UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016

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)

 

 

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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

 

x

    ☒
  

Accelerated filer

 

¨

    ☐

Non-accelerated filer

 

¨

    ☐
  

Smaller reporting company

 

¨

    ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 28,October 27, 2016:

 

Class A —

 788,894784,669 

Class B —

 1,282,442,5611,289,055,322 

 

 

 


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

 

  Page No. 

Part I –Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets—JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015

  2  
 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings—SecondThird Quarter and First SixNine Months 2016 and 2015

  4  
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—SecondThird Quarter and First SixNine Months 2016 and 2015

  5  
 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—First SixNine Months 2016 and 2015

  5  
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—First SixNine Months 2016 and 2015

  6  
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  7-24  

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  25-4225-43  

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  4344  

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

  4344  

Part II –Other Information

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

  4344  

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

  4344  

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

  4344  

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

  4344  

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

  4344  

Item 5.

 

Other Information

  4344  

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

  4445  

Signature

  4445  

1


Part I Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

 

  June 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
   September 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
 
  (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     

ASSETS

        

Insurance and Other:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $61,788     $61,181      $68,269      $61,181   

Investments:

        

Fixed maturity securities

   23,744      25,988      24,613      25,988   

Equity securities

   102,563      110,212      100,757      110,212   

Other

   14,487      15,998      15,415      15,998   

Investments in The Kraft Heinz Company

   15,752      23,424   

Investments in The Kraft Heinz Company (Fair Value: September 30, 2016 – $29,130; December 31, 2015 – $32,042)

   15,711      23,424   

Receivables

   27,162      23,303      27,544      23,303   

Inventories

   15,720      11,916      15,763      11,916   

Property, plant and equipment

   19,072      15,540      19,326      15,540   

Goodwill

   53,564      37,188      53,832      37,188   

Other intangible assets

   35,179      9,148      35,034      9,148   

Deferred charges reinsurance assumed

   7,652      7,687      7,505      7,687   

Other

   7,464      6,697      8,685      6,697   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   384,147      348,282      392,454      348,282   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   3,036      3,437      3,893      3,437   

Property, plant and equipment

   121,977      120,279      123,005      120,279   

Goodwill

   24,241      24,178      24,186      24,178   

Regulatory assets

   4,306      4,285      4,369      4,285   

Other

   13,840      12,833      14,219      12,833   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   167,400      165,012      169,672      165,012   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   7,855      7,112      12,673      7,112   

Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities

   360      411      336      411   

Other investments

   6,339      5,719      2,078      5,719   

Loans and finance receivables

   13,088      12,772      13,213      12,772   

Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease

   9,662      9,347      9,737      9,347   

Goodwill

   1,372      1,342      1,374      1,342   

Other

   2,593      2,260      2,501      2,260   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   41,269      38,963      41,912      38,963   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $    592,816     $    552,257      $    604,038      $    552,257   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

 

  June 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
    September 30, 
2016
    December 31, 
2015
 
  (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

        

Insurance and Other:

        

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

  $74,708     $73,144       $75,469      $73,144   

Unearned premiums

   14,768      13,311       15,223      13,311   

Life, annuity and health insurance benefits

   14,974      14,497       15,405      14,497   

Other policyholder liabilities

   7,214      7,123       7,259      7,123   

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   20,468      17,879       22,426      17,879   

Notes payable and other borrowings

   27,567      14,599       27,514      14,599   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   159,699      140,553       163,296      140,553   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

        

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   11,597      11,994       11,590      11,994   

Regulatory liabilities

   3,062      3,033       3,094      3,033   

Notes payable and other borrowings

   58,595      57,739       58,811      57,739   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   73,254      72,766       73,495      72,766   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

        

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   1,548      1,398       1,616      1,398   

Derivative contract liabilities

   4,626      3,836       3,973      3,836   

Notes payable and other borrowings

   15,251      11,951       15,473      11,951   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   21,425      17,185       21,062      17,185   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Income taxes, principally deferred

   72,180      63,126       73,570      63,126   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total liabilities

   326,558      293,630       331,423      293,630   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

        

Common stock

   8      8       8      8   

Capital in excess of par value

   35,710      35,620       35,730      35,620   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   30,777      33,982       29,798      33,982   

Retained earnings

   198,293      187,703       205,491      187,703   

Treasury stock, at cost

   (1,763)      (1,763)       (1,763)     (1,763)  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity

   263,025      255,550       269,264      255,550   

Noncontrolling interests

   3,233      3,077       3,351      3,077   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   266,258      258,627       272,615      258,627   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $ 592,816     $ 552,257       $  604,038      $  552,257   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

  Second Quarter First Six Months  Third Quarter First Nine Months 
  2016 2015 2016     2015  2016 2015 2016 2015 
  (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) (Unaudited) 

Revenues:

            

Insurance and Other:

            

Insurance premiums earned

   $10,799      $10,400      $21,923       $19,940    $11,364    $10,514    $33,287    $30,454  

Sales and service revenues

   30,542     27,792     58,821       52,733   30,536   27,436   89,357   80,169  

Interest, dividend and other investment income

   1,617     1,323     3,008       2,626   1,276   1,132   4,284   3,758  

Investment gains/losses

   640     136     2,486       232   735   8,339   3,221   8,571  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   43,598     39,651     86,238       75,531   43,911   47,421   130,149   122,952  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

            

Revenues

   8,851     9,866     17,696       19,757   10,330   10,697   28,026   30,454  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

            

Sales and service revenues

   1,577     1,383     2,969       2,605   1,588   1,379   4,557   3,984  

Interest, dividend and other investment income

   411     416     743       748   366   329   1,109   1,077  

Investment gains/losses

   3     226     7       227   2,415   (73)  2,422   154  

Derivative gains/losses

   20     (174)    (790     1,144   458   (764)  (332 380  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   2,011     1,851     2,929       4,724   4,827   871   7,756   5,595  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   54,460     51,368     106,863       100,012   59,068   58,989   165,931   159,001  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Costs and expenses:

            

Insurance and Other:

            

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

   7,178     6,692     14,710       12,693   7,615   6,831   22,325   19,524  

Life, annuity and health insurance benefits

   1,241     1,738     2,408       2,918   1,339   1,165   3,747   4,083  

Insurance underwriting expenses

   1,870     2,018     3,947       3,630   2,001   1,875   5,948   5,505  

Cost of sales and services

   24,349     22,589     47,145       42,848   24,472   22,297   71,617   65,145  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   4,066     3,378     7,788       6,456   3,959   3,721   11,747   10,177  

Interest expense

   28     217     415       361   259   88   674   449  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   38,732     36,632     76,413       68,906   39,645   35,977   116,058   104,883  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

            

Cost of sales and operating expenses

   6,339     6,999     12,658       13,967   6,763   7,018   19,421   20,985  

Interest expense

   596     653     1,281       1,285   681   672   1,962   1,957  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   6,935     7,652     13,939       15,252   7,444   7,690   21,383   22,942  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

            

Cost of sales and services

   875     739     1,643       1,398   886   736   2,529   2,134  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   443     402     836       767   465   409   1,301   1,176  

Interest expense

   103     97     204       196   103   105   307   301  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   1,421     1,238     2,683       2,361   1,454   1,250   4,137   3,611  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   47,088     45,522     93,035       86,519   48,543   44,917   141,578   131,436  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

   7,372     5,846     13,828       13,493   10,525   14,072   24,353   27,565  

Income tax expense

   2,290     1,739     3,089       4,153   3,192   4,545   6,281   8,698  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net earnings

   5,082     4,107     10,739       9,340   7,333   9,527   18,072   18,867  

Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

   81     94     149       163   135   99   284   262  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

   $5,001      $4,013      $10,590       $9,177    $7,198    $9,428    $17,788    $18,605  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net earnings per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders *

   $3,042      $2,442      $6,443       $5,585  

Average equivalent Class A Shares outstanding *

   1,643,745     1,643,084     1,643,616       1,643,018  

Net earnings per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders*

  $4,379    $5,737    $10,822    $11,323  

Average equivalent Class A Shares outstanding*

 1,643,913   1,643,316   1,643,716   1,643,118  

 

*

Average shares outstanding and net earnings per share are shown on an equivalent Class A common stock basis. Equivalent Class B shares outstanding are 1,500 times the equivalent Class A amount. Net earnings per equivalent Class B share outstanding are one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of the equivalent Class A amount.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in millions)

 

  Second Quarter First Six Months   Third Quarter     First Nine Months 
  2016 2015 2016     2015   2016   2015     2016     2015 
  (Unaudited) (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)     (Unaudited) 

Net earnings

   $  5,082      $4,107      $  10,739       $9,340     $7,333     $9,527      $18,072       $  18,867   
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

     

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

                   

Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments

   (271)    234     (2,962     (3,562   1,581     (8,623)     (1,381     (12,185)  

Applicable income taxes

   94     (151)    993       1,280     (515)    2,957      478       4,237   

Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings

   (9)    (104)    (1,816     (195   (3,088)    (1,586)     (4,904     (1,781)  

Applicable income taxes

   4     36     636       68     1,080     555      1,716       623   

Foreign currency translation

   (607)    577     (114     (783   (44)    (716)     (158     (1,499)  

Applicable income taxes

   44     4     14       (19       (11)     23       (30)  

Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans

   51     (44)    55       5     (21)    247      34       252   

Applicable income taxes

   (19)    13     (19     (2   13     (85)     (6     (87)  

Other, net

   16     25     (6     (100       (4)     (3     (104)  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

     

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net

   (697)    590     (3,219     (3,308   (982)    (7,266)     (4,201     (10,574)  
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

     

 

 

Comprehensive income

   4,385     4,697     7,520       6,032     6,351     2,261      13,871       8,293   

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   61     131     135       170     132     47      267       217   
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

     

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

   $4,324      $  4,566      $7,385       $5,862     $    6,219     $    2,214      $  13,604       $8,076   
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

     

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

 

  Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity       Total   Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity         Total 
Common stock
and capital in
excess of par
value
 Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
   Retained
earnings
   Treasury
stock
   Non-
controlling
interests
    Common stock
and capital in
excess of par
value
   Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
   Retained
earnings
   Treasury
stock
   Non-
controlling
interests
   

Balance at December 31, 2014

   $      35,581     $        42,732      $      163,620     $      (1,763)     $    2,857      $243,027       $    35,581       $    42,732       $  163,620       $  (1,763)        $    2,857      $    243,027   

Net earnings

   —     —      9,177          163      9,340       —       —       18,605       —        262      18,867   

Other comprehensive income, net

   —    (3,315)                    (3,308)      —       (10,529)       —       —        (45)      (10,574)  

Issuance of common stock

   30     —                —      30       63       —       —       —        —       63   

Transactions with noncontrolling interests

   (19)    —                132      113       (26)       —       —       —        (36)      (62)  
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

   $35,592     $39,417     $172,797     $(1,763)     $3,159      $249,202    

Balance at September 30, 2015

   $35,618       $32,203       $182,225       $(1,763)        $3,038      $251,321   
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

   $35,628     $33,982     $187,703     $(1,763)     $3,077      $258,627       $35,628       $33,982       $187,703       $(1,763)        $3,077      $258,627   

Net earnings

   —     —      10,590          149      10,739       —       —       17,788       —        284      18,072   

Other comprehensive income, net

   —    (3,205)               (14)     (3,219)      —       (4,184)       —       —        (17)      (4,201)  

Issuance of common stock

   52     —                —      52       80       —       —       —        —       80   

Transactions with noncontrolling interests

   38     —                21      59       30       —       —       —             37   
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

   $      35,718     $30,777     $198,293     $(1,763)     $3,233      $  266,258    

Balance at September 30, 2016

   $35,738       $29,798       $205,491       $(1,763)        $3,351      $272,615   
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

 

  First Six Months   First Nine Months 
  2016 2015   2016 2015 
  (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net earnings

  $10,739   $9,340     $18,072   $18,867  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:

      

Investment gains/losses

   (2,493 (459   (5,643 (8,725

Depreciation and amortization

   4,359   3,812     6,605   5,801  

Other

   (72 160     27   620  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   1,769   670     2,615   1,195  

Deferred charges reinsurance assumed

   35   246     182   369  

Unearned premiums

   1,444   1,379     1,906   2,311  

Receivables and originated loans

   (2,716 (2,667   (3,445 (3,021

Derivative contract assets and liabilities

   790   (1,144   137   (296

Income taxes

   1,822   2,763     3,601   5,954  

Other

   (366 (157   1,114   1,080  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash flows from operating activities

   15,311   13,943     25,171   24,155  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchases of fixed maturity securities

   (3,130 (3,001   (6,009 (5,365

Purchases of equity securities

   (4,129 (4,714   (5,185 (8,809

Purchase of Kraft Heinz Company common stock

      (5,258

Sales of fixed maturity securities

   926   622     1,121   791  

Redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity securities

   4,767   2,295     6,640   4,421  

Sales and redemptions of equity securities

   12,444   2,160     19,989   5,755  

Purchases of loans and finance receivables

   (188 (57   (224 (144

Collections of loans and finance receivables

   174   246     271   345  

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

   (30,440 (4,500   (30,815 (4,802

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   (6,144 (6,836   (9,429 (11,803

Other

   (397 41     (611 21  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash flows from investing activities

   (26,117 (13,744   (24,252 (24,848
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses

   8,600   3,253     9,385   3,271  

Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses

   2,211   3,238     2,234   4,468  

Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses

   3,494   998     4,740   998  

Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses

   (1,148 (1,843   (1,921 (1,875

Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses

   (1,781 (848   (1,879 (1,050

Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses

   (195 (1,173   (1,220 (1,254

Changes in short term borrowings, net

   618   (246   888   (508

Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests

   (2 (70   (3 (71

Other

   (44 (113   (28 (181
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash flows from financing activities

   11,753   3,196     12,196   3,798  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes

   2   (77   (10 (114
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

   949   3,318     13,105   2,991  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   71,730   63,269     71,730   63,269  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of second quarter *

  $72,679     $  66,587  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of third quarter *

   $84,835     $  66,260  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

* Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following:

      

Beginning of year—

      

Insurance and Other

  $61,181     $57,974     $61,181     $57,974  

Railroad, Utilities and Energy

   3,437    3,001     3,437    3,001  

Finance and Financial Products

   7,112    2,294     7,112    2,294  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $71,730     $63,269     $71,730     $63,269  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

End of second quarter—

   

End of third quarter—

   

Insurance and Other

  $61,788     $60,394     $68,269     $56,166  

Railroad, Utilities and Energy

   3,036    3,860     3,893    4,691  

Finance and Financial Products

   7,855    2,333     12,673    5,403  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $72,679     $66,587     $84,835     $66,260  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JuneSeptember 30, 2016

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 any adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring 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 a number of reasons, our results for interim periods are not normally 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. Variations in the amount and timing of investment gains/losses can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings. Investment gains/losses are recorded when investments are disposed or are other-than-temporarily impaired. In addition, changes in the fair values of liabilities associated with derivative contracts can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU 2014-09 applies to contracts with customers, excluding, most notably, insurance and leasing contracts. ASU 2014-09 prescribes a framework in accounting for revenues from contracts within its scope, including (a) identifying the contract, (b) identifying the performance obligations under the contract, (c) determining the transaction price, (d) allocating the transaction price to the identified performance obligations and (e) recognizing revenues as the identified performance obligations are satisfied. ASU 2014-09 also prescribes additional financial statement presentations and disclosures. We currently expect to adopt ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018, under the modified retrospective method where the cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application. Our evaluation of ASU 2014-09 is ongoing and not complete. The FASB has issued and may issue in the future, interpretative guidance, which may cause our evaluation to change. While we anticipate some changes to revenue recognition for certain customer contracts, we do not currently believe ASU 2014-09 will have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09 “Financial Services—Insurance—Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts,” which requires additional disclosures in annual and interim reporting periods by insurance entities regarding liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, and changes in assumptions or methodologies for calculating such liabilities. ASU 2015-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We continue to evaluate the effect adopting this standard will have on the disclosures in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 “Financial Instruments—Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” ASU 2016-01 generally requires that equity investments (excluding equity method investments) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Under existing GAAP, changes in fair value of available-for-sale equity investments are recorded in other comprehensive income. Given the current magnitude of our equity investments, the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will likely have a significant impact on the periodic net earnings reported in our Consolidated Statement of Earnings, although it will likely not significantly impact our comprehensive income or shareholders’ equity. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with the cumulative effect of the adoption made to the balance sheet as of the date of adoption. Thus, the adoption will result in a reclassification of the related accumulated unrealized appreciation currently included in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, with no impact on Berkshire shareholders’ equity.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases.” ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, along with additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements(Continued)

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses,” which provides for the recognition and measurement at the reporting date of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities. Currently credit losses are recognized and measured when such losses become probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. ASU 2016-13 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

7


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 3. Significant business acquisitions

Our long-held acquisition strategy is to acquire businesses at sensible prices that have consistent earning power, good returns on equity and able and honest management. On August 8, 2015, Berkshire entered into a definitive agreement with Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”) to acquire all outstanding PCC shares of common stock for $235 per share in cash. The acquisition was completed on January 29, 2016. The aggregate consideration paid was approximately $32.7 billion, which included the value of PCC shares we already owned. We funded the acquisition with a combination of existing cash balances and proceeds from a short-term credit facility.

PCC is a worldwide, diversified manufacturer of complex metal components and products. It serves the aerospace, power and general industrial markets. PCC is a market leader in manufacturing complex structural investment castings and forged components for aerospace markets, machined airframe components and highly engineered critical fasteners for aerospace applications, and in manufacturing airfoil castings for the aerospace and industrial gas turbine markets. PCC also is a leading producer of titanium and nickel superalloy melted and mill products for the aerospace, chemical processing, oil and gas and pollution control industries, and manufactures extruded seamless pipe, fittings and forgings for power generation and oil and gas applications.

In November 2014, Berkshire entered into a definitive agreement with The Procter & Gamble Company (“P&G”) to acquire the Duracell business from P&G. The transaction closed on February 29, 2016. Duracell is a leading manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries and is an innovator in renewable power and wireless charging technologies. Pursuant to the agreement, we received a recapitalized Duracell Company in exchange for shares of P&G common stock held by Berkshire subsidiaries which had a fair value of approximately $4.2 billion.

Financial results attributable to these business acquisitions are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The acquisition date fair values of certain assets and liabilities, particularly property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, and related estimated useful lives are provisional and are subject to revision as the related valuations are completed. We expect such values will be finalized as of December 31, 2016. Goodwill from these acquisitions is not amortizable for income tax purposes. Preliminary fair values of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed and residual goodwill of PCC and Duracell at their respective acquisition dates are summarized in the table that follows (in millions).

 

  PCC   Duracell   PCC     Duracell 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $250     $1,807     $250       $1,807  

Inventories

   3,431     326     3,430       326  

Property, plant and equipment

   2,771     364     2,772       364  

Goodwill

   15,793     614     15,880       614  

Other intangible assets

   24,197     2,024     24,197       2,024  

Other assets

   1,914     256     1,914       256  
  

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

 

Assets acquired

   $48,356     $5,391     $ 48,443       $    5,391  
  

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   $2,445     $392     $2,442       $392  

Notes payable and other borrowings

   5,251          5,251         

Income taxes, principally deferred

   8,002     760     8,092       760  
  

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

 

Liabilities assumed

   $15,698     $1,152     $15,785       $1,152  
  

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

 

Net assets

   $32,658     $    4,239     $32,658       $4,239  
  

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 3. Significant business acquisitions(Continued)

The following table sets forth certain unaudited pro forma consolidated earnings data for the first sixnine months of 2015 as if the acquisitions discussed previously were consummated on the same terms at the beginning of the year preceding their respective acquisition dates (in millions, except per share amount). Pro forma data for the first sixnine months of 2016 was not materially different from the amounts reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

   First SixNine Months
         2015      

Revenues

   $  105,602      167,315 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

   9,421    19,086 

Net earnings per equivalent Class A common share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

   5,734    11,615 

8


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in securities with fixed maturities as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized by type below (in millions).

 

  Amortized
Cost
   Unrealized
Gains
   Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
     Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 

June 30, 2016

       

September 30, 2016

              

U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies

   $3,511     $25     $    $3,536      $4,549        $17        $(1      $4,565  

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   1,266     66     (1 1,331     1,216       64       (1     1,279  

Foreign governments

   9,613     359     (50 9,922     9,454       362       (21     9,795  

Corporate bonds

   6,951     753     (10 7,694     6,996       800       (7     7,789  

Mortgage-backed securities

   1,133     169     (5 1,297     1,068       156       (5     1,219  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 
   $  22,474     $1,372     $(66  $23,780      $  23,283        $1,399        $(35      $ 24,647  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 

December 31, 2015

                     

U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies

   $3,425     $10     $(8  $3,427      $3,425        $10        $(8      $3,427  

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   1,695     71     (2 1,764     1,695       71       (2     1,764  

Foreign governments

   11,327     226     (85 11,468     11,327       226       (85     11,468  

Corporate bonds

   7,323     632     (29 7,926     7,323       632       (29     7,926  

Mortgage-backed securities

   1,279     168     (5 1,442     1,279       168       (5     1,442  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 
   $25,049     $1,107     $(129  $26,027      $25,049        $    1,107        $(129      $26,027  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 

Investments in fixed maturity securities are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in millions).

 

  June 30,
2016
  December 31,
2015
   September 30, 
2016
     December 31, 
2015

Insurance and other

   $23,744    $25,988     $24,613           $25,988  

Finance and financial products

   36    39    34          39  
   

 

    

 

    

 

      

 

 
   $23,780    $  26,027     $  24,647           $  26,027  
   

 

    

 

    

 

      

 

 

Investments in foreign government securities include securities issued by national and provincial government entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, approximately 93%92% of foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies. Approximately 80% of foreign government holdings were issued or guaranteed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia or Canada.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities(Continued)

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to early call or prepayment rights held by issuers. Amounts are in millions.issuers (in millions).

 

   Due in one
year or less
  Due after one
year through
five years
  Due after five
years through
ten years
  Due after
ten years
  Mortgage-
backed
securities
  Total

Amortized cost

   $6,344    $11,403    $1,209    $2,385    $ 1,133    $22,474 

Fair value

    6,361     11,866     1,330     2,926     1,297     23,780 

9


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

   Due in one
 year or less 
      Due after one 
year through
five years
      Due after five 
years through
ten years
      Due after 
ten years
      Mortgage- 
backed
securities
     Total

Amortized cost

    $8,007         $10,773         $1,076         $2,359         $1,068         $23,283  

Fair value

    8,068         11,224         1,177         2,959         1,219         24,647  

Note 5. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the table below (in millions).

 

  Cost Basis   Unrealized
Gains
   Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
   Cost Basis   Unrealized
Gains
   Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 

June 30, 2016 *

       

September 30, 2016 *

       

Banks, insurance and finance

   $19,852     $22,247     $(284  $41,815     $19,852     $21,695     $(173  $41,374  

Consumer products

   5,259     17,956     (112 23,103     5,149     16,790        21,939  

Commercial, industrial and other

   33,822     7,422     (1,928 39,316     32,517     7,904     (1,199 39,222  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
   $  58,933     $  47,625     $  (2,324  $104,234     $    57,518     $    46,389     $  (1,372  $  102,535  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

*

Approximately 61%60% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in the equity securities of four companies (American Express Company – $9.2$9.7 billion; Wells Fargo & Company – $23.7$22.1 billion; International Business Machines Corporation (“IBM”) – $12.3$12.9 billion; and The Coca-Cola Company – $18.1$16.9 billion).

 

   Cost Basis   Unrealized
Gains
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
 

December 31, 2015 *

        

Banks, insurance and finance

   $20,026     $27,965     $(21)     $47,970  

Consumer products

   6,867     18,022     (1)     24,888  

Commercial, industrial and other

   35,417     6,785     (3,238)     38,964  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $    62,310     $    52,772     $  (3,260)     $  111,822  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Approximately 59% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in the equity securities of four companies (American Express Company – $10.5 billion; Wells Fargo & Company – $27.2 billion; IBM – $11.2 billion; and The Coca-Cola Company – $17.2 billion).

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we concluded that the unrealized losses shown in the tables above were temporary. Our conclusions were based on: (a) our ability and intent to hold the securities to recovery; (b) our assessment that the underlying business and financial condition of the issuers was favorable; (c) our opinion that the relative price declines were not significant; and (d) our belief that market prices will increase to and exceed our cost. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, unrealized losses on equity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $908$995 million and $989 million, respectively.

Unrealized losses at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 included approximately $1.5 billion$941 million related to our investment in IBM common stock (ofof which $848$855 million related to IBM shares that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months), whichmonths. Unrealized losses represented 11%7% of our cost. IBM continues to be profitable and generate significant cash flows. We currently do not intend to dispose of our IBM common stock and we expect that the fair value of this investment will recover and ultimately exceed our cost.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 5. Investments in equity securities(Continued)

Investments in equity securities are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in millions).

 

  June 30,
2016
    December 31, 
2015
   September 30,
2016
     December 31,  
2015
 

Insurance and other

    $102,563       $110,212       $ 100,757         $ 110,212   

Railroad, utilities and energy *

   1,347      1,238      1,476        1,238   

Finance and financial products

   324      372      302        372   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
    $104,234       $111,822       $ 102,535         $ 111,822   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

*

Included in other assets.

10


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 6. Other investments

Other investments include preferred stock of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (“Wrigley”), The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) and Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”) warrants to purchase common stock of BAC and preferred and common stock of Restaurant Brands International, Inc. (“RBI”). Other investments are classified as available-for-sale and are shown in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in millions).

 

  Cost   Fair Value   Cost   Fair Value 
  June 30,
2016
    December 31, 
2015
   June 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
    September 30, 
2016
    December 31, 
2015
    September 30, 
2016
    December 31, 
2015
 

Insurance and other

   $9,970     $9,970      $14,487     $15,998      $9,970         $9,970       $15,415         $15,998   

Finance and financial products

   3,052     3,052      6,339     5,719      1,000         3,052       2,078         5,719   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

 
   $  13,022     $    13,022      $ 20,826     $    21,717      $10,970         $13,022       $17,493         $21,717  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

 

We ownDuring 2008, we purchased $2.1 billion liquidation amount of Wrigley preferred stock that was acquired pursuant to a shareholder agreement in conjunction with Mars Incorporated’s acquisition of Wrigley in 2008. The Wrigley preferred stock is entitled to dividends at 5% per annum.Wrigley. Pursuant to certain put and call provisions in the shareholder agreement, up to 50% of our original investment may be redeemedwas redeemable over a 90-day period beginningthat was scheduled to begin on October 6, 2016. We currently anticipateOn August 8, 2016, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with Mars, under which Mars agreed to acquire all of the Wrigley preferred stock for approximately $4.56 billion, which included a prorated dividend that such shares will be redeemed.would have otherwise been payable on October 6, 2016. The shareholder agreement also provides that beginning in 2021, our then outstanding investment will be subject to annual put and call arrangements. The consideration due under the put and call arrangements is based upon the earnings of Wrigley.transaction was completed on September 27, 2016.

We own 3,000,000 shares of Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock of Dow (“Dow Preferred”) with a liquidation value of $1,000 per share. Each share of the Dow Preferred is convertible into 24.201 shares of Dow common stock (equivalent to a conversion price of $41.32 per share). Dow currently has the option to cause some or all of the Dow Preferred to be converted into Dow common stock at the then applicable conversion rate, if the New York Stock Exchange closing price of its common stock exceeds $53.72 per share for any 20 trading days within a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending the day before Dow exercises its option. The Dow Preferred is entitled to dividends at a rate of 8.5% per annum.

We own 50,000 shares of 6% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of BAC (“BAC Preferred”) with a liquidation value of $100,000 per share and warrants to purchase 700,000,000 shares of common stock of BAC (“BAC Warrants”). The BAC Preferred is redeemable at the option of BAC beginning on May 7, 2019 at a redemption price of $105,000 per share (or $5.25 billion in aggregate). The BAC Warrants expire in 2021 and are exercisable for an additional aggregate cost of $5 billion ($7.142857/share).

We own Class A 9% Cumulative Compounding Perpetual Preferred Shares of RBI (“RBI Preferred”) having a stated value of $3 billion. RBI, domiciled in Canada, is the ultimate parent company of Burger King and Tim Hortons. The RBI Preferred is entitled to dividends on a cumulative basis of 9% per annum plus an additional amount, if necessary, to produce an after-tax yield to Berkshire as if the dividends were paid by a U.S.-based company. The RBI Preferred is redeemable at the option of RBI beginning on December 12, 2017. If not redeemed prior to December 12, 2024, we can cause RBI to redeem the RBI Preferred. In either case, the redemption price will be 109.9% of the stated value of such shares.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 7. Investments in The Kraft Heinz Company

On June 7, 2013, Berkshire and an affiliate of the global investment firm 3G Capital (such affiliate, “3G”), each made equity investments in H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation (“Heinz Holding”), which, together with debt financing obtained by Heinz Holding, was used to acquire H. J. Heinz Company (“Heinz”). Heinz is one of the world’s leading marketers and producers of healthy, convenient and affordable foods specializing in ketchup, sauces, meals, soups, snacks and infant nutrition. Heinz is comprised of a global family of leading branded products, including Heinz® Ketchup, sauces, soups, beans, pasta, infant foods, Ore-Ida® potato products, Weight Watchers® Smart Ones® entrées and T.G.I. Friday’s® snacks.

Berkshire’s initial investments consisted of 425 million shares of Heinz Holding common stock, warrants, which were exercised in June 2015, to acquire approximately 46 million additional shares of common stock at one cent per share, and cumulative compounding preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”) with a liquidation preference of $8 billion. The aggregate cost of our investments was $12.25 billion. 3G also acquired 425 million shares of Heinz Holding common stock for $4.25 billion. On June 7, 2016, Kraft Heinz redeemed our Preferred Stock investment was redeemed for cash of $8.32 billion. ThePrior to its redemption, the Preferred Stock was entitled to dividends at 9% per annum.

11


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 7. Investments in The Kraft Heinz Company(Continued)

On July 1, 2015, Berkshire acquired 262.9 million shares of newly issued common stock of Heinz Holding for $5.26 billion and 3G acquired 237.1 million shares of newly issued common stock for $4.74 billion. Immediately thereafter, Heinz Holding executed a reverse stock split at a rate of 0.443332 of a share for each share.

On July 2, 2015, Heinz Holding acquired Kraft Foods Group, Inc. (“Kraft”). Upon completion of the acquisition, Heinz Holding was renamed The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”). Kraft Heinz is one of the largest manufacturers and marketers of food and beverage products, including condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, and other grocery products, in the world. Kraft Heinz’s leading iconic brands includeKraft, Heinz, ABC, Capri Sun, Classico, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Lunchables, Maxwell House, Ore-Ida, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters, Plasmon, Quero, Weight Watchers Smart Ones and Velveeta.

In connection with Heinz Holding’s acquisition of Kraft, Kraft shareholders received one share of newly issued Heinz Holding common stock for each share of Kraft common stock (or 593 million shares) and a special cash dividend of $16.50 per share. Upon completion of the acquisition, Heinz Holding was renamed The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”). Following the issuance of these additional shares, Berkshire and 3G together owned approximately 51% of the outstanding Kraft Heinz common stock, with Berkshire owning approximately 26.8% and 3G owning 24.2%. Kraft is one of North America’s largest consumer packaged food and beverage companies, with annual revenues of more than $18 billion. The company’s iconic brands includeKraft,Capri Sun,Jell-O,Kool-Aid,Lunchables,Maxwell House,Oscar Mayer,Philadelphia,PlantersandVelveeta.

A summary of our investments in Kraft Heinz follows (in millions).

   Carrying Value
       June 30,    
2016
  December 31,
2015

Common stock

   $15,752    $15,714 

Preferred Stock

         7,710 
   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $15,752    $23,424 
   

 

 

    

 

 

 

We account for our investment in Kraft Heinz common stock on the equity method. Under the equity method, the issuance of shares by an investee is accounted for by the investor as if the investor had sold a proportionate share of its investment. As a result, we recorded a non-cash pre-tax holding gain of approximately $6.8 billion in the third quarter of 2015, representing the excess of the fair value of Kraft Heinz common stock at the date of the merger over our carrying value associated with the reduction in our ownership.

A summary of our investments in Kraft Heinz follows (in millions).

   Carrying Value
    September 30, 
2016
     December 31, 
2015

Common stock

    $15,711           $15,714  

Preferred Stock

    —           7,710  
   

 

 

      

 

 

 
    $15,711           $23,424  
   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Our equity method earnings on the common stock and dividends earned on the Preferred Stock in the first sixnine months were $626 million inof 2016 and $2312015 were $851 million in 2015and $329 million, respectively, and are included in interest, dividend and other investment income in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Preferred Stock dividends received in the second quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were $180 million. In 2015, Preferred Stock dividends received were $180 million in the secondthird quarter and $360$540 million in the first sixnine months.

Summarized consolidated financial information of Kraft Heinz follows (in millions).

 

         July 3, 2016                 January 3, 2016              October 2, 2016          January 3, 2016    

Assets

 $121,684      $122,973        $121,080      $122,973   

Liabilities

 63,637      56,737        63,212      56,737   

 

          Second Quarter            First Six Months  Third Quarter    First Nine Months
  2016    2015    2016    2015  2016    2015    2016    2015

Sales

   $    6,793        $    2,616        $  13,363      $    5,094     $    6,267        $    6,120         $    19,630        $ 11,214 ��    
   

 

      

 

      

 

      

 

    

 

      

 

      

 

      

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz

   $950        $(164)        $1,846      $112 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders

    $842        $(303)        $2,508        $(551)     
   

 

      

 

      

 

      

 

    

 

      

 

      

 

      

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 8. Income taxes

Our consolidated effective income tax rates for the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were 31.1%30.3% and 22.3%25.8%, respectively. In 2015, our effective income tax rates were 29.7%32.3% for the secondthird quarter and 30.8%31.6% for the first sixnine months. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects benefits from the recurring impact of (a) dividends received deductions applicable to certain investments in equity securities, (b) income production tax credits from wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. and (c) lower income tax rates applicable to earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries.

As discussed in Notes 3 and 9 to these Consolidated Financial Statements, on February 29, 2016, we exchanged our long-held investment in P&G common stock for the common stock of Duracell. This exchange produced a pre-tax gain of $1.1 billion for financial reporting purposes. The exchange transaction was structured as a tax-free reorganization under the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, no income taxes are currently payable on the excess of the fair value of the business received over the tax basis of the P&G shares exchanged and we recorded a one-time reduction of certain deferred income tax liabilities (approximately $750 million) that were recorded in 2005 in connection with our exchange of The Gillette Company common stock for P&G common stock upon the merger of those two companies. The P&G/Duracell exchange produced an 8.3a 4.7 percentage point reduction in our consolidated effective income tax rate for the first sixnine months of 2016.

12


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 9. Investment gains/losses

Investment gains/losses are summarized below (in millions).

 

          Second Quarter                     First Six Months             Third Quarter     First Nine Months 
      2016           2015             2016         2015             2016             2015             2016             2015     

Fixed maturity securities—

                         

Gross gains from sales and redemptions

  $20      $53        $39   $82        $5         $6        $44         $88   

Gross losses from sales and redemptions

   (14)      (46)        (17 (84)       (24)        (44)       (41)        (128)  

Equity securities—

                         

Gross gains from sales and redemptions

   740       342         2,547   448        3,173         8,407        5,720         8,855   

Gross losses from sales and redemptions

   (53)      (14)        (63 (20)       (13)        (75)       (76)        (95)  

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

   (63)      —          (63  —        —        (26)       (63)        (26)  

Other

   13       27         50   33        9         (2)       59         31   
  

 

   

 

     

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 
  $643      $362        $2,493   $459        $  3,150         $  8,266        $  5,643         $  8,725   
  

 

   

 

     

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 

Gains from sales and redemptions of equity securities in 2016 included gains of approximately $2.4 billion from the seconddisposition of our investment in Wrigley preferred stock in the third quarter, of 2016and in the first nine months also included $610 million from the redemption of our investment in Kraft Heinz Preferred Stock. Gains in the first six months of 2016 also includedStock and a pre-tax non-cash holding gain of approximately $1.1 billion from the exchange of our P&G common stock in connection with the acquisition of Duracell. The non-cash gain from the P&G/Duracell exchange represented the excess of the fair value of net assets of Duracell over the cost basis of the P&G stock exchanged. Gains from sales and redemptions of equity securities in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 included a non-cash holding gain of approximately $6.8 billion in connection with our investment in Kraft Heinz common stock.

We record investments in equity and fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale at fair value and record the difference between fair value and cost in other comprehensive income. Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings represent reductions in the cost basis of the investment, but not the fair value. Accordingly, such losses that are included in earnings are generally offset by a credit to other comprehensive income, producing no net effect on shareholders’ equity as of the balance sheet date.

Note 10. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

 

      June 30,    
2016
   December 31,
2015
       September 30,    
2016
        December 31,    
2015

Raw materials

  $2,916    $1,852       $2,909             $1,852   

Work in process and other

   2,464     778      2,461            778   

Finished manufactured goods

   4,289     3,369      4,287            3,369   

Goods acquired for resale

   6,051     5,917      6,106            5,917   
  

 

   

 

    

 

      

 

 
  $    15,720    $11,916       $  15,763             $  11,916   
  

 

   

 

    

 

      

 

 

Inventories at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 includeincluded approximately $3.6 billion related to PCC and Duracell.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 11. Receivables

Receivables of insurance and other businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

 

      June 30,    
2016
  December 31,
2015
   September 30, 
2016
    December 31, 
2015
 

Insurance premiums receivable

   $9,995     $8,843    $10,226        $8,843     

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

   3,473     3,307    3,482        3,307     

Trade and other receivables

   14,036     11,521    14,181        11,521     

Allowances for uncollectible accounts

   (342)    (368)    (345)        (368)    
   

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $    27,162     $    23,303    $ 27,544        $23,303     
   

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

 

Trade and other receivables at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 includeincluded approximately $1.8$1.9 billion related to PCC and Duracell.

13


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 11. Receivables(Continued)

Loans and finance receivables of finance and financial products businesses are summarized as follows (in millions).

 

  June 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
    September 30, 
2016
    December 31, 
2015
 

Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts

  $    13,547     $    13,186     $13,663       $13,186    

Allowances for uncollectible loans

   (182)     (182)    (183)       (182)    

Unamortized acquisition discounts

   (277)     (232)    (267)       (232)    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $    13,088     $    12,772     $ 13,213       $    12,772    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Loans and finance receivables are predominantly originated or acquired manufactured housing installment loans. Provisions for loan losses in the first sixnine months were $78 million inof 2016 and $772015 were $124 million in 2015.and $119 million, respectively. Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, in the first sixnine months were $78 million inof 2016 and $932015 were $123 million in 2015.and $136 million, respectively. At JuneSeptember 30, 2016, approximately 98% of the loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment. As a part of the evaluation process, credit quality indicators are reviewed and loans are designated as performing or non-performing. At JuneSeptember 30, 2016, approximately 98% of the loan balances were determined to be performing and approximately 95%94% of the loan balances were current as to payment status.

Note 12. Property, plant and equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions).

 

  Range of
estimated useful life
   June 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
   Range of
 estimated useful life 
  September 30, 
2016
  December 31, 
2015
 

Land

   —      $2,071     $1,689          $2,128        $1,689    

Buildings and improvements

   5 – 40 years     8,091      7,329       5 – 40 years   8,315       7,329    

Machinery and equipment

   3 – 25 years     19,550      17,054       3 – 25 years   20,103       17,054    

Furniture, fixtures and other

   2 – 18 years     4,318      3,545       2 – 15 years   4,419       3,545    
    

 

   

 

    

 

  

 

 
     34,030      29,617       34,965       29,617    

Accumulated depreciation

     (14,958)     (14,077)      (15,639)       (14,077)   
    

 

   

 

    

 

  

 

 
    $19,072     $15,540        $19,326        $ 15,540    
    

 

   

 

    

 

  

 

 

Property, plant and equipment at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 included approximately $3.2$3.3 billion related to PCC and Duracell.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 12. Property, plant and equipment(Continued)

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our railroad and our 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.

 

   Range of
estimated useful life
   June 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
 

Railroad:

      

Land

   —      $6,054     $6,037    

Track structure and other roadway

   7 – 100 years     46,955      45,967    

Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment

   6 – 40 years     11,758      11,320    

Construction in progress

   —       1,131      1,031    
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     65,898      64,355    

Accumulated depreciation

     (5,370)     (4,845)   
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $60,528     $59,510    
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Utilities and energy:

  

Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems

   5 – 80 years    $69,955     $69,248    

Interstate natural gas pipeline assets

   3 – 80 years     6,835      6,755    

Independent power plants and other assets

   3 – 30 years     5,882      5,626    

Construction in progress

   —       2,701      2,627    
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     85,373      84,256    

Accumulated depreciation

     (23,924)     (23,487)   
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $    61,449     $    60,769    
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

14


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 12. Property, plant and equipment(Continued)

   Range of
  estimated useful life  
    September 30, 
2016
    December 31, 
2015
 

Railroad:

      

Land

       $6,060      $6,037   

Track structure and other roadway

   7 – 100 years     47,586      45,967   

Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment

   6 – 40 years     11,860      11,320   

Construction in progress

       1,064      1,031   
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     66,570      64,355   

Accumulated depreciation

     (5,673)      (4,845)  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     $60,897      $59,510   
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Utilities and energy:

  

Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems

   5 – 80 years     $70,316     $69,248   

Interstate natural gas pipeline assets

   3 – 80 years     6,866      6,755   

Independent power plants and other assets

   3 – 30 years     6,056      5,626   

Construction in progress

       3,175     2,627   
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     86,413      84,256   

Accumulated depreciation

     (24,305)     (23,487)  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     $    62,108     $    60,769   
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets held for lease and property, plant and equipment of our finance and financial products businesses are summarized below (in millions).

 

  Range of
estimated useful life
  June 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
   Range of
  estimated useful life  
    September 30, 
2016
    December 31, 
2015
 

Assets held for lease

  5 – 35 years  $    11,769     $11,317       5 – 35 years     $11,906       $11,317    

Land

  —     222      220           223       220    

Buildings, machinery and other

  3 – 50 years   1,267      1,207       3 – 50 years     1,289       1,207    
    

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

 
     13,258      12,744         13,418       12,744    

Accumulated depreciation

     (3,596)     (3,397)        (3,681)       (3,397)   
    

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

 
    $9,662     $9,347         $    9,737       $    9,347    
    

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

 

A summary of depreciation expense follows (in millions).

 

  First Six Months   First Nine Months 
  2016   2015   2016   2015 

Insurance and other

  $1,037    $824     $ 1,595     $ 1,240  

Railroad, utilities and energy

   2,298     2,155     3,459     3,276  

Finance and financial products

   308     296     466     447  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $3,643    $3,275     $ 5,520     $ 4,963  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 13. Goodwill and other intangible assets

A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows (in millions).

 

  June 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
    September 30, 
2016
    December 31, 
2015
 

Balance at beginning of year

  $  62,708     $60,714       $62,708       $60,714    

Acquisitions of businesses

   16,772      2,563       17,016       2,563    

Other, including foreign currency translation

   (303)     (569)      (332)       (569)   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at end of period

  $79,177     $62,708       $79,392       $62,708    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Other intangible assets are summarized as follows (in millions).

 

  June 30, 2016  December 31, 2015 September 30, 2016   December 31, 2015
  Gross carrying
amount
  Accumulated
amortization
  Gross carrying
amount
  Accumulated
amortization
 Gross carrying
amount
 

         

 Accumulated
amortization
 

         

 Gross carrying
amount
 

         

 Accumulated
amortization

Insurance and other

   $41,360    $6,181    $14,610    $5,462    $41,575      $6,541      $14,610      $5,462  

Railroad, utilities and energy

   894    266    888    239   897     279     888     239  
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

  
   $42,254    $6,447    $15,498    $5,701    $42,472      $6,820      $15,498      $5,701  
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

  

Trademarks and trade names

   $6,034    $801    $3,041    $765    $6,049      $821      $3,041      $765  

Patents and technology

   4,389    2,237    4,252    2,050   4,455     2,329     4,252     2,050  

Customer relationships

   28,727    2,511    5,474    2,131   28,851     2,721     5,474     2,131  

Other

   3,104    898    2,731    755   3,117     949     2,731     755  
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

  
   $42,254    $6,447    $15,498    $5,701    $42,472      $6,820      $15,498      $5,701  
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

  

Other intangible assets at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 included preliminary fair values of intangible assets of PCC and Duracell of approximately $26$26.2 billion, which included approximately $17.5$17.6 billion in customer relationships and trade names that were preliminarily determined to have indefinite lives. Amortization expense in the first sixnine months was $716 million inof 2016 and $5372015 was $1,085 million in 2015.and $837 million, respectively. Intangible assets with indefinite lives, excluding intangible assets related to business acquisitions completed in 2016, were approximately $3$3.0 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

15


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 14. Derivative contracts

Derivative contracts have been entered into primarily through our finance and financial products and our utilities and energy businesses. DerivativeDuring 2016, derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses consistconsisted of equity index put option contracts and a credit default contract. A summary of the liabilities and related notional values of these contracts follows (in millions).

 

 June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 
  Liabilities  

 

 Notional 
Value

  Liabilities   Notional 
Value
    Liabilities    

 

  Notional  

Value

  Liabilities    

 

  Notional  

Value

 

Equity index put options

  $4,431      $27,905(1)   $3,552      $ 27,722(1)    $  3,973     $  27,982(1)   $  3,552     $  27,722(1) 

Credit default(2)

 195     7,792   284     7,792     —         284      7,792  
 

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

   
  $4,626       $3,836        $3,973       $3,836     
 

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

   

 

(1)

Represents the aggregate undiscounted amounts payable assuming that the value of each index is zero at each contract’s expiration date. Certain of these contracts are denominated in foreign currencies. Notional amounts are based on the foreign currency exchange rates as of each balance sheet date.

 

(2) 

In July 2016, theour remaining credit default contract was terminated by mutual agreement with the counterparty. We paid $195 million upon termination and, thereafter, weno longer have noany exposure to losses under the contract.credit default contracts.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 14. Derivative contracts(Continued)

The derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses are recorded at fair value and the changes in the fair values of such contracts are reported in earnings as derivative gains/losses. We entered into these contracts with the expectation that the premiums received would exceed the amounts ultimately paid to counterparties. A summary of the derivative gains (losses) included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings follows (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter     First Six Months   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
  

 

      2016      

         2015               2016             2015       

 

2016

   2015   2016 2015 

Equity index put options

   $(83)       $(138)         $(879     $1,173     $458       $(802)      $(421  $371   

Credit default

   103        (36)         89       (29   —       38       89     
  

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
   $20        $(174)         $(790     $1,144     $    458       $    (764)      $  (332  $    380   
  

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written between 2004 and 2008 on four major equity indexes. These contracts will expire between June 2018 and January 2026. Future payments, if any, under any given contract will be required if the prevailing index value is below the contract strike price at the expiration date. We received the premiums on these contracts at the inception dates and therefore we have no counterparty credit risk.

The aggregate intrinsic value (the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date) of our equity index put option contracts was approximately $2.0$1.6 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2015. However, these contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates. Therefore, the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses on these contracts will not be determined for several years. The remaining weighted average life of all contracts was approximately 4.44.2 years at JuneSeptember 30, 2016.

A limited number of our equity index put option contracts contain collateral posting requirements with respect to changes in the fair value or intrinsic value of the contracts and/or a downgrade of Berkshire’s credit ratings. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, we did not have any collateral posting requirements. If Berkshire’s credit ratings (currently AA from Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 from Moody’s) are downgraded below either A- by Standard & Poor’s or A3 by Moody’s, collateral of up to $1.1 billion could be required to be posted.

16


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 14. Derivative contracts(Continued)

Our regulated utility subsidiaries are exposed to variations in the prices of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity purchased and sold and natural gas supplied for customers. Derivative instruments, including forward purchases and sales, futures, swaps and options, are used to manage a portion of these price risks. Derivative contract assets are included in other assets and were $109$105 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and $103 million as of December 31, 2015. Derivative contract liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities and were $199$198 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and $237 million as of December 31, 2015. Net derivative contract assets or liabilities that are probable of recovery through rates of our regulated utilities are offset by regulatory liabilities or assets. Unrealized gains or losses on contracts accounted for as cash flow or fair value hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income or in net earnings, as appropriate.

Note 15. Supplemental cash flow information

A summary of supplemental cash flow information is presented in the following table (in millions).

 

  First Six Months  First Nine Months 
  

 

2016

 

    2015    

  

 

2016

   2015 

Cash paid during the period for:

       

Income taxes

   $1,055   $    1,128   $  2,237    $  2,575  

Interest:

       

Insurance and other businesses

   253   185   499     312  

Railroad, utilities and energy businesses

   1,406   1,319   2,130     2,043  

Finance and financial products businesses

   184   215   263     274  

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

       

Liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions

   16,997   2,478   17,319     2,792  

Equity securities exchanged in connection with business acquisition

   4,239   —     4,239     —   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 16. Notes payable and other borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016.

 

 Weighted
Average
 Interest Rate 
 June 30,
2016
 December 31,
2015
   Weighted
Average
 Interest Rate 
  September 30, 
2016
    December 31, 
2015
 

Insurance and other:

     

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”) due 2016-2047

 2.3%    $ 18,035    $9,799        2.2%    $18,108           $9,799      

Short-term subsidiary borrowings

 2.1%   2,172   1,989        2.2%   2,019           1,989      

Other subsidiary borrowings due 2016-2044

 3.9%   7,360   2,811        4.0%   7,387           2,811      
  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

 
   $ 27,567    $14,599         $27,514           $14,599      
  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

 

On January 8, 2016, Berkshire entered into a $10 billion 364-day revolving credit agreement. Borrowings under the credit agreement were unsecured and there were no materially restrictive covenants. In connection with the PCC acquisition, Berkshire borrowed $10 billion under the credit agreement. In March 2016, Berkshire issued €2.75 billion in senior unsecured notes consisting of €1.0 billion of 0.50% notes due in 2020, €1.0 billion of 1.30% notes due in 2024 and €750 million of 2.15% notes due in 2028. In March 2016, Berkshire also issued $5.5 billion in senior unsecured notes consisting of $1.0 billion of 2.20% notes due in 2021, $2.0 billion of 2.75% notes due in 2023 and $2.5 billion of 3.125% notes due in 2026. The proceeds from these debt issues were used in the repayment of all outstanding borrowings under the aforementioned credit agreement. In June 2016, the revolving credit agreement was terminated. In August 2016, Berkshire issued $750 million in senior unsecured notes consisting of $500 million of 1.15% notes due in 2018 and $250 million of floating rate notes due in 2018, to replace $750 million of maturing debt. Other subsidiary borrowings at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 included $4.6$4.7 billion attributable to PCC.

 

17


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 16. Notes payable and other borrowings(Continued)

 Weighted
Average
 Interest Rate 
 June 30,
2016
 December 31,
2015
   Weighted
Average
  Interest Rate  
  September 30, 
2016
    December 31, 
2015
 

Railroad, utilities and energy:

     

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and its subsidiaries:

     

BHE senior unsecured debt due 2017-2045

 5.1%    $7,816    $7,814       5.1%    $7,817           $7,814      

Subsidiary and other debt due 2016-2064

 4.8%   28,590   28,188       4.7%   28,828           28,188      

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (“BNSF”) due 2016-2097

 4.9%   22,189   21,737       4.8%   22,166           21,737      
  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

 
   $ 58,595    $57,739        $58,811           $57,739      
  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

 

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 debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants including, but not limited to, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios. BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In May 2016, BNSF issued $750 million of 3.9% debentures due in 2046. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, BNSF and BHE and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt, borrowings or lines of credit of BNSF, BHE or their subsidiaries.

 

 Weighted
Average
 Interest Rate 
 June 30,
2016
 December 31,
2015
   Weighted
Average
 Interest Rate 
  September 30, 
2016
    December 31, 
2015
 

Finance and financial products:

     

Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2016-2043

 2.5%    $ 14,173    $10,679    

Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2017-2043

  2.5%  $14,421          $10,679      

Other subsidiary borrowings due 2016-2036

 5.0%   1,078   1,272      5.0% 1,052          1,272      
  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

 
   $ 15,251    $11,951        $15,473          $11,951  ��   
  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

 

In March 2016, BHFC issued $3.5 billion of senior notes consisting of $750 million of 1.45% notes due in 2018, $1.0 billion of floating rate notes that maturedue in 2018, $1.25 billion of 1.70% notes due in 2019 and $500 million of floating rate notes that maturedue in 2019. In August 2016, BHFC issued $1.25 billion of senior notes consisting of $1 billion of 1.30% notes due in 2019 and $250 million of floating rate notes due in 2019, primarily to replace $1 billion of maturing debt. The borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, our subsidiaries also had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately $8.5$8.2 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included about $4.4$4.0 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries. In addition to BHFC’s borrowings, Berkshire guarantees certain other subsidiary borrowings, which aggregated approximately $3.3$3.2 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2016. 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 present and future payment obligations.

18


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 17. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

 

  

     Carrying     
Value

  

    Fair Value    

  

Quoted
Prices
      (Level 1)      

    

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

    

Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

      Carrying     
Value
      Fair Value      Quoted
Prices
    (Level 1)    
 Significant Other
 Observable Inputs 
(Level 2)
 Significant
 Unobservable Inputs 
(Level 3)

June 30, 2016

              

September 30, 2016

     

Investments in fixed maturity securities:

                   

U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies

  $    3,536   $    3,536      $    2,407        $    1,129          $    —         $    4,565  $    4,565      $    3,318    $    1,247       $    —         

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

  1,331   1,331      —          1,331          —         1,279  1,279       —      1,279       —         

Foreign governments

  9,922   9,922      7,656        2,266          —         9,795  9,795      7,704    2,091       —         

Corporate bonds

  7,694   7,694      —          7,589          105       7,789  7,789       —      7,682      107       

Mortgage-backed securities

  1,297   1,297      —          1,297          —         1,219  1,219       —      1,219       —         

Investments in equity securities

  104,234   104,234      104,198        35          1       102,535  102,535      102,534     —        1       

Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock

  15,752   28,795      28,795        —            —         15,711  29,130      29,130     —         —         

Other investments

  20,826   20,826      351        —            20,475       17,493  17,493      376     —        17,117       

Loans and finance receivables

  13,088   13,450      —          14          13,436       13,213  13,650       —      14      13,636       

Derivative contract assets(1)

  109   109      2        12          95       105  105      1    5      99       

Derivative contract liabilities:

                   

Railroad, utilities and energy(1)

  199   199      5��       157          37       198  198      5    161      32       

Finance and financial products:

                   

Equity index put options

  4,431   4,431      —          —            4,431       3,973  3,973       —       —        3,973       

Credit default

  195   195      —          195          —        

Notes payable and other borrowings:

                   

Insurance and other

  27,567   28,982      —          28,982          —         27,514  29,119       —      29,119       —         

Railroad, utilities and energy

  58,595   68,757      —          68,757          —         58,811  69,130       —      69,130       —         

Finance and financial products

  15,251   16,068      —          15,656          412       15,473  16,251       —      15,862      389       

December 31, 2015

                   

Investments in fixed maturity securities:

                   

U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies

  $    3,427   $    3,427      $    2,485        $     942          $     —         $    3,427  $    3,427      $    2,485    $     942       $     —         

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

  1,764   1,764      —          1,764          —         1,764  1,764       —      1,764       —         

Foreign governments

  11,468   11,468      9,188        2,280          —         11,468  11,468      9,188    2,280       —         

Corporate bonds

  7,926   7,926      —          7,826          100       7,926  7,926       —      7,826      100       

Mortgage-backed securities

  1,442   1,442      —          1,442          —         1,442  1,442       —      1,442       —         

Investments in equity securities

  111,822   111,822      111,786        35          1       111,822  111,822      111,786    35      1       

Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock

  15,714   23,679      23,679        —            —         15,714  23,679      23,679     —         —         

Investment in Kraft Heinz Preferred Stock

  7,710   8,363      —          —            8,363       7,710  8,363       —       —        8,363       

Other investments

  21,717   21,717      315        —            21,402       21,717  21,717      315     —        21,402       

Loans and finance receivables

  12,772   13,112      —          16          13,096       12,772  13,112       —      16      13,096       

Derivative contract assets(1)

  103   103      —          5          98       103  103       —      5      98       

Derivative contract liabilities:

                   

Railroad, utilities and energy(1)

  237   237      13        177          47       237  237      13    177      47       

Finance and financial products:

                   

Equity index put options

  3,552   3,552      —          —            3,552       3,552  3,552       —       —        3,552       

Credit default

  284   284      —          —            284       284  284       —       —        284       

Notes payable and other borrowings:

                   

Insurance and other

  14,599   14,773      —          14,773          —         14,599  14,773       —      14,773       —         

Railroad, utilities and energy

  57,739   62,471      —          62,471          —         57,739  62,471       —      62,471       —         

Finance and financial products

  11,951   12,363      —          11,887          476       11,951  12,363       —      11,887      476       

 

(1)

Assets are included in other assets and liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities.

19


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 17. Fair value measurements(Continued)

 

The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the fair values presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in an actual current market exchange. The use of alternative market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value. 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.

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 assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the sixnine months ending JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015 follow (in millions).

 

  Investments
in fixed
maturity
securities
 Investments
in equity
securities
and other
investments
 Net
derivative
contract
liabilities
  Investments 
in fixed
maturity
securities
   Investments
in equity
securities
and other
 investments 
   Net
 derivative 
contract
liabilities

Six months ending June 30, 2016

     

Nine months ending September 30, 2016

     

Balance at December 31, 2015

   $100  $21,403  $(3,785)  $100       $21,403       $(3,785)

Gains (losses) included in:

          

Earnings

    —     —    (737)  —     2,409   (221)

Other comprehensive income

   1  (927)  —    3   (2,233)  (2)

Regulatory assets and liabilities

    —     —    (11)  —      —     (12)

Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements

   5   —    (35) 5   (4,461)  (81)

Transfers into/out of Level 3

   (1)  —    195  (1)   —     195 
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

   $105  $20,476  $(4,373)

Balance at September 30, 2016

  $107    $17,118    $(3,906)
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Six months ending June 30, 2015

     

Nine months ending September 30, 2015

     

Balance at December 31, 2014

   $8  $21,996  $(4,759)  $8    $21,996    $(4,759)

Gains (losses) included in:

          

Earnings

    —     —    1,200   —      —     467 

Other comprehensive income

    —    (329) (3)  —     (1,722)  (5)

Regulatory assets and liabilities

    —     —    (17)  —      —     (21)

Dispositions and settlements

   (1)  —    (51)

Acquisition, dispositions and settlements

 103    —     (65)

Transfers into/out of Level 3

    —     —    3   —      —     3 
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

   $7  $21,667  $(3,627)

Balance at September 30, 2015

  $  111    $20,274    $(4,380)
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Gains and losses included in earnings are included as components of investment gains/losses, derivative gains/losses andor other revenues, as appropriate and are primarily related to changes in the fair values of derivative contracts and settlement transactions. Gains and losses included in other comprehensive income primarily represent the net change in unrealized appreciation of investments. In the third quarter of 2016, our investment in Wrigley preferred stock was redeemed.

20


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 17. Fair value measurements(Continued)

 

Quantitative information as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, with respect to assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (in millions).

 

  

Fair

Value

  

Principal Valuation

Techniques

  

Unobservable Inputs

  Weighted
Average
  Fair
  Value  
   

Principal Valuation

Techniques

  Unobservable Inputs   Weighted
Average
 

Other investments:

                

Preferred stocks

  $16,093  Discounted cash flow  Expected duration  5 years  $11,615    Discounted cash flow   Expected duration     6 years  
      Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination  134 basis points       
 
Discount for transferability
restrictions and subordination
  
  
   159 basis points  

Common stock warrants

  4,382  Warrant pricing model  Discount for transferability and hedging restrictions  8%   5,502    Warrant pricing model               
 
Discount for transferability and
hedging restrictions
  
  
   7%  

Net derivative liabilities:

                

Equity index put options

  4,431  Option pricing model  Volatility  21%   3,973    Option pricing model   Volatility     21%  

Other investments consist of perpetual preferred stocks and common stock warrants that we acquired in a few relatively large private placement transactions. These investments are subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and may contain provisions that prevent us from economically hedging our investments. In applying discounted estimated cash flow techniques in valuing the perpetual preferred stocks, we made assumptions regarding the expected durations of the investments, as the issuers may have the right to redeem or convert these investments. We also made estimates regarding the impact of subordination, as the preferred stocks have a lower priority in liquidation than debt instruments of the issuers. In valuing the common stock warrants, we used a warrant valuation model. While most of the inputs to the model are observable, we are subject to the aforementioned contractual restrictions and we have applied discounts with respect to such restrictions. Increases or decreases to these inputs would result in decreases or increases to the fair values of the investments.

Our equity index put option contracts are illiquid and contain contract terms that are not standard in derivatives markets. For example, we are not required to post collateral under most of our contracts and many contracts have relatively long durations. For these and other reasons, we classified these contracts as Level 3. The methods we use to value these contracts are those that we believe market participants would use in determining exchange prices with respect to our contracts.

We value equity index put option contracts based on the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Inputs to this model include the index price, contract duration and dividend and interest rate inputsrates (including a Berkshire non-performance input) which are observable. However, we believe that the valuation of long-duration options using any model is inherently subjective and, given the lack of observable transactions and prices, acceptable values may be subject to wide ranges. Expected volatilityVolatility inputs represent our expectations, which consider the remaining duration of each contract and assume that the contracts will remain outstanding until the expiration dates without offsetting transactions occurring in the interim. Increases or decreases in the volatility inputs will produce increases or decreases in the fair values of the liabilities.

Note 18. Common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first sixnine months of 2016 are shown in the table below.

 

  Class A, $5 Par Value
(1,650,000 shares authorized)
  Class B, $0.0033 Par Value
(3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
  Class A, $5 Par Value
(1,650,000 shares authorized)
 Class B, $0.0033 Par Value
(3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
  Issued  Treasury    Outstanding   Issued  Treasury  Outstanding  

 

Issued

    Treasury      Outstanding   Issued  Treasury  Outstanding

Balance at December 31, 2015

   820,102     (11,680)    808,422     1,253,866,598    (1,409,762)    1,252,456,836    820,102     (11,680)     808,422  1,253,866,598    (1,409,762)     1,252,456,836 

Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition

   (4,230)     —      (4,230)    6,975,341     —      6,975,341    (22,628)      —      (22,628) 34,899,211     —       34,899,211 
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

  

 

    

 

    

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

   815,872     (11,680)    804,192     1,260,841,939    (1,409,762)    1,259,432,177 

Balance at September 30, 2016

   797,474     (11,680)     785,794  1,288,765,809    (1,409,762)     1,287,356,047 
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

  

 

    

 

    

 

 

21


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 18. Common stock(Continued)

 

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 equivalent 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 1,643,8131,644,031 shares outstanding as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and 1,643,393 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.

Berkshire’s Board of Directors (“Berkshire’s Board”) has approved a common stock repurchase program under which Berkshire may repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. Berkshire may repurchase shares in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Berkshire’s Board authorization does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce Berkshire’s consolidated cash and cash equivalent holdings below $20 billion. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares and there is no expiration date to the program.

Note 19. Accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders and significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the sixnine months ending JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015 follows (in millions).

 

  Unrealized
appreciation of
investments
 Foreign
currency
translation
 Prior service
and actuarial
gains/losses of
defined benefit
pension plans
   Other   Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
 Unrealized
 appreciation of 

investments
 

  

 Foreign
currency
 translation 
    Prior service
and actuarial
gains/losses of
 defined benefit 

pension plans
 

  

 Other    Accumulated
Other
 Comprehensive 
income

Six months ending June 30, 2016

       

Nine months ending September 30, 2016

         

Balance at December 31, 2015

   $38,598  $(3,856) $(762) $2  $33,982   $38,598     $(3,856)   $(762)     $2    $  33,982 

Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications

   (1,971) (78) (5) (22) (2,076) (912)    (101)  (39)    (26)  (1,078)

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income

   (1,180)  —    35  16  (1,129) (3,188)     —     59     23   (3,106)
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

   $35,447  $(3,934) $(732) $(4) $30,777 

Balance at September 30, 2016

  $34,498      $(3,957)   $(742)     $(1)   $29,798 
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Reclassifications from other comprehensive income into net earnings:

                

Investment gains/losses

   $(1,816) $—    $—    $ —    $(1,816)  $(4,904)     $—      $—       $ —      $(4,904)

Other

    —     —    51  35  86   —       —     79     41   120 
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Reclassifications before income taxes

   (1,816)  —    51  35  (1,730) (4,904)     —     79     41   (4,784)

Applicable income taxes

   (636)  —    16  19  (601) (1,716)     —     20     18   (1,678)
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $(1,180) $—    $35  $16  $(1,129)  $(3,188)     $—      $59      $23    $(3,106)
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

22


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 19. Accumulated other comprehensive income(Continued)

 

  Unrealized
appreciation of
investments
 Foreign
currency
translation
 Prior service
and actuarial
gains/losses of
defined benefit
pension plans
   Other   Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
 Unrealized
 appreciation of 

investments
 

  

 Foreign
currency
 translation 
    Prior service
and actuarial
gains/losses of
 defined benefit 

pension plans
 

  

    Other       Accumulated
other
 comprehensive 

income

Six months ending June 30, 2015

       

Nine months ending September 30, 2015

         

Balance at December 31, 2014

   $45,636  $(1,957) $(1,039) $92  $42,732   $45,636      $(1,957)     $(1,039)     $92    $42,732    

Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications

   (2,306) (787) (6) (100) (3,199) (7,958)    (1,602)    162     (113)  (9,511)   

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income

   (127)  —    8  3  (116) (1,158)    128         11   (1,018)   
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

   $43,203  $(2,744) $(1,037) $(5) $39,417 

Balance at September 30, 2015

  $36,520      $(3,431)     $(876)     $(10)   $32,203    
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Reclassifications from other comprehensive income into net earnings:

                

Investment gains/losses

   $(195) $—    $ —    $—    $(195)  $(1,781)     $197      $—       $—      $(1,584)   

Other

    —     —    15  9  24   —       —          18   20    
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Reclassifications before income taxes

   (195)  —    15  9  (171) (1,781)    197         18   (1,564)   

Applicable income taxes

   (68)  —    7  6  (55) (623)    69         7   (546)   
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $(127) $—    8  $3  $(116)  $(1,158)     $128          $11    $ (1,018)   
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Note 20. 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. 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 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.

We own a 50% interest in a joint venture, Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), with Leucadia National Corporation (“Leucadia”) owning the other 50% interest. Berkadia is a servicer of commercial real estate loans in the U.S., performing primary, master and special servicing functions for U.S. government agency programs, commercial mortgage-backed securities transactions, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions. A significant source of funding for Berkadia’s operations is through the issuance of commercial paper. Repayment of the commercial paper is supported by a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Leucadia has agreed to indemnify us for one-half of any losses incurred under the policy. Berkadia’s maximum outstanding balance of commercial paper borrowings is currently limited to $1.5 billion. On JuneSeptember 30, 2016, the aggregate amount of Berkadia commercial paper outstanding was $1.47 billion.

In the third quarter of 2016, our wholly-owned subsidiary, National Indemnity Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company (“MLMIC”), a writer of medical professional liability insurance domiciled in New York. MLMIC’s assets and policyholders’ surplus determined under statutory accounting principles as of June 30, 2016 were approximately $5.5 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively. The acquisition price will be an amount equal to the sum of: (i) the tangible book value of MLMIC at the closing date (determined under U.S. GAAP); plus (ii) $100 million. The acquisition will involve the conversion of MLMIC from a mutual company to a stock company. The closing of the transaction is subject to various regulatory approvals, customary closing conditions and the approval of the MLMIC policyholders eligible to vote on the proposed demutualization and sale. The transaction is currently expected to be completed in late 2017.

23


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 21. Business segment data

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, finance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. Our manufacturing businesses include PCC and Duracell, which were acquired in the first quarter of 2016. Revenues by segment were as follows (in millions).

 

                                                        
 Second Quarter     First Six Months  Third Quarter First Nine Months 
 2016 2015     2016     2015  2016 2015 2016 2015 

Operating Businesses:

              

Insurance group:

              

Underwriting:

              

GEICO

 $6,247     $5,619        $12,297       $11,004     $6,474     $5,788     $18,771     $16,792   

General Re

 1,389     1,494         2,779        2,992    1,389    1,405    4,168    4,397   

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

 1,652     1,978         3,895        3,425    1,872    1,892    5,767    5,317   

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

 1,511     1,309         2,952        2,519    1,629    1,429    4,581    3,948   

Investment income

 1,236     1,338         2,385        2,428    1,043    1,046    3,428    3,474   
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total insurance group

 12,035     11,738         24,308        22,368    12,407    11,560    36,715    33,928   

BNSF

 4,585     5,369         9,352        10,971    5,167    5,600    14,519    16,571   

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

 4,299     4,543         8,417        8,874    5,198    5,144    13,615    14,018   

Manufacturing

 12,201     9,524         22,755        18,387    12,082    9,181    34,837    27,568   

McLane Company

 12,049     12,293         23,850        23,936    12,271    12,264    36,121    36,200   

Service and retailing

 6,385     6,294         12,276        10,815    6,331    6,151    18,607    16,966   

Finance and financial products

 1,989     1,799         3,715        3,353    1,962    1,725    5,677    5,078   
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
 53,543     51,560         104,673        98,704    55,418    51,625    160,091    150,329   

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

              

Investment and derivative gains/losses

 663     188         1,703        1,603    3,608    7,502    5,311    9,105   

Income from Kraft Heinz

 386      —         626        231    225    98    851    329   

Eliminations and other

 (132)    (380)        (139)       (526)   (183)   (236)   (322)    (762)   
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
 $        54,460     $        51,368        $        106,863       $        100,012     $            59,068     $            58,989     $            165,931     $            159,001   
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Earnings before income taxes by segment were as follows (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter     First Six Months 
  2016  2015     2016     2015 

Operating Businesses:

          

Insurance group:

          

Underwriting:

          

GEICO

 $150       $53          $414       $213  

General Re

  2        107           44        60  

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

  184        (411)          105        48  

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

  174        203           295        378  

Investment income

  1,235        1,334           2,377        2,421  
 

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total insurance group

  1,745        1,286           3,235        3,120  

BNSF

  1,238        1,536           2,496        3,208  

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

  666        649           1,235        1,245  

Manufacturing

  1,687        1,393           3,169        2,598  

McLane Company

  129        147           265        278  

Service and retailing

  457        498           781        882  

Finance and financial products

  583        550           1,061        994  
 

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
  6,505        6,059           12,242        12,325  

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

          

Investment and derivative gains/losses

  663        188           1,703        1,603  

Income from Kraft Heinz

  386        —           626        231  

Interest expense, not allocated to segments

  31        (189)          (317)       (308)  

Eliminations and other

  (213)       (212)          (426)       (358)  
 

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 $        7,372       $        5,846          $        13,828       $        13,493  
 

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

24


                                                        
  Third Quarter  First Nine Months 
  2016  2015  2016  2015 

Operating Businesses:

    

Insurance group:

    

Underwriting:

    

GEICO

  $138     $258     $552     $471   

General Re

  100     (2)    144     58   

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

  (19)    199     86     247   

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

  190     188     485     566   

Investment income

  1,029     1,045     3,406     3,466   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total insurance group

  1,438       1,688       4,673     4,808   

BNSF

  1,633     1,839     4,129     5,047   

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

  1,246     1,153     2,481     2,398   

Manufacturing

  1,981     1,259     5,150     3,857   

McLane Company

  106     106     371     384   

Service and retailing

  449     378     1,230     1,260   

Finance and financial products

  517     486     1,578     1,480   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  7,370     6,909     19,612      19,234    

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

    

Investment and derivative gains/losses

  3,608     7,502     5,311     9,105   

Income from Kraft Heinz

  225     98     851     329   

Interest expense, not allocated to segments

  (201)    (83)    (518)     (391)   

Eliminations and other

  (477)    (354)    (903)     (712)   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $          10,525     $          14,072     $              24,353     $              27,565   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders are disaggregated in the table that follows. Amounts are after deducting income taxes and exclude earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests. Amounts are in millions.

 

  Second Quarter First Six Months  Third Quarter First Nine Months 
  2016   2015 2016   2015  2016 2015 2016 2015 

Insurance – underwriting

   $337      $(38  $550      $442      $272    $414     $822     $856  

Insurance – investment income

   978      977   1,897      1,852    850  840   2,747   2,692  

Railroad

   772      963   1,556      2,008    1,020  1,156   2,576   3,164  

Utilities and energy

   482      502   923      923    932  786   1,855   1,709  

Manufacturing, service and retailing

   1,493      1,309   2,759      2,432    1,702  1,177   4,461   3,609  

Finance and financial products

   396      370   707      659    337  303   1,044   962  

Investment and derivative gains/losses

   394      123   2,246      1,043      2,347    4,877   4,593   5,920  

Other

   149      (193 (48)     (182)   (262 (125 (310)   (307)  
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

   $  5,001      $  4,013    $  10,590      $  9,177      $7,198    $9,428     $  17,788     $    18,605  
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Through our subsidiaries, we engage in a number of diverse business activities. Our operating businesses are managed on an unusually decentralized basis. There are essentially no centralized or integrated business functions (such as sales, marketing, purchasing, legal or human resources) and there is minimal involvement by our corporate headquarters in the day-to-day business activities of the operating businesses. 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. It also is responsible for establishing and monitoring Berkshire’s corporate governance practices, including, but not limited to, communicating the appropriate “tone at the top” messages to its employees and associates, monitoring governance efforts, including those at the operating businesses, and participating in the resolution of governance-related issues as needed. The business segment data (Note 21 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

OurEarnings of our insurance underwriting operations generated increased net earningswere lower in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 as compared to 2015. The increases reflected variations inIn the foreign currency exchange gains/losses related to claim liabilities denominated in foreign currencies under certainfirst nine months of 2016, the Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group retroactive reinsurance and periodic payment annuity contracts, as well as increasedPrimary Groups generated lower net underwriting gains fromearnings while GEICO offset by lower gains fromand General Re and Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group operations.had earnings increases. Our railroad business generated significantly lower net earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016, compared to 2015, primarily due to a 7.5%6.6% year-to-date decline in unit volume. Net earningsEarnings of our utilities and energy businesses were relatively unchangedincreased in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 comparedwhich was attributable to 2015. Netincreased pre-tax earnings and lower effective income tax rates. The increases in net earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses in 2016 increased 14.1% in the second quarter and 13.4% in the first six months as compared to 2015, reflectingreflected the impact of the PCC and Duracell acquisitions, partly offset by lower aggregate earnings from the other businesses within this group.

After-tax investment and derivative gains in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months were $394 millionapproximately $2.3 billion and $2.25$4.6 billion, respectively, in 2016 compared to $123 million$4.9 billion and $1.04$5.9 billion, respectively, in 2015. GainsAfter-tax investment gains in the third quarter of 2016 included approximately $1.6 billion from the sale of our Wrigley preferred stock investment and in the first sixnine months of 2016also included a non-cash after-tax gaingains of approximately $1.9 billion related to the exchange of P&G common stock for 100% of the common stock of Duracell. After-tax investment and derivative gains in the third quarter of 2015 included non-cash holding gains of approximately $4.4 billion in connection with our investment in Kraft Heinz common stock. We believe that investment and derivative gains/losses are often meaningless in terms of understanding our reported results or evaluating our economic performance. Investment and derivative gains and losses have caused and will likely continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.

Insurance—Underwriting

We engage in both primary insurance and reinsurance of property/casualty, life and health risks. In primary insurance activities, we assume defined portions of the risks of loss from persons or organizations that are directly subject to the risks. In reinsurance activities, we assume defined portions of similar or dissimilar risks that other insurers or reinsurers have subjected themselves to in their own insuring activities. Our insurance and reinsurance businesses are: (1) GEICO, (2) General Re, (3) Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”) and (4) Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group.

25


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

 

Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

 

Our management views insurance businesses as possessing two distinct operations – underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers; investing decisions, with limited exceptions, are the responsibility of Berkshire’s Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett. Accordingly, we evaluate performance of underwriting operations without any allocation of investment income or investment gains.

The timing and amount of large property catastrophe losses can produce significant volatility in our periodic underwriting results, particularly with respect to our reinsurance businesses. In the first nine months of 2016, we had no significant catastrophe losses. Based on preliminary estimates, we believe that losses arising from Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 will not be material. In the third quarter of 2015, we recorded estimated losses of $130 million in connection with a property loss event in China. Our periodic underwriting results may be affected significantly by changes in estimates for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including amounts established for occurrences in prior years. Actual claim settlements and revised loss estimates will develop over time. Unpaid loss estimates recorded as of the balance sheet date will develop upward or downward in future periods, producing a corresponding decrease or increase to pre-tax earnings. Variations in foreign currency exchange rates can produce relatively significant foreign currency exchange gains and losses in our periodic earnings with respect to non-U.S. dollar liabilities of our U.S.-based insurance subsidiaries.

A key marketing strategy of our insurance businesses is the maintenance of extraordinary capital strength. A measure of capital strength is combined shareholders’ equity determined pursuant to U.S. statutory accounting rules (“Statutory Surplus”). Statutory Surplus of our insurance businesses was approximately $124 billion at December 31, 2015. This superior capital strength creates opportunities, especially with respect to reinsurance activities, to negotiate and enter into insurance and reinsurance contracts specially designed to meet the unique needs of insurance and reinsurance buyers. Underwriting results of our insurance businesses are summarized below. Amounts are in millions.

 

    Second Quarter     First Six Months   Third Quarter     First Nine Months 
    2016     2015     2016     2015   2016   2015     2016   2015 

Underwriting gain (loss) attributable to:

                          

GEICO

     $150          $53          $414       $213     $138        $258          $552      $471  

General Re

     2          107          44       60     100       (2)        144     58  

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

     184          (411)         105       48     (19)      199         86     247  

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

     174          203          295       378     190       188         485     566  
    

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)

     510          (48)         858       699  

Pre-tax underwriting gain

   409       643           1,267       1,342  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

     173          (10)         308       257     137       229         445     486  
    

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

 

Net underwriting gain (loss)

     $   337          $   (38)         $   550       $   442  

Net underwriting gain

   $     272        $  414          $822      $856  
    

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

 

GEICO

GEICO writes private passenger automobile insurance, offering coverages to insureds in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. GEICO’s policies are marketed mainly by direct response methods in which customers apply for coverage directly to the company via the Internet or over the telephone. This is a significant element in our strategy to be a low-cost auto insurer. In addition, we strive to provide excellent service to customers, with the goal of establishing long-term customer relationships. GEICO’s underwriting results are summarized below. Dollars are in millions.

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months  Third Quarter First Nine Months 
  2016   2015   2016   2015  2016 2015 2016 2015 
  Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %  Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount % 

Premiums written

   $      6,229        $     5,591        $12,794        $    11,477       $6,977       $6,141       $  19,771       $  17,618     
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

Premiums earned

   $6,247      100.0       $5,619      100.0       $12,297      100.0       $    11,004      100.0      $  6,474       100.0     $5,788       100.0     $18,771       100.0      $16,792       100.0   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   5,173      82.8       4,699      83.6       9,996      81.3       9,015      81.9     5,335     82.4    4,658     80.4    15,331     81.7     13,673     81.4   

Underwriting expenses

   924      14.8       867      15.4       1,887      15.3      

 

1,776 

  

   16.1     1,001     15.5    872     15.1    2,888     15.4     2,648     15.8   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total losses and expenses

   6,097      97.6       5,566      99.0       11,883      96.6       10,791      98.0     6,336     97.9        5,530     95.5    18,219     97.1     16,321     97.2   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain

   $150        $53        $414        $         213       $138       $258       $552       $471     
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

26


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

 

Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

 

GEICO (Continued)

 

Premiums written in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were $6.2$7.0 billion and $12.8$19.8 billion, respectively, increases of 11.4%13.6% and 11.5%12.2%, respectively, compared to the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2015. Premiums earned in 2016 increased $628$686 million (11.2%(11.9%) in the secondthird quarter and $1.3$2.0 billion (11.8%) in the first sixnine months, as compared to the same periods in 2015. These increases reflected voluntary auto policy-in-force growth of 4.2%5.2% and increased average premiums per auto policy of approximately 7.1%6.9% over the past twelve months, duewhich were attributable to rate increases, coverage changes and changes in state and risk mix. Throughout 2015, we experienced increases in claims frequencies and severities across all of our major coverages, which resulted in relatively significant increases in our loss ratios.coverages. As a result, we implemented premium rate increases whereas necessary. Voluntary auto new business sales in 2016 increased 4.2%16.5% in the secondthird quarter and 1.9%6.8% in the first sixnine months compared to 2015. The significant growth in voluntary auto new business sales accelerated in June andduring the third quarter has continued in July. During the first six months ofOctober. In 2016, voluntary auto policies-in-force increased by approximately 394,000.

In276,000 in the secondthird quarter and 670,000 in the first six months of 2016, our pre-tax underwriting gains were $150 million and $414 million, respectively, increases of $97 million and $201 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. nine months.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in 2016 increased $474$677 million (10.1%(14.5%) in the secondthird quarter and $981 million (10.9%$1.7 billion (12.1%) in the first sixnine months, as compared to 2015. In 2016, our loss ratio (the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums) declined 0.8increased 2.0 percentage points in the secondthird quarter and 0.60.3 percentage points in the first sixnine months as compared to 2015, reflecting the impact ofincreased storm losses and claims severity, partly offset by the aforementioned premium rate increases, partly offset by increased storm losses.increases. Claims frequencies (claim counts per exposure unit) in the first sixnine months of 2016 for property damage and collision coverages decreased inwere relatively unchanged as the one to two percent range, which was primarily attributable to mild weatherdecreases experienced in the first quarter.quarter were offset by subsequent increases. Claim frequencies for bodily injury coverage for the first sixnine months of 2016 were relatively unchanged from 2015. Average claims severities were higher in the first sixnine months of 2016 for physical damage and collision coverages (four to six percent range) and bodily injury coverage (five to seven percent range). In addition, we experienced stormstorm-related losses of approximately $290 million(primarily from hail and flooding) in the third quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were approximately $90 million and $380 million, respectively, compared to $124$5 million and $129 million, respectively, in the first six months of 2015.corresponding 2015 periods.

Underwriting expenses in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were $924 million$1.0 billion and $1.9$2.9 billion, respectively, increases of $57$129 million (6.6%(14.8%) and $111$240 million (6.3%(9.1%), respectively, over 2015. Our expense ratio (underwriting expenses to premiums earned) in 2016 increased 0.4 percentage points in the secondthird quarter and first six months of 2016 declined 0.6 and 0.8decreased 0.4 percentage points respectively,in the first nine months compared to 2015. The largest components of underwriting expenses are employee-related expenses (salaries and benefits) and advertising costs. The increases in underwriting expenses reflectreflected the increaseincreases in policies-in-force.

General Re

General Re conducts a reinsurance business offering property and casualty and life and health coverages to clients worldwide. We write property and casualty reinsurance in North America on a direct basisworldwide through General Reinsurance Corporation, and internationally through Germany-based General Reinsurance AG, Faraday Holdings in London and other wholly-owned affiliates. Property and casualty reinsurance is written primarily on a direct basis, but is also written in broker markets through Faraday in London.brokers and intermediaries. Life and health reinsurance is written in North Americaprimarily on a direct basis through General Re Life Corporation and internationally through General Reinsurance AG. General Re strives to generate underwriting profits in essentially all of its product lines. Our management does not evaluate underwriting performance based upon market share and our underwriters are instructed to reject inadequately priced risks. General Re’s underwriting results are summarized in the following table. Amounts are in millions.

 

 Premiums earned Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) 
 Premiums earned Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)  Third Quarter First Nine Months Third Quarter First Nine Months 
 Second Quarter First Six Months Second Quarter First Six Months  2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 
 

 

    2016    

 

     2015     

 

    2016    

 

      2015     

 

   2016   

 

     2015     

 

   2016   

 

   2015   

  

 

 

Property/casualty

  $624     $706     $1,276     $1,436     $23        $88      $53    $74      $643        $683        $1,919          $2,119        $66       $(9)      $119       $65   

Life/health

 765    788    1,503    1,556    (21)      19     (9 (14  746      722      2,249      2,278      34     7     25     (7)  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  $1,389     $1,494     $2,779     $2,992     $2        $107      $44    $60      $1,389        $1,405        $4,168          $4,397        $  100       $    (2)      $  144       $    58   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Property/casualty

In the secondthird quarter and first six months of 2016, property/casualty premiums written were relatively unchanged from 2015, reflecting a modest increase in North America, offset by modestly lower volume in international markets. In the first nine months, property/casualty premiums written in 2016 declined $23$215 million (5%(9%) compared to 2015, primarily due to lower volume in international treaty and $214 million (13%), respectively, whilebroker market business, and to a lesser degree, to unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate changes. In 2016, premiums earned decreased $82$40 million (12%(6%) in the third quarter and $160$200 million (11%(9%), respectively, in the first nine months as compared to the same periods in 2015. Adjusting forThe declines in earned premiums reflected lower volume and unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, premiums written in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 declined 4% and 11%, respectively, while premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 declined 11% and 10%, respectively, compared to 2015. Our premium volume declined in both the direct and broker markets.rates. Insurance industry capacity remains high and price competition in most property/casualty reinsurance markets persists. We continue to decline business when we believe prices are inadequate. However, we remain prepared to write substantially more business when more appropriate prices can be attained relative to the risks assumed.attained.

27


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

 

Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

 

General Re (Continued)

 

In the second quarter and first six months of 2016, ourOur property business generated pre-tax underwriting gains of $23$76 million in the third quarter and $78$154 million respectively,in the first nine months of 2016 compared to gains of $104$15 million and $99$114 million, respectively, in 2015. The comparative decrease in second quarter underwriting gains was driven by a comparative increase in the current accident year loss ratio and lower gains from prior years’ business. Gains from reductions of estimatedcorresponding 2015 periods. There were no significant catastrophe losses on prior years’ business were relatively unchanged induring the first sixnine months of 2016, as compared to 2015. While there were no significantwhile underwriting results in 2015 included estimated losses of $44 million from catastrophe eventsan explosion in Tianjin, China during the third quarter. In the first sixnine months of 2016, and 2015, the timing and magnitude of such losses can produce significant volatility in our periodic underwriting results.

Our casualty/workers’ compensation business produced a breakeven result in the second quarter and awe recognized pre-tax underwriting loss of $25 million in the first six months of 2016. In 2015, this business produced pre-tax underwriting losses of $16 million in the second quarter and $25 million in the first six months. Underwriting results in the first six months of 2016 and 2015 included net losses on current year business, partially offset by gains from reductions of estimated losses on prior years’ business of $110approximately $160 million, which were relatively unchanged from 2015.

Our casualty/workers’ compensation business produced pre-tax underwriting losses of $10 million in the third quarter and $35 million in the first nine months of 2016 and pre-tax losses of $24 million in the third quarter and $49 million in the first nine months of 2015. Underwriting results in 2016 and $106 million in 2015. The gains from prior years’2015 included net losses on current year business were net of recurringand charges for recurring discount accretion on workers’ compensation liabilities and deferred charge amortization on retroactive reinsurance contracts.contracts, partially offset by gains from reductions of estimated losses on prior years’ business. Casualty losses tend to be long-tailed and it should not be assumed that favorable loss experience in a given period means that the ultimate liability estimates currently established will continue to develop favorably.

Life/health

In the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016, life/health premiums earned decreased $23increased $24 million (3%) and $53decreased $29 million (3%(1%), respectively, compared to 2015. Adjusting for changes in foreign currency exchange rates, premium volumepremiums earned in 2016 increased $31 million (4%) in the third quarter and $32 million (1%) in the first sixnine months, reflecting growth across a number of 2016 was relatively unchanged from 2015. Thenon-U.S. markets, particularly in Asia and the United Kingdom. Our life/health business produced pre-tax underwriting lossesgains of $9$25 million in the first sixnine months of 2016 compared to losses of $14$7 million in the first sixnine months of 2015. Underwriting results inIn the first sixnine months of 2016, and 2015underwriting results reflected underwriting gains from our international life business offset by losses from the periodicrecurring discount accretion on long-term care liabilities and higher than expected individual life claim frequency in North America. Additionally, ourOur international underwriting results in 2016 were adversely affected by increased liabilities for estimated premium deficiencies on certain disability business in the second quarter, of 2016 andpartly offset by reductions in both foreign currency exchange losses inand the adverse impact from lower interest rates compared to 2015.

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

BHRG underwrites excess-of-loss reinsurance and quota-share coverages on property and casualty risks for insurers and reinsurers worldwide, including property catastrophe insurance and reinsurance. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses can produce extraordinary volatility in the periodic underwriting results. BHRG also writes retroactive reinsurance on property/casualty exposures as well as life reinsurance and periodic payment annuity business. BHRG’s underwriting results are summarized in the table below. Amounts are in millions.below (in millions).

 

  Premiums earned   Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)  Premiums earned     Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) 
  Second Quarter   First Six Months   Second Quarter   First Six Months  Third Quarter     First Nine Months     Third Quarter     First Nine Months 
  2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015   2016 2015  2016     2015     2016     2015     2016     2015     2016   2015 

Property/casualty

   $ 1,067     $911     $2,194     $1,827     $249        $15        $375    $422     $1,164         $1,341         $3,358         $3,168         $40        $315           $415      $737  

Retroactive reinsurance

           582         9        (283)      (82 (285  —        1        582        4            (114)      2          (196   (283

Life and annuity

   583     1,064     1,119     1,595     (74)      (143)      (188 (89 708        550        1,827        2,145        55         (118)          (133    (207
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

 
   $1,652     $1,978     $ 3,895     $3,425     $   184        $(411)      $105    $48     $  1,872         $  1,892         $    5,767         $  5,317         $(19)       $199           $86      $247  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

 

Property/casualty

Premiums written in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 increased $386decreased $945 million (57%(50.2%) and $624$322 million (30%(8.2%), respectively, compared to 2015, while premiums earned increased $156 million (17%) and $367 million (20%), respectively. These increases were attributable2015. The decline during the third quarter was primarily due to athe impact of the quota-share contract with Insurance Australia Group Ltd. (“IAG”), which became effective on July 1, 2015. Premiums written in the third quarter of 2015 included a quota-share percentage of IAG’s unearned premiums in-force as of the effective date. Premiums earned decreased $177 million (13.2%) in the third quarter and increased $190 million (6.0%) in the first nine months compared to 2015. The increase in the first nine months was primarily attributable to increased premiums earned from the IAG contract, partially offset by lower premiums from property catastrophe and other property/casualty business. Our premium volume is generally constrained for most property/casualty reinsurance coverages, and for property catastrophe coveragesreinsurance in particular as rates, in our view, are generally inadequate. However, we have the capacity and desire to write more business when appropriate pricing can be obtained.

Our property/casualty business generated pre-tax underwriting gains of $249$40 million and $375$415 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months respectively, of 2016, respectively, compared to $15$315 million and $422$737 million, respectively, in 2015. In the third quarter of 2015, the property/casualty business incurred losses of $86 million from an explosion in Tianjin, China. The declines in pre-tax underwriting gains in the first six months of 2016 and 2015 were primarily due to comparatively lower gains from reductions of estimated losses on prior years’ business.events.

28


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

 

Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

 

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (Continued)

 

Retroactive reinsurance

Retroactive reinsurance contracts provide indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to past loss events, and related claims are generally expected to be paid over long periods of time. At the inception of a contract, deferred charge assets are recorded for the excess, if any, of the estimated ultimate losses payable over the premiums earned. Deferred charges are subsequently amortized over the estimated claims payment period based on estimates of the timing and amount of future loss payments. The original estimates of the timing and amount of loss payments are periodically analyzed against actual experience and revised based on an actuarial evaluation of the expected remaining losses. Amortization charges and deferred charge adjustments resulting from changes to the estimated timing and amount of future loss payments are included in periodic earnings.

Pre-tax underwriting results from retroactive reinsurance contracts also include deferred charge amortization and foreign currency transaction gains/losses associated with foreign currency denominated liabilities of U.S.-based subsidiaries. In 2016, foreign currency gains were $158$21 million in the secondthird quarter and $177$198 million in the first sixnine months. In 2015, foreign currency lossesgains were $152$120 million in the secondthird quarter and $28$92 million in the first sixnine months. Before foreign currency gains/losses, retroactive reinsurance contracts produced pre-tax losses in the first sixnine months of $259$394 million in 2016 and $257$375 million in 2015, which were primarily from recurring periodic deferred charge amortization. Gross unpaid losses assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts were approximately $24.0$23.7 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and $23.7 billion at December 31, 2015. Unamortized deferred charges related to such reinsurance contracts were approximately $7.6$7.4 billion as of Juneat September 30, 2016 and $7.6 billion at December 31, 2015. As previously stated, the amortization of deferred charge balances will be charged to earnings in the future.

Life and annuity

BHRG’s life and annuity underwriting results are summarized as follows (in millions).follows. Amounts are in millions.

 

  Premiums earned   Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)  Premiums earned Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) 
  Second Quarter   First Six Months   Second Quarter First Six Months  Third Quarter First Nine Months Third Quarter First Nine Months 
  2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015 2016   2015  2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 

Periodic payment annuity

   $    195     $    674       $    404       $    867     $     $    (163  $(62)        $    (153)     $367     $195      $771      $1,062       $(61)     $(6)     $(123)      $(159)  

Life reinsurance

   383     385       706       718          (59 14         (68)         337         350        1,043        1,068     (9)   (13)   5     (81)  

Variable annuity guarantee

   5     5       9       10     (85)     79   (140)        132    4   5    13    15         125         (99)   (15)    33  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   $583     $1,064       $  1,119       $    1,595     $    (74)     $(143  $    (188)        $(89)     $708     $550      $1,827      $2,145       $55     $(118)     $    (133)      $    (207)  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Premiums earned in 2016 from periodic payment annuity contracts declined $479increased $172 million (71%(88.2%) in the secondthird quarter and $463declined $291 million (53%(27.4%) in the first sixnine months compared to 2015. Premiums earned in 2016 increased in the same periods in 2015. The comparative declines were primarilythird quarter due to increased direct annuity volume, which for the first nine months was more than offset by the impact of a sizable annuity reinsurance contract written in the second quarter of 2015. There were no such reinsurance contracts written in 2016.

Periodic payment annuity contracts generated pre-tax underwriting gainslosses of $8$61 million in the secondthird quarter and losses of $62$123 million in the first sixnine months of 2016. In 2015, this business produced pre-tax losses of $1632016 and $6 million in the secondthird quarter and $153$159 million in the first six months.nine months of 2015. Our periodic payment annuity liabilities under certain contracts of a U.S. subsidiary are denominated in foreign currencies, most significantly the Great Britain Pound (“GBP”). In 2016, the value of the U.S. Dollar strengthened versus the GBP, producing reductions in our liabilities in U.S. Dollars and resulting in pre-tax gains of $216 million in the first nine months of 2016 and $53 million in the first nine months of 2015. Before the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes, on foreign currency denominated liabilities of U.S.-based subsidiaries, annuity contracts produced pre-tax underwriting losses of $118from annuity contracts were $111 million and $228$339 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months respectively, of 2016, respectively, compared to losses of $72$66 million and $146$212 million, respectively, in 2015.the corresponding 2015 periods. This business is expected to generate underwriting losses attributable to the recurring accretion of discounted annuity liabilities. The increases in underwriting losses in 2016 compared to 2015(before foreign currency impacts) reflected increased liabilities from new business written over the past yeartwo years and the impact of lower interest rates, which increased expected future loss payments under certain reinsurance contracts. Aggregate annuity liabilities were approximately $9.1$9.6 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and $8.7 billion at December 31, 2015.

In the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016, life reinsurance premiums were relatively unchanged compared to 2015. The life reinsurance business produced a pre-tax underwriting gainsloss of $3$9 million and $14 million, respectively, in the secondthird quarter and a pre-tax gain of $5 million in the first sixnine months of 2016, reflecting lower claims and underwriting expenses.2016. Underwriting losses of $81 million in the second quarter and first sixnine months of 2015 included pre-tax losses of $53 million incurred in connection with business terminated in the second quarter.

29


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

 

Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

 

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (Continued)

 

Our variable annuity business primarily consists of contracts that provide guarantees on closed blocks of variable annuity business written by other insurers. The periodic underwriting gains and losses in each period reflect the impacts of changes in equityliabilities for guaranteed benefits which are impacted by changes in securities markets and interest rates which produce increases or decreases in estimated liabilities for guaranteed minimum benefits.rates. Periodic results from these contracts can be volatile reflecting changes in investment market conditions, which impact the underlying insured exposures. In the third quarter of 2016, the pre-tax underwriting gains were primarily due to better than expected equity market performance, which was more than offset in the first sixnine months of 2016 by lower interest rates. In the third quarter of 2015, pre-tax underwriting losses were primarily due to lower interest rates, which resulted in increased estimated liabilities. In the first six months of 2015, pre-tax underwriting gains were primarily due to rising equity markets and interest rates which resultedpartly offset the underwriting gains in lower estimated liabilities.the first six months.

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

The Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (“BH Primary”) consists of several independently managed insurance businesses. These businesses include: MedPro Group, providers of healthcare malpractice insurance coverages; National Indemnity Company’s primary group (“NICO Primary”), writers of commercial motor vehicle and general liability coverages; U.S. Investment Corporation, whose subsidiaries underwrite specialty insurance coverages; a group of companies referred to as Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (“BHHC”), providers of commercial multi-line insurance, includingand workers’ compensation;compensation insurance; Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (“BH Specialty”), which concentrates on providing large scale insurance solutions for commercial property and casualty risks; Applied Underwriters, a provider of integrated workers’ compensation solutions; Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies (“GUARD”), providers of workers’ compensation and commercial property and casualty insurance coverage to small and mid-sized businesses; and Central States Indemnity Company, a provider of credit and Medicare Supplement insurance.

Premiums earned in the first sixnine months of 2016 were $2.95$4.58 billion, an increase of 16.0% compared to $2.52 billion in 2015. The increase in premiums was primarily attributable to volume increases from BH Specialty, MedPro Group, BHHC and GUARD. The BH Primary insurers produced aggregate pre-tax underwriting gains of $295$485 million in the first sixnine months of 2016 and $378$566 million in 2015. Combined loss ratios were 62%61% in the first sixnine months of 2016 and 58%59% in 2015. The comparative increase in the first six months of 2016 loss ratio reflected comparative declines in favorable loss development of prior years’ loss events, partly offset by improved underwriting resultslower loss ratios on current year business. Our primary insurers write considerable amounts of liability and workers’ compensation business, which can have extended claim tails. It should not be assumed that the current claim experience or underwriting results will continue into the future.

Insurance—Investment Income

A summary of net investment income generated by investments held by our insurance operations follows. Amounts are in millions.

 

 Second Quarter First Six Months  Third Quarter First Nine Months 
 2016 2015 2016 2015  2016 2015 2016 2015 

Interest income

  $214      $234      $444    $454     $224        $221        $668     $675  

Dividend income

 1,021     1,100     1,933   1,967   805      824      2,738   2,791  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

 1,235     1,334     2,377   2,421  

Net investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

 1,029      1,045      3,406   3,466  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

 257     357     480   569   179      205      659   774  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net investment income

  $978      $977      $ 1,897    $1,852     $850        $840        $  2,747     $2,692  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Pre-tax investment income in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 declined $99$16 million (7%(2%) and $44$60 million (2%), respectively, from 2015, due primarily to lower dividends from foreign issuers as a result of investment dispositions in 2015, partly offset by increased dividends from domestic issuers. We continue to hold significant cash and cash equivalent balancesequivalents earning very low yields. We believe that maintaining ample liquidity is paramount and we insist on safety over yield with respect to such balances.

Invested assets of our insurance businesses derive from shareholder capital, including reinvested earnings, and from net liabilities under insurance contracts or “float.” The major components of float are unpaid losses, life, annuity and health benefit liabilities, unearned premiums and other liabilities to policyholders less premium and reinsurance receivables, deferred charges assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs. Float approximated $90$91 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and $88 billion at December 31, 2015. The cost of float was negative as our insurance businesses overall generated pre-tax underwriting gains in each period.

30


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

 

Insurance—Investment Income(Continued)

 

A summary of cash and investments held in our insurance businesses follows. Amounts are in millions.

 

  June 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
   September 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $44,986       $43,762        $50,242         $43,762     

Equity securities

   102,017       109,607       100,277        109,607     

Fixed maturity securities

   23,141       23,621       23,630        23,621     

Other investments

   14,487       15,998       15,415        15,998     
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $  184,631       $  192,988        $    189,564         $    192,988     
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Fixed maturity investments as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 were as follows. Amounts are in millions.

 

  Amortized
cost
   Unrealized
gains/losses
   Carrying
value
   Amortized
cost
   Unrealized
gains/losses
   Carrying
value
 

U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies

   $3,498     $25     $3,523     $4,053     $16     $4,069  

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   1,224     64     1,288     1,180     62     1,242  

Foreign governments

   9,398     309     9,707     9,319     341     9,660  

Corporate bonds, investment grade

   5,277     493     5,770     5,491     515     6,006  

Corporate bonds, non-investment grade

   1,439     252     1,691     1,280     277     1,557  

Mortgage-backed securities

   1,002     160     1,162     949     147     1,096  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $  21,838     $      1,303     $23,141     $    22,272     $      1,358     $ 23,630  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

U.S. government obligations are rated AA+ or Aaa by the major rating agencies and approximately 88%87% of all state, municipal and political subdivisions, foreign government obligations and mortgage-backed securities were rated AA or higher. Non-investment grade securities represent securities that are rated below BBB- or Baa3. Foreign government securities include obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by national or provincial government entities.

Railroad (“Burlington Northern Santa Fe”)

Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC (“BNSF”) operates one of the largest railroad systems in North America. BNSF operates approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states. BNSF also operates in three Canadian provinces. BNSF’s major business groups are classified by type of product shipped and include consumer products, industrial products, agricultural products and coal. Earnings of BNSF are summarized below (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
  2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015 

Revenues

   $  4,585       $  5,369       $  9,352     $  10,971      $5,167       $5,600       $  14,519      $    16,571  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating expenses:

                

Compensation and benefits

   1,134       1,268       2,342     2,606     1,193      1,220      3,535     3,826  

Fuel

   431       697       826     1,410     533      670      1,359     2,080  

Purchased services

   589       628       1,227     1,276     562      633      1,789     1,909  

Depreciation and amortization

   530       489       1,050     985     534      503      1,584     1,488  

Equipment rents, materials and other

   414       523       917     1,041     462      497      1,379     1,538  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total operating expenses

   3,098       3,605       6,362     7,318     3,284      3,523      9,646     10,841  

Interest expense

   249       228       494     445     250      238      744     683  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   3,347       3,833       6,856     7,763     3,534      3,761      10,390     11,524  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Pre-tax earnings

   1,238       1,536       2,496     3,208     1,633      1,839      4,129     5,047  

Income taxes

   466       573       940     1,200     613      683      1,553     1,883  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net earnings

   $772       $963       $1,556     $2,008      $    1,020       $    1,156       $2,576      $3,164  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

31


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

 

Railroad (“Burlington Northern Santa Fe”)(Continued)

 

Consolidated revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were approximately $4.6$5.2 billion and $9.4$14.5 billion, respectively, representing decreases of $784$433 million (14.6%(7.7%) and $1.6$2.1 billion (14.8%(12.4%), respectively, versus the corresponding periods in 2015. Pre-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 declined 19.4%11.2% and 22.2%18.2%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. In 2016, our revenues and earnings were negatively impacted by lower volumes versus 2015, particularly in the coal and petroleum products categories. Our system velocity and on-time performance continued to improve.

In the first sixnine months of 2016, revenues reflected comparative declines in average revenue per car/unit (8.3%(6.5%) and in volumes (7.5%(6.6%). The decrease in average revenue per car/unit was primarily attributable to lower fuel surcharge revenue driven by lower fuel prices and to business mix changes, partially offset by increased rate per car/unit.changes. The fuel price impact on fuel surcharges generally lags its impact on fuel costs. The impact from thisThis timing difference resulted in acontributed to the decline in earnings compared toin the first six monthsquarter of 2016 as compared to 2015 because the price of fuel declined more significantly in early 2015. The effect of the timing difference has moderated since the first quarter and is not expected to be significant in the fourth quarter.

Freight revenues from consumer products in the third quarter of 2016 were $1.7 billion, a decline of 3.4% from 2015, driven by a 3.6% decline in volume. Revenues for the first nine months of 2016 were $4.8 billion, a decline of 2.2% from 2015. Volume for the first nine months of 2016 was relatively flat, as increased automotive volumes, due to the addition of a new customer, and domestic intermodal volumes were offset by lower international intermodal volumes attributable to soft economic activity and excess retail inventories.

In the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016, freight revenues from industrial products were $1.2 billion and $2.4$3.6 billion, respectively, which decreased 14.3%15.2% and 16.1%15.8%, respectively, from the comparable 2015 periods. The decreases reflected lower volumes (5.2%(8.0% in the secondthird quarter and 7.2%7.5% in the first sixnine months), primarily for petroleum products, and commodities that support drilling, which reflectsreflecting pipeline displacement of U.S. crude rail traffic and lower U.S. oil production. In addition,This decline was partially offset by increased plastics products volume. For the first nine months of 2016, we also experienced lower demand for taconite and steel products partlypartially offset by increased movements of non-owned rail equipment and increased plastics products volume.equipment. With oil production at low production levels, along with pipeline displacement of rail, we expect comparative volume declines in petroleum-related categoriespetroleum and related products for the remainder of 2016.

Freight revenues in 2016 from agricultural products decreased 1.7%increased 7.8% in the secondthird quarter to $0.9$1.1 billion and decreased 6.4%1.8% to $2.0$3.1 billion in the first sixnine months compared to the same periods in 2015. The decreases wereincrease in revenue in the third quarter of 2016 was driven by a volume increase of 13.2% compared to 2015. The decrease in the first nine months of 2016 was primarily attributable to lower average revenue per car, partly offset by a volume increases. Volumesincrease of 6.7%. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 volumes increased primarily due to higher graincorn, soybeans and wheat exports.

Freight revenues in 2016 from coal declined 41.6%18.5% in the secondthird quarter to $0.7$1.0 billion and 40.0%33.0% in the first sixnine months to $1.4$2.4 billion compared to the same periods in 2015. Coal volumes declined 33.4%13.0% in the third quarter and 26.5% in the first sixnine months of 2016. In recent years, demand for coal by utilities has declined as other fuel sources, particularly natural gas, have increased. Coal volumes in 2015 also benefitted from higher demand in the early part of the year as utility customers restocked coal inventories. Utility coal inventories remain relatively high andAlthough natural gas prices are relatively low, sohave risen in the third quarter, we expect declines in coal volume overvolumes for the remainder of 2016.

Freight revenues from consumer products in the second quarterrest of 2016, were $1.6 billion, a decline of 5.3% from 2015, reflecting a 3.5% decline in volumedriven by coal unit retirements and lower average revenue per car/unit. The volume reduction was primarily due to lower intermodal volume, which we attribute to soft economic activity and excess retail inventories, partially offset by increased automotive volumes due to the addition of a new automotive customer. Revenues for the first six months of 2016 were $3.2 billion, a decline of 1.5% from 2015, as lower average revenue per car/unit more than offset a 2.3% increase in volume. The comparative year-to-date increase in volumes was primarily due to increases in the domestic intermodal and automotive categories.elevated utility coal inventories.

Operating expenses in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were $3.1$3.3 billion and $6.4$9.6 billion, respectively, representing decreases of $507$239 million (14.1%(6.8%) and $956 million (13.1%$1.2 billion (11.0%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. Our ratios of operating expenses to revenues in 2016 increased 0.50.7 percentage points to 67.6%63.6% in the secondthird quarter and 1.31.0 percentage points to 68.0%66.4% for the first sixnine months versus the corresponding 2015 periods.

Compensation and benefits expenses in 2016 decreased $134$27 million (10.6%(2.2%) for the secondthird quarter and $264$291 million (10.1%(7.6%) for the first sixnine months of 2016 as compared to 2015. The declines were primarily due to lower employment levels, in response to decreasedas a result of lower freight volumes, and productivity improvements, partially offset by wage inflation. Fuel expenses in 2016 declined $266$137 million (38.2%(20.4%) in the secondthird quarter and $584$721 million (41.4%(34.7%) in the first sixnine months of 2016 as compared to 2015 due to significantly lower average fuel prices and lower volumes. Depreciation expense in 2016 increased 8.4%Purchased services declined $71 million (11.2%) in the secondthird quarter and 6.6%$120 million (6.3%) in the first sixnine months of 2016 as compared to 2015, due to volume-based and other cost reductions. Depreciation expense increased $31 million (6.2%) in the third quarter and $96 million (6.5%) in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to 2015, due to increased assets in service reflecting our ongoing capital additions and improvement programs. In the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016, equipment rents, materials and other expense declined $109$35 million (20.8%(7.0%) and $124$159 million (11.9%(10.3%), respectively, compared to the same periods of 2015, as a result of2015. These declines resulted from lower freight volumes and productivity improvements in both periods, as well as, lower derailment and other casualty related costs in the six-monthnine-month period.

Interest expense in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 was $249$250 million and $494$744 million, respectively, increases of $21$12 million (9.2%(5.0%) and $49$61 million (11.0%(8.9%), respectively, compared to 2015. BNSF funds its capital expenditures with cash flow from operations and new debt issuances. The increased interest expense in 2016 resulted from higher average outstanding debt.

32


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

 

Utilities and Energy (“Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company”)

We hold an 89.9% ownership interest in Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”), which operates an international energy business. BHE’s domestic regulated utility interests are comprised of PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy Company (“MEC”), and NV Energy. In Great Britain, BHE subsidiaries operate two regulated electricity distribution businesses referred to as Northern Powergrid. BHE also owns two domestic regulated interstate natural gas pipeline companies. Other energy businesses include AltaLink, L.P. (“AltaLink”), a regulated electricity transmission-only business in Alberta, Canada and a diversified portfolio of independent power projects. In addition, BHE also operates the second-largest residential real estate brokerage firm and one of the largest real estate franchise networks in the United States.

The rates our regulated businesses charge customers for energy and services are based, in large part, on the costs of business operations, including a return on capital, and are subject to regulatory approval. To the extent these operations are not allowed to include such costs in the approved rates, operating results will be adversely affected. Revenues and earnings of BHE are summarized below. Amounts are in millions.

 

 Second Quarter   First Six Months  Third Quarter First Nine Months 
 Revenues   Earnings   Revenues   Earnings  Revenues Earnings Revenues Earnings 
 2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015  2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 

PacifiCorp

  $  1,243        $  1,282      $    258     $    248     $ 2,507        $  2,545       $502       $    445       $1,445        $1,432      $365     $354     $3,952      $3,977      $867      $799   

MidAmerican Energy Company

 593        583      95     73     1,225        1,332       148       147     806      685    241   163   2,031    2,017    389    310   

NV Energy

 714        842      118     120     1,338        1,558       150       189     997      1,130    345   340   2,335    2,688    495    529   

Northern Powergrid

 250        264      92     97     529        588       217       257     220      264    57   95   749    852    274    352   

Natural gas pipelines

 189        211      49     40     505        545       229       225     204      198    59   52   709    743    288    277   

Other energy businesses

 466        601      78     111     974        1,096       132       150     703      686    204   191   1,677    1,782    336    341   

Real estate brokerage

 844        760      95     87     1,339        1,210       98       86     823      749    89   80   2,162    1,959    187    166   
 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  $4,299        $4,543          $8,417        $8,874           $  5,198        $     5,144        $    13,615      $     14,018     
 

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

      

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

   

Earnings before corporate interest and income taxes (“EBIT”)

Earnings before corporate interest and income taxes (“EBIT”)

  

   785     776         1,476       1,499    

Earnings before corporate interest and income taxes (“EBIT”)

  

     1,360       1,275       2,836      2,774   

Corporate interest

Corporate interest

  

   119     127         241       254    

Corporate interest

  

 114   122     355    376   

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

  

   184     147         312       322    

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

  

 314   367     626    689   
  

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

  

   $482     $502         $923       $923    

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

  

   $932     $786       $1,855      $1,709   
  

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

 

PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp operates a regulated electric utility in portions of several Western states, including Utah, Oregon and Wyoming. PacifiCorp’s revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were $1.24$1.45 billion and $2.51$3.95 billion, respectively, decreases of $39 million (3%) and $38 million (1%), respectively,were relatively unchanged from 2015. Revenues in 2016 reflected increased retail revenues and lower wholesale revenues. The year-to-date increase in retail revenues was primarily due to higher retail rates as average retail customer loads were relatively unchanged. The declines in wholesale revenues were attributable to lower volumes and wholesale volumes, partially offset by higher retail rates.average prices. EBIT in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were $258increased $11 million and $502 million, respectively, increases of $10 million (4%(3.1%) and $57$68 million (13%(8.5%), respectively, from the same periods of 2015. The increases were primarily due to increased gross margins as energy costs declined more than revenues. The declines in energy costs were primarily attributabledue to lower fuel prices and changes in fuel mix.

MidAmerican Energy Company

MEC operates a regulated electric and natural gas utility primarily in Iowa and Illinois. Revenues in 2016 increased $10$121 million (2%(17.7%) in the secondthird quarter and declined $107 million (8%)of 2016 compared to 2015, while revenues in the first sixnine months as compared to the same periods inwere comparatively flat versus 2015. The revenue increase in the secondthird quarter was primarily due to higher retail and wholesale electric revenues ($20107 million). The increase in retail electric revenues resulted primarily from a 3.6% increase in customer load and higher electric rates, and the increase in wholesale revenues was due to increased wholesale prices and volumes and transmission revenue. Revenues in the first nine months of 2016 included increased electric revenues ($100 million), partlywhich were largely offset by lower natural gas revenues. The increase in second quarter electric revenues resulted primarily from increased retail customer load, partly offset by lower wholesale volume. The decline in revenues for the first six months included lower natural gas revenues ($7769 million) and lower electric and other revenues. The decline in natural gas revenues was primarily due to lower average per-unit cost of gas sold ($6261 million) which is offset in cost of sales, and lower volumes.a 6.3% decline in retail sales volumes, primarily from warmer winter temperatures in 2016. EBIT increased $78 million (47.9%) in the secondthird quarter of 2016 were $95and $79 million an increase of $22 million (30%(25.5%) over the second quarter of 2015. EBIT in the first sixnine months of 2016 were relatively unchanged fromas compared to 2015. In 2016,The increase in EBIT was primarily due to increased gross margins increased compared to 2015, which werefrom electric revenues partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization from additional assets placed in service and higher interest expenses. In addition, EBIT in the first sixnine months of 2015 included a gain of $13 million from the sale of a generating facility lease.

33


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

 

Utilities and Energy (“Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company”)(Continued)

 

NV Energy

NV Energy operates regulated electric and natural gas utilities in Nevada. Revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were $714 millionapproximately $1.0 billion and $1.34$2.3 billion, respectively, decreases of $128$133 million (15%(11.8%) and $220$353 million (14%(13.1%), respectively, versus the same periods in 2015. The declines were primarily attributable to lower electric retail rates resulting from lower energy costs. Electric retail customer load in the first sixnine months of 2016 increased 1.3%1.4% compared to 2015. EBIT were relatively unchanged in the secondthird quarter of 2016 and fell $39$34 million (6.4%) in the first sixnine months of 2016 compared to 2015. In 2016, gross margins increased slightly asthe negative impact of the revenue declines were substantially offset by the declines in energy costs declined slightly more than revenues.costs. However, operating expenses in 2016 increased $12$6 million (5%(2%) in the secondthird quarter and $42$48 million (9%(7%) in the first sixnine months compared to 2015. These increasesThe year-to-date increase resulted primarily from higher depreciation and amortization and property and other taxes and depreciation and amortization.taxes. In addition, operating expenses in the first sixnine months of 2015 included non-recurring benefits from reductions in certain accrued liabilities, as well as higher planned maintenance and other generating costs in 2016.liabilities.

Northern Powergrid

Revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 declined $14$44 million (5%(16.7%) to $250$220 million and $59$103 million (10%(12.1%) to $529$749 million, respectively, as compared to 2015. The decreases were primarily due to the unfavorable impact from a stronger U.S. Dollar of $17reduced revenues by $40 million in the secondthird quarter and $33$72 million in the first sixnine months. In the first sixnine months of 2016, revenues also declined, primarily due to lower tariff rates from a new price control period that became effective April 1, 2015. EBIT in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 declined $5$38 million (5%(40.0%) to $92$57 million and $40$78 million (16%(22.2%) to $217$274 million, respectively, as compared to 2015,2015. The declines were primarily due to the impact of lower revenuestariff rates and the stronger U.S. Dollar.Dollar, as well as increases in depreciation and other operating expenses.

Natural gas pipelines

Revenues in the secondthird quarter and first six months of 2016 increased 3.0% and for the first nine months declined $22 million (10%) to $189 million and $40 million (7%) to $505 million, respectively,4.6% as compared to 2015. The revenue declinesincrease in the third quarter was primarily attributable to transportation revenues from expansion projects. For the first nine months of 2016, reflectedthe decline was due to the impact of lower gas sales from balancing activities in the second quarter and lower transportation revenues in the first quarter resulting from lower volumes and rates, in part due to comparatively warmer temperatures.milder temperatures in the first quarter. EBIT in 2016 increased $9$7 million (23%(13.5%) in the secondthird quarter and $4$11 million (2%(4.0%) in the first sixnine months versus 2015. TheThese increases in the second quarter reflected lower operating expenses, due primarily to the timing of pipeline maintenance and integrity projects, and lower interest expense which more thanin 2016, as a result of lower average debt balances, partly offset the declines in revenues.by increased depreciation expense.

Other energy businesses

Revenues in the secondthird quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $17 million (2.5%) and for the first nine months declined $135$105 million (22%(5.9%) to $466 million and $122 million (11%) to $974 million, respectively, compared to the corresponding 2015 periods. The increase in third quarter revenues was primarily attributable to increased revenues from AltaLink as a result of increased assets in service. The declines in comparative revenues in the first nine months were primarily dueprincipally attributable to lower revenues from AltaLink and thefrom our unregulated retail services business. In May 2016, AltaLink receivedAltaLink’s year-to-date revenue decline reflected the impact of a regulatory decision in the second quarter that resulted in one-time net reductions in revenue, which more than offset increased revenues from its regulator which changesadditional assets placed in service. The regulatory decision changed the timing of when construction-in-progress expenditures included in rate base are billable to customers and earned in revenues. The decision resulted in one-time net reductions in revenue, with offsetting reductions in expenses, withrevenues, but had no impact on net earnings. Otherwise, AltaLink generated increased operatingearnings as the one-time revenue reduction was offset by one-time reductions in 2016, primarily from additional assets placed in service.expenses.

EBIT in the third quarter of 2016 declined $33increased $13 million (30%(6.8%) in the second quarter and $18 million (12%)over 2015, while EBIT in the first sixnine months asdeclined $5 million (1.5%) compared to 2015. The increase in third quarter EBIT was primarily due to increased earnings from our renewable energy and transmission businesses, declined $25 million inwhile the second quarter and $22 milliondecline in the first sixnine months reflectingreflected lower revenues and unfavorable changes in the values of certain interest rate swaps.solar generation primarily from transformer related forced outages.

Real estate brokerage

Revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 increased 11%9.9% to $844$823 million and 11%10.4% to $1.34$2.16 billion, respectively, as compared to 2015. The increases were primarily attributable to increased closed brokerage transactions and the impact(primarily as a result of business acquisitions.acquisitions) and from modest increases in average home prices, as well as higher mortgage revenues. EBIT in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 increased $8$9 million (9%(11.3%) and $12$21 million (14%(12.7%), respectively, compared to 2015, primarily reflecting the increases in mortgage revenues.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Utilities and Energy (“Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company”)(Continued)

Corporate interest and income taxes

Corporate interest includes interest on unsecured debt issued by BHE and borrowings from certain Berkshire insurance subsidiaries. The declines in corporate interest in 2016 were primarily due to lower average borrowings from Berkshire insurance subsidiaries. BHE’s effective income tax rate for the first sixnine months was approximately 16%15.9% in 2016 and 17%19.8% in 2015. BHE’s effective income tax rates regularly reflect significant production tax credits from wind-powered electricity generation placed in service. In addition, pre-tax earnings of Northern Powergrid and AltaLink are taxed at lower statutory rates in the U.K. and Canada, respectively, compared to the statutory tax rate in the U.S.

34


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing

A summary of revenues and earnings of our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses follows. Amounts are in millions.

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months  Third Quarter First Nine Months 
  Revenues   Earnings   Revenues   Earnings  Revenues Earnings* Revenues Earnings* 
  2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015  2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 

Manufacturing

   $  12,201     $9,524     $1,687          $1,393     $22,755     $18,387     $3,169     $2,598    $12,082      $9,181      $1,981      $1,259      $34,837      $27,568      $5,150      $3,857    

Service and retailing

   18,434     18,587     586        645     36,126     34,751     1,046     1,160   18,602     18,415     555     484     54,728     53,166     1,601     1,644    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   $30,635     $    28,111         $    58,881     $    53,138        $    30,684      $  27,596        $  89,565      $  80,734      
  

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

      

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

   

Pre-tax earnings

       2,273        2,038         4,215     3,758       2,536       1,743       6,751     5,501    

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

       780        729         1,456     1,326  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

  

 834     566       2,290     1,892    
      

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

    

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

 
       $    1,493          $    1,309         $  2,759     $  2,432      $1,702      $1,177        $    4,461      $    3,609    
      

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

    

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

 

*

Excludes certain acquisition accounting expenses, which were primarily from the amortization of identified intangible assets recorded in connection with our business acquisitions. In the third quarter, the after-tax acquisition accounting expenses excluded from earnings above were $281 million in 2016 and $190 million in 2015. For the first nine months such expenses were $486 million in 2016 and $372 million in 2015. These expenses are included in “other” earnings summarized on page 25.

Manufacturing

Our manufacturing group includes a variety of businesses that produce industrial, building and consumer products. Industrial products businesses include specialty chemicals (The Lubrizol Corporation), metal cutting tools/systems (IMC International Metalworking Companies), equipment and systems for the livestock and agricultural industries (CTB International), and a variety of industrial products for diverse markets (Marmon and Scott Fetzer). Beginning on January 29, 2016, our industrial products group includes Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”), a leading manufacturer of complex metal products for aerospace, power and general industrial markets.

Our building products businesses include flooring (Shaw), insulation, roofing and engineered products (Johns Manville), bricks and masonry products (Acme Building Brands), paint and coatings (Benjamin Moore), and residential and commercial construction and engineering products and systems (MiTek). Our consumer products businesses include leisure vehicles (Forest River), six apparel and footwear operations (led by Fruit of the Loom, which includes Russell athletic apparel and Vanity Fair Brands women’s intimate apparel), custom picture framing products (Larson Juhl) and jewelry products (Richline). Beginning on February 29, 2016, our consumer products group includes the Duracell Company (“Duracell”), a leading manufacturer of high performance alkaline batteries. A summary of revenues and pre-tax earnings of our manufacturing operations follows (in millions).follows. Amounts are in millions.

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months  Third Quarter First Nine Months 
  Revenues   Pre- tax earnings   Revenues   Pre- tax earnings  Revenues Pre- tax earnings Revenues Pre- tax earnings 
  2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015  2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 

Industrial products

   $6,505     $4,416     $1,133     $848     $12,199     $8,709      $2,187      $1,634      $6,400      $4,208      $1,347      $753      $18,599      $12,917      $3,534      $2,387    

Building products

   2,847     2,710     305     341     5,308     5,037��     547      571     2,841     2,809     362     346     8,149     7,846     909     917    

Consumer products

   2,849     2,398     249     204     5,248     4,641      435      393     2,841     2,164     272     160     8,089     6,805     707     553    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   $  12,201     $    9,524     $    1,687     $  1,393     $  22,755     $  18,387      $  3,169      $  2,598      $  12,082      $  9,181      $  1,981      $  1,259      $  34,837      $  27,568      $  5,150      $  3,857    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Aggregate revenues in 2016 were approximately $12.2 billion in the second quarter and $22.8 billion in the first six months, representing increases of approximately $2.7 billion (28%) and $4.4 billion (24%), respectively, from the corresponding 2015 periods. Pre-tax earnings in 2016 were approximately $1.7 billion in the second quarter and $3.2 billion in the first six months, representing increases of $294 million (21%) and $571 million (22%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. In 2016, operating results of our industrial products and consumer products businesses included the results of PCC and Duracell from their respective acquisition dates. Excluding the results of PCC and Duracell, aggregate revenues in 2016 declined approximately 1% in both the second quarter and first six months versus 2015, while pre-tax earnings fell 4% in the second quarter and 2% in the first six months of 2016 as compared earnings in the corresponding 2015 periods.

35


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

 

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing(Continued)

 

Manufacturing (Continued)

 

Aggregate revenues in 2016 were approximately $12.1 billion in the third quarter and $34.8 billion in the first nine months, representing increases of approximately $2.9 billion (31.6%) and $7.3 billion (26.4%), respectively, from the corresponding 2015 periods. Pre-tax earnings were approximately $2.0 billion in the third quarter and $5.2 billion in the first nine months of 2016, representing increases of $722 million (57.3%) and $1.3 billion (33.5%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. Excluding PCC and Duracell, aggregate pre-tax earnings increased 2.9% in the third quarter and were relatively unchanged in the first nine months.

Industrial products

Revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 increased approximately $2.1$2.2 billion (47%(52.1%) and $3.5$5.7 billion (40%(44.0%), respectively, versus the same periods in 2015. These increases were primarily due to the inclusion of PCC, partially offset by revenue declines of $210 million (5.0%) in the secondthird quarter (6%and $832 million (6.4%) andin the first sixnine months (7%) across our other businesses. In 2016, sales volumes of our other businesses were generally lower compared to 2015, reflecting sluggish demand for most products, and particularly for products sold to businesses in the oil and gas and heavy equipment industries. In addition, lower costs of petroleum-basedoil-based raw materials and metals and increased competitive pressures in 2016 continued to pushlower average selling prices lower. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a relatively minor impact on comparative second quarter revenues and for the first six months produced a decline of $88 million compared to 2015.prices.

Pre-tax earnings in 2016 increased $285$594 million (34%(78.9%) in the secondthird quarter and $553$1,147 million (34%(48.1%) in the first sixnine months as compared to 2015. Our average pre-tax margin rate was 17.9% in the first six months of 2016, compared to 18.8% in 2015. The increases in pre-tax earnings reflected earningsthe inclusion of PCC, partially offset by comparative declines in earnings (8%(7.1% for the secondthird quarter and 6%6.3% for the first sixnine months) from our other businesses, primarily IMC International, Lubrizol and several of Marmon’s retail fixtures and equipment, highway transportation equipment, wire products and metals distribution businesses. The declines in earnings ofGenerally, these businesses were attributable to the aforementioned soft market conditions, somewhatnegatively affected by a combination of weaker customer demand and price and mix changes and increased restructuring costs, partly offset by the impacts of cost containment initiatives and lower average material prices. We expect the prevailing market conditions to continue overduring the remainder of 2016 and we may take additional cost containment actions in response to further slowdowns in customer demand.

Building products

Revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 increased $137$32 million (5%(1.1%) and $271$303 million (5%(3.9%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. TheIn the third quarter, volume-driven revenue increases achieved by MiTek and Johns Manville were partially offset by revenue declines at Benjamin Moore and Shaw. In the first nine months, the revenue increase reflected increased unit sales volume increases across most of our product categories, and was partly offset by lower average sales prices and changes in product mix.

Pre-tax earnings in 2016 declined $36increased $16 million (11%(4.6%) in the secondthird quarter and $24decreased $8 million (4%(0.9%) in the first sixnine months as compared to the corresponding periods in 2015. In the second quarter of 2016,first nine months, the favorable impact from increased sales volume and lower manufacturing costs attributable to deflation in certain commodity unit costs was more thanessentially offset by an increase inincreased charges related to asset impairments, pension settlements and environmental claims.

Consumer products

Revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were approximately $2.8 billion and $5.2$8.1 billion, respectively, increases of $451$677 million (19%(31.3%) and $607 million (13%approximately $1.3 billion (18.9%), respectively, compared to the corresponding 2015 periods. The increases reflected revenues fromthe inclusion of Duracell and a 9.3% year-to-date increaseincreases in Forest River’s revenues of 19% in the third quarter and 12% in the first nine months, which were primarily attributable to increased unit sales. Apparel revenues in the third quarter increased $18 million (1.6%) and in the first sixnine months of 2016 declined $74$56 million (4%(1.8%) compared to 2015, which was primarily attributable to2015. The year-to-date decline reflected lower footwear sales and the impact of an apparel business divestedthe disposition of a historically unprofitable operation within Fruit of the Loom in 2015.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing(Continued)

Consumer products (Continued)

Pre-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 increased $45$112 million (22%(70.0%) and $42$154 million (11%(27.8%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. InThe increases in third quarter earnings reflected the impact of the Duracell acquisition as well as increased earnings from Forest River and certain of our apparel businesses. Duracell contributed pre-tax earnings of $39 million in the third quarter of 2016 and $5 million from its acquisition date, reflecting the impact of transition and integration costs. Forest River generated pre-tax earnings increases were generated by Forest River, which benefitted fromof 34% in the third quarter and 24% in the first nine months, primarily due to increased unit sales and lower material costs, andhigher gross margin rates. Earnings of our clothing apparel businesses which benefitted from pastincreased 62% in the third quarter and 29% in the first nine months. The comparative increases were primarily attributable to lower restructuring activitiescosts in 2016 and divestituresa loss on the disposition of the Fruit of the Loom unprofitable business lines. These increases wereoperation in 2015, partly offset by lower earnings in 2016 from our footwear businesses, reflecting relatively difficult retail footwear industry conditions and from transition and integration costs in connection with the Duracell acquisition.businesses.

Service and retailing

Our service and retailing businesses are comprised of a large group of independently managed businesses engaged in a variety of activities. A summary of revenues and pre-tax earnings of these operations follows (in millions).follows. Amounts are in millions.

 

   Second Quarter   First Six Months 
   Revenues  Pre-tax earnings   Revenues  Pre-tax earnings 
   

        2016         

  

        2015        

  

        2016      

  

        2015         

   

        2016    

  

        2015         

  

    2016    

  

      2015       

 

Service

   $2,577       $2,685       $296      $      341        $4,938    $5,110    $521    $632  

Retailing

   3,808       3,609       161      157        7,338    5,705    260    250  

McLane Company

   12,049       12,293       129      147        23,850    23,936    265    278  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   $18,434       $18,587       $    �� 586      $645        $  36,126    $34,751    $1,046    $ 1,160  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

36


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing(Continued)

Service and retailing (Continued)

  Third Quarter  First Nine Months 
  Revenues  Pre-tax earnings  Revenues  Pre-tax earnings 
  2016  2015  2016  2015  2016  2015  2016  2015 

Service

   $2,619       $2,469       $305      $287       $7,557     $7,579     $826     $919   

Retailing

  3,712      3,682      144     91      11,050    9,387    404    341   

McLane Company

  12,271      12,264      106     106      36,121    36,200    371    384   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   $    18,602       $  18,415       $     555      $     484       $    54,728     $      53,166     $  1,601     $    1,644   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Service

Our service businesses offer fractional ownership programs for general aviation aircraft (NetJets) and high technology training to operators of aircraft (FlightSafety). We also distribute electronic components (TTI) and provide electronic distribution services of corporate news, multimedia and regulatory filings (Business Wire). We are a franchisor of quick service restaurants (Dairy Queen), publish newspapers and other publications (Buffalo News and the BH Media Group) and operate a television station in Miami, Florida (WPLG). We also offer third party logistics services that primarily serve the petroleum and chemical industries (Charter Brokerage).

Revenues in the secondthird quarter andof 2016 increased $150 million (6.1%) compared to 2015, while revenues for the first sixnine months of 2016 declined $108 million (4%) and $172 million (3%), respectively, as compared towere relatively unchanged from 2015. The decreases were primarily due to lower revenues from NetJets, partly offset by increased revenues from TTI. NetJets’ comparative revenues in 2016 declined 14%increased 3.9% in the secondthird quarter and 11%decreased 6.3% for the first sixnine months. The increase in NetJets’ third quarter revenues reflected a 2% increase in operating revenues and increased gains from aircraft dispositions, while the decline in revenues for the first nine months was primarily due to lower aircraft sales and lower fuel surcharge revenues attributable to lower fuel prices.sales. TTI’s revenue increases in 2016 (8%were 9.1% in the secondthird quarter and 4%5.5% for the first six months)nine months and were primarily due to increased sales volume in Europe and through the internet. Internet.

Pre-tax earnings increased $18 million (6.3%) in the secondthird quarter and decreased $93 million (10.1%) in the first sixnine months of 2016 declined $45 million (13%) and $111 million (18%), respectively, as compared to corresponding periods in 2015. These declines primarily reflectedPre-tax earnings in the third quarter included increased earnings from NetJets and lower earnings from several of NetJets.our other service businesses. The declinesyear-to-date decline in NetJets’ earnings werewas primarily due to lower earnings from NetJets, FlightSafety and our newspaper businesses. The decline in NetJets’ earnings for the first nine months was primarily due to increased depreciation expense and lower aircraft sales margins. TTI’s earnings were relatively flat in 2016 as changes in geographic sales mix and reduced margins from flight operations, due primarily to increased maintenance costs and personnel costs, as well as an increase in depreciation.price competition produced lower gross margin rates, offsetting the aforementioned revenue increases.

Retailing

Our retailing businesses include four distinct home furnishings retailing businesses (Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey, Star Furniture and Jordan’s), which sell furniture, appliances, flooring and electronics. Our retailing businesses also include Berkshire Hathaway Automotive (“BHA”) which was acquired in the first quarter of 2015. BHA currently includes 8483 auto dealerships. BHA sells new and pre-owned automobiles and offers repair and other related services and products, and includes two related insurance businesses, two auto auctions and a distributor of automotive fluid maintenance products.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing(Continued)

Retailing (Continued)

Our other retailing businesses include three jewelry retailing businesses (Borsheims, Helzberg and Ben Bridge), See’s Candies (confectionary products), Pampered Chef (high quality kitchen tools), Oriental Trading Company (party supplies, school supplies and toys and novelties) and Detlev Louis Motorrad (“Louis”), a retailer of motorcycle accessories based in Germany which was acquired in the second quarter of 2015.

Revenues of our retailing businesses in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 increased approximately $199$30 million (5.5%(0.8%) and $1.6$1.7 billion (29%(17.7%), respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2015. The increasesincrease in year-to-date revenues reflected the impact of the BHA and Louis acquisitions, which accounted for approximately $183 million and $1.5 billion respectively, of the comparative increases.increase. Revenues of our home furnishings retailers in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 increased $34$11 million (5%(1.3%) and $170$180 million (13%(8.5%), respectively, over 2015, driven byprimarily due to new stores opened in 2015 by Nebraska Furniture Mart and Jordan’s. The increasePre-tax earnings in pre-tax earnings for2016 from the retail group increased $53 million (58.2%) in the third quarter and $63 million (18.5%) in the first six months wasnine months. The increases were primarily attributable to BHA, Louis and Louis.our home furnishings businesses.

McLane Company

McLane operates a wholesale distribution business that provides grocery and non-food consumer products to retailers and convenience stores (“grocery unit”grocery”) and to restaurants (“foodservice unit”foodservice”). McLane also operates businesses that are wholesale distributors of distilled spirits, wine and beer (“beverage unit”beverage”). The grocery and foodservice unitsbusinesses are marked by high sales volumes and very low profit margins and have several significant customers, including Wal-Mart, 7-Eleven and Yum! Brands. A curtailment of purchasing by any of its significant customers could have an adverse impact on McLane’s periodic revenues and earnings.

Revenues for the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were $12.0$12.3 billion and $23.9$36.1 billion, respectively, decreases of 2.0% and 0.4%, respectively,were relatively unchanged as compared with the corresponding periods in 2015. The year-to-date decrease wasYear-to-date revenues in 2016 reflected a comparative decline in grocery sales of 2%, attributable to lower unit volume, partly offset by price and mix changes. Year-to-date foodservice revenues increased 3%, primarily due to a 2% reduction in grocery sales, partly offset by a 3%an overall increase in foodservice sales.unit volume. Earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were $129$106 million and $265$371 million, respectively, decreasesunchanged from the third quarter of $18 million (12%)2015 and a decrease of $13 million (5%(3%), respectively, compared to the first nine months of 2015. Pre-tax earnings in the first nine months of 2015 periods included a gain of $19 million from the disposition of a subsidiary. Excluding this gain, the operating margin (ratio of earnings to revenues) in the first sixnine months of 2016 was 1.11%1.03%, compared to 1.01% in 2015. The grocery and was relatively unchanged from 2015.

37


Item 2. Management’s Discussionfoodservice business has been and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

is expected to continue to be highly competitive.

Finance and Financial Products

Our finance and financial products businesses include manufactured housing and finance (Clayton Homes), transportation equipment manufacturing and leasing businesses (UTLX and XTRA, and together, “transportation equipment leasing”), as well as other leasing and financing activities. A summary of revenues and earnings from our finance and financial products businesses follows. Amounts are in millions.

 

 Second Quarter First Six Months   Third Quarter First Nine Months
 Revenues Earnings Revenues Earnings   Revenues Earnings Revenues Earnings
 

     2016    

 

    2015     

 

     2016    

 

    2015    

 

      2016     

 

     2015      

 

     2016     

 

    2015     

   2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 

Manufactured housing and finance

  $1,065     $924     $179     $    177     $   1,958     $ 1,711     $349   $326    $1,099    $926    $165    $189    $3,057    $2,637    $514    $515  

Transportation equipment leasing

 671    618    245    215    1,354    1,216    496  420     655   633   235   235   2,009   1,849   731   655  

Other

 253    257    159    158    403    426    216  248     208   166   117   62   611   592   333   310  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  $ 1,989     $ 1,799     $583     $550     $3,715     $3,353     $ 1,061   $994    $  1,962   $  1,725   $    517   $    486   $  5,677   $  5,078   $  1,578   $  1,480  
 

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   187    180      354  335      180   183     534   518  
   

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 
    $    396     $370       $707   $ 659      $337   $303     $1,044   $962  
   

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Finance and Financial Products(Continued)

Manufactured housing and finance

Clayton Homes’ revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 increased $141$173 million (15%(19%) and $247$420 million (14%(16%), respectively, compared to 2015. The increases reflected a 24%27% increase in year-to-date revenues from home sales, due primarily to a 21%22% increase in units sold.sold and changes in mix. Pre-tax earnings for the third quarter decreased 13% and in the first nine months of 2016 were flat as compared to earnings in the corresponding 2015 periods. Clayton’s earnings in 2016 increased 1.1% in the second quarter and 7.1% for the first six months. Earnings in 2016 benefitted from improved manufacturing results attributable to the increases in unit sales, which were partially offsetnegatively impacted by increased losses from insurance claims, andincreased impairment charges on servicing assets.assets and lower gross sales margins, which partially offset the benefit from the significant increases in unit sales. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, approximately 95%94% of the installment loan portfolio was current in terms of payment status.

Transportation equipment leasing

Transportation equipment leasing revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 increased $53$22 million (9%(3.5%) and $138$160 million (11%(8.7%), respectively, compared to 2015. The increases werederived primarily due tofrom the acquisition of GE’s railcar services fleet and railcar repair services business in the last half of 2015 and an increase in rail/tank cars on lease and increased sales of railcars. The increase in rail/tank cars on lease reflected a largercore fleet size, due primarily to the acquisition of the GE Railcar Services fleet at the end of the third quarter of 2015, partially offset in part by lower utilization rates. In 2016, we also experiencedrates, lower crane lease demand in North America and reduced volumes in other products and services attributableprimarily related to lower oil and gas commodity prices.markets.

Pre-tax earnings in 2016 were unchanged in the secondthird quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $30 million (14%) and $76 million (18%(11.6%), respectively, in the first nine months compared to 2015. The increases wereyear-to-date increase was primarily attributable to the positive impact of the revenue growth and lower depreciation rates for certain railcars, partially offset by higher railcar repair costs and interest expense attributable toon new borrowings from a Berkshire financing subsidiary. A significant portion of the transportation equipment leasing expenses, such as depreciation, do not vary proportionately to revenue changes and therefore changes in revenues can disproportionately impact earnings.

Other

Other finance activities include CORT furniture leasing, our share of the earnings of a commercial mortgage servicing business (“Berkadia”) in which we own a 50% joint venture interest, and interest and dividends from a portfolio of investments. In the first sixnine months of 2016, other earnings decreased $32increased $23 million compared to 2015, reflecting decreasedincreased earnings from investment securities and CORT, partly offset by lower earnings from Berkadia. Other earnings also includes income from interest rate spreads charged on borrowings by a Berkshire financing subsidiary that are used to finance loans and assets held for lease. Corresponding expenses are included in Clayton Homes’ and UTLX’s results. Interest rate spreads charged to these businesses were $35$55 million in the first sixnine months of 2016 and $31$47 million in 2015.

38


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses

A summary of investment and derivative gains and losses follows. Amounts are in millions.

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months   Third Quarter First Nine Months 
  

     2016     

   

     2015     

   

    2016    

 

       2015       

   2016 2015 2016   2015

Investment gains/losses

   $643        $362        $2,493    $459     $3,150  $8,266   $5,643      $8,725 

Derivative gains/losses

   20        (174)       (790 1,144      458  (764)   (332)     380 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Gains/losses before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   663        188        1,703   1,603      3,608   7,502  5,311      9,105 

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   269        65        (543 560      1,261  2,625  718      3,185 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Net gains/losses

   $394        $123        $ 2,246    $  1,043     $  2,347  $  4,877   $  4,593      $    5,920  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Investment gains/losses

Investment gains/losses arise primarily from the sale, redemption, or exchange of investments or when investments are carried at fair value with the periodic changes in fair values recorded in earnings. The timing of gains or losses can have a material effect on periodic earnings. Investment gains and losses included in earnings usually have minimal impact on the periodic changes in our consolidated shareholders’ equity since most of our investments are recorded at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses(Continued)

Investment gains/losses (Continued)

We believe the amount of investment gains/losses included in earnings in any given period typically has little analytical or predictive value. Our decisions to sell securities are not motivated by the impact that the resulting gains or losses will have on our reported earnings. Although we do not consider investment gains and losses in a given period as necessarily meaningful or useful in evaluating our periodic earnings,results, we are providing information to explain the nature of such gains and losses when reflected in our earnings.

Pre-tax investment gains in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2016 were $643 million$3.2 billion and $2.5$5.6 billion, respectively, and $362 million and $459 million, respectively, in the comparable periods of 2015.respectively. Investment gains in the third quarter of 2016 included $2.4 billion from the disposition of our Wrigley preferred stock investment and in the first nine months also included $610 million from the redemption of our Kraft Heinz Preferred Stock investment in the second quarter and $1.1 billion realized in connection with the exchange of shares of P&G common stock for 100% of the common stock of Duracell in the first quarter.Duracell. Income tax expense allocated to investment gains included a benefit from the reduction of certain deferred income tax liabilities in connection with the exchange of P&G common stock for Duracell. See Note 3Notes 8 and Note 89 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. In 2015, pre-tax investment gains included non-cash holding gains related to our investment in Kraft Heinz of $6.8 billion in the third quarter, as well as net gains from dispositions of equity and fixed maturity securities of approximately $1.5 billion in the third quarter and $1.9 billion in the first nine months.

Investment gains/losses also included pre-tax other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charges of $63 million in the second quarter of 2016. There were no OTTI chargesand $26 million in the first sixnine months of 2015.2016 and 2015, respectively. Although we have periodically recorded OTTI charges in earnings in the past, we continue to hold certain of those securities. If the market values of those investmentssecurities increase following the date OTTI charges were recorded in earnings, the increases are not reflected in earnings but are instead included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. When recorded, OTTI charges have no impact whatsoever on the asset values otherwise recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets or on our consolidated shareholders’ equity. In addition, the recognition of such losses in earnings rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income does not necessarily indicate that sales are planned and ultimately sales may not occur for a number of years. Furthermore, the recognition of an OTTI charge does not necessarily indicate that the loss in value of the security is permanent or that the market price of the security will not subsequently increase to and ultimately exceed our original cost.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, gross unrealized losses on our investments in equity and fixed maturity securities determined on an individual purchase lot basis were approximately $2.4$1.4 billion, of which approximately $1.5 billion$941 million pertained to our investment in IBM common stock. We concluded that as of that date, such losses were temporary. We consider several factors in determining whether or not impairments are deemed to be other than temporary, including the current and expected long-term business prospects and if applicable, the creditworthiness of the issuer, our ability and intent to hold the investment until the price recovers and the length of time and relative magnitude of the price decline.

39


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses(Continued)

Derivative gains/losses

Derivative gains/losses primarily representrepresented the changes in fair value of our credit default and equity index put option contracts.contract liabilities. Periodic changes in the fair values of these contracts areliabilities reflected in earnings and can be significant, reflecting the volatility of underlying creditequity markets and from changes in the inputs used to measure such liabilities.

In 2016, our equity markets.

Derivativeindex put option contracts produced pre-tax gains of $458 million in the secondthird quarter of 2016 of $20 million and pre-tax losses of approximately $174$421 million in 2015. Infor the first six months,nine months. In each period, these gains and losses were primarily due to changes in the index values and interest rates and the passage of time. In 2015, our equity index put option contracts produced pre-tax losses of $790$802 million in 2016the third quarter and pre-tax gains of approximately $1.1 billion in 2015. In each period, the gains and losses were primarily attributable to non-cash changes in the fair values of our contacts. In 2016, our equity index contracts produced pre-tax losses of $83$371 million in the secondfirst nine months. In the third quarter and $879 million forof 2015, the first six months. These losses were driven by lower index valuesprices and interest rates. Inincreased expected volatility assumptions, which produced an increase in the fair value of our liabilities. The third quarter losses offset much of the gains realized in the first six months of 2015, the gains reflected increasedwhich were primarily attributable to higher index values and the favorable impact ofprices, a stronger U.S. Dollar.Dollar and increased interest rates. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, equity index put option intrinsic values were approximately $2.0$1.6 billion and our recorded liabilities at fair value were approximately $4.4$4.0 billion. Our ultimate payment obligations, if any, under our equity index put option contracts will be determined as of the contract expiration dates (beginning in 2018), and will be based on the intrinsic value as defined under the contracts.

In July 2016, our remaining credit default contract was terminated by mutual agreement with the counterparty. Wecounterparty and we paid $195 million upon termination andtermination. This contract produced pre-tax earnings of $89 million in the first nine months of 2016. We have no further exposure to losses under this contract. This contract produced pre-tax earningscredit default contracts.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of $103 million in the second quarterFinancial Condition and $89 million in the first six monthsResults of 2016.Operations(Continued)

Other

OtherA summary of after-tax other earnings which include corporate income (including income from our investments in Kraft Heinz), expenses and income taxes not allocated to operating businesses. Earningsbusinesses is summarized below. Amounts are in millions.

   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
   2016   2015   2016   2015

Kraft Heinz earnings

  $    146      $    115      $    552      $    315    

Acquisition accounting expenses

   (317)      (199)      (550)      (400)   

Corporate interest expense

   (116)      (41)      (297)      (216)   

Other

   25       —      (15)      (6)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

  $(262)     $(125)     $(310)     $(307)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Our earnings in 2016 from our investments in Kraft Heinz included lower dividends on the Preferred Stock, which was redeemed in June 2016, and ourincreased equity method earnings from our common stock investment. SuchOur earnings, after allocated Berkshire corporate income taxes, were $247$146 million in the secondthird quarter and $406$552 million in the first sixnine months of 2016. In 2015, ourthese investments produced earnings of $50$115 million in the secondthird quarter and $200$315 million for the first sixnine months. See Note 7 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding these investments.

Other earnings also includes corporate interest expense. After-tax corporate interest in 2016 produced a credit to earnings of $32expense was $116 million in the secondthird quarter and a charge of $181$297 million for the first six months. Innine months of 2016 and $41 million and $216 million, respectively, in the comparable 2015 periods. The increases in 2016 reflected the impact of increased average borrowings. The variations in comparative periodic after-tax corporate interest expense was $110 million inalso reflected the second quarter and $175 million in the first six months. The variations in comparative after-tax corporate interest expense were primarily attributable toimpact of foreign exchange gains and losses with respect to Euro denominated debt issued by Berkshire in March 2015 (€3.0 billion par) and March 2016 (€2.75 billion par). In 2016, corporateCorporate interest included after-tax foreign currency exchange gainslosses of $101$48 million in the secondthird quarter and after-tax losses of $60$107 million in the first six months. In 2015, after-tax foreign currency exchange losses were $73nine months of 2016 and $4 million and $106 million, respectively, in the second quarter and $102 million in the first six months.comparable 2015 periods. Relatively minor changes in the U.S. Dollar/Euro exchange rate can produce significant gains or losses given the current level of our EuroEuro-denominated borrowings.

Also included in other earnings are charges related to the amortizationapplication of fair value adjustments madethe acquisition method in connection with severalBerkshire’s business acquisitions. Such charges were primarily from the amortization of intangible assets recorded in connection with those business acquisitions. These charges (after-tax) were $126$317 million and $233$550 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months respectively, of 2016, respectively, compared to $99$199 million and $201$400 million, respectively, in the comparable periods in 2015.

Financial Condition

Our balance sheet continues to reflect significant liquidity and a strong capital base. Our consolidated shareholders’ equity at JuneSeptember 30, 2016 was $263.0$269.3 billion, an increase of $7.5$13.7 billion since December 31, 2015. Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders in the first sixnine months of 2016 were $10.6$17.8 billion.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2016, our insurance and other businesses held cash and cash equivalents of $61.8$68.3 billion, and investments (excluding our investmentsinvestment in Kraft Heinz) of $140.8 billion. In June 2016, we received a payment of $8.32 billion uponin connection with the redemption of our investment in Kraft Heinz Preferred Stock.

40


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Financial Condition(Continued)

Stock investment.

In January 2016, we used cash of approximately $32.1 billion to fund the acquisition of PCC, which we funded through a combination of cash on hand and $10 billion borrowed under a new 364-day revolving credit agreement. In March 2016, Berkshire Hathaway parent companywe issued €2.75 billion and $5.5 billion of senior unsecured notes. The proceeds were used in the repayment of all outstanding borrowings under the aforementioned revolving credit agreement. In June, the revolving credit agreement was terminated. See Note 16 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. In August 2016, we issued $750 million of senior unsecured notes to replace $750 million of maturing notes. Over the next twelve months, $1.85$1.1 billion of parent company senior notes will mature.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Financial Condition(Continued)

Our railroad, utilities and energy businesses (conducted by BNSF and BHE) maintain very large investments in capital assets (property, plant and equipment) and will regularly make significant capital expenditures in the normal course of business. In the first sixnine months of 2016, aggregate capital expenditures of these businesses were approximately $4.1$6.4 billion, including $2.1$3.5 billion by BHE and $2.0$2.9 billion by BNSF. Forecasted capital expenditures of the two businesses for the remainder of 2016 approximate $4.5$2.5 billion. Future capital expenditures are expected to be funded from cash flows from operations and debt issuances.

BNSF’s outstanding debt was approximately $22.2 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, an increase of $452$429 million from December 31, 2015. Outstanding borrowings of BHE and its subsidiaries, excluding its borrowings from Berkshire insurance subsidiaries, were approximately $36.4$36.6 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, an increase of $404$643 million from December 31, 2015. Berkshire does not guarantee the repayment of debt issued by BNSF, BHE or any of their subsidiaries and is not committed to provide capital to support BNSF or BHE or any of their subsidiaries.

Finance and financial products assets were approximately $41.3$41.9 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, an increase of approximately $2.3$2.9 billion since December 31, 2015. Finance assets also includeat September 30, 2016 primarily consisted of loans and finance receivables and various types of property held for lease, as well as significant balances of cash and cash equivalents, and equity securities.which included the proceeds of approximately $4.6 billion from the sale of our Wrigley preferred stock investment in September.

Finance and financial products liabilities were approximately $21.4$21.1 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, an increase of approximately $4.2$3.9 billion compared to December 31, 2015. The year-to-date increase was primarily attributable to new debt issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”). In March 2016, BHFC issued, including $3.5 billion of senior notes.notes issued in March. See Note 16 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. The proceeds were used to fund loans originated and acquired by Clayton Homes and to fund a portion of existing assets held for lease by our rail tank car leasing business, UTLX. Over the next twelve months, $3.4$2.8 billion of BHFC senior notes will mature.

Contractual Obligations

We are party to contracts associated with ongoing business and financing activities, which will result in cash payments to counterparties in future periods. Certain obligations are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, such as notes payable, which require future payments on contractually specified dates and in fixed and determinable amounts. Other obligations pertain to the acquisition of goods or services in the future, such as minimum rentals under operating leases and certain purchase obligations, and are not currently reflected in the financial statements. Such obligations will be reflected in future periods as the goods are delivered or services provided.

During the first sixnine months of 2016, we issued new term debt and assumed debt through the PCC business acquisition. Future payments of principal and interest related to such borrowings are summarized as follows (in millions): 2016 - $303;$225; 2017 - $397;$424; 2018 - $3,130;$3,905; 2019 - $2,096;$3,362; and 2020 and after - $15,798.$15,756. Except as otherwise disclosed herein,in this Quarterly Report, our contractual obligations as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 were, in the aggregate, not materially different from those disclosed in the “Contractual Obligations” section of “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, 2015.

41


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Critical Accounting Policies

Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Such estimates and judgments necessarily involve varying, and possibly significant, degrees of uncertainty. Accordingly, certain amounts currently recorded in the 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 Policies” 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, 2015.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 includes estimated liabilities for unpaid losses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of approximately $75$75.5 billion. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the process of establishing loss reserve amounts,these liabilities, the actual ultimate claim amountsliabilities will likely differ from the currently recorded amounts. A very small percentage change in estimates of this magnitude will result incould have a material effect on our 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.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Continued)

Critical Accounting Policies(Continued)

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of approximately $79 billion. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and we conducted our most recent annual review during the fourth quarter of 2015. Although we believe that the goodwill reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is not impaired, goodwill may subsequently become impaired as a result of changes in facts and circumstances affectingthat adversely affect the valuations of the reporting units. A goodwill impairment charge could have a material effect on periodic earnings.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheets include significant derivative contract liabilities with respect to our long-duration equity index put option contracts. The fair values recorded for these liabilities are based on valuation models that utilize various inputs and assumptions that we believe are used by market participants. We further believe that fair values based on such models are inherently subjective and the values in an actual transaction may differ significantly from the model values. Changes in the assumptions utilized within the valuation models may have a significant effect on recorded fair values and periodic earnings.

Information concerning new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

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, 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 fixed maturity and equity securities, losses realized from derivative contracts, the occurrence of one or more catastrophic events, such as an earthquake, hurricane or act of terrorism that causes losses insured by our insurance subsidiaries and/or losses to our business operations, 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.

42


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report and in particular the “Market Risk Disclosures” included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” As of JuneSeptember 30, 2016, there were no material changes in the market risks described in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

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

We are partyparties in a variety of legal actions arisingthat routinely arise out of the normal course of business. In particular, suchbusiness, including legal actions affect our insurance and reinsurance businesses. Such litigation generally seeksseeking 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. 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 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, 2015 to which reference is made herein.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

Berkshire’s Board of Directors (“Berkshire’s Board”) has approved a common stock repurchase program under which Berkshire may repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. Berkshire may repurchase shares in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Berkshire’s Board authorization does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce Berkshire’s consolidated cash equivalent holdingsand cash equivalents below $20 billion. The repurchase program is expected to continue indefinitely and the amount of repurchases will depend entirely upon the level of cash available, the attractiveness of investment and business opportunities either at hand or on the horizon, and the degree of discount of the market price relative to management’s estimate of intrinsic value. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares and there is no expiration date to the program. There were no share repurchases under the program in the first sixnine months of 2016.

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

None

43


Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

a. Exhibits

3(ii)

 

By-Laws

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2016.

12

 

Calculation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Consolidated Fixed Charges

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

32.1

 

Section 1350 Certifications

32.2

 

Section 1350 Certifications

95

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

101

 

The following financial information from Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for each of the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.

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: August 5,November 4, 2016

 

/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG

 (Signature)
 Marc D. Hamburg,
 Senior Vice President and
 Principal Financial Officer

 

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