and equipment held for lease |
|
|
(13,629 |
) |
|
|
(13,701 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(405 |
) |
|
|
608 |
|
Net cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
(14,555 |
) |
|
|
(25,312 |
) |
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses |
|
|
2,689 |
|
|
|
1,306 |
|
Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses |
|
|
(1,964 |
) |
|
|
(5,657 |
) |
Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses |
|
|
6,617 |
|
|
|
5,013 |
|
Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses |
|
|
(8,046 |
) |
|
|
(3,913 |
) |
Changes in short-term borrowings, net |
|
|
(3,407 |
) |
|
|
252 |
|
Acquisitions of treasury stock |
|
|
(2,918 |
) |
|
|
(6,978 |
) |
Other, principally transactions with noncontrolling interests |
|
|
(4,984 |
) |
|
|
(4,292 |
) |
Net cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
(12,013 |
) |
|
|
(14,269 |
) |
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes |
|
|
(54 |
) |
|
|
(10 |
) |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash |
|
|
(651 |
) |
|
|
(4,795 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the year* |
|
|
38,643 |
|
|
|
36,399 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the third quarter* |
|
$ |
37,992 |
|
|
$ |
31,604 |
|
*Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are comprised of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Beginning of the year— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Insurance and Other |
|
$ |
33,672 |
|
|
$ |
32,260 |
|
Railroad, Utilities and Energy |
|
|
4,350 |
|
|
|
3,551 |
|
Restricted cash included in other assets |
|
|
621 |
|
|
|
588 |
|
|
|
$ |
38,643 |
|
|
$ |
36,399 |
|
End of the third quarter— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Insurance and Other |
|
$ |
32,287 |
|
|
$ |
25,573 |
|
Railroad, Utilities and Energy |
|
|
4,894 |
|
|
|
5,267 |
|
Restricted cash included in other assets |
|
|
811 |
|
|
|
764 |
|
|
|
$ |
37,992 |
|
|
$ |
31,604 |
|
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2024
Note 1. General
The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire” or “Company”) consolidated with the accounts of all its subsidiaries and affiliates in which Berkshire holds controlling financial interests as of the financial statement date. In these notes, the terms “us,” “we” or “our” refer to Berkshire and its consolidated subsidiaries. Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”), which includes information necessary or useful to understanding Berkshire’s businesses and financial statement presentations. Our significant accounting policies and practices were presented as Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report.
Financial information in this Quarterly Report reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of results for the interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). For several reasons, our results for interim periods may not be indicative of results to be expected for the year. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses incurred by insurance subsidiaries and the estimation error inherent to the process of determining liabilities for unpaid losses of insurance subsidiaries can be more significant to results of interim periods than to results for a full year. Given the size of our equity security investment portfolio, changes in market prices and the related changes in unrealized gains and losses on equity securities will produce significant volatility in our interim and annual earnings. In addition, gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and asset impairment charges may cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.
Significant estimates are used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements, including those associated with evaluations of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to us and the estimation of certain losses assumed under insurance and reinsurance contracts. These estimates may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods due to ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical events, as well as changes in industry or company-specific factors or events.
Note 2. New accounting and financial reporting pronouncements
In March 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-02, “Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method” (“ASU 2023-02”). ASU 2023-02 permits reporting entities to elect to account for tax equity investments from which the income tax credits are received using the proportional amortization method at the program level if certain conditions are met. We elected to apply the proportional accounting method to eligible affordable housing tax credit investments using the modified retrospective method. At the beginning of 2024, we recorded a charge to retained earnings of $127 million, representing the cumulative effect of adopting the proportional method on these investments.
In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-07, “Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”), which requires disclosures of significant expenses by segment and interim disclosure of certain items that were previously required only on an annual basis. ASU 2023-07 is to be applied on a retrospective basis and is effective for our 2024 annual Consolidated Financial Statements and interim periods beginning in 2025.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-09, “Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”), which provides for additional income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosures. ASU 2023-09 may be adopted on a prospective or retrospective basis and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted.
On March 6, 2024, the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Release No. 33-11275 and No. 34-99678 “The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors” (“Climate Disclosure Rules”). Among its provisions, the Climate Disclosure Rules will require certain disclosures related to severe weather events and other natural conditions, as well as other disclosures about climate-related risks that materially impacted or are reasonably likely to materially impact a SEC registrant’s business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. The Climate Disclosure Rules are currently effective for large-accelerated SEC filers in annual reports for years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. However, on April 4, 2024, the SEC stayed implementation of the Climate Disclosure Rules, pending the completion of judicial review.
We are evaluating the impacts ASUs 2023-07 and 2023-09 and the Climate Disclosure Rules will have on disclosures in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 3. Significant business acquisitions and other transactions
Our long-held acquisition strategy is to acquire businesses that have consistent earning power, good returns on equity and able and honest management. Financial results attributable to business acquisitions are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on their respective acquisition dates.
On January 31, 2023, we acquired an additional 41.4% interest in Pilot Travel Centers, LLC (“Pilot”) for approximately $8.2 billion. The acquisition increased our interest to 80%, representing a controlling interest in Pilot for financial reporting purposes as of that date. Accordingly, we began consolidating Pilot’s financial statements in our Consolidated Financial Statements on February 1, 2023. Prior to that date, we accounted for our 38.6% interest in Pilot under the equity method.
Pilot operates more than 650 travel center and 75 fuel-only locations across 44 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces, primarily under the names Pilot or Flying J, as well as large wholesale fuel and fuel marketing businesses in the U.S. Pilot also sells diesel fuel at other locations in the U.S. and Canada through various arrangements with third party travel centers and operates a water disposal business in the oil fields sector.
In applying the acquisition method of accounting, we remeasured our previously held 38.6% investment in Pilot to fair value as of the acquisition date. We recognized a one-time, non-cash remeasurement gain of approximately $3.0 billion in the first quarter of 2023, representing the excess of the fair value of that interest over the carrying value under the equity method.
In January 2024, we acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests in Pilot for $2.6 billion, increasing our ownership of Pilot to 100%. The acquisition of a noncontrolling interest represents an equity transaction and we recorded an increase of $517 million to capital in excess of par value for the excess of the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest acquired over the consideration paid, net of deferred income tax liabilities arising from the transaction.
A summary of the values of Pilot’s assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests as of January 31, 2023 follows (in millions).
Assets acquired |
|
|
Liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests |
|
|||
Property, plant and equipment |
$ |
8,015 |
|
Notes payable |
$ |
5,876 |
|
Goodwill* |
|
6,605 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
4,918 |
|
Other intangible assets |
|
6,853 |
|
Liabilities assumed |
|
10,794 |
|
Other assets |
|
7,047 |
|
Noncontrolling interests, predominantly redeemable |
|
3,361 |
|
|
|
|
Liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests |
$ |
14,155 |
|
|
Assets acquired |
$ |
28,520 |
|
Net assets |
$ |
14,365 |
|
——————
* Goodwill from this acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
On September 30, 2024, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) repurchased 5.85% of its outstanding common stock and $100 million par of debt held by certain noncontrolling BHE shareholders in exchange for cash of $2.4 billion and a promissory note for $600 million par amount, which was fully repaid in October 2024. The difference between the value of the consideration paid for the noncontrolling interests acquired and the carrying value was recorded in capital in excess of par value.
Additionally, on September 30, 2024, Berkshire acquired 1.26% of BHE’s outstanding common stock held by certain other noncontrolling shareholders in exchange for 1,368,508 shares of Berkshire Class B common stock valued at $625 million as of that date. Berkshire also entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining shares of BHE common stock held by other noncontrolling shareholders in exchange for 923,123 shares of Berkshire Class B common stock. This transaction closed on October 31, 2024. At that time, BHE became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire.
9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities
Investments in fixed maturity securities are summarized as follows (in millions).
|
|
Amortized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Fair |
|
||||
September 30, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies |
|
$ |
4,482 |
|
|
$ |
36 |
|
|
$ |
(2 |
) |
|
$ |
4,516 |
|
Foreign governments |
|
|
9,855 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
9,904 |
|
Corporate bonds |
|
|
1,154 |
|
|
|
243 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
1,394 |
|
Other |
|
|
209 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
$ |
15,700 |
|
|
$ |
355 |
|
|
$ |
(13 |
) |
|
$ |
16,042 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies |
|
$ |
10,308 |
|
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
$ |
(53 |
) |
|
$ |
10,269 |
|
Foreign governments |
|
|
11,788 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
(41 |
) |
|
|
11,805 |
|
Corporate bonds |
|
|
1,212 |
|
|
|
241 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
1,449 |
|
Other |
|
|
217 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
$ |
23,525 |
|
|
$ |
334 |
|
|
$ |
(101 |
) |
|
$ |
23,758 |
|
As of September 30, 2024, approximately 94% of our foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2024 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates (in millions). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to prepayment rights held by issuers.
|
|
Due in one |
|
|
Due after one |
|
|
Due after five |
|
|
Due after |
|
|
Mortgage- |
|
|
Total |
|
||||||
Amortized cost |
|
$ |
9,735 |
|
|
$ |
5,128 |
|
|
$ |
573 |
|
|
$ |
130 |
|
|
$ |
134 |
|
|
$ |
15,700 |
|
Fair value |
|
|
9,801 |
|
|
|
5,163 |
|
|
|
784 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
16,042 |
|
Note 5. Investments in equity securities
Investments in equity securities are summarized as follows (in millions).
|
|
Cost Basis |
|
|
Net Unrealized |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|||
September 30, 2024* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Banks, insurance and finance |
|
$ |
21,165 |
|
|
$ |
71,383 |
|
|
$ |
92,548 |
|
Consumer products |
|
|
11,341 |
|
|
|
90,651 |
|
|
|
101,992 |
|
Commercial, industrial and other |
|
|
45,606 |
|
|
|
31,504 |
|
|
|
77,110 |
|
|
|
$ |
78,112 |
|
|
$ |
193,538 |
|
|
$ |
271,650 |
|
——————
* Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $41.1 billion; Apple Inc. – $69.9 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $31.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $28.7 billion and Chevron Corporation – $17.5 billion).
|
|
Cost Basis |
|
|
Net Unrealized |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|||
December 31, 2023* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Banks, insurance and finance |
|
$ |
27,136 |
|
|
$ |
51,176 |
|
|
$ |
78,312 |
|
Consumer products |
|
|
34,248 |
|
|
|
166,895 |
|
|
|
201,143 |
|
Commercial, industrial and other |
|
|
48,032 |
|
|
|
26,355 |
|
|
|
74,387 |
|
|
|
$ |
109,416 |
|
|
$ |
244,426 |
|
|
$ |
353,842 |
|
——————
* Approximately 79% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $28.4 billion; Apple Inc. – $174.3 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $34.8 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $23.6 billion and Chevron Corporation – $18.8 billion).
10
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 5. Investments in equity securities
In 2019, we invested $10 billion in non-voting Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of Occidental Petroleum Corporation (“Occidental”) and in Occidental common stock warrants. During 2022, we began acquiring common stock of Occidental. Our aggregate voting interest in Occidental common stock exceeded 20% on August 4, 2022, and we adopted the equity method as of that date. See Note 6. Our investments in the Occidental preferred stock and Occidental common stock warrants are recorded at fair value within commercial, industrial and other in the preceding tables. Such investments are not in-substance common stock under GAAP and are not eligible for the equity method.
The Occidental preferred stock accrues dividends at 8% per annum and is redeemable at the option of Occidental commencing in 2029 at a redemption price equal to 105% of the liquidation value, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends. As of September 30, 2024, our investment in Occidental preferred stock had an aggregate liquidation value of approximately $8.5 billion, which reflected mandatory redemptions by Occidental during 2023 of approximately $1.5 billion. The Occidental common stock warrants allow us to purchase up to 83.86 million shares of Occidental common stock at an exercise price of $59.62 per share. The warrants are exercisable in whole or in part until one year after the date the preferred stock is fully redeemed.
On September 30, 2024, we owned 151.6 million shares of American Express Company (“American Express”) common stock representing 21.5% of its outstanding common stock. Since 1995, we have been party to an agreement with American Express whereby we agreed to vote a significant portion of our shares in accordance with the recommendations of the American Express Board of Directors. We have also agreed to passivity commitments as requested by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which collectively, in our judgment, restrict our ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of American Express. Accordingly, we do not use the equity method with respect to our investment in American Express common stock, and we continue to record our investment at fair value.
Note 6. Equity method investments
Berkshire and its subsidiaries hold investments in certain businesses that are accounted for pursuant to the equity method. Currently, the most significant of these are our investments in the common stock of The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”) and Occidental. As of September 30, 2024, we owned 26.9% of the outstanding Kraft Heinz common stock and 28.2% of the outstanding Occidental common stock, which excludes the potential effect of the exercise of the Occidental common stock warrants.
Kraft Heinz manufactures and markets food and beverage products, including condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee and other grocery products. Occidental is an international energy company, whose activities include oil and natural gas exploration, development and production and chemicals manufacturing businesses. Occidental’s financial information is not available in time for concurrent reporting in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, we report the equity method effects for Occidental on a one-quarter lag.
We also own a 50% interest in Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), which is included in other in the following table. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (“Jefferies”) owns the other 50% interest. Berkadia engages in mortgage banking, investment sales and servicing of commercial/multi-family real estate loans. Berkadia’s commercial paper borrowing capacity (currently limited to $1.5 billion) is supported by a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Jefferies is obligated to indemnify us for one-half of any losses incurred under the policy.
The fair values and our carrying values of these investments are included in the following table (in millions).
|
Carrying Value |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
||||||||||
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||||
Kraft Heinz |
$ |
13,008 |
|
|
$ |
13,230 |
|
|
$ |
11,426 |
|
|
$ |
12,035 |
|
Occidental |
|
16,672 |
|
|
|
15,410 |
|
|
|
13,157 |
|
|
|
14,552 |
|
Other |
|
453 |
|
|
|
426 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
$ |
30,133 |
|
|
$ |
29,066 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
As of September 30, 2024, the excess of the carrying values over the fair values of our investments in Kraft Heinz and Occidental was 12% and 21%, respectively, of the carrying values of each investment. We evaluated these investments for other-than-temporary impairment as of September 30, 2024. For each investment, we considered our ability and intent to hold the investment until the fair value exceeds carrying value, the magnitude and duration of the decline in fair value, the operating results of the company, as well as other factors. Based on the prevailing facts and circumstances, we concluded the recognition of an impairment charge in earnings was not required.
11
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 6. Equity method investments
As of September 30, 2024, the carrying values of our investments in Kraft Heinz and Berkadia approximated our share of shareowners’ equity of each of these entities. The carrying value of our investment in Occidental common stock exceeded our share of its common shareholders’ equity as of June 30, 2024 by approximately $10 billion. Based upon the limited information available to us, we concluded the excess represents goodwill.
Our earnings and distributions received from equity method investments are summarized in the following table (in millions). As described in Note 3, we ceased accounting for Pilot under the equity method as of February 1, 2023. Equity method earnings attributable to Pilot were $105 million for the month ending January 31, 2023 and are reported in other in the following table. The earnings we recorded in the first nine months of 2024 and 2023 for Occidental represented our share of its earnings for the nine months ending June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
|
Equity in Earnings |
|
|
Distributions Received |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||||||
Kraft Heinz |
$ |
(78 |
) |
|
$ |
69 |
|
|
$ |
164 |
|
|
$ |
556 |
|
|
$ |
131 |
|
|
$ |
131 |
|
|
$ |
391 |
|
|
$ |
391 |
|
Occidental |
|
277 |
|
|
|
169 |
|
|
|
740 |
|
|
|
773 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
Other |
|
23 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
$ |
222 |
|
|
$ |
262 |
|
|
$ |
967 |
|
|
$ |
1,461 |
|
|
$ |
205 |
|
|
$ |
193 |
|
|
$ |
579 |
|
|
$ |
535 |
|
Summarized consolidated financial information of Kraft Heinz follows (in millions).
|
September 28, |
|
|
December 30, |
|
||
Assets |
$ |
88,566 |
|
|
$ |
90,339 |
|
Liabilities |
|
40,097 |
|
|
|
40,617 |
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Sales |
$ |
6,383 |
|
|
$ |
6,570 |
|
|
$ |
19,270 |
|
|
$ |
19,780 |
|
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders |
|
(290 |
) |
|
|
262 |
|
|
|
613 |
|
|
|
2,098 |
|
Summarized consolidated financial information of Occidental follows (in millions).
|
June 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
||
Assets |
$ |
76,216 |
|
|
$ |
71,287 |
|
Liabilities |
|
43,957 |
|
|
|
42,515 |
|
|
Quarter ending June 30, |
|
|
Nine months ending June 30, |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Total revenues and other income |
$ |
6,879 |
|
|
$ |
6,731 |
|
|
$ |
20,418 |
|
|
$ |
22,315 |
|
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders |
|
992 |
|
|
|
605 |
|
|
|
2,739 |
|
|
|
3,315 |
|
12
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 7. Investment gains (losses)
Investment gains (losses) in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 and 2023 are summarized as follows (in millions).
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Investment gains (losses): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Equity securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) during the |
|
$ |
18,643 |
|
|
$ |
(30,354 |
) |
|
$ |
45,053 |
|
|
$ |
33,267 |
|
Investment gains (losses) on securities sold during the period |
|
|
1,868 |
|
|
|
605 |
|
|
|
1,221 |
|
|
|
1,748 |
|
|
|
|
20,511 |
|
|
|
(29,749 |
) |
|
|
46,274 |
|
|
|
35,015 |
|
Fixed maturity securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Gross realized gains |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
Gross realized losses |
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
(106 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
2,997 |
|
|
|
$ |
20,514 |
|
|
$ |
(29,778 |
) |
|
$ |
46,247 |
|
|
$ |
38,041 |
|
Equity securities gains and losses include unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair values during the period on equity securities we still own, as well as gains and losses on securities we sold during the period. Our proceeds from sales of equity securities were approximately $133.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024 and $32.8 billion in 2023. In the preceding table, investment gains and losses on equity securities sold during the period represent the difference between the sales proceeds and the fair value of the equity securities sold at the beginning of the applicable period or, if later, the acquisition date. Taxable gains and losses on equity securities sold are generally the difference between the proceeds from sales and cost. Our sales of equity securities produced taxable gains of $23.4 billion in the third quarter and $97.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to taxable gains of $759 million in the third quarter and $5.4 billion in the first nine months of 2023. Other investment gains in the first nine months of 2023 included a non-cash gain of approximately $3.0 billion from the remeasurement of our pre-existing 38.6% interest in Pilot through the application of acquisition accounting under GAAP.
Note 8. Loans and finance receivables
Loans and finance receivables are summarized as follows (in millions).
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Loans and finance receivables, before allowances and discounts |
$ |
28,907 |
|
|
$ |
26,289 |
|
Allowances for credit losses |
|
(1,051 |
) |
|
|
(950 |
) |
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points |
|
(750 |
) |
|
|
(658 |
) |
|
$ |
27,106 |
|
|
$ |
24,681 |
|
Loans and finance receivables are principally manufactured home loans, and to a lesser extent, commercial loans and site-built home loans. Reconciliations of the allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023 follow (in millions).
|
First Nine Months |
|
|||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Balance at the beginning of the year |
$ |
950 |
|
|
$ |
856 |
|
Provision for credit losses |
|
180 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
Charge-offs, net of recoveries |
|
(79 |
) |
|
|
(52 |
) |
Balance at September 30 |
$ |
1,051 |
|
|
$ |
926 |
|
As of September 30, 2024, substantially all manufactured and site-built home loans were evaluated collectively for impairment, and we considered approximately 96% of these loans to be current as to payment status. A summary of performing and non-performing home loans before discounts and allowances by year of loan origination as of September 30, 2024 follows (in millions).
|
Origination Year |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Prior |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||||
Performing |
$ |
5,170 |
|
|
$ |
5,085 |
|
|
$ |
3,729 |
|
|
$ |
3,114 |
|
|
$ |
2,404 |
|
|
$ |
8,425 |
|
|
$ |
27,927 |
|
Non-performing |
|
2 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
$ |
5,172 |
|
|
$ |
5,100 |
|
|
$ |
3,748 |
|
|
$ |
3,130 |
|
|
$ |
2,418 |
|
|
$ |
8,479 |
|
|
$ |
28,047 |
|
13
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 8. Loans and finance receivables
We also hold a limited number of commercial loans originated or acquired several years ago. The aggregate carrying value of these loans approximated $730 million at September 30, 2024 and $850 million at December 31, 2023. The loans are generally secured by real estate properties or by other assets and are individually evaluated for expected credit losses.
Note 9. Other receivables
Other receivables are comprised of the following (in millions).
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Insurance and other: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Insurance premiums receivable |
$ |
19,901 |
|
|
$ |
19,052 |
|
Reinsurance recoverables |
|
5,199 |
|
|
|
7,060 |
|
Trade receivables |
|
15,385 |
|
|
|
14,449 |
|
Other |
|
5,647 |
|
|
|
4,269 |
|
Allowances for credit losses |
|
(674 |
) |
|
|
(656 |
) |
|
$ |
45,458 |
|
|
$ |
44,174 |
|
Railroad, utilities and energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Trade receivables |
$ |
5,642 |
|
|
$ |
6,034 |
|
Other |
|
1,098 |
|
|
|
1,228 |
|
Allowances for credit losses |
|
(152 |
) |
|
|
(176 |
) |
|
$ |
6,588 |
|
|
$ |
7,086 |
|
Aggregate provisions for credit losses in the first nine months with respect to receivables in the preceding table were $358 million in 2024 and $399 million in 2023. Charge-offs, net of recoveries, in the first nine months were $364 million in 2024 and $384 million in 2023. Receivables of the railroad, utilities and energy businesses at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 included approximately $1.6 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, related to Pilot.
Note 10. Inventories
Inventories of our insurance and other businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Raw materials |
$ |
5,647 |
|
|
$ |
6,026 |
|
Work in process and other |
|
3,430 |
|
|
|
3,345 |
|
Finished manufactured goods |
|
5,167 |
|
|
|
4,969 |
|
Goods acquired for resale |
|
9,373 |
|
|
|
9,819 |
|
|
$ |
23,617 |
|
|
$ |
24,159 |
|
Inventories, materials and supplies of our railroad, utilities and energy businesses are included in other assets and were approximately $4.0 billion at September 30, 2024 and $4.2 billion as of December 31, 2023. Such inventories included approximately $1.1 billion at September 30, 2024 and $1.7 billion at December 31, 2023 attributable to Pilot.
Note 11. Property, plant and equipment
A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions).
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Land, buildings and improvements |
|
$ |
15,519 |
|
|
$ |
15,058 |
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
28,830 |
|
|
|
28,010 |
|
Furniture, fixtures and other |
|
|
5,657 |
|
|
|
5,566 |
|
|
|
|
50,006 |
|
|
|
48,634 |
|
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(27,706 |
) |
|
|
(26,604 |
) |
|
|
$ |
22,300 |
|
|
$ |
22,030 |
|
14
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 11. Property, plant and equipment
A summary of property, plant and equipment of our railroad and utilities and energy businesses follows (in millions). The utility generation, transmission and distribution systems and interstate natural gas pipeline assets are owned by regulated public utility and natural gas pipeline subsidiaries.
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Railroad: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Land, track structure and other roadway |
|
$ |
73,453 |
|
|
$ |
71,692 |
|
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment |
|
|
15,778 |
|
|
|
16,256 |
|
Construction in progress |
|
|
1,945 |
|
|
|
1,715 |
|
|
|
|
91,176 |
|
|
|
89,663 |
|
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(20,123 |
) |
|
|
(19,464 |
) |
|
|
|
71,053 |
|
|
|
70,199 |
|
Utilities and energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems |
|
|
99,774 |
|
|
|
96,195 |
|
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets |
|
|
19,750 |
|
|
|
19,226 |
|
Independent power plants and other |
|
|
15,195 |
|
|
|
14,781 |
|
Land, buildings and improvements* |
|
|
4,796 |
|
|
|
4,540 |
|
Machinery, equipment and other* |
|
|
4,177 |
|
|
|
3,855 |
|
Construction in progress |
|
|
11,225 |
|
|
|
9,551 |
|
|
|
|
154,917 |
|
|
|
148,148 |
|
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(43,794 |
) |
|
|
(40,731 |
) |
|
|
|
111,123 |
|
|
|
107,417 |
|
|
|
$ |
182,176 |
|
|
$ |
177,616 |
|
——————
* Assets held by Pilot
Depreciation expense for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023 is summarized below (in millions).
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Insurance and other |
|
$ |
1,845 |
|
|
$ |
1,776 |
|
Railroad, utilities and energy |
|
|
5,330 |
|
|
|
5,302 |
|
|
|
$ |
7,175 |
|
|
$ |
7,078 |
|
Note 12. Equipment held for lease
Equipment held for lease includes railcars, aircraft and other equipment, including over-the-road trailers, intermodal tank containers, cranes, storage units and furniture. Equipment held for lease is summarized below (in millions).
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Railcars |
$ |
10,226 |
|
|
$ |
10,031 |
|
Aircraft |
|
13,886 |
|
|
|
12,537 |
|
Other |
|
5,751 |
|
|
|
5,576 |
|
|
|
29,863 |
|
|
|
28,144 |
|
Accumulated depreciation |
|
(12,067 |
) |
|
|
(11,197 |
) |
|
$ |
17,796 |
|
|
$ |
16,947 |
|
15
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 12. Equipment held for lease
Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease in the first nine months was $1,054 million in 2024 and $935 million in 2023. Operating lease revenues for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 and 2023 are summarized below (in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Fixed lease revenue |
$ |
1,637 |
|
|
$ |
1,502 |
|
|
$ |
4,801 |
|
|
$ |
4,397 |
|
Variable lease revenue |
|
678 |
|
|
|
602 |
|
|
|
2,044 |
|
|
|
1,830 |
|
|
$ |
2,315 |
|
|
$ |
2,104 |
|
|
$ |
6,845 |
|
|
$ |
6,227 |
|
Note 13. Goodwill and other intangible assets
Reconciliations of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the first nine months of 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2023 follow (in millions).
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Balance at the beginning of the year |
|
$ |
84,626 |
|
|
$ |
78,119 |
|
Business acquisitions |
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
7,347 |
|
Other, including acquisition period remeasurements and foreign currency translation |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(840 |
) |
Balance at the end of the period* |
|
$ |
84,608 |
|
|
$ |
84,626 |
|
——————
* Net of accumulated goodwill impairments of $11.1 billion as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Other intangible assets are summarized below (in millions).
|
September 30, 2024 |
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
||||||||||||||
|
Gross |
|
Accumulated |
|
Net |
|
|
Gross |
|
Accumulated |
|
Net |
|
||||||
Insurance and other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Customer relationships |
$ |
28,496 |
|
$ |
8,406 |
|
$ |
20,090 |
|
|
$ |
28,305 |
|
$ |
7,901 |
|
$ |
20,404 |
|
Trademarks and trade names |
|
5,686 |
|
|
866 |
|
|
4,820 |
|
|
|
5,619 |
|
|
846 |
|
|
4,773 |
|
Patents and technology |
|
5,406 |
|
|
4,382 |
|
|
1,024 |
|
|
|
5,238 |
|
|
4,109 |
|
|
1,129 |
|
Other |
|
4,773 |
|
|
1,910 |
|
|
2,863 |
|
|
|
4,826 |
|
|
1,805 |
|
|
3,021 |
|
|
$ |
44,361 |
|
$ |
15,564 |
|
$ |
28,797 |
|
|
$ |
43,988 |
|
$ |
14,661 |
|
$ |
29,327 |
|
Railroad, utilities and energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Customer relationships and contracts |
$ |
4,080 |
|
$ |
972 |
|
$ |
3,108 |
|
|
$ |
4,092 |
|
$ |
791 |
|
$ |
3,301 |
|
Trademarks and trade names |
|
3,591 |
|
|
190 |
|
|
3,401 |
|
|
|
3,592 |
|
|
98 |
|
|
3,494 |
|
Other |
|
1,169 |
|
|
231 |
|
|
938 |
|
|
|
1,174 |
|
|
156 |
|
|
1,018 |
|
|
$ |
8,840 |
|
$ |
1,393 |
|
$ |
7,447 |
|
|
$ |
8,858 |
|
$ |
1,045 |
|
$ |
7,813 |
|
Intangible assets of the railroad, utilities and energy businesses are included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, which includes intangible assets of Pilot. The net carrying values of such assets were $6.3 billion at September 30, 2024 and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2023, which were primarily trademarks and trade names and customer relationships. Intangible asset amortization expense in the first nine months was $1.3 billion in 2024 and 2023. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were $18.9 billion as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 and primarily related to certain customer relationships and trademarks and trade names.
16
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 14. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
Reconciliations of the changes in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“claim liabilities”), excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note 15), for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 follow (in millions).
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Balance at the beginning of the year: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Gross liabilities |
$ |
111,082 |
|
|
$ |
107,472 |
|
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses |
|
(4,893 |
) |
|
|
(5,025 |
) |
Net liabilities |
|
106,189 |
|
|
|
102,447 |
|
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current accident year |
|
43,166 |
|
|
|
44,537 |
|
Prior accident years |
|
(992 |
) |
|
|
(3,126 |
) |
Total |
|
42,174 |
|
|
|
41,411 |
|
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current accident year |
|
(16,011 |
) |
|
|
(16,962 |
) |
Prior accident years |
|
(21,370 |
) |
|
|
(22,171 |
) |
Total |
|
(37,381 |
) |
|
|
(39,133 |
) |
Foreign currency effect |
|
206 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
Balance at September 30: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net liabilities |
|
111,188 |
|
|
|
104,793 |
|
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses |
|
4,648 |
|
|
|
5,031 |
|
Gross liabilities |
$ |
115,836 |
|
|
$ |
109,824 |
|
Our claim liabilities under property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet date and include estimates for incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) claims. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses relate to insured events occurring in the current year (“current accident year”) as well as events occurring in all prior years (“prior accident years”). Incurred and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses are net of reinsurance recoveries.
We recorded net reductions of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years in the first nine months of $992 million in 2024 and $3.1 billion in 2023, which produced corresponding reductions in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in those periods. These reductions, as percentages of the net liabilities at the beginning of each year, were 0.9% in 2024 and 3.1% in 2023.
Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of our primary insurance businesses in the first nine months increased $222 million in 2024 and declined $1.6 billion in 2023. The increase in 2024 reflected higher projected claim losses for certain commercial auto, business owner and other casualty business, partly offset by lower than expected private passenger auto and medical professional liability losses. The reduction in liabilities in 2023 was driven by lower than expected private passenger auto losses. Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of our reinsurance businesses declined $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024, mostly attributable to lower than expected property losses, and $1.5 billion in 2023 attributable to reductions in both property and casualty losses.
17
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 15. Retroactive reinsurance contracts
Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses of short-duration insurance contracts with respect to underlying loss events that occurred prior to the contract inception date and may include significant levels of asbestos, environmental and other mass tort claims. Retroactive reinsurance contracts are generally subject to aggregate policy limits and thus, our exposure to such claims under these contracts is likewise limited. Reconciliations of the changes in estimated liabilities for retroactive reinsurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 follow (in millions).
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Balance at the beginning of the year |
$ |
34,647 |
|
|
$ |
35,415 |
|
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current contract year |
|
51 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Prior contract years |
|
(117 |
) |
|
|
13 |
|
Total |
|
(66 |
) |
|
|
13 |
|
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
(1,596 |
) |
|
|
(1,471 |
) |
Foreign currency effect |
|
75 |
|
|
|
(38 |
) |
Balance at September 30 |
$ |
33,060 |
|
|
$ |
33,919 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses |
$ |
(66 |
) |
|
$ |
13 |
|
Deferred charge amortization and adjustments |
|
610 |
|
|
|
605 |
|
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses included in the Consolidated |
$ |
544 |
|
|
$ |
618 |
|
In the preceding table, the classification of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses is based on the contract inception dates, which reflect when our exposure to losses began. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings include changes in estimated liabilities and related deferred charge asset amortization and adjustments arising from the changes in estimated timing and amount of future loss payments. Unamortized deferred charges on retroactive reinsurance contracts were $8.9 billion at September 30, 2024 and $9.5 billion at December 31, 2023.
Note 16. Long-duration insurance contracts
A summary of our long-duration life, annuity and health insurance benefits liabilities as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, disaggregated for our two primary product categories, periodic payment annuity and life and health insurance, follows. Other liabilities include IBNR claims and claims in the course of settlement. Amounts are in millions.
|
September 30, |
|
||||
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
||
Periodic payment annuity |
$ |
11,136 |
|
$ |
9,940 |
|
Life and health |
|
4,456 |
|
|
5,365 |
|
Other |
|
3,020 |
|
|
3,251 |
|
|
$ |
18,612 |
|
$ |
18,556 |
|
18
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 16. Long-duration insurance contracts
Reconciliations of periodic payment annuity and life and health insurance benefits liabilities for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023 follow (in millions). The information reflects the changes in discounted present values of expected future policy benefits and expected future net premiums before reinsurance ceded. Net premiums represent the portion of expected gross premiums that are required to provide for future policy benefits and variable expenses.
|
Periodic payment annuity |
|
|
Life and health |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Expected future policy benefits: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Balance at the beginning of the year |
$ |
11,212 |
|
|
$ |
10,640 |
|
|
$ |
52,665 |
|
|
$ |
52,008 |
|
Balance at the beginning of the year - original discount rates |
|
11,681 |
|
|
|
11,549 |
|
|
|
65,871 |
|
|
|
63,584 |
|
Effect of cash flow assumption changes |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,485 |
|
|
|
346 |
|
Effect of actual versus expected experience |
|
2 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(12,709 |
) |
|
|
(425 |
) |
Change in benefits, net |
|
(357 |
) |
|
|
(349 |
) |
|
|
(1,404 |
) |
|
|
(2,059 |
) |
Interest accrual |
|
411 |
|
|
|
402 |
|
|
|
891 |
|
|
|
1,288 |
|
Foreign currency effect |
|
96 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
218 |
|
|
|
(528 |
) |
Balance at September 30 - original discount rates |
|
11,833 |
|
|
|
11,632 |
|
|
|
54,352 |
|
|
|
62,206 |
|
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions |
|
(697 |
) |
|
|
(1,692 |
) |
|
|
(11,111 |
) |
|
|
(13,434 |
) |
Balance at September 30 |
$ |
11,136 |
|
|
$ |
9,940 |
|
|
$ |
43,241 |
|
|
$ |
48,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Expected future net premiums: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Balance at the beginning of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
46,916 |
|
|
$ |
46,129 |
|
||
Balance at the beginning of the year - original discount rates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,731 |
|
|
|
56,535 |
|
||
Effect of cash flow assumption changes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,449 |
|
|
|
276 |
|
||
Effect of actual versus expected experience |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,033 |
) |
|
|
(266 |
) |
||
Change in premiums, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,348 |
) |
|
|
(1,833 |
) |
||
Interest accrual |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
791 |
|
|
|
1,125 |
|
||
Foreign currency effect |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
(502 |
) |
||
Balance at September 30 - original discount rates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,790 |
|
|
|
55,335 |
|
||
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,005 |
) |
|
|
(11,928 |
) |
||
Balance at September 30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
38,785 |
|
|
$ |
43,407 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Liabilities for future policy benefits: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Balance at September 30 |
$ |
11,136 |
|
|
$ |
9,940 |
|
|
$ |
4,456 |
|
|
$ |
5,365 |
|
Reinsurance recoverables |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
(1,399 |
) |
Balance at September 30, net of reinsurance recoverables |
$ |
11,136 |
|
|
$ |
9,940 |
|
|
$ |
4,404 |
|
|
$ |
3,966 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Liabilities for future policy benefits and reinsurance recoverables declined in the first nine months of 2024, primarily attributable to the commutations of certain life reinsurance contracts. The impacts of these contract commutations on expected future policy benefits and future net premiums were reflected in effects of actual versus expected experience.
19
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 16. Long-duration insurance contracts
Other information relating to our long-duration insurance liabilities as of September 30, 2024 and 2023 follows (dollars in millions).
|
Periodic payment annuity |
|
|
Life and health |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Undiscounted expected future gross premiums |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
101,134 |
|
|
$ |
106,518 |
|
Discounted expected future gross premiums |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
58,530 |
|
|
|
64,394 |
|
Undiscounted expected future benefits |
|
30,915 |
|
|
|
31,049 |
|
|
|
91,751 |
|
|
|
101,882 |
|
Weighted average discount rate |
|
5.2 |
% |
|
|
5.9 |
% |
|
|
4.7 |
% |
|
|
5.4 |
% |
Weighted average accretion rate |
|
4.8 |
% |
|
|
4.8 |
% |
|
|
2.6 |
% |
|
|
3.4 |
% |
Weighted average duration |
17 years |
|
|
16 years |
|
|
13 years |
|
|
14 years |
|
||||
Gross premiums earned and interest expense before reinsurance ceded for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in millions).
|
Gross premiums |
|
|
Interest expense |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Periodic payment annuity |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
411 |
|
|
$ |
402 |
|
Life and health |
|
2,831 |
|
|
|
2,587 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
Note 17. Notes payable and other borrowings
Notes payable and other borrowings of our insurance and other businesses are summarized below (dollars in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges are based on borrowings as of September 30, 2024.
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|||
Insurance and other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2025-2047 |
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
$ |
3,746 |
|
|
$ |
3,740 |
|
Euro denominated due 2025-2041 |
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
5,089 |
|
|
|
6,145 |
|
Japanese Yen denominated due 2025-2060 |
|
|
0.9 |
% |
|
|
10,803 |
|
|
|
8,896 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2027-2052 |
|
|
3.6 |
% |
|
|
14,468 |
|
|
|
14,463 |
|
Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059 |
|
|
2.5 |
% |
|
|
2,304 |
|
|
|
2,191 |
|
Euro denominated due 2030-2034 |
|
|
1.8 |
% |
|
|
1,387 |
|
|
|
1,374 |
|
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2024-2051 |
|
|
4.5 |
% |
|
|
4,603 |
|
|
|
4,696 |
|
Subsidiary short-term borrowings |
|
|
6.7 |
% |
|
|
1,251 |
|
|
|
1,187 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
43,651 |
|
|
$ |
42,692 |
|
|
20
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 17. Notes payable and other borrowings
Berkshire parent company borrowings consist of senior unsecured debt. In the first nine months of 2024, Berkshire repaid approximately $1.9 billion of maturing senior notes. In April 2024, Berkshire issued ¥263.3 billion (approximately $1.7 billion) of senior notes with interest rates ranging from 0.974% to 2.498% and maturity dates ranging from 2027 to 2054. In September 2024, Berkshire borrowed ¥142.5 billion (approximately $1.0 billion) under a term loan agreement due in 2028 and with an interest rate of 1.25%. In October 2024, Berkshire issued ¥281.8 billion (approximately $1.85 billion) of senior notes with interest rates ranging from 1.031% to 2.625% and maturity dates ranging from 2027 to 2054.
Borrowings of BHFC, a wholly-owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, consist of senior unsecured notes used to fund manufactured housing loans originated or acquired and equipment held for lease of certain subsidiaries. BHFC borrowings are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. Berkshire also guarantees certain debt of other subsidiaries, aggregating approximately $2.7 billion at September 30, 2024. Generally, Berkshire’s guarantee of a subsidiary’s debt obligation is an absolute, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for the full and prompt payment when due of all payment obligations.
The carrying values of Berkshire and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar denominated senior notes (€5.85 billion, £1.75 billion and ¥1,556 billion par at September 30, 2024) reflect the applicable exchange rates as of each balance sheet date. The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates during the period are recorded in earnings as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Changes in the exchange rates produced pre-tax losses of $1.5 billion in the third quarter and $136 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to pre-tax gains of $582 million in the third quarter and $1.1 billion in the first nine months of 2023.
Notes payable and other borrowings of our railroad, utilities and energy businesses are summarized below (dollars in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges are based on borrowings as of September 30, 2024.
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|||
Railroad, utilities and energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2025-2053 |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
|
$ |
13,105 |
|
|
$ |
13,101 |
|
Subsidiary and other debt due 2024-2064 |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
43,452 |
|
|
|
39,072 |
|
Short-term borrowings |
|
|
6.0 |
% |
|
|
773 |
|
|
|
4,148 |
|
Pilot Travel Centers (“Pilot”) and subsidiaries |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,776 |
|
Burlington Northern Santa Fe (“BNSF”) and subsidiaries due 2024-2097 |
|
|
4.7 |
% |
|
|
23,526 |
|
|
|
23,482 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
80,856 |
|
|
$ |
85,579 |
|
|
BHE subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. Substantially all of the assets of certain BHE subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure such debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants, including covenants which pertain to leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and/or debt service coverage ratios. In the first nine months of 2024, BHE subsidiaries issued $5.4 billion of term debt with a weighted average interest rate of 5.4% and maturity dates ranging from 2029 to 2055 and BHE and its subsidiaries repaid term debt and short-term borrowings aggregating approximately $4.4 billion. In October 2024, a BHE subsidiary issued $900 million of 5.6% senior notes due in 2054.
At December 31, 2023, Pilot’s borrowings primarily represented secured syndicated loans. In March 2024, Pilot borrowed $5.7 billion from certain Berkshire insurance subsidiaries, which Pilot used to repay its then outstanding third-party borrowings. BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In the first nine months of 2024, BNSF issued $1.3 billion of 5.5% debentures due in 2055 and repaid $1.2 billion of maturing debentures. As of September 30, 2024, BHE, BNSF and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt, borrowings or lines of credit of BHE, BNSF or their subsidiaries.
Unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity to support operations and provide additional liquidity for our subsidiaries were approximately $11.5 billion at September 30, 2024, of which approximately $10.4 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries.
21
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 18. Fair value measurements
Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below, with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, other receivables and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of or otherwise approximate the fair values.
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|||||
September 30, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Investments in fixed maturity securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations |
|
$ |
4,516 |
|
|
$ |
4,516 |
|
|
$ |
4,481 |
|
|
$ |
35 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Foreign governments |
|
|
9,904 |
|
|
|
9,904 |
|
|
|
9,708 |
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Corporate bonds |
|
|
1,394 |
|
|
|
1,394 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
850 |
|
|
|
544 |
|
Other |
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Investments in equity securities |
|
|
271,650 |
|
|
|
271,650 |
|
|
|
261,865 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
9,775 |
|
Investments in Kraft Heinz & Occidental common stock |
|
|
29,680 |
|
|
|
24,583 |
|
|
|
24,583 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Loans and finance receivables |
|
|
27,106 |
|
|
|
26,645 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
867 |
|
|
|
25,778 |
|
Derivative contract assets (1) |
|
|
292 |
|
|
|
292 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
241 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
Derivative contract liabilities (1) |
|
|
246 |
|
|
|
246 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
160 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
Notes payable and other borrowings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Insurance and other |
|
|
43,651 |
|
|
|
40,325 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
40,301 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
Railroad, utilities and energy |
|
|
80,856 |
|
|
|
77,510 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
77,510 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Investments in fixed maturity securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations |
|
$ |
10,269 |
|
|
$ |
10,269 |
|
|
$ |
10,234 |
|
|
$ |
35 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Foreign governments |
|
|
11,805 |
|
|
|
11,805 |
|
|
|
11,559 |
|
|
|
246 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Corporate bonds |
|
|
1,449 |
|
|
|
1,449 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
860 |
|
|
|
589 |
|
Other |
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Investments in equity securities |
|
|
353,842 |
|
|
|
353,842 |
|
|
|
343,358 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
10,474 |
|
Investments in Kraft Heinz & Occidental common stock |
|
|
28,640 |
|
|
|
26,587 |
|
|
|
26,587 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Loans and finance receivables |
|
|
24,681 |
|
|
|
24,190 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
892 |
|
|
|
23,298 |
|
Derivative contract assets (1) |
|
|
334 |
|
|
|
334 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
Derivative contract liabilities (1) |
|
|
213 |
|
|
|
213 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
Notes payable and other borrowings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Insurance and other |
|
|
42,692 |
|
|
|
39,184 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
39,153 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
Railroad, utilities and energy |
|
|
85,579 |
|
|
|
81,036 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
81,036 |
|
|
|
— |
|
——————
The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. The hierarchy for measuring fair value consists of Levels 1 through 3, which are described below.
Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets.
Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities exchanged in active or inactive markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in inactive markets; other inputs that may be considered in fair value determinations of the assets or liabilities, such as interest rates and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Pricing evaluations generally reflect discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, estimated durations and yields for other instruments of the issuer or entities in the same industry sector.
22
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 18. Fair value measurements
Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets or liabilities and it may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in valuing assets or liabilities.
Reconciliations of significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 follow (in millions).
|
Balance at |
|
|
Gains (losses) |
|
|
Acquisitions |
|
|
Balance at |
|
||||
Investments in equity securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
2024 |
$ |
10,468 |
|
|
$ |
(699 |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
9,769 |
|
2023 |
|
12,169 |
|
|
|
190 |
|
|
|
(1,661 |
) |
|
|
10,698 |
|
Quantitative information as of September 30, 2024 for the significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (dollars in millions).
|
|
Fair |
|
|
Principal Valuation |
|
Unobservable |
|
Weighted |
|
Investments in equity securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock |
|
$ |
8,587 |
|
|
Discounted cash flow |
|
Expected duration |
|
5 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discounts for liquidity |
|
372 bps |
|
Common stock warrants |
|
|
1,182 |
|
|
Warrant pricing model |
|
Expected duration |
|
5 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volatility |
|
42% |
|
Investments in equity securities in the preceding table include our investments in certain preferred stock and common stock warrants that do not have readily determinable market values as defined by GAAP. These investments are private placements with contractual terms that may restrict transfers and prevent us from economically hedging our investments. We applied discounted cash flow techniques in valuing the preferred stock and we made assumptions regarding the expected duration of the investment and the effects of subordination in liquidation. In valuing the common stock warrants, we used a warrant valuation model. While most of the inputs to the warrant model are observable, we made assumptions regarding the expected duration and volatility.
Note 19. Common stock
Changes in shares of Berkshire’s common stock during the first nine months of 2024 are shown in the table below. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.
|
Class A, $5 Par Value |
|
|
Class B, $0.0033 Par Value |
|
||||||||||||||
|
Issued |
|
Treasury |
|
Outstanding |
|
|
Issued |
|
Treasury |
|
Outstanding |
|
||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 |
|
639,328 |
|
|
(71,553 |
) |
|
567,775 |
|
|
|
1,528,152,352 |
|
|
(217,590,844 |
) |
|
1,310,561,508 |
|
Conversions of Class A to |
|
(10,778 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
(10,778 |
) |
|
|
16,167,000 |
|
|
— |
|
|
16,167,000 |
|
Treasury stock acquired |
|
— |
|
|
(4,787 |
) |
|
(4,787 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Treasury stock issued |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
1,368,508 |
|
|
1,368,508 |
|
Balance at September 30, 2024 |
|
628,550 |
|
|
(76,340 |
) |
|
552,210 |
|
|
|
1,544,319,352 |
|
|
(216,222,336 |
) |
|
1,328,097,016 |
|
Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote per share. Class B common stock possesses dividend and distribution rights equal to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of such rights of Class A common stock. Each Class B common share possesses voting rights equal to one-ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of the voting rights of a Class A share. Unless otherwise required under Delaware General Corporation Law, Class A and Class B common shares vote as a single class. Each share of Class A common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into 1,500 shares of Class B common stock. Class B common stock is not convertible into Class A common stock. On an equivalent Class A common stock basis, there were 1,437,608 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and 1,441,483 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
23
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 19. Common stock
Since we have two classes of common stock, we provide earnings per share data on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for average equivalent Class A shares outstanding and average equivalent Class B shares outstanding. Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of a Class A share. Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding represents average Class A shares outstanding plus one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of the average Class B shares outstanding. Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding represents average Class B shares outstanding plus 1,500 times the average Class A shares outstanding.
Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, believes that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined. The program continues to allow share repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce the value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bill holdings below $30 billion. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares and there is no expiration date to the program.
Note 20. Income taxes
Our consolidated effective income tax rates were 18.5% in the third quarter and 19.2% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 25.9% in the third quarter and 18.9% in the first nine months of 2023. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects recurring benefits from dividends-received deductions applicable to investments in certain equity securities and production tax credits related to wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. Our periodic effective income tax rate will also vary due to the changes in mix of pre-tax earnings, including realized and unrealized investment gains or losses with respect to our investments in equity securities, the amount of non-deductible goodwill impairment charges and other expenses and the underlying income tax rates applicable in the various taxing jurisdictions.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“the 2022 Act”) was signed into law. The 2022 Act contains numerous provisions, including a 15% corporate alternative minimum income tax (“CAMT”) on “adjusted financial statement income,” expanded tax credits for clean energy incentives and a 1% excise tax on corporate stock repurchases. The provisions of the 2022 Act are effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022. The extent to which we incur CAMT will depend on the facts and circumstances of the given tax year. We do not expect to incur a CAMT liability in 2024.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has issued Pillar Two model rules introducing a new global minimum tax of 15% intended to be effective on January 1, 2024. While the U.S. has not yet adopted the Pillar Two rules, various other governments around the world are enacting legislation. As currently designed, Pillar Two will ultimately apply to our worldwide operations. Considering we do not have material operations in jurisdictions with income tax rates lower than the Pillar Two minimum, these rules are not expected to materially increase our global tax costs. There remains uncertainty as to the final Pillar Two model rules. We will continue to monitor U.S. and global legislative action related to Pillar Two for potential impacts.
Note 21. Accumulated other comprehensive income
A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the nine months ending September 30, 2024 and 2023 follows (in millions).
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
Long-duration insurance contracts |
|
|
Defined benefit pension plans |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
||||||
First nine months of 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Balance at the beginning of the year |
$ |
190 |
|
|
$ |
(5,393 |
) |
|
$ |
1,353 |
|
|
$ |
(97 |
) |
|
$ |
184 |
|
|
$ |
(3,763 |
) |
Other comprehensive income |
|
81 |
|
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
71 |
|
Balance at the end of the period |
$ |
271 |
|
|
$ |
(5,315 |
) |
|
$ |
1,343 |
|
|
$ |
(141 |
) |
|
$ |
150 |
|
|
$ |
(3,692 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
First nine months of 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Balance at the beginning of the year |
$ |
(187 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,142 |
) |
|
$ |
1,541 |
|
|
$ |
(552 |
) |
|
$ |
288 |
|
|
$ |
(5,052 |
) |
Other comprehensive income |
|
178 |
|
|
|
(187 |
) |
|
|
786 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
(48 |
) |
|
|
780 |
|
Balance at the end of the period |
$ |
(9 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,329 |
) |
|
$ |
2,327 |
|
|
$ |
(501 |
) |
|
$ |
240 |
|
|
$ |
(4,272 |
) |
24
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 22. Supplemental cash flow information
A summary of supplemental cash flow information follows (in millions).
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Cash paid during the period for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Income taxes |
|
$ |
17,466 |
|
|
$ |
5,768 |
|
Interest: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Insurance and other |
|
|
1,047 |
|
|
|
1,077 |
|
Railroad, utilities and energy |
|
|
2,761 |
|
|
|
2,670 |
|
Non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
10,832 |
|
Class B common stock issued in exchange for noncontrolling interests |
|
|
625 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Note 23. Contingencies and commitments
We are parties in a variety of legal actions that routinely arise out of the normal course of business, including legal actions seeking to establish liability directly through insurance contracts or indirectly through reinsurance contracts issued by Berkshire subsidiaries. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. We do not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
PacifiCorp, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”), operates as a regulated electric utility in Oregon and other Western states. HomeServices of America, Inc. is also a wholly-owned subsidiary of BHE. Certain legal matters related to these entities are described below.
PacifiCorp
In September 2020, a severe weather event resulting in high winds, low humidity and warm temperatures, contributed to several major wildfires, which resulted in real and personal property and natural resource damage, personal injuries and loss of life and widespread power outages in Oregon and Northern California. These wildfires spread across certain parts of PacifiCorp’s service territory and surrounding areas across multiple counties in Oregon and California, including Siskiyou County, California; Jackson County, Oregon; Douglas County, Oregon; Marion County, Oregon; Lincoln County, Oregon; and Klamath County, Oregon, burning over 500,000 acres in aggregate. Third-party reports for these wildfires (the “2020 Wildfires”) indicate over 2,000 structures destroyed, including residences; several other structures damaged; multiple individuals injured; and several fatalities.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, a wildfire began on July 29, 2022, in the Oak Knoll Ranger District of the Klamath National Forest in Siskiyou County, California located in PacifiCorp’s service territory (the “2022 Wildfire”) burning over 60,000 acres. Third-party reports indicate that the 2022 Wildfire resulted in 11 structures damaged, 185 structures destroyed, 12 injuries and four fatalities. The 2020 Wildfires and 2022 Wildfire, together, are referred to as the “Wildfires”.
Investigations into the cause and origin of each of the Wildfires are complex and ongoing and have been or are being conducted by various entities, including the U.S. Forest Service, the California Public Utilities Commission, the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Oregon Department of Justice, PacifiCorp and various experts engaged by PacifiCorp.
As of the date of this filing, a significant number of complaints and demands alleging similar claims related to the Wildfires have been filed in Oregon and California, including a class action complaint in Oregon associated with the 2020 Wildfires for which certain jury verdicts were issued as described below. The plaintiffs seek damages for economic losses, noneconomic losses, including mental suffering, emotional distress, personal injury and loss of life, as well as punitive damages, other damages and attorneys’ fees. Several insurance carriers have filed subrogation complaints in Oregon and California with allegations similar to those made in the aforementioned complaints. Additionally, the U.S. and Oregon Departments of Justice have informed PacifiCorp that they are contemplating filing actions against PacifiCorp in connection with certain of the Oregon 2020 Wildfires. PacifiCorp is actively cooperating with the U.S. and Oregon Departments of Justice on resolving these alleged claims through alternative dispute resolution.
As of September 30, 2024, amounts sought in outstanding complaints and demands filed in Oregon and in certain demands in California approximated $3 billion, excluding any doubling or trebling of damages included in the complaints and the mass complaints described below that seek $46 billion. Generally, the complaints filed in California do not specify damages sought and are excluded from this amount.
Based on available information to date, we believe it is probable that losses will be incurred associated with the Wildfires. Final determinations of liability will only be made following the completion of comprehensive investigations, litigation and similar processes.
25
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 23. Contingencies and commitments
On September 30, 2020, a class action complaint against PacifiCorp was filed captioned Jeanyne James et al. v. PacifiCorp et al. (the “James case”), in Oregon Circuit Court in Multnomah County, Oregon (the “Multnomah Court”) in connection with the 2020 Wildfires. In April 2023, a jury trial for the James case with respect to 17 named plaintiffs began in Multnomah Court. In June 2023, the jury issued its verdict finding PacifiCorp liable to the 17 named plaintiffs and to the class with respect to four wildfires. The jury found PacifiCorp’s conduct grossly negligent, reckless and willful as to each plaintiff and the entire class. The jury awarded the 17 named plaintiffs $90 million of damages, including $4 million of economic damages, $68 million of noneconomic damages and $18 million of punitive damages based on a 0.25 multiplier of the economic and noneconomic damages.
In September 2023, the Multnomah Court ordered trial dates for three damages phase trials for the James case, wherein plaintiffs in each of the three damages phase trials would present evidence regarding their damages.
In January 2024, the Multnomah Court entered a limited judgment and money award for the June 2023 James case verdict of $92 million based on the amounts awarded by the jury, as well as doubling of the economic damages and offsetting of insurance proceeds received by plaintiffs. In January 2024, PacifiCorp filed a notice of appeal associated with the June 2023 verdict in the James case, including whether the case can proceed as a class action, and filed a motion to stay further damages phase trials. On February 14, 2024, the Oregon Court of Appeals denied PacifiCorp’s request to stay the damages phase trials. On February 13, 2024, the 17 named plaintiffs filed a notice of cross-appeal as to the January 2024 limited judgment and money award. The appeals process and further actions could take several years.
In January 2024, the jury for the first James case damages phase trial awarded nine plaintiffs $62 million of damages, including $6 million of economic damages and $56 million of noneconomic damages. Subsequently, the Multnomah Court increased the economic damages by $6 million and added $16 million of punitive damages, bringing the aggregate damages awarded to $84 million. In March 2024, the Multnomah Court granted in large part PacifiCorp’s request to offset the damage awards by deducting insurance proceeds received by any of the nine plaintiffs. In April 2024, the Multnomah Court entered a limited judgment and money award of $80 million for the January 2024 James verdict, based on the aggregate damages awarded, offset by insurance proceeds received by plaintiffs.
In March 2024, the jury for the second James case damages phase trial awarded ten plaintiffs $42 million of damages, including $12 million of doubled economic damages and $30 million of noneconomic and punitive damages. In May 2024, the Multnomah Court granted PacifiCorp’s request to offset the damage awards by deducting insurance proceeds received by any of the ten plaintiffs. In June 2024, the Multnomah Court entered a limited judgment and money award of $38 million for the March 2024 James verdict, based on the aggregate amounts awarded, offset by insurance proceeds received by plaintiffs.
The January, April and June 2024 limited judgments created liens against PacifiCorp, attaching a debt for the money awards. In each instance, PacifiCorp posted a supersedeas bond, which stays any effort to seek payment of the judgment pending final resolution of any appeals. Under ORS 82.010, interest at a rate of 9% per annum will accrue on the judgment commencing at the date the judgment was entered until the entire money award is paid, amended or reversed by an appellate court. PacifiCorp amended its January 2024 appeal of the June 2023 James verdict to include the January 2024 jury verdict and further amended its appeal of the June 2023 verdict to include the March 2024 jury verdict. In March 2024, settlement was reached with five commercial timber plaintiffs in the James case, and the jury trial scheduled for April 2024 was cancelled.
In April, May, July and September 2024, five separate mass complaints against PacifiCorp naming 1,536 individual class members were filed in the Multnomah Court referencing the James case as the lead case. These mass complaints make allegations seeking economic, noneconomic and punitive damages, as well as doubling of economic damages. PacifiCorp believes the magnitude of damages sought by the class members in the James case mass complaints to be of remote likelihood of being awarded based on the amounts awarded in the jury verdicts described above that are being appealed.
In October 2024, the Multnomah Court issued a case management order, which sets forth nine additional damages phase trials with 10 plaintiffs per trial. The trials are scheduled to occur throughout 2025, beginning in the first quarter.
A provision for a loss contingency is recorded when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. PacifiCorp evaluates the related range of reasonably estimated losses and records a loss based on its best estimate within that range or the lower end of the range if there is no better estimate.
Estimated probable losses associated with the Wildfires were based on the information available to the date of this filing, including (i) ongoing cause and origin investigations; (ii) ongoing settlement and mediation discussions; (iii) other litigation matters and upcoming legal proceedings; and (iv) the status of the James case. Wildfire estimated losses include estimates for fire suppression costs, real and personal property damages, natural resource damages and noneconomic damages such as personal injury damages and loss of life damages that are considered probable of being incurred and that it is able to reasonably estimate at this time, and which is subject to change as additional relevant information becomes available.
26
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 23. Contingencies and commitments
Through September 30, 2024, PacifiCorp recorded cumulative estimated probable Wildfire losses, before taxes and expected related insurance recoveries, of approximately $2.7 billion. Wildfire loss accruals were $251 million in the first nine months of 2024 and $1.9 billion in the first nine months of 2023, of which $1.4 billion was recorded in the third quarter. Expected insurance recoveries recorded to date in connection with the Wildfires are $534 million, including $257 million recorded in the first nine months of 2023. No further insurance recoveries are expected to be available. Cumulative Wildfire loss payments through September 30, 2024 were approximately $1.2 billion, of which $529 million was paid in the first nine months of 2024. Estimated unpaid liabilities for the Wildfires were approximately $1.45 billion at September 30, 2024.
It is reasonably possible PacifiCorp will incur significant additional Wildfire losses beyond the amounts currently accrued; however, it is currently unable to reasonably estimate the range of possible additional losses that could be incurred due to the number of properties and parties involved, including claimants in the class to the James case, the variation in those types of properties and the ultimate outcome of legal actions.
HomeServices of America, Inc.
HomeServices of America, Inc. (“HomeServices”) is currently defending against several antitrust cases, all in federal district courts. In each case, plaintiffs claim HomeServices and certain of its subsidiaries (and in one case BHE) conspired with co-defendants to artificially inflate real estate commissions by following and enforcing multiple listing service (“MLS”) rules that require listing agents to offer a commission split to cooperating agents in order for the property to appear on the MLS (“Cooperative Compensation Rule”). None of the complaints specify damages sought. However, two cases also allege Texas state law deceptive trade practices claims, for which plaintiffs have provided written notice of the damages sought totaling approximately $9 billion by separate notice as required by Texas law.
In one of these cases, Burnett (formerly Sitzer) et al. v. HomeServices of America, Inc. et al. (the “Burnett case”), a jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri commenced on October 16, 2023, and the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiffs on October 31, 2023, finding that the named defendants participated in a conspiracy to follow and enforce the Cooperative Compensation Rule, which conspiracy had the purpose or effect of raising, inflating, or stabilizing broker commission rates paid by home sellers. The jury further found that the class plaintiffs had proved damages in the amount of $1.8 billion. Joint and several liability applies for the co-defendants. Federal law authorizes trebling of damages and the award of pre-judgment interest and attorney fees. To date, all co-defendants have reached settlements with the plaintiffs. The U.S District Court approved certain of these settlements in May 2024, which has been appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
In April 2024, HomeServices agreed to terms with the plaintiffs to settle all claims asserted against HomeServices and its subsidiaries in the Burnett case as part of a proposed nationwide class settlement. The final settlement agreement includes scheduled payments over the next four years aggregating $250 million, which is subject to court approval scheduled for November 26, 2024. If the settlement is not approved by the court, HomeServices intends to vigorously appeal on multiple grounds the jury’s findings and damage award in the Burnett case, including whether the case can proceed as a class action. The appeals process and further actions could take several years.
Other legal matters
In September 2024, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”) recorded a pre-tax charge of $490 million in connection with a settlement agreement reached concerning certain non-insurance affiliates that filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of bankruptcy code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey (the “Court”) in 2023. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, NICO has agreed to pay $535 million to the bankruptcy estate in consideration of a release of all estate causes of action against NICO and its affiliates. The settlement agreement, which is opposed by certain creditors, is subject to approval by the Court. NICO also accrued a $45 million recoverable from a third party that is covered under the release.
Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and penalties. We currently believe that liabilities that may arise as a result of such other pending legal actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
27
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 24. Revenues from contracts with customers
The following tables summarize customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 and 2023 (in millions). Other revenues, which are not considered to be revenues from contracts with customers under GAAP, are primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and leasing revenues.
|
|
Manufacturing |
|
|
McLane |
|
|
Service |
|
|
BNSF |
|
|
Berkshire |
|
|
Pilot |
|
|
Insurance, |
|
|
Total |
|
||||||||
Three months ending September 30, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Manufactured products: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Industrial and commercial |
|
$ |
7,185 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
49 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
7,234 |
|
Building |
|
|
5,176 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,176 |
|
Consumer |
|
|
4,749 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,749 |
|
Grocery and convenience store distribution |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
7,882 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
7,882 |
|
Food and beverage distribution |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,372 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,372 |
|
Auto sales |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,722 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,722 |
|
Other retail and wholesale distribution |
|
|
823 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,598 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
733 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,154 |
|
Service |
|
|
414 |
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
1,464 |
|
|
|
5,866 |
|
|
|
1,098 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
9,150 |
|
Electricity, natural gas and fuel |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,834 |
|
|
|
9,775 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
15,609 |
|
Total |
|
|
18,347 |
|
|
|
12,486 |
|
|
|
7,833 |
|
|
|
5,866 |
|
|
|
6,932 |
|
|
|
10,584 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
62,048 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
1,323 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
1,995 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
391 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
27,104 |
|
|
|
30,947 |
|
|
|
$ |
19,670 |
|
|
$ |
12,527 |
|
|
$ |
9,828 |
|
|
$ |
5,920 |
|
|
$ |
7,323 |
|
|
$ |
10,623 |
|
|
$ |
27,104 |
|
|
$ |
92,995 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Nine months ending September 30, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Manufactured products: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Industrial and commercial |
|
$ |
21,854 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
156 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
22,010 |
|
Building |
|
|
15,083 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
15,083 |
|
Consumer |
|
|
13,530 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
13,530 |
|
Grocery and convenience store distribution |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
22,984 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
22,984 |
|
Food and beverage distribution |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
13,286 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
13,286 |
|
Auto sales |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
7,988 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
7,988 |
|
Other retail and wholesale distribution |
|
|
2,485 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
11,107 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,063 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
15,655 |
|
Service |
|
|
1,193 |
|
|
|
698 |
|
|
|
4,278 |
|
|
|
17,182 |
|
|
|
3,108 |
|
|
|
208 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
26,667 |
|
Electricity, natural gas and fuel |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
15,940 |
|
|
|
33,715 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
49,655 |
|
Total |
|
|
54,145 |
|
|
|
36,968 |
|
|
|
23,529 |
|
|
|
17,182 |
|
|
|
19,048 |
|
|
|
35,986 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
186,858 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
3,843 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
5,893 |
|
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
1,020 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
78,496 |
|
|
|
89,659 |
|
|
|
$ |
57,988 |
|
|
$ |
37,098 |
|
|
$ |
29,422 |
|
|
$ |
17,344 |
|
|
$ |
20,068 |
|
|
$ |
36,101 |
|
|
$ |
78,496 |
|
|
$ |
276,517 |
|
28
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 24. Revenues from contracts with customers
|
|
Manufacturing |
|
|
McLane |
|
|
Service |
|
|
BNSF |
|
|
Berkshire |
|
|
Pilot |
|
|
Insurance, |
|
|
Total |
|
||||||||
Three months ending September 30, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Manufactured products: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Industrial and commercial |
|
$ |
7,008 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
53 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
7,061 |
|
Building |
|
|
5,211 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,211 |
|
|||||
Consumer |
|
|
4,578 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,578 |
|
|||||
Grocery and convenience store distribution |
|
— |
|
|
|
8,212 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
8,212 |
|
|||||
Food and beverage distribution |
|
— |
|
|
|
4,775 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,775 |
|
|||||
Auto sales |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,752 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,752 |
|
|||||
Other retail and wholesale distribution |
|
|
807 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,933 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
688 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,428 |
|
|||
Service |
|
|
385 |
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
1,390 |
|
|
|
5,811 |
|
|
|
1,141 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
9,056 |
|
Electricity, natural gas and fuel |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,804 |
|
|
|
12,320 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
18,124 |
|
||||
Total |
|
|
17,989 |
|
|
|
13,237 |
|
|
|
8,128 |
|
|
|
5,811 |
|
|
|
6,945 |
|
|
|
13,087 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
65,197 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
1,179 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
1,793 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
24,599 |
|
|
|
28,013 |
|
|
|
$ |
19,168 |
|
|
$ |
13,279 |
|
|
$ |
9,921 |
|
|
$ |
5,829 |
|
|
$ |
7,269 |
|
|
$ |
13,145 |
|
|
$ |
24,599 |
|
|
$ |
93,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Nine months ending September 30, 2023* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Manufactured products: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Industrial and commercial |
|
$ |
21,458 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
172 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
21,630 |
|
Building |
|
|
15,147 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
15,147 |
|
|||||
Consumer |
|
|
12,956 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
12,956 |
|
|||||
Grocery and convenience store distribution |
|
— |
|
|
|
23,540 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
23,540 |
|
|||||
Food and beverage distribution |
|
— |
|
|
|
14,439 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
14,439 |
|
|||||
Auto sales |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
8,106 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
8,106 |
|
|||||
Other retail and wholesale distribution |
|
|
2,420 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
12,301 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,791 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
16,512 |
|
|||
Service |
|
|
1,086 |
|
|
|
747 |
|
|
|
4,106 |
|
|
|
17,587 |
|
|
|
3,169 |
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
26,883 |
|
Electricity, natural gas and fuel |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
15,874 |
|
|
|
35,238 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
51,112 |
|
||||
Total |
|
|
53,067 |
|
|
|
38,726 |
|
|
|
24,685 |
|
|
|
17,587 |
|
|
|
19,043 |
|
|
|
37,217 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
190,325 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
3,440 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
5,247 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
1,015 |
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
70,740 |
|
|
|
80,781 |
|
|
|
$ |
56,507 |
|
|
$ |
38,857 |
|
|
$ |
29,932 |
|
|
$ |
17,638 |
|
|
$ |
20,058 |
|
|
$ |
37,374 |
|
|
$ |
70,740 |
|
|
$ |
271,106 |
|
——————
* Revenues from Pilot are for the eight months ending September 30, 2023.
A summary of the transaction price allocated to the significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations related to contracts with expected durations exceeding one year as of September 30, 2024 and the timing of when the performance obligations are expected to be satisfied follows (in millions).
|
|
Less than |
|
|
Greater than |
|
|
Total |
|
|||
Electricity, natural gas and fuel |
|
$ |
3,105 |
|
|
$ |
19,361 |
|
|
$ |
22,466 |
|
Other sales and service contracts |
|
|
3,340 |
|
|
|
5,193 |
|
|
|
8,533 |
|
29
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 25. Business segment data
Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, freight rail transportation, utilities and energy, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. We organize our reportable business segments in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses are grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines and marketing, selling and distribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. We acquired control of Pilot on January 31, 2023. In this presentation, revenues and pre-tax earnings of the Pilot segment in 2023 are for the eight months ending September 30. Prior to January 31, 2023, our earnings from Pilot were determined under the equity method and were included in earnings from non-controlled businesses. Revenues and earnings before income taxes by segment for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Revenues of Operating Businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Insurance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Underwriting: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
GEICO |
$ |
10,699 |
|
|
$ |
9,844 |
|
|
$ |
31,402 |
|
|
$ |
29,184 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group |
|
4,685 |
|
|
|
4,449 |
|
|
|
13,882 |
|
|
|
12,643 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group |
|
6,671 |
|
|
|
7,067 |
|
|
|
20,198 |
|
|
|
19,890 |
|
Investment income |
|
4,609 |
|
|
|
2,948 |
|
|
|
11,850 |
|
|
|
8,258 |
|
Total insurance |
|
26,664 |
|
|
|
24,308 |
|
|
|
77,332 |
|
|
|
69,975 |
|
BNSF |
|
5,940 |
|
|
|
5,847 |
|
|
|
17,405 |
|
|
|
17,694 |
|
BHE |
|
7,335 |
|
|
|
7,281 |
|
|
|
20,104 |
|
|
|
20,094 |
|
Pilot |
|
10,630 |
|
|
|
13,166 |
|
|
|
36,132 |
|
|
|
37,428 |
|
Manufacturing |
|
19,675 |
|
|
|
19,174 |
|
|
|
58,044 |
|
|
|
56,565 |
|
McLane |
|
12,723 |
|
|
|
13,477 |
|
|
|
37,656 |
|
|
|
39,419 |
|
Service and retailing |
|
9,842 |
|
|
|
9,946 |
|
|
|
29,492 |
|
|
|
30,018 |
|
|
|
92,809 |
|
|
|
93,199 |
|
|
|
276,165 |
|
|
|
271,193 |
|
Reconciliation to consolidated amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Corporate, eliminations and other |
|
186 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
(87 |
) |
|
$ |
92,995 |
|
|
$ |
93,210 |
|
|
$ |
276,517 |
|
|
$ |
271,106 |
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Earnings Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Insurance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Underwriting: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
GEICO |
$ |
2,033 |
|
|
$ |
1,053 |
|
|
$ |
5,747 |
|
|
$ |
2,270 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group |
|
(689 |
) |
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group |
|
(310 |
) |
|
|
1,437 |
|
|
|
1,384 |
|
|
|
2,495 |
|
Investment income |
|
4,594 |
|
|
|
2,933 |
|
|
|
11,814 |
|
|
|
8,230 |
|
Total insurance |
|
5,628 |
|
|
|
5,933 |
|
|
|
19,021 |
|
|
|
14,045 |
|
BNSF |
|
1,846 |
|
|
|
1,608 |
|
|
|
4,987 |
|
|
|
4,872 |
|
BHE |
|
1,101 |
|
|
|
(147 |
) |
|
|
1,859 |
|
|
|
700 |
|
Pilot |
|
217 |
|
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
486 |
|
|
|
613 |
|
Manufacturing |
|
3,135 |
|
|
|
3,077 |
|
|
|
9,178 |
|
|
|
8,791 |
|
McLane |
|
145 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
452 |
|
|
|
358 |
|
Service and retailing |
|
877 |
|
|
|
1,186 |
|
|
|
2,754 |
|
|
|
3,669 |
|
|
|
12,949 |
|
|
|
12,064 |
|
|
|
38,737 |
|
|
|
33,048 |
|
Reconciliation to consolidated amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Investment gains (losses) |
|
20,514 |
|
|
|
(29,778 |
) |
|
|
46,247 |
|
|
|
38,041 |
|
Interest expense, not allocated to segments |
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
(317 |
) |
|
|
(317 |
) |
Non-controlled businesses |
|
222 |
|
|
|
262 |
|
|
|
967 |
|
|
|
1,461 |
|
Corporate, eliminations and other |
|
(1,075 |
) |
|
|
593 |
|
|
|
717 |
|
|
|
995 |
|
|
$ |
32,508 |
|
|
$ |
(16,959 |
) |
|
$ |
86,351 |
|
|
$ |
73,228 |
|
30
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Results of Operations
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the third quarter and first nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 are disaggregated in the table that follows. Amounts are after deducting income taxes and exclude earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests (in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Insurance – underwriting |
$ |
750 |
|
|
$ |
2,422 |
|
|
$ |
5,611 |
|
|
$ |
4,580 |
|
Insurance – investment income |
|
3,664 |
|
|
|
2,470 |
|
|
|
9,582 |
|
|
|
6,808 |
|
BNSF |
|
1,383 |
|
|
|
1,221 |
|
|
|
3,753 |
|
|
|
3,732 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Energy (“BHE”) |
|
1,629 |
|
|
|
498 |
|
|
|
3,001 |
|
|
|
1,699 |
|
Pilot Travel Centers (“Pilot”) |
|
198 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
436 |
|
|
|
380 |
|
Manufacturing, service and retailing |
|
3,144 |
|
|
|
3,341 |
|
|
|
9,374 |
|
|
|
9,712 |
|
Non-controlled businesses* |
|
199 |
|
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
824 |
|
|
|
1,329 |
|
Investment gains (losses) |
|
16,161 |
|
|
|
(23,528 |
) |
|
|
36,391 |
|
|
|
29,780 |
|
Other |
|
(877 |
) |
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
329 |
|
|
|
629 |
|
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders |
$ |
26,251 |
|
|
$ |
(12,767 |
) |
|
$ |
69,301 |
|
|
$ |
58,649 |
|
——————
* Includes certain businesses in which Berkshire had between a 20% and 50% ownership interest.
Through our subsidiaries, we engage in numerous diverse business activities. We manage our operating businesses on an unusually decentralized basis. There are few centralized or integrated business functions. Our senior corporate management team participates in and is ultimately responsible for significant capital allocation decisions, investment activities and the selection of the Chief Executive to head each of the operating businesses. The business segment data (Note 25 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.
Our periodic operating results may be affected in future periods due to impacts of ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical events, as well as changes in industry or company-specific factors or events. We cannot reliably predict the future economic effects of these factors or events on our businesses.
Insurance underwriting after-tax earnings decreased $1.7 billion in the third quarter and increased $1.0 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Earnings in the third quarter of 2024 were negatively impacted by estimated losses from Hurricane Helene ($565 million), increases in liabilities for prior accident years’ claims, unrealized foreign currency exchange losses and accruals in connection with a bankruptcy settlement agreement related to a non-insurance affiliate. Earnings in the first nine months of 2024 benefited from improved operating results at GEICO. In the first nine months of 2023, after-tax losses from significant catastrophe events were approximately $465 million. After-tax earnings from insurance investment income increased $1.2 billion in the third quarter and $2.8 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, driven by higher interest income from investments in U.S. Treasury Bills.
After-tax earnings of BNSF increased 13.3% in the third quarter and were relatively unchanged in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Earnings in 2024 benefited from higher unit volume, improvements in employee productivity and lower other operating costs, and were negatively affected by higher litigation charges. After-tax earnings of BHE increased $1.1 billion in the third quarter and $1.3 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. The earnings increases reflected comparative declines in litigation-related charges affecting the U.S. utilities and higher earnings from natural gas pipelines, including reductions in earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests.
As disclosed in Note 3 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, we increased our ownership in Pilot from 38.6% to 80% on January 31, 2023, and further increased our ownership to 100% on January 16, 2024. We began consolidating Pilot’s results of operations on February 1, 2023. For the month ended January 31, 2023, earnings from Pilot on our 38.6% interest were determined under the equity method and were included in earnings from non-controlled businesses in the preceding table.
After-tax earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses decreased 5.9% in the third quarter and 3.5% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Earnings in 2024 reflected lower earnings from our service and retailing businesses, partially offset by earnings increases at several of our manufacturing businesses.
31
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Results of Operations
Investment gains (losses) predominantly derive from our investments in equity securities and include significant unrealized gains and losses from changes in market prices and foreign currency exchange rates applicable to certain of our investments. We believe that investment gains and losses, whether realized from dispositions or unrealized from changes in market prices, are generally meaningless in understanding our reported periodic results or evaluating the economic performance of our operating businesses. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings. Investment gains in the first nine months of 2023 also included an after-tax non-cash remeasurement gain of approximately $2.4 billion related to our previously held 38.6% interest in Pilot through the application of the acquisition accounting method.
Other earnings included after-tax foreign currency exchange rate losses of $1.1 billion in the third quarter and $98 million in the first nine months of 2024 and gains of $447 million in the third quarter and $895 million in the first nine months of 2023 related to the non-U.S. Dollar denominated debt issued by Berkshire and Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”).
Insurance—Underwriting
Our management views our insurance business as possessing two distinct activities – underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, while investing decisions are the responsibility of Berkshire’s Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett and Berkshire’s corporate investment managers. Accordingly, we evaluate performance of underwriting operations without any allocation of investment income or investment gains and losses. We consider investment income as an integral component of our overall insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating. We believe that such gains and losses are not meaningful in understanding the periodic operating results of our insurance businesses.
The timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses can produce significant volatility in our periodic underwriting results, particularly with respect to our property and casualty reinsurance businesses. We currently consider pre-tax incurred losses exceeding $150 million from a current year catastrophic event to be significant. Significant catastrophe events in the first nine months of 2024 included Hurricane Helene in the third quarter, while significant events in 2023 included a cyclone and floods in New Zealand in the first quarter. In October 2024, Hurricane Milton struck Florida and caused significant damage. We currently estimate that pre-tax incurred losses from Hurricane Milton could be between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion. Losses from this event will be reflected in our fourth quarter earnings based on information available at that time.
Changes in estimates for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including amounts established for occurrences in prior years, and foreign currency transaction gains and losses arising from the changes in the valuation of non-U.S. Dollar denominated assets and liabilities can also significantly affect our periodic underwriting results.
We provide primary insurance and reinsurance products covering property and casualty risks, as well as life and health risks. Our insurance and reinsurance businesses are GEICO, Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (“BH Primary”) and Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”). We strive to produce pre-tax underwriting earnings (defined as premiums earned less insurance losses/benefits incurred and underwriting expenses) over the long term in all business categories, except in our retroactive reinsurance and periodic payment annuity businesses. Time-value-of-money is an important element in establishing prices for retroactive reinsurance and periodic payment annuity policies. We normally receive premiums at the contract inception date, which are then available for investment. Ultimate claim payments can extend for decades and are expected to exceed premiums, producing underwriting losses over the claim settlement periods through deferred charge asset amortization and accretion of discounted liabilities.
Underwriting results of our insurance businesses are summarized below (dollars in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Pre-tax underwriting earnings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
GEICO |
$ |
2,033 |
|
|
$ |
1,053 |
|
|
$ |
5,747 |
|
|
$ |
2,270 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group |
|
(689 |
) |
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group |
|
(310 |
) |
|
|
1,437 |
|
|
|
1,384 |
|
|
|
2,495 |
|
Pre-tax underwriting earnings |
|
1,034 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
7,207 |
|
|
|
5,815 |
|
Income taxes |
|
284 |
|
|
|
578 |
|
|
|
1,596 |
|
|
|
1,235 |
|
Net underwriting earnings |
$ |
750 |
|
|
$ |
2,422 |
|
|
$ |
5,611 |
|
|
$ |
4,580 |
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
27.5 |
% |
|
|
19.2 |
% |
|
|
22.1 |
% |
|
|
21.2 |
% |
32
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Insurance—Underwriting
GEICO
GEICO writes property and casualty policies, primarily private passenger automobile insurance, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. GEICO markets its policies mainly by direct response methods where most customers apply for coverage directly to the company via the Internet or over the telephone. GEICO also operates an insurance agency that offers primarily homeowners and renters insurance to its auto policyholders. A summary of GEICO’s underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
||||||||
Premiums written |
$ |
11,181 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
10,420 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
32,435 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
29,929 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Premiums earned |
$ |
10,699 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
9,844 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
31,402 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
29,184 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
7,634 |
|
|
|
71.4 |
|
|
|
7,879 |
|
|
|
80.0 |
|
|
|
22,803 |
|
|
|
72.6 |
|
|
|
24,063 |
|
|
|
82.5 |
|
Underwriting expenses |
|
1,032 |
|
|
|
9.6 |
|
|
|
912 |
|
|
|
9.3 |
|
|
|
2,852 |
|
|
|
9.1 |
|
|
|
2,851 |
|
|
|
9.7 |
|
Total losses and expenses |
|
8,666 |
|
|
|
81.0 |
|
|
|
8,791 |
|
|
|
89.3 |
|
|
|
25,655 |
|
|
|
81.7 |
|
|
|
26,914 |
|
|
|
92.2 |
|
Pre-tax underwriting earnings |
$ |
2,033 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,747 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,270 |
|
|
|
|
||||
GEICO’s pre-tax underwriting earnings in the first nine months of 2024 reflected higher average premiums per auto policy, lower claims frequencies and improved operating efficiencies compared to 2023, partially offset by less favorable development of prior accident years’ claims estimates, a rise in average claims severities and an increase in catastrophe losses.
Premiums written increased $761 million (7.3%) in the third quarter and $2.5 billion (8.4%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, reflecting an increase in average written premiums per auto policy of 10.1%, primarily attributable to rate increases, partially offset by a 2.5% decrease in policies-in-force over the past year. The rate of decline in policies-in-force slowed in the first half of 2024, with growth experienced in the third quarter driven by increased new business and stable retention rates. Premiums earned increased $855 million (8.7%) in the third quarter and $2.2 billion (7.6%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses declined $245 million (3.1%) in the third quarter and $1.3 billion (5.2%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. GEICO’s loss ratio (losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums earned) was 71.4% in the third quarter and 72.6% in the first nine months of 2024, decreases of 8.6 percentage points and 9.9 percentage points, respectively, compared to 2023. The loss ratio declines reflected the impact of higher average earned premiums per auto policy and lower claims frequencies, partially offset by increases in average claims severities and less favorable development of prior accident years’ claims estimates.
Claims frequencies in 2024 declined for property damage (two to three percent range) and collision coverages (eight to nine percent range) versus 2023, with bodily injury coverage down slightly. Average claims severities in 2024 increased for property damage (five to seven percent range), collision (four to six percent range) and bodily injury (eight to ten percent range) coverages compared to 2023. Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first nine months included reductions in the ultimate loss estimates for prior accident years’ claims of $339 million in 2024 and $1.2 billion in 2023. Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in the third quarter of 2024 from Hurricane Helene were approximately $260 million.
Underwriting expenses were relatively flat in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. GEICO’s expense ratio (underwriting expense to premiums earned) in the first nine months of 2024 was 9.1%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points compared to 2023, attributable to improved operating efficiencies and increased operating leverage, partially offset by increased advertising expenses. The earnings from GEICO’s insurance agency (third-party commissions, net of operating expenses) are included as a reduction of underwriting expenses.
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group
BH Primary consists of several independently managed businesses that provide a variety of primarily commercial insurance solutions, including healthcare professional liability, workers’ compensation, automobile, general liability, property and specialty coverages for small, medium and large clients. BH Primary’s insurers include Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (“BHSI”), RSUI Group Inc. and CapSpecialty, Inc. (“RSUI and CapSpecialty”), Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (“BHHC”), MedPro Group, GUARD Insurance Companies (“GUARD”), National Indemnity Company (“NICO Primary”), Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Company (“BH Direct”) and U.S. Liability Insurance Company (“USLI”).
33
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Insurance—Underwriting
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group
A summary of BH Primary’s underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
||||||||
Premiums written |
$ |
5,075 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14,499 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
13,905 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Premiums earned |
$ |
4,685 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
4,449 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
13,882 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
12,643 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
4,066 |
|
|
|
86.8 |
|
|
|
2,733 |
|
|
|
61.4 |
|
|
|
9,971 |
|
|
|
71.8 |
|
|
|
8,250 |
|
|
|
65.3 |
|
Underwriting expenses |
|
1,308 |
|
|
|
27.9 |
|
|
|
1,206 |
|
|
|
27.1 |
|
|
|
3,835 |
|
|
|
27.7 |
|
|
|
3,343 |
|
|
|
26.4 |
|
Total losses and expenses |
|
5,374 |
|
|
|
114.7 |
|
|
|
3,939 |
|
|
|
88.5 |
|
|
|
13,806 |
|
|
|
99.5 |
|
|
|
11,593 |
|
|
|
91.7 |
|
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss) |
$ |
(689 |
) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
510 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
76 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,050 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Premiums written increased $85 million (1.7%) in the third quarter and $594 million (4.3%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to increases at NICO Primary, BH Direct and BHHC, partially offset by lower volumes at GUARD. The increases at NICO Primary and BHHC were primarily attributable to commercial auto coverage while the increase at BH Direct reflected growth across several product lines. The decline in premium volumes at GUARD were as a result of new management’s decision to exit admitted homeowners business and to tighten underwriting guidelines in other lines of business. Premiums earned increased 5.3% in the third quarter and 9.8% in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $1.3 billion (48.8%) in the third quarter and $1.7 billion (20.9%) in the first nine months of 2024 and the loss ratio increased 25.4 percentage points in the third quarter and 6.5 percentage points in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Estimated ultimate claim liabilities attributable to pre-2024 accident years increased $789 million in the third quarter and $561 million in the first nine months of 2024. In 2023, estimated ultimate claim liabilities for prior accident years were reduced $219 million in the third quarter and $396 million in the first nine months. A significant portion of the increases in 2024 were related to GUARD. As a result of deteriorating loss experience, new management performed a comprehensive review of claims and, as a result, increased estimated ultimate claim liabilities. Excluding GUARD, development of estimated ultimate claim liabilities for prior accident years in the first nine months were less favorable or were unfavorable in 2024 across several of our businesses that write medical professional liability and commercial liability coverages, attributable to unfavorable social inflation trends, including the impacts of increased jury awards and litigation costs. Incurred losses from Hurricane Helene in the third quarter of 2024 were approximately $80 million, while losses from significant catastrophe events were approximately $35 million in the first nine months of 2023. BH Primary insurers write significant levels of workers’ compensation, commercial and professional liability insurance and the related claim costs may be subject to high severity and long claim-tails. Ultimate claim liabilities could be greater than anticipated due to a variety of factors, including adverse legal and judicial rulings.
Underwriting expenses increased $102 million (8.5%) in the third quarter and $492 million (14.7%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, reflecting the increases in premiums earned. The underwriting expense ratio increased 0.8 percentage points in the third quarter and 1.3 percentage points in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023.
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group
The Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group offers excess-of-loss and quota-share reinsurance coverages on property and casualty risks to insurers and reinsurers worldwide through several subsidiaries, led by National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), General Reinsurance Corporation, General Reinsurance AG and Transatlantic Reinsurance Company. We also write life and health reinsurance coverages through General Re Life Corporation, General Reinsurance AG and Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company of Nebraska (“BHLN”). We assume property and casualty risks under retroactive reinsurance contracts written through NICO and we write periodic payment annuity contracts through BHLN. A summary of BHRG’s pre-tax underwriting results follows (in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Property/casualty |
$ |
161 |
|
|
$ |
1,488 |
|
|
$ |
2,191 |
|
|
$ |
3,002 |
|
Life/health |
|
98 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
279 |
|
|
|
234 |
|
Retroactive reinsurance |
|
(265 |
) |
|
|
(126 |
) |
|
|
(573 |
) |
|
|
(584 |
) |
Periodic payment annuity |
|
(229 |
) |
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
(543 |
) |
|
|
(466 |
) |
Variable annuity |
|
(75 |
) |
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
309 |
|
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss) |
$ |
(310 |
) |
|
$ |
1,437 |
|
|
$ |
1,384 |
|
|
$ |
2,495 |
|
34
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Insurance—Underwriting
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group
Property/casualty
A summary of property/casualty reinsurance underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
||||||||
Premiums written |
$ |
5,446 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
17,448 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
17,575 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Premiums earned |
$ |
5,453 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
5,739 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
16,496 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
16,213 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
3,282 |
|
|
|
60.2 |
|
|
|
2,918 |
|
|
|
50.8 |
|
|
|
9,399 |
|
|
|
57.0 |
|
|
|
9,098 |
|
|
|
56.1 |
|
Underwriting expenses |
|
2,010 |
|
|
|
36.8 |
|
|
|
1,333 |
|
|
|
23.3 |
|
|
|
4,906 |
|
|
|
29.7 |
|
|
|
4,113 |
|
|
|
25.4 |
|
Total losses and expenses |
|
5,292 |
|
|
|
97.0 |
|
|
|
4,251 |
|
|
|
74.1 |
|
|
|
14,305 |
|
|
|
86.7 |
|
|
|
13,211 |
|
|
|
81.5 |
|
Pre-tax underwriting earnings |
$ |
161 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,191 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,002 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Premiums written were relatively unchanged in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Premiums written in the first nine months of 2024 reflected net reductions in property volumes, substantially offset by generally higher rates, new business and increased participations in certain casualty lines. Premiums earned decreased 5.0% in the third quarter and 1.7% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. We generally do not retrocede the risks we assume. Our periodic underwriting earnings may be subject to considerable volatility from the timing and magnitude of significant catastrophe loss events.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $364 million (12.5%) in the third quarter and $301 million (3.3%) in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023. The loss ratio increased 9.4 percentage points in the third quarter and 0.9 percentage points in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, losses from significant catastrophe events (Hurricane Helene) were approximately $380 million. Losses from significant catastrophe events were approximately $550 million in the first nine months of 2023. Reductions in liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses attributable to prior accident years were $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024, mostly attributable to lower than expected property losses, compared to $1.5 billion in 2023 attributable to both property and casualty losses.
Underwriting expenses increased $677 million (50.8%) in the third quarter and $793 million (19.3%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. In September of 2024, NICO recorded a pre-tax charge in underwriting expenses of $490 million in connection with a settlement agreement reached concerning certain non-insurance affiliates that filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey in 2023. See Note 23 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Underwriting expenses also included pre-tax foreign currency exchange losses from the remeasurement of certain non-U.S. Dollar denominated liabilities of $171 million in the third quarter and $120 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to gains of $114 million in the third quarter and losses of $78 million in the first nine months of 2023. Before these items, underwriting expenses decreased $98 million in the third quarter and increased $261 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023.
Life/health
A summary of our life/health reinsurance underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
||||||||
Premiums written |
$ |
1,246 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,332 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,703 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,685 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Premiums earned |
$ |
1,218 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
1,328 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
3,667 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
3,677 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Life and health benefits |
|
817 |
|
|
|
67.1 |
|
|
|
1,034 |
|
|
|
77.9 |
|
|
|
2,492 |
|
|
|
68.0 |
|
|
|
2,732 |
|
|
|
74.3 |
|
Underwriting expenses |
|
303 |
|
|
|
24.9 |
|
|
|
244 |
|
|
|
18.3 |
|
|
|
896 |
|
|
|
24.4 |
|
|
|
711 |
|
|
|
19.3 |
|
Total benefits and expenses |
|
1,120 |
|
|
|
92.0 |
|
|
|
1,278 |
|
|
|
96.2 |
|
|
|
3,388 |
|
|
|
92.4 |
|
|
|
3,443 |
|
|
|
93.6 |
|
Pre-tax underwriting earnings |
$ |
98 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
50 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
279 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
234 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Premiums earned in the first nine months of 2023 included a reduction of $161 million attributable to the commutations of several U.S. life contracts in the first quarter. Otherwise, premiums earned declined $110 million (8.3%) in the third quarter and $171 million (4.5%) in the first nine months compared to 2023, primarily attributable to reductions in non-U.S. life business.
35
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Insurance—Underwriting
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group
Life/health
Pre-tax underwriting earnings increased $48 million in the third quarter and $45 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Earnings included gains of $50 million from life contract commutations in the first nine months of 2024 and $139 million in the first nine months of 2023. Otherwise, underwriting earnings in the first nine months of 2024 increased $134 million over 2023, reflecting increased earnings from U.S life business, partly offset by increased losses on long-term care business.
Retroactive reinsurance
Pre-tax underwriting losses from retroactive reinsurance derive from deferred charge amortization, changes in the estimated timing and amounts of future claim payments and foreign currency exchange gains and losses attributable to non-U.S. Dollar denominated contracts. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates produced pre-tax losses of $75 million in the first nine months of 2024 and pre-tax gains of $38 million in the corresponding 2023 period. Pre-tax underwriting losses before foreign currency effects were $498 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to $622 million in 2023. The decline was primarily attributable to net reductions in estimated ultimate claim liabilities for contracts written in prior years.
Unpaid losses assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts declined $1.6 billion in the first nine months of 2024 to $33.1 billion at September 30, 2024, primarily due to loss payments. Deferred charges on retroactive reinsurance contracts declined $610 million in the first nine months of 2024 to $8.9 billion at September 30, primarily due to periodic amortization. Deferred charge amortization is included in underwriting earnings over the expected remaining claims settlement periods.
Periodic payment annuity
Periodic payment annuity business is price and demand-sensitive and the supply of available business is affected by the timing of underlying legal claim settlements. In 2023 and through the first nine months of 2024, prices for new business were at unacceptable levels and we wrote no new business in either period.
Pre-tax underwriting losses from periodic payment annuity contracts in each period were attributable to the accretion of time-value discounted liabilities, including liabilities for contracts without life contingencies, and to foreign currency exchange gains and losses on non-U.S. Dollar denominated contracts. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates produced pre-tax losses of $96 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to $27 million in 2023. Pre-tax underwriting losses before foreign currency effects in the first nine months were $447 million in 2024 and $439 million in 2023. Discounted periodic payment annuity liabilities were $15.1 billion at September 30, 2024, including liabilities of $4.0 billion for contracts without life contingencies, as well as the effects of the quarterly discount rate changes on contracts with life-contingent liabilities recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Variable annuity
Our variable annuity guarantee reinsurance contracts produced pre-tax losses of $75 million in the third quarter and earnings of $30 million in the first nine months of 2024. Pre-tax earnings were $116 million in the third quarter and $309 million in the first nine months of 2023. Earnings are affected by changes in securities markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. These contracts have been in run-off for many years.
Insurance—Investment Income
A summary of net investment income attributable to our insurance operations follows (dollars in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
Percentage Change |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||
Dividend income |
$ |
1,092 |
|
|
$ |
1,223 |
|
|
$ |
3,782 |
|
|
$ |
3,989 |
|
|
|
(10.7 |
)% |
|
|
(5.2 |
)% |
Interest and other investment income |
|
3,502 |
|
|
|
1,710 |
|
|
|
8,032 |
|
|
|
4,241 |
|
|
|
104.8 |
|
|
|
89.4 |
|
Pre-tax net investment income |
|
4,594 |
|
|
|
2,933 |
|
|
|
11,814 |
|
|
|
8,230 |
|
|
|
56.6 |
|
|
|
43.5 |
|
Income taxes |
|
930 |
|
|
|
463 |
|
|
|
2,232 |
|
|
|
1,422 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net investment income |
$ |
3,664 |
|
|
$ |
2,470 |
|
|
$ |
9,582 |
|
|
$ |
6,808 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Effective income tax rate |
|
20.2 |
% |
|
|
15.8 |
% |
|
|
18.9 |
% |
|
|
17.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
36
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Insurance—Investment Income
Dividend income declined $131 million (10.7%) in the third quarter and $207 million (5.2%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. The reductions reflected the impact of changes in our equity security holdings, partially offset by higher dividend rates on certain of our holdings. Dividend income also varies from period to period due to the frequency and timing of dividends from certain investees.
Interest and other investment income increased $1.8 billion in the third quarter and $3.8 billion in the first nine months of 2024 over 2023. The increases were attributable to increased short-term investments, including U.S. Treasury Bills. We continue to believe that maintaining ample liquidity is paramount and we insist on safety over yield with respect to short-term investments.
Invested assets of our insurance businesses derive from shareholder capital and net liabilities assumed under insurance and reinsurance contracts or “float.” The major components of float are unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts, life, annuity and health benefit liabilities, unearned premiums and other liabilities due to policyholders, which are reduced by insurance premiums receivable, reinsurance receivables, deferred charges on retroactive reinsurance contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs. The effects of discount rate changes recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income for long-duration insurance contracts are excluded from float, as such amounts are not included in underwriting earnings. Float approximated $174 billion at September 30, 2024 and $169 billion at December 31, 2023.
A summary of cash and investments held by our insurance businesses as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 follows (in millions).
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills |
|
$ |
271,835 |
|
|
$ |
121,845 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
263,690 |
|
|
|
345,653 |
|
Fixed maturity securities |
|
|
15,831 |
|
|
|
23,617 |
|
Other |
|
|
1,032 |
|
|
|
1,188 |
|
|
|
$ |
552,388 |
|
|
$ |
492,303 |
|
Fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2024 were as follows (in millions).
|
|
Amortized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Carrying |
|
|||
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies |
|
$ |
4,329 |
|
|
$ |
34 |
|
|
$ |
4,363 |
|
Foreign governments |
|
|
9,838 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
9,887 |
|
Corporate and other |
|
|
1,325 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
|
|
1,581 |
|
|
|
$ |
15,492 |
|
|
$ |
339 |
|
|
$ |
15,831 |
|
U.S. government obligations are rated AA+ or Aaa by the major rating agencies. Approximately 94% of our foreign government obligations were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies. Foreign government securities include obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by national or provincial government entities.
37
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
BNSF
Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC (“BNSF”) operates one of the largest railroad systems in North America, with over 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states. BNSF also operates in three Canadian provinces. BNSF classifies its major business groups by type of product shipped including consumer products, industrial products, agricultural products and coal. A summary of BNSF’s earnings follows (dollars in millions).
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Railroad operating revenues |
|
$ |
5,881 |
|
|
$ |
5,719 |
|
|
$ |
17,242 |
|
|
$ |
17,311 |
|
Railroad operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Compensation and benefits |
|
|
1,404 |
|
|
|
1,392 |
|
|
|
4,129 |
|
|
|
4,083 |
|
Fuel |
|
|
799 |
|
|
|
863 |
|
|
|
2,475 |
|
|
|
2,660 |
|
Purchased services |
|
|
501 |
|
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
1,487 |
|
|
|
1,503 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
647 |
|
|
|
655 |
|
|
|
1,972 |
|
|
|
1,950 |
|
Equipment rents, materials and other |
|
|
477 |
|
|
|
497 |
|
|
|
1,583 |
|
|
|
1,630 |
|
Total |
|
|
3,828 |
|
|
|
3,910 |
|
|
|
11,646 |
|
|
|
11,826 |
|
Railroad operating earnings |
|
|
2,053 |
|
|
|
1,809 |
|
|
|
5,596 |
|
|
|
5,485 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
(275 |
) |
|
|
(269 |
) |
|
|
(807 |
) |
|
|
(782 |
) |
Other revenues (expenses), net |
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
169 |
|
Pre-tax earnings |
|
|
1,846 |
|
|
|
1,608 |
|
|
|
4,987 |
|
|
|
4,872 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
463 |
|
|
|
387 |
|
|
|
1,234 |
|
|
|
1,140 |
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
1,383 |
|
|
$ |
1,221 |
|
|
$ |
3,753 |
|
|
$ |
3,732 |
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
|
25.1 |
% |
|
|
24.1 |
% |
|
|
24.7 |
% |
|
|
23.4 |
% |
A summary of BNSF’s railroad freight volumes by business group (cars/units in thousands) follows.
|
|
Cars/Units |
|
|
Percentage Change |
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
Third |
|
|
First Nine |
|
||||||||||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Quarter |
|
|
Months |
|
||||||
Consumer products |
|
|
1,442 |
|
|
|
1,236 |
|
|
|
4,044 |
|
|
|
3,459 |
|
|
|
16.7 |
% |
|
|
16.9 |
% |
Industrial products |
|
|
408 |
|
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
1,197 |
|
|
|
1,212 |
|
|
|
(1.9 |
) |
|
|
(1.2 |
) |
Agricultural products |
|
|
308 |
|
|
|
268 |
|
|
|
927 |
|
|
|
846 |
|
|
|
14.9 |
|
|
|
9.6 |
|
Coal |
|
|
329 |
|
|
|
376 |
|
|
|
878 |
|
|
|
1,105 |
|
|
|
(12.5 |
) |
|
|
(20.5 |
) |
|
|
|
2,487 |
|
|
|
2,296 |
|
|
|
7,046 |
|
|
|
6,622 |
|
|
|
8.3 |
|
|
|
6.4 |
|
Railroad operating revenues increased 2.8% in the third quarter and decreased slightly in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Average revenue per car/unit declined 5.2% in the third quarter and 6.3% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, resulting from lower fuel surcharge revenue and business mix changes. Car/unit volumes increased 8.3% in the third quarter and 6.4% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Pre-tax earnings increased 14.8% in the third quarter and 2.4% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Railroad operating earnings in the first nine months of 2024 increased as a result of volume growth, improved productivity, and lower operating costs, partially offset by increased litigation accruals.
Operating revenues from consumer products were $2.1 billion in the third quarter and $6.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024, increases of 7.0% and 8.2%, respectively, from 2023. The revenue increases were attributable to higher volumes of 16.7% in the third quarter and 16.9% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, partially offset by lower average revenue per car/unit. The volume increases were primarily due to higher intermodal shipments from west coast imports and volumes from a new intermodal customer.
Operating revenues from industrial products were $1.4 billion in the third quarter and $4.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024, decreases of 1.6% and 1.1%, respectively, from 2023. The revenue declines were attributable to lower volumes of 1.9% and 1.2% in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2024, respectively, compared to 2023, partially offset by slightly higher average revenue per car/unit. The volume decreases were primarily attributable to lower aggregates, taconite, minerals, and waste shipments, partially offset by higher volumes in petroleum products.
Operating revenues from agricultural products were $1.4 billion in the third quarter and $4.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024, increases of 14.1% and 6.5%, respectively, compared to 2023. The revenue increases were attributable to higher volumes of 14.9% in the third quarter and 9.6% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, partially offset by lower average revenue per car/unit. The volume increase during the third quarter was primarily due to higher volumes of grain shipments. The volume increase during the first nine months was primarily due to higher grain, renewable fuels, and fertilizer shipments.
38
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
BNSF
Operating revenues from coal were $795 million in the third quarter and $2.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024, declines of 14.7% and 25.2%, respectively, from 2023. The revenue declines were attributable to reduced volumes of 12.5% in the third quarter and 20.5% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023 and lower average revenue per car/unit. The volume decreases were primarily attributable to lower natural gas prices, which displaced coal as a fuel used by utilities.
Railroad operating expenses were $3.8 billion in the third quarter and $11.6 billion in the first nine months of 2024, decreases of $82 million (2.1%) and $180 million (1.5%), respectively, compared to 2023. Fuel expenses declined $64 million (7.4%) in the third quarter and $185 million (7.0%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, which was primarily due to lower average fuel prices, partially offset by higher volumes. Equipment rents, materials and other expenses decreased $20 million (4.0%) in the third quarter and $47 million (2.9%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Expenses in the third quarter declined primarily due to cost reductions across various spend categories and lower property taxes, partially offset by higher casualty costs. Expenses in the first nine months of 2024 declined due to cost reductions across various spend categories and lower property taxes, partially offset by litigation costs related to the judgment in the ongoing legal case with the Swinomish Tribe, which BNSF has appealed. There were no significant changes in compensation and benefits, purchased services, or depreciation and amortization expense as increases from higher volumes and inflation were more than offset by lower costs and improved productivity.
BHE
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) operates a global energy business. BHE’s domestic regulated utility interests include PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy Company (“MEC”) and NV Energy. BHE’s natural gas pipelines consist of five domestic regulated interstate natural gas pipeline systems and a 75% interest in a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility (“Cove Point”). Other energy businesses include subsidiaries that operate two regulated electricity distribution businesses in Great Britain (“Northern Powergrid”), a regulated electricity transmission-only business in Alberta, Canada, a diversified portfolio of mostly renewable independent power projects and investments and an unregulated retail energy services company. BHE also operates HomeServices of America (“HomeServices”), a residential real estate brokerage business and a large network of real estate brokerage franchises in the United States.
The rates BHE’s regulated businesses charge customers for energy and services are largely based on the costs of business operations, including income taxes and a return on capital, and are subject to regulatory approval. To the extent such costs are not allowed in the approved rates, operating results will be adversely affected. A summary of BHE’s net earnings follows (dollars in millions).
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Energy operating revenue |
|
$ |
6,026 |
|
|
$ |
5,958 |
|
|
$ |
16,386 |
|
|
$ |
16,362 |
|
Real estate operating revenue |
|
|
1,179 |
|
|
|
1,212 |
|
|
|
3,334 |
|
|
|
3,383 |
|
Other income |
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
384 |
|
|
|
349 |
|
Total revenue |
|
|
7,335 |
|
|
|
7,281 |
|
|
|
20,104 |
|
|
|
20,094 |
|
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Energy cost of sales |
|
|
1,902 |
|
|
|
2,009 |
|
|
|
5,099 |
|
|
|
5,530 |
|
Energy operating expenses |
|
|
2,551 |
|
|
|
3,671 |
|
|
|
7,769 |
|
|
|
8,818 |
|
Real estate operating costs and expenses |
|
|
1,151 |
|
|
|
1,181 |
|
|
|
3,477 |
|
|
|
3,351 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
630 |
|
|
|
567 |
|
|
|
1,900 |
|
|
|
1,695 |
|
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
6,234 |
|
|
|
7,428 |
|
|
|
18,245 |
|
|
|
19,394 |
|
Pre-tax earnings (loss) |
|
|
1,101 |
|
|
|
(147 |
) |
|
|
1,859 |
|
|
|
700 |
|
Income tax benefit* |
|
|
(708 |
) |
|
|
(783 |
) |
|
|
(1,535 |
) |
|
|
(1,525 |
) |
Net earnings after income taxes |
|
|
1,809 |
|
|
|
636 |
|
|
|
3,394 |
|
|
|
2,225 |
|
Noncontrolling interests of BHE subsidiaries |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
321 |
|
Net earnings attributable to BHE |
|
|
1,778 |
|
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
3,288 |
|
|
|
1,904 |
|
Noncontrolling interests and preferred stock dividends |
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
205 |
|
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders |
|
$ |
1,629 |
|
|
$ |
498 |
|
|
$ |
3,001 |
|
|
$ |
1,699 |
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
|
(64.3 |
)% |
|
** |
|
|
|
(82.6 |
)% |
|
|
(217.9 |
)% |
|
——————
* Includes significant production tax credits from wind-powered electricity generation.
** Not meaningful.
39
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
BHE
The discussion of BHE’s operating results that follows is based on after-tax earnings, reflecting how the energy businesses are managed and evaluated. A summary of net earnings attributable to BHE (“net earnings”) follows (dollars in millions).
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
Percentage Change |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||
U.S. utilities |
|
$ |
926 |
|
|
$ |
(53 |
) |
|
$ |
1,569 |
|
|
$ |
540 |
|
|
** |
|
|
|
190.6 |
% |
|
Natural gas pipelines |
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
927 |
|
|
|
731 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
% |
|
|
26.8 |
|
Other energy businesses |
|
|
358 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
1,019 |
|
|
|
868 |
|
|
|
20.9 |
|
|
|
17.4 |
|
Real estate brokerage |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
(96 |
) |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
(20.0 |
) |
|
** |
|
|
Corporate interest and other |
|
|
280 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
(131 |
) |
|
|
(260 |
) |
|
|
141.4 |
|
|
|
(49.6 |
) |
|
|
$ |
1,778 |
|
|
$ |
559 |
|
|
$ |
3,288 |
|
|
$ |
1,904 |
|
|
|
218.1 |
|
|
|
72.7 |
|
——————
** Not meaningful.
Our U.S. utilities operate independently in several states, including Oregon, Utah, Wyoming and other Western states (PacifiCorp), Iowa and Illinois (MEC) and Nevada (NV Energy). Net earnings increased $979 million in the third quarter and $1,029 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Pre-tax loss accruals, net of expected insurance recoveries, for the Wildfires were $251 million in the first nine months of 2024. Wildfire loss accruals were $1.3 billion in the third quarter and $1.7 billion in the first nine months of 2023. See Note 23 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Wildfires.
In addition, net earnings of U.S. utilities in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 reflected comparative increases in other income, electric utility margin (operating revenue less cost of sales) and income tax benefits from higher recognized wind production tax credits, partially offset by increases in other energy operating expenses and higher interest expense. Interest expense increased $81 million in the third quarter and $267 million in the first nine months of 2024 over 2023, largely due to increased borrowings, including $4.4 billion of subsidiary term debt issued in January 2024 with a weighted average interest rate of 5.5%. The increases in other energy operating expenses were primarily due to higher vegetation management and other wildfire mitigation costs, insurance expenses and general and plant maintenance costs.
The U.S. utilities’ electric utility margin was $2.4 billion in the third quarter and $6.0 billion in the first nine months of 2024, increases of $50 million (2.1%) and $152 million (2.6%) compared to 2023. The increases reflected higher retail customer rates in certain territories and higher retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher energy costs and lower wholesale volumes and rates. Retail customer volumes increased 3.6% overall (up 6.6% at NV Energy, 3.2% at PacifiCorp and 0.6% at MEC) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to increases in customer usage and in the average number of customers, partially offset by an overall unfavorable impact of weather.
Net earnings of natural gas pipelines increased $19 million in the third quarter and $196 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. The increases in earnings reflected reductions in earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests due to the acquisition of an additional 50% ownership interest in the Cove Point facility on September 1, 2023, as well as higher transportation revenue and increased margin on gas sales.
Net earnings of other energy businesses increased $62 million in the third quarter and $151 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. The increases reflected higher earnings at Northern Powergrid and the non-regulated retail services business, partially offset by lower earnings at the renewable energy business. The increases at Northern Powergrid were attributable to higher distribution revenue due to higher tariffs from inflation adjustments and lower income tax expense attributable to charges recognized in 2023 for the U.K. Energy Profits Levy and a group relief tax benefit recognized in 2024, partially offset by unfavorable results at the natural gas exploration business and higher other operating expenses. Earnings from the renewable energy business decreased mainly due to unfavorable pricing and generation at certain projects, lower earnings from wind tax equity investments in the first nine months of 2024 and debt extinguishment gains recognized in the second quarter of 2023.
Net earnings of real estate brokerage decreased $5 million in the third quarter and $121 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. The decline for the first nine months of 2024 was primarily attributable to expense accruals in connection with the ongoing real estate industry litigation matters. In April 2024, HomeServices agreed to terms with the plaintiffs to settle all claims asserted against HomeServices and certain of its affiliates as part of a proposed nationwide class settlement. See Note 23 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Net earnings from corporate interest and other increased $164 million in the third quarter and net losses decreased $129 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, mainly due to higher federal income tax credits recognized in 2024.
40
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Pilot Travel Centers, LLC (“Pilot”)
Pilot operates travel centers, primarily under the names Pilot or Flying J, and fuel-only retail locations. Pilot also operates large wholesale fuel and fuel marketing platforms in the U.S. A substantial portion of Pilot’s revenues and earnings derive from marketing fuel on a wholesale and retail basis and from other energy-related activities.
Through January 31, 2023, we owned a 38.6% interest in Pilot, which we accounted for under the equity method. Our 38.6% proportionate share of Pilot’s net earnings for the month ending January 31, 2023 was included in equity method earnings in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
On January 31, 2023, we acquired an additional 41.4% interest in Pilot and owned an 80% controlling financial interest as of that date. Thus, we began consolidating Pilot’s results of operations in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings on February 1, 2023. On January 16, 2024, we acquired the remaining 20% noncontrolling interest and we now own 100% of Pilot.
Pilot’s earnings for the third quarter and the first nine months ending September 30, 2024 and 2023, as well as the eight months ending September 30, 2023, are summarized below (dollars in millions). Revenues, costs and expenses for the first month of 2023 were not included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Nine |
|
|
Eight Months |
|
|
|
First Nine |
|
|||||
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
Months |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
Months |
|
||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|||||
Revenues |
$ |
10,630 |
|
|
$ |
13,166 |
|
|
$ |
36,132 |
|
|
$ |
37,428 |
|
|
|
$ |
42,448 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
9,453 |
|
|
|
11,980 |
|
|
|
32,903 |
|
|
|
34,385 |
|
|
|
|
39,079 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
894 |
|
|
|
782 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
2,133 |
|
|
|
|
2,346 |
|
Interest expense |
|
66 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
243 |
|
|
|
297 |
|
|
|
|
321 |
|
Pre-tax earnings |
|
217 |
|
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
486 |
|
|
|
613 |
|
|
|
$ |
702 |
|
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests |
|
19 |
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders |
$ |
198 |
|
|
$ |
183 |
|
|
$ |
436 |
|
|
$ |
380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues declined $2.5 billion (19.3%) in the third quarter and $6.3 billion (14.9%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023. The declines were primarily attributable to lower average fuel prices and a decline in volumes from wholesale fuel and fuel marketing businesses.
Pre-tax earnings declined 25.4% in the third quarter and 30.8% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023. Pilot’s gross sales margins increased 1.0% in the third quarter and declined 2.3% in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 14.3% in the third quarter and 6.6% in the first nine months of 2024, reflecting increased labor, marketing and maintenance costs, as well as higher depreciation and amortization expenses. Interest expense declined 41.6% in the third quarter and 24.3% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, attributable to reduced borrowings and lower rates. In March 2024, Pilot borrowed $5.7 billion from certain Berkshire insurance subsidiaries and repaid its third party borrowings. Pilot subsequently repaid approximately $600 million of these borrowings through September 30, 2024. The interest on the intercompany borrowings is included in interest expense in the earnings summary above and in insurance investment income on page 36.
41
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Manufacturing, Service and Retailing
A summary of revenues and earnings of our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses follows (dollars in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
Percentage Change |
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third |
|
First Nine |
|
||||||
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Quarter |
|
Months |
|
||||||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Manufacturing |
$ |
19,675 |
|
$ |
19,174 |
|
|
$ |
58,044 |
|
$ |
56,565 |
|
|
2.6 |
% |
|
2.6 |
% |
Service and retailing |
|
22,565 |
|
|
23,423 |
|
|
|
67,148 |
|
|
69,437 |
|
|
(3.7 |
) |
|
(3.3 |
) |
|
$ |
42,240 |
|
$ |
42,597 |
|
|
$ |
125,192 |
|
$ |
126,002 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Pre-tax earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Manufacturing |
$ |
3,135 |
|
$ |
3,077 |
|
|
$ |
9,178 |
|
$ |
8,791 |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
4.4 |
% |
Service and retailing |
|
1,022 |
|
|
1,302 |
|
|
|
3,206 |
|
|
4,027 |
|
|
(21.5 |
) |
|
(20.4 |
) |
|
|
4,157 |
|
|
4,379 |
|
|
|
12,384 |
|
|
12,818 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests |
|
1,013 |
|
|
1,038 |
|
|
|
3,010 |
|
|
3,106 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net earnings* |
$ |
3,144 |
|
$ |
3,341 |
|
|
$ |
9,374 |
|
$ |
9,712 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Effective income tax rate |
|
23.6 |
% |
|
22.9 |
% |
|
|
23.6 |
% |
|
23.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
||
Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues |
|
9.8 |
% |
|
10.3 |
% |
|
|
9.9 |
% |
|
10.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
||
——————
* Excludes certain acquisition accounting expenses, which primarily related to the amortization of identifiable intangible assets recorded in connection with certain of our business acquisitions. The after-tax acquisition accounting expenses excluded from earnings were $127 million in the third quarter and $389 million in the first nine months of 2024 and $173 million in the third quarter and $525 million in the first nine months of 2023. These expenses are included in “Other” in the summary of earnings on page 31 and in the “Other” earnings section on page 47.
Manufacturing
Our manufacturing group consists of a variety of industrial, building and consumer products businesses. A summary of revenues and pre-tax earnings of these operations follows (dollars in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Industrial products |
$ |
8,956 |
|
|
$ |
8,667 |
|
|
$ |
27,112 |
|
|
$ |
26,406 |
|
Building products |
|
6,906 |
|
|
|
6,739 |
|
|
|
19,892 |
|
|
|
19,442 |
|
Consumer products |
|
3,813 |
|
|
|
3,768 |
|
|
|
11,040 |
|
|
|
10,717 |
|
|
$ |
19,675 |
|
|
$ |
19,174 |
|
|
$ |
58,044 |
|
|
$ |
56,565 |
|
Pre-tax earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Industrial products |
$ |
1,489 |
|
|
$ |
1,427 |
|
|
$ |
4,710 |
|
|
$ |
4,388 |
|
Building products |
|
1,070 |
|
|
|
1,167 |
|
|
|
3,154 |
|
|
|
3,289 |
|
Consumer products |
|
576 |
|
|
|
483 |
|
|
|
1,314 |
|
|
|
1,114 |
|
|
$ |
3,135 |
|
|
$ |
3,077 |
|
|
$ |
9,178 |
|
|
$ |
8,791 |
|
Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Industrial products |
|
16.6 |
% |
|
|
16.5 |
% |
|
|
17.4 |
% |
|
|
16.6 |
% |
Building products |
|
15.5 |
|
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
|
15.9 |
|
|
|
16.9 |
|
Consumer products |
|
15.1 |
|
|
|
12.8 |
|
|
|
11.9 |
|
|
|
10.4 |
|
Industrial products
The industrial products group includes metal products for aerospace, power and general industrial markets (Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”)), specialty chemicals (The Lubrizol Corporation (“Lubrizol”)), metal cutting tools/systems (IMC International Metalworking Companies (“IMC”)) and Marmon, which consists of more than 100 autonomous manufacturing and service businesses, internally aggregated into twelve groups. The industrial products group also includes equipment and systems for the livestock and agricultural industries (CTB International), pipeline flow improvement technology and products (LiquidPower Specialty Products) and a structural steel fabrication products business (W&W|AFCO Steel).
42
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Manufacturing, Service and Retailing
Revenues of the industrial products group increased $289 million (3.3%) in the third quarter and $706 million (2.7%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Pre-tax earnings increased $62 million (4.3%) in the third quarter and $322 million (7.3%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues for the first nine months of 2024 increased 0.8 percentage points compared to the first nine months of 2023.
PCC’s revenues were $2.6 billion in the third quarter and $7.7 billion in the first nine months of 2024, increases of 11.9% and 12.4%, respectively, compared to 2023. The revenue increases were primarily attributable to higher demand for aerospace products, and to a lesser degree, power generation products. Long-term industry forecasts continue to show growth and considerable demand for air travel and aerospace products. PCC’s pre-tax earnings increased 25.1% in the third quarter and 23.4% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. The earnings increases were primarily attributable to sales increases and generally improved manufacturing and operating efficiencies. Continued growth in revenues and earnings will be predicated on our ability to successfully increase production levels to match the expected growth in aerospace products, as well as from improvements in industry supply chains and labor relations, which are currently constraining commercial aircraft production at original equipment manufacturers.
Lubrizol’s revenues were $1.6 billion in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 2.8% over 2023, attributable to higher volumes and favorable product mix, partially offset by lower selling prices. Revenues in the first nine months of 2024 were $4.9 billion, relatively unchanged compared to 2023, as higher volumes were essentially offset by lower selling prices and unfavorable product mix. Sales volumes in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 each increased 5% compared to 2023, reflecting higher volumes in both the additives and advance materials businesses. Lubrizol’s pre-tax earnings increased 36.2% in the third quarter and 44.7% in the first nine months of 2024, primarily attributable to lower raw material costs, higher sales volumes and lower manufacturing costs, partially offset by the impact of lower selling prices and higher selling, general and administrative expenses.
Marmon’s revenues were $3.1 billion in the third quarter and $9.3 billion in the first nine months of 2024, relatively unchanged from the third quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 2.6% compared to the first nine months of 2023. The Transportation Products group experienced comparative revenue declines of nearly 20% due to reduced volumes, following very strong demand in 2023. The Metal Services and Retail Solutions groups also experienced lower revenues in each period due to reduced customer demand. Conversely, Electrical group revenues increased in each period due to higher copper prices and increased volumes. The Rail & Leasing group generated higher revenues in each period due to higher average lease renewal rates and increased railcar repair prices and volumes.
Marmon’s pre-tax earnings declined 13.0% in the third quarter and 9.4% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. The declines reflected lower earnings from the Transportation Products, Metals Services and Retail Solutions groups due to the revenue declines, as well as lower earnings from the Crane Services and Electrical groups and lower financial and other income. These declines were partially offset by higher earnings in the Rail & Leasing, Water Technologies and Foodservice Technologies groups, although the Rail & Leasing group earnings in the third quarter of 2024 were negatively impacted by higher railcar re-certification maintenance costs.
IMC’s revenues were approximately $1.0 billion in the third quarter and $3.0 billion in the first nine months of 2024, decreases of 1.4% and 1.3%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023. Revenues in the first nine months of 2024 reflected lower organic sales and unfavorable foreign currency translation from a stronger U.S. Dollar, partially offset by business acquisitions and higher interest income. The declines in organic sales were attributable to weaker general economic conditions and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. IMC’s pre-tax earnings declined 13.0% in the third quarter and 8.2% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, primarily attributable to lower gross sales margins and higher selling, general and administrative expenses. IMC operates globally and a large portion of its products are manufactured in Israel. IMC’s operations in Israel have not been significantly impacted to date by the conflicts in the region.
Building products
The building products group includes manufactured and site-built home construction and related lending and financial services (Clayton Homes), flooring (Shaw), insulation, roofing and engineered products (Johns Manville), bricks and masonry products (Acme Brick Company), paint and coatings (Benjamin Moore) and residential and commercial construction and engineering products and systems (MiTek).
Revenues of the building products group increased $167 million (2.5%) in the third quarter and $450 million (2.3%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Pre-tax earnings decreased $97 million (8.3%) in the third quarter and $135 million (4.1%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023.
43
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Manufacturing, Service and Retailing
Clayton Homes’ revenues increased 8.7% to $3.2 billion in the third quarter and 8.8% to $9.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Revenues from home sales increased $446 million (6.9%) in the first nine months of 2024, reflecting higher new home unit sales of 11.8%, partially offset by changes in sales mix and lower average selling prices. Also, financial services revenues increased 15.2% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to increased interest income from higher average loan balances. Loan balances, net of allowances for credit losses, were approximately $26.4 billion as of September 30, 2024, an increase of 14.2% since September 30, 2023. Loan portfolio balances are largely funded by borrowings from Berkshire finance affiliates.
Clayton Homes’ pre-tax earnings declined $86 million (15.6%) in the third quarter and $95 million (6.3%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, primarily attributable to lower earnings from financial services in each period, as well as comparatively lower earnings from manufacturing in the first nine months. The earnings declines from financial services reflected increased losses from insurance claims, attributable to weather events, increased expected loan loss provisions and higher interest expense on borrowings from Berkshire finance affiliates. Interest expense on such borrowings increased $83 million (61.9%) in the third quarter and $107 million (27.1%) in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023 as borrowings increased $5.4 billion in the third quarter to better match the increase in loan receivable balances in recent years. The corresponding interest income is included in the “Other” earnings section on page 47. The year-to-date decline in earnings from manufacturing reflected lower gross margin rates due to the increased cost of building Zero Energy Ready homes (such incremental costs are partially offset by income tax credits) and higher operating expenses.
Our other building products businesses generated revenues of approximately $3.7 billion in the third quarter and $10.8 billion in the first nine months of 2024, declines of $93 million (2.5%) in the third quarter and $288 million (2.6%) in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023. Sales volumes in 2024 increased at Johns Manville and declined at the other businesses in the group, while average selling prices were lower at Johns Manville and MiTek and slightly higher at our other businesses.
Pre-tax earnings of our other building products businesses declined $11 million (1.7%) in the third quarter and $39 million (2.2%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Earnings as a percentage of revenues in the first nine months of 2024 were 16.1%, essentially unchanged compared to 2023. Earnings in 2024 were negatively impacted by increased restructuring and legal costs and weaker housing markets, which were partially offset by higher average gross margin rates from lower raw material costs and improved manufacturing efficiencies in certain of the businesses.
Consumer products
The consumer products group includes recreational vehicles (Forest River), several apparel and footwear operations (Fruit of the Loom, Garan, Fechheimer, H.H. Brown Shoe Group and Brooks Sports), high-performance batteries (Duracell) and a global toy company (Jazwares). This group also includes custom picture framing products (Larson-Juhl) and jewelry products (Richline).
Consumer products group revenues were $3.8 billion in the third quarter and $11.0 billion in the first nine months of 2024, increases of 1.2% and 3.0%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023. The increases were primarily attributable to higher revenues from Forest River, Jazwares and Brooks Sports, partially offset by lower revenues from Fruit of the Loom, Garan and Richline. Forest River revenues increased 6.5% in the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a 9.1% increase in unit sales, which included the impact of business acquisitions over the past year. Average selling prices for recreational vehicles declined in 2024 and increased for bus and commercial vehicles, primarily attributable to changes in product mix. Jazwares and Brooks Sports revenues increased 11.6% and 8.9%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2024 over 2023.
Consumer products group pre-tax earnings increased $93 million (19.3%) in the third quarter and $200 million (18.0%) in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023. The increases were primarily attributable to higher earnings from our apparel and footwear businesses and Duracell and a 3.9% increase in year-to-date earnings from Forest River. Apparel and footwear earnings increased 41.0% in the first nine months of 2024 from 2023, primarily due to gross margin rate increases and increased gains on asset sales, as well as from the favorable effects of past restructuring and cost management efforts. The earnings increases from Duracell were attributable to reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses and higher gross margins.
44
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Manufacturing, Service and Retailing
Service and retailing
A summary of revenues and pre-tax earnings of our service and retailing businesses follows (dollars in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
||||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Service |
$ |
5,130 |
|
$ |
5,100 |
|
|
$ |
15,492 |
|
$ |
15,600 |
|
Retailing |
|
4,712 |
|
|
4,846 |
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
14,418 |
|
McLane |
|
12,723 |
|
|
13,477 |
|
|
|
37,656 |
|
|
39,419 |
|
|
$ |
22,565 |
|
$ |
23,423 |
|
|
$ |
67,148 |
|
$ |
69,437 |
|
Pre-tax earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Service |
$ |
569 |
|
$ |
772 |
|
|
$ |
1,793 |
|
$ |
2,433 |
|
Retailing |
|
308 |
|
|
414 |
|
|
|
961 |
|
|
1,236 |
|
McLane |
|
145 |
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
452 |
|
|
358 |
|
|
$ |
1,022 |
|
$ |
1,302 |
|
|
$ |
3,206 |
|
$ |
4,027 |
|
Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Service |
|
11.1 |
% |
|
15.1 |
% |
|
|
11.6 |
% |
|
15.6 |
% |
Retailing |
|
6.5 |
|
|
8.5 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
|
|
8.6 |
|
McLane |
|
1.1 |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
0.9 |
|
Service
Our service group consists of several businesses, the largest of which are NetJets and FlightSafety (aviation services), which offer shared ownership programs for general aviation aircraft and high technology training services and products to operators of aircraft, TTI, a distributor of electronics components, and IPS, a provider of facilities construction management services. Our other service businesses franchise and service a network of quick service restaurants (Dairy Queen), lease transportation equipment (XTRA) and furniture (CORT), provide third party logistics services that primarily serve the petroleum and chemical industries (Charter Brokerage), distribute electronic news, multimedia and regulatory filings (Business Wire) and operate a television station in Miami, Florida (WPLG).
Service group revenues increased $30 million (0.6%) in the third quarter and declined $108 million (0.7%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, reflecting lower revenues from TTI and XTRA and higher revenues from the aviation services businesses and IPS. TTI revenues declined 10.0% in the third quarter and 12.1% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, attributable to lower sales volumes and pricing pressures. Sales at TTI in 2024 declined across most regions, markets and product lines, attributable to excess inventory levels within supply chains, which contributed to lower customer demand. These conditions are expected to continue over the remainder of 2024. Revenues from aviation services increased 10.4% in the third quarter and 9.8% in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023. The increases were primarily due to higher numbers of aircraft in shared aircraft ownership programs, increases in flight hours across NetJets’ various programs and higher average rates at FlightSafety.
Service group pre-tax earnings decreased 26.3% in both the third quarter and in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, primarily attributable to TTI and the aviation services businesses. Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues fell 4.0 percentage points in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Earnings from TTI declined 48.3% in the third quarter and 49.5% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. The earnings declines reflected the impact of lower sales and price competition, which contributed to reduced gross margin rates, as well as higher selling, general and administrative expenses. Earnings from aviation services declined 17.5% in the third quarter and 11.9% in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023, primarily attributable to increased costs of services, including higher maintenance, personnel and fuel costs and depreciation expense, as well as increased impairment charges.
45
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Manufacturing, Service and Retailing
Retailing
Our largest retailing business is Berkshire Hathaway Automotive, Inc. (“BHA”), which represented 70% of our combined retailing revenues in the first nine months of 2024. BHA consists of over 80 auto dealerships that sell new and pre-owned automobiles and offer repair services and related products. BHA also offers vehicle service contracts and operates two insurance businesses. Our retailing businesses also include four home furnishings retailing businesses (Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey, Star Furniture and Jordan’s), which sell furniture, appliances, flooring and electronics. The home furnishings group represented 17% of the combined retailing group revenues in the first nine months of 2024.
Other retailing businesses include three jewelry retailers (Borsheims, Helzberg and Ben Bridge). Other businesses also offer confectionery products (See’s Candy), high-quality kitchen tools (Pampered Chef), party supplies, school supplies and toys and novelties (Oriental Trading Company) and motorcycle accessories (Louis).
Retailing group revenues declined 2.8% in the third quarter to $4.7 billion and 2.9% to $14.0 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Almost all of our retailing businesses experienced revenue declines in 2024. BHA vehicle sales revenues decreased 1.4% in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023. New vehicle unit sales in the first nine months of 2024 increased 7.0% and pre-owned unit sales declined 2.6% versus 2023. Further, average vehicle selling prices were lower in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023, attributable to increased price competition and product mix changes. Home furnishing revenues declined 7.9% in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023, primarily attributable to lower sales volumes and increasing price competition. Also, combined revenues of our other retailers declined 7.9% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023.
Retailing group pre-tax earnings declined $106 million (25.6%) in the third quarter and $275 million (22.2%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. BHA’s pre-tax earnings declined 10.0% in the third quarter and 9.8% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to lower vehicle gross margins, partially offset by higher earnings from finance/service contract operations and lower selling, general and administrative expenses. Aggregate pre-tax earnings for the remainder of our retailing group declined $77 million (61.9%) in the third quarter and $192 million (48.4%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. All of our other retailers generated lower earnings in 2024 compared to 2023, reflecting lower sales and gross margins, and higher selling, general and administrative expenses as percentages of sales.
McLane Company
McLane operates a wholesale distribution business that provides grocery and non-food consumer products to retailers and convenience stores (“retail”) and to restaurants (“restaurant”). McLane also operates wholesale distributors of distilled spirits, wine and beer (“beverage”). The retail and restaurant distribution businesses generate high sales and very low profit margins and operate in a highly competitive environment.
Revenues declined 5.6% in the third quarter and 4.5% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, primarily attributable to lower unit volumes. Most notably the restaurant business experienced a comparative 8.4% sales decline in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by lower volumes, attributable to changing consumer preferences for restaurant dining. Pre-tax earnings increased $29 million (25.0%) in the third quarter and $94 million (26.3%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. The increases in earnings reflected small increases in the overall gross margin rate and lower year-to-date operating expenses, which more than offset the impact of lower sales.
Non-Controlled Businesses
After-tax earnings of our non-controlled businesses in 2024 and 2023 included our proportionate share of earnings of Kraft Heinz, Occidental Petroleum and Berkadia. Earnings in 2023 also included our 38.6% share of Pilot’s earnings in January, after which Pilot became a consolidated subsidiary. After-tax equity earnings in non-controlled businesses declined $27 million in the third quarter and $505 million in the first nine months of 2024 versus 2023. The decline in earnings in the first nine months of 2024 reflected lower earnings from Kraft Heinz and the inclusion of Pilot in January 2023.
46
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Investment Gains (Losses)
A summary of investment gains (losses) recorded in earnings follows (dollars in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Investment gains (losses) |
$ |
20,514 |
|
|
$ |
(29,778 |
) |
|
$ |
46,247 |
|
|
$ |
38,041 |
|
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests |
|
4,353 |
|
|
|
(6,250 |
) |
|
|
9,856 |
|
|
|
8,261 |
|
Net earnings |
$ |
16,161 |
|
|
$ |
(23,528 |
) |
|
$ |
36,391 |
|
|
$ |
29,780 |
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
21.1 |
% |
|
|
20.9 |
% |
|
|
21.2 |
% |
|
|
21.6 |
% |
Investment gains (losses) include unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in market prices of investments in equity securities, which significantly increases the volatility of our periodic net earnings due to the magnitude of our equity securities portfolio and the inherent volatility of equity securities prices. Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings also include the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers held by our U.S.-based subsidiaries.
Pre-tax investment gains and losses included net unrealized gains of $18.6 billion in the third quarter and $45.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024 and net unrealized losses of $30.4 billion in the third quarter and net unrealized gains of $33.3 billion in the first nine months of 2023 on securities we held at the end of the applicable period. In addition, we recognized gains of $1.9 billion in the third quarter and $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024 on securities we sold during the applicable period. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2023, we recognized gains on securities we sold during each period of $605 million and $1.7 billion, respectively.
Taxable gains and losses on equity securities sold generally represent the difference between sales proceeds and the original cost of the securities sold. Sales of equity securities produced taxable gains of $23.4 billion in the third quarter and $97.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to $759 million in the third quarter and $5.4 billion in the first nine months of 2023. Pre-tax investment gains in the first nine months of 2023 also included a non-cash gain of approximately $3.0 billion related to the remeasurement of our pre-existing interest in Pilot to fair value through the application of acquisition accounting upon attaining control of Pilot for financial reporting purposes.
We believe that investment gains and losses, whether realized from sales or unrealized from changes in market prices, are often meaningless in terms of understanding our reported consolidated earnings or evaluating our periodic economic performance. We also continue to believe the investment gains and losses recorded in earnings in any given period has little analytical or predictive value.
Other
A summary of after-tax other earnings (losses) follows (in millions).
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
||||||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Acquisition accounting expenses |
$ |
(127 |
) |
|
$ |
(194 |
) |
|
$ |
(389 |
) |
|
$ |
(596 |
) |
Corporate interest expense, before foreign currency effects |
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
(53 |
) |
|
|
(178 |
) |
|
|
(171 |
) |
Foreign currency exchange rate gains (loss) on Berkshire |
|
(1,141 |
) |
|
|
447 |
|
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
895 |
|
Other earnings |
|
447 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
994 |
|
|
|
501 |
|
|
$ |
(877 |
) |
|
$ |
400 |
|
|
$ |
329 |
|
|
$ |
629 |
|
After-tax acquisition accounting expenses include charges arising from the application of the acquisition method in connection with certain of Berkshire’s past business acquisitions. These charges are primarily from the amortization of intangible assets recorded in connection with those business acquisitions.
Foreign currency exchange rate gains pertain to Berkshire’s and BHFC’s Japanese Yen, Euro and Great Britain Pound denominated debt. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates produce unrealized gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of these liabilities into U.S. Dollars. The gains and losses recorded in any given period can be significant due to the magnitude of the borrowings and the inherent volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. Other earnings consist primarily of Berkshire parent company investment income, corporate expenses, intercompany interest income on loans to operating subsidiaries when the related interest expense is included in earnings of the operating subsidiaries and unallocated income taxes. Other earnings increased $247 million in the third quarter and $493 million in the first nine months of 2024, primarily due to increased interest income, including interest earned on intercompany loans to operating subsidiaries.
47
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Financial Condition
Our Consolidated Balance Sheet continues to reflect significant liquidity and a very strong capital base. Berkshire’s shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2024 was $629.1 billion, an increase of $67.8 billion since December 31, 2023. Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders were $69.3 billion for the first nine months of 2024 and included after-tax investment gains of approximately $36.4 billion. Investment gains and losses from changes in the market prices of our investments in equity securities will produce significant volatility in our earnings.
Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program, as amended, permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, as conservatively determined by Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. We are not committed to repurchase minimum or subject to maximum amounts. We will not repurchase our stock if it reduces our consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings to below $30 billion. Financial strength and redundant liquidity will always be of paramount importance at Berkshire. Berkshire paid $2.9 billion in the first nine months of 2024 to repurchase its common stock.
At September 30, 2024, our insurance and other businesses held cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills, net of payables for unsettled purchases, of $305.5 billion. Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities, excluding our investments in Kraft Heinz and Occidental common stock, were $287.7 billion. During the first nine months of 2024, we paid $5.8 billion to acquire equity securities and we received $133.2 billion from sales of equity securities.
On January 16, 2024, we acquired the remaining 20% noncontrolling ownership interest in Pilot for $2.6 billion. On September 30, 2024, BHE repurchased shares of its common stock and a $100 million debenture held by certain noncontrolling BHE shareholders in exchange for cash of $2.4 billion and a promissory note with a par amount of $600 million, which was repaid in October 2024.
Our consolidated borrowings at September 30, 2024 were $124.5 billion, of which over 95% were issued by the Berkshire parent company and BHFC, or by BNSF and BHE and its subsidiaries. Berkshire parent company debt outstanding at September 30, 2024 was $19.6 billion, an increase of $857 million from December 31, 2023. In April 2024, Berkshire issued an aggregate ¥263.3 billion (approximately $1.7 billion) of senior notes. In September 2024, Berkshire issued ¥142.5 billion (approximately $1.0 billion) of 1.25% term debt due in 2028. In October 2024, Berkshire issued ¥281.8 billion (approximately $1.85 billion) of senior notes with interest rates ranging from 1.031% to 2.625% and maturity dates ranging from 2027 to 2054. In the first nine months of 2024, senior note maturities were $1.9 billion.
Senior note borrowings of BHFC, a wholly-owned financing subsidiary, were approximately $18.2 billion at September 30, 2024, relatively unchanged from December 31, 2023. BHFC’s borrowings are used to fund a portion of loans originated and acquired by Clayton Homes and equipment held for lease by our railcar leasing business. Berkshire guarantees BHFC’s senior notes for the full and timely payment of principal and interest.
BNSF’s outstanding debt was $23.5 billion as of September 30, 2024, relatively unchanged from December 31, 2023. In the first nine months of 2024, BNSF issued $1.3 billion of 5.5% debentures due in 2055 and repaid approximately $1.2 billion of maturing senior debentures. BHE’s aggregate borrowings increased $1.0 billion in the first nine months of 2024 to approximately $57.3 billion at September 30. In the first nine months of 2024, BHE subsidiaries issued $5.4 billion of term debt with a weighted average interest rate of 5.4% and maturity dates ranging from 2029 to 2055 and BHE and its subsidiaries repaid term debt and short-term borrowings aggregating approximately $4.4 billion. In October 2024, a BHE subsidiary issued $900 million of 5.6% senior notes due in 2054. Berkshire does not guarantee the repayment of debt issued by BNSF, BHE or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates.
In the first nine months of 2024, our diverse group of businesses generated net operating cash flows of $26.0 billion, which reflects income tax payments of $17.5 billion, including $15.3 billion paid in the third quarter. Income tax payments in 2024 included significant U.S. Federal estimated income tax payments derived from taxable gains on sales of equity securities. The gross proceeds from such sales were included in cash flows from investing activities.
Our consolidated capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment and equipment held for lease were $13.6 billion in the first nine months of 2024, which included capital expenditures by BNSF and BHE of $9.0 billion. BNSF and BHE maintain very large investments in capital assets (property, plant and equipment) and regularly make significant capital expenditures in the normal course of business. Forecasted capital expenditures for BHE and BNSF over the remainder of 2024 are approximately $3.7 billion.
48
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Contractual Obligations
We are party to other contracts associated with ongoing business activities, which will result in cash payments to counterparties in future periods. Certain obligations are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, such as borrowings, operating lease liabilities and shared aircraft repurchase liabilities.
We are also obligated to pay claims arising from property and casualty contracts issued by our insurance subsidiaries, including amounts from retroactive reinsurance. However, the timing and amount of the payments under insurance and reinsurance contracts are contingent upon the outcome of future events. Actual payments will likely vary, perhaps materially, from any forecasted payments, as well as from the liabilities recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We anticipate that these payments will be funded by operating cash flows.
Other obligations pertaining to the acquisition of goods or services in the future, such as certain purchase obligations, are not currently reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements and will be recognized in future periods as the goods are delivered or services are provided. Except as otherwise disclosed in this Quarterly Report, our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2024 were, in the aggregate, not materially different from those disclosed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and judgments in determining the amounts reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Such estimates and judgments necessarily involve varying and possibly significant degrees of uncertainty. Accordingly, certain amounts currently recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements will likely be adjusted in the future based on new available information and changes in other facts and circumstances. Reference is made to “Critical Accounting Estimates” discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2024 included estimated liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of $148.9 billion. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the processes of establishing these liabilities, the actual ultimate claim amounts will likely differ from the currently recorded amounts. A very small percentage change in estimates of this magnitude can result in a material effect on periodic earnings. The effects from changes in these estimates are recorded as a component of insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses in the period of the change.
Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2024 included goodwill of acquired businesses of $84.6 billion and indefinite-lived intangible assets of $18.9 billion. In connection with the annual goodwill impairment review in the fourth quarter of 2023, the estimated fair values of nine reporting units did not exceed our carrying values by at least 20%. Our estimated aggregate fair value of these units at that time was approximately $58.5 billion, which exceeded our aggregate carrying value of approximately $54.9 billion. Goodwill of these reporting units totaled approximately $17.3 billion. Three of these reporting units were acquired in late 2022 and early 2023, and, in the aggregate, had an estimated fair value of $21.5 billion, or 1.5% greater than the carrying value, and goodwill of approximately $8.5 billion.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment reviews include determining the estimated fair values of our reporting units and of the indefinite-lived intangible assets. Several methods may be used to estimate fair values and significant judgments are required in making such estimates. Due to the inherent subjectivity and uncertainty in forecasting future cash flows and earnings over long periods of time, actual results may differ materially from the forecasts.
As of September 30, 2024, we concluded it was more likely than not that goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet were not impaired. However, the fair value estimates of the reporting units and assets are subject to change based on changes in market and economic conditions and events affecting our businesses, which we cannot reliably predict. It is reasonably possible that adverse changes in such conditions or events could result in the recognition of impairment losses in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Information concerning accounting pronouncements to be adopted in the future is included in Note 2 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
49
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
Investors are cautioned that certain statements contained in this document as well as some statements in periodic press releases and some oral statements of Berkshire officials during presentations about Berkshire or its subsidiaries are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Forward-looking statements include statements which are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or which include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects and possible future Berkshire actions, which may be provided by management, are also forward-looking statements as defined by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Berkshire and its subsidiaries, economic and market factors and the industries in which we do business, among other things. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and we have no specific intention to update these statements.
Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. The principal risk factors that could cause our actual performance and future events and actions to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in market prices of our investments in equity securities; the occurrence of one or more catastrophic events, such as an earthquake, hurricane, geopolitical conflict, act of terrorism or cyber-attack that causes losses insured by our insurance subsidiaries and/or losses to our business operations; the frequency and severity of epidemics, pandemics or other outbreaks, and other events that negatively affect our operating results and restrict our access to borrowed funds through the capital markets at reasonable rates; changes in laws or regulations affecting our insurance, railroad, utilities and energy and finance subsidiaries; changes in federal income tax laws; and changes in general economic and market factors that affect the prices of securities or the industries in which we do business.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Reference is made to Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in particular the “Market Risk Disclosures” included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” As of September 30, 2024, there were no material changes in the market risks described in Berkshire’s Annual Report.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chairman (Chief Executive Officer) and the Senior Vice President (Chief Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman (Chief Executive Officer) and the Senior Vice President (Chief Financial Officer) concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings. During the quarter, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect internal control over financial reporting.
Part II Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Berkshire and its subsidiaries are parties in a variety of legal actions that routinely arise out of the normal course of business, including legal actions seeking to establish liability directly through insurance contracts or indirectly through reinsurance contracts issued by Berkshire subsidiaries. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. We do not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Reference is made to Note 23 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for information concerning certain litigation involving Berkshire subsidiaries. Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and penalties. We currently believe that any liability that may arise as a result of other pending legal actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our significant business risks are described in Item 1A to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, to which reference is made herein. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business or operations. Any adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results could result in a decline in the value of our securities and the loss of all or part of your investment.
50
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities
Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, believes that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined. Repurchases may be in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. No Class A or Class B shares were repurchased in the third quarter of 2024.
Period |
Total number of |
|
Average price |
|
Total number of |
|
Maximum number or |
|||
July |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Class A common stock |
|
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
— |
|
* |
Class B common stock |
|
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
— |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
August |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Class A common stock |
|
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
— |
|
* |
Class B common stock |
|
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
— |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
September |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Class A common stock |
|
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
— |
|
* |
Class B common stock |
|
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
— |
|
* |
——————
* The program does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased or obligate Berkshire to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares and there is no expiration date to the repurchase program. Berkshire will not repurchase its common stock if the repurchases reduce the value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings to less than $30 billion.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Information regarding the Company’s mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q.
Item 5. Other Information
Berkshire has not adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as defined in Item 408(a)(1)(i) of Regulation S-K) and no directors or executive officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K) during the third quarter of 2024.
51
Item 6. Exhibits
|
a. Exhibits |
|
|
3(i) |
Restated Certificate of Incorporation Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2015. |
|
|
3(ii) |
Amended and Restated By-Laws Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2023. |
|
|
31.1 |
|
|
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31.2 |
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
|
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32.2 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
101 |
The following financial information from Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Cover Page (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (vi) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vii) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail. |
|
|
104 |
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC. |
|
|
(Registrant) |
|
|
|
Date: November 2, 2024 |
|
/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG
|
|
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(Signature) |
|
|
Marc D. Hamburg, |
|
|
Senior Vice President and |
|
|
Principal Financial Officer |
52
EXHIBIT 31.1
Quarter ended September 30, 2024
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Warren E. Buffett, certify that:
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
Date: November 2, 2024
/s/ WARREN E. BUFFETT |
Chairman—Principal Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 31.2
Quarter ended September 30, 2024
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Marc D. Hamburg, certify that:
Date: November 2, 2024
/s/ MARC D. HAMBURG |
Senior Vice President—Principal Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 32.1
Section 1350 Certifications
Quarter ended September 30, 2024
I, Warren E. Buffett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that to the best of my knowledge:
Dated: November 2, 2024
/s/ WARREN E. BUFFETT |
Warren E. Buffett |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 32.2
Section 1350 Certifications
Quarter ended September 30, 2024
I, Marc D. Hamburg, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that to the best of my knowledge:
Dated: November 2, 2024
/s/ MARC D. HAMBURG |
Marc D. Hamburg |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 95
MINE SAFETY VIOLATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL MATTER DISCLOSURES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 1503(a) OF THE DODD-FRANK WALL STREET
REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries operate coal mines and coal processing facilities and Acme Brick and its affiliates operate clay, shale and limestone excavation facilities (collectively, the “mining facilities”) that are regulated by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Safety Act”). MSHA inspects mining facilities on a regular basis. The total number of reportable Mine Safety Act citations, orders, assessments and legal actions for the three months ended September 30, 2024 are summarized in the table below and are subject to contest and appeal. The severity and assessment of penalties may be reduced or, in some cases, dismissed through the contest and appeal process. Amounts are reported regardless of whether PacifiCorp or Acme has challenged or appealed the matter. Mines that are closed or idled are not included in the information below. PacifiCorp and Acme have not received any notice of a pattern, or notice of the potential to have a pattern, of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that are of such nature as could have significantly and substantially contributed to the cause and effect of coal or other mine health or safety hazards under Section 104(e) of the Mine Safety Act during the three months ended September 30, 2024.
|
Mine Safety Act |
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|
|
Legal Actions |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Mining Facilities |
Section |
|
Section |
|
Section |
|
Section |
|
Section |
|
Total |
|
Total |
|
Pending |
|
Instituted |
|
Resolved |
|
||||||||||
Coal: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Bridger (surface) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Wyodak Coal Crushing |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Clay, shale and limestone: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Malvern |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Jonesboro |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Oklahoma City |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Tulsa |
|
1 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Bennett |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Denton |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Elgin |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Sealy |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Texas Clay |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Leeds |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Montgomery |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|