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 June 30, 2016March 31, 2017

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, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

 

x  ☒

  

Accelerated filer

 

¨    ☐

Non-accelerated filer

 

¨  ☐

  

Smaller reporting company

 

¨    ☐

Emerging growth company

    ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    ☐

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

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 28, 2016:April 27, 2017:

 

Class A —

   788,894768,910 

Class B —

   1,282,442,5611,313,501,653 

 

 

 


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

 

   Page No. 

Part I –Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

    

Consolidated Balance Sheets—June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and December 31, 20152016

   2 
    

Consolidated Statements of Earnings—SecondFirst Quarter 2017 and First Six Months 2016 and 2015

   4 
    

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—SecondFirst Quarter 2017 and First Six Months 2016 and 2015

   5 
    

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—First Six MonthsQuarter 2017 and 2016 and 2015

   5 
    

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—First Six MonthsQuarter 2017 and 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

   25-42 

Item 3.

    

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   43 

Item 4.

    

Controls and Procedures

   43 

Part II –Other Information

  

Item 1.

    

Legal Proceedings

   43 

Item 1A.

    

Risk Factors

   43 

Item 2.

    

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

   43 

Item 3.

    

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   43 

Item 4.

    

Mine Safety Disclosures

   43 

Item 5.

    

Other Information

   43 

Item 6.

    

Exhibits

   44 

Signature

   44 

 

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
 
   (Unaudited)     

ASSETS

    

Insurance and Other:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $61,788     $61,181   

Investments:

    

Fixed maturity securities

   23,744      25,988   

Equity securities

   102,563      110,212   

Other

   14,487      15,998   

Investments in The Kraft Heinz Company

   15,752      23,424   

Receivables

   27,162      23,303   

Inventories

   15,720      11,916   

Property, plant and equipment

   19,072      15,540   

Goodwill

   53,564      37,188   

Other intangible assets

   35,179      9,148   

Deferred charges reinsurance assumed

   7,652      7,687   

Other

   7,464      6,697   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   384,147      348,282   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   3,036      3,437   

Property, plant and equipment

   121,977      120,279   

Goodwill

   24,241      24,178   

Regulatory assets

   4,306      4,285   

Other

   13,840      12,833   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   167,400      165,012   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   7,855      7,112   

Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities

   360      411   

Other investments

   6,339      5,719   

Loans and finance receivables

   13,088      12,772   

Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease

   9,662      9,347   

Goodwill

   1,372      1,342   

Other

   2,593      2,260   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   41,269      38,963   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $    592,816     $    552,257   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

  March 31,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 
  (Unaudited)    

ASSETS

  

Insurance and Other:

  

Cash and cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $    18,362   $    23,581 

U.S. Treasury Bills

  61,052   47,338 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills

  79,414   70,919 

Investments:

  

Fixed maturity securities

  22,902   23,432 

Equity securities

  133,393   120,471 

Other

  15,293   14,364 

Investment in The Kraft Heinz Company (Fair Value: March 31, 2017 – $29,553; December 31, 2016 – $28,418)

  15,431   15,345 

Receivables

  28,870   27,097 

Inventories

  16,115   15,727 

Property, plant and equipment

  19,645   19,325 

Goodwill

  54,333   53,994 

Other intangible assets

  33,472   33,481 

Deferred charges reinsurance assumed

  13,830   8,047 

Other

  7,417   7,126 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 
  440,115   409,328 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

  5,584   3,939 

Property, plant and equipment

  124,277   123,759 

Goodwill

  24,234   24,111 

Regulatory assets

  4,617   4,457 

Other

  13,557   13,550 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 
  172,269   169,816 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

  

Cash and cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

  2,017   528 

U.S. Treasury Bills

  9,449   10,984 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills

  11,466   11,512 

Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities

  410   408 

Other investments

  3,119   2,892 

Loans and finance receivables

  13,365   13,300 

Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease

  9,723   9,689 

Goodwill

  1,384   1,381 

Other

  2,600   2,528 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 
  42,067   41,710 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $  654,451   $  620,854 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

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
 
   (Unaudited)     

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Insurance and Other:

    

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

  $74,708     $73,144    

Unearned premiums

   14,768      13,311    

Life, annuity and health insurance benefits

   14,974      14,497    

Other policyholder liabilities

   7,214      7,123    

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   20,468      17,879    

Notes payable and other borrowings

   27,567      14,599    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   159,699      140,553    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

    

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   11,597      11,994    

Regulatory liabilities

   3,062      3,033    

Notes payable and other borrowings

   58,595      57,739    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   73,254      72,766    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

    

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   1,548      1,398    

Derivative contract liabilities

   4,626      3,836    

Notes payable and other borrowings

   15,251      11,951    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   21,425      17,185    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income taxes, principally deferred

   72,180      63,126    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   326,558      293,630    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock

   8      8    

Capital in excess of par value

   35,710      35,620    

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   30,777      33,982    

Retained earnings

   198,293      187,703    

Treasury stock, at cost

   (1,763)      (1,763)    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity

   263,025      255,550    

Noncontrolling interests

   3,233      3,077    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   266,258      258,627    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 592,816     $ 552,257    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   March 31,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 
   (Unaudited)    

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   

Insurance and Other:

   

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $    93,898   $    76,918 

Unearned premiums

   16,106   14,245 

Life, annuity and health insurance benefits

   16,375   15,977 

Other policyholder liabilities

   7,056   6,714 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   20,627   22,164 

Notes payable and other borrowings

   27,416   27,175 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   181,478   163,193 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

   

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   11,031   11,434 

Regulatory liabilities

   3,095   3,121 

Notes payable and other borrowings

   60,925   59,085 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   75,051   73,640 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

   

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   1,465   1,444 

Derivative contract liabilities

   2,430   2,890 

Notes payable and other borrowings

   15,615   15,384 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   19,510   19,718 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income taxes, principally deferred

   82,132   77,944 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   358,171   334,495 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

   

Common stock

   8   8 

Capital in excess of par value

   35,699   35,681 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   43,070   37,298 

Retained earnings

   215,837   211,777 

Treasury stock, at cost

   (1,763  (1,763
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity

   292,851   283,001 

Noncontrolling interests

   3,429   3,358 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   296,280   286,359 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   $  654,451   $  620,854 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

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   First Quarter 
  2016 2015 2016     2015   2017   2016 
  (Unaudited) (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 

Revenues:

            

Insurance and Other:

            

Insurance premiums earned

   $10,799      $10,400      $21,923       $19,940     $21,753    $11,124 

Sales and service revenues

   30,542     27,792     58,821       52,733     30,229    28,279 

Interest, dividend and other investment income

   1,617     1,323     3,008       2,626     1,162    1,151 

Investment gains/losses

   640     136     2,486       232     312    1,846 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 
   43,598     39,651     86,238       75,531     53,456    42,400 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

            

Revenues

   8,851     9,866     17,696       19,757     9,404    8,845 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

            

Sales and service revenues

   1,577     1,383     2,969       2,605     1,514    1,392 

Interest, dividend and other investment income

   411     416     743       748     350    332 

Investment gains/losses

   3     226     7       227     3    4 

Derivative gains/losses

   20     (174)    (790     1,144     460    (810
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 
   2,011     1,851     2,929       4,724     2,327    918 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 
   54,460     51,368     106,863       100,012  

Total revenues

   65,187    52,163 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Costs and expenses:

            

Insurance and Other:

            

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

   7,178     6,692     14,710       12,693     18,566    7,532 

Life, annuity and health insurance benefits

   1,241     1,738     2,408       2,918     1,227    1,167 

Insurance underwriting expenses

   1,870     2,018     3,947       3,630     2,339    2,077 

Cost of sales and services

   24,349     22,589     47,145       42,848     24,360    22,796 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   4,066     3,378     7,788       6,456     4,116    3,722 

Interest expense

   28     217     415       361     270    387 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 
   38,732     36,632     76,413       68,906     50,878    37,681 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

            

Cost of sales and operating expenses

   6,339     6,999     12,658       13,967     6,754    6,319 

Interest expense

   596     653     1,281       1,285     693    685 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 
   6,935     7,652     13,939       15,252     7,447    7,004 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

            

Cost of sales and services

   875     739     1,643       1,398     867    768 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   443     402     836       767     442    393 

Interest expense

   103     97     204       196     104    101 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 
   1,421     1,238     2,683       2,361     1,413    1,262 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total costs and expenses

   59,738    45,947 
   47,088     45,522     93,035       86,519    

 

   

 

 

Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of Kraft Heinz Company

   5,449    6,216 

Equity in earnings of Kraft Heinz Company

   239    240 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

   7,372     5,846     13,828       13,493     5,688    6,456 

Income tax expense

   2,290     1,739     3,089       4,153     1,549    799 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net earnings

   5,082     4,107     10,739       9,340     4,139    5,657 

Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

   81     94     149       163     79    68 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

   $5,001      $4,013      $10,590       $9,177     $4,060    $5,589 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net earnings per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders *

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

Net earnings per equivalent Class A share outstanding *

   $2,469    $3,401 

Average equivalent Class A Shares outstanding *

   1,643,745     1,643,084     1,643,616       1,643,018     1,644,425    1,643,487 

 

*

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   First Quarter 
  2016 2015 2016     2015  2017 2016 
  (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 

Net earnings

   $  5,082      $4,107      $  10,739       $9,340    $4,139  $5,657 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

           

Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments

   (271)    234     (2,962     (3,562   8,377  (2,691

Applicable income taxes

   94     (151)    993       1,280     (2,872 899 

Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings

   (9)    (104)    (1,816     (195   (305 (1,807

Applicable income taxes

   4     36     636       68     107  632 

Foreign currency translation

   (607)    577     (114     (783   558  493 

Applicable income taxes

   44     4     14       (19   (69 (30

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

   51     (44)    55       5     (10 4 

Applicable income taxes

   (19)    13     (19     (2   7    

Other, net

   16     25     (6     (100   3  (22
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net

   (697)    590     (3,219     (3,308   5,796  (2,522
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income

   4,385     4,697     7,520       6,032     9,935  3,135 

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   61     131     135       170     103  74 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

   $4,324      $  4,566      $7,385       $5,862    $9,832  $3,061 
  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

 

  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
   

Balance at December 31, 2014

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

Net earnings

   —     —      9,177          163      9,340    

Other comprehensive income, net

   —    (3,315)                    (3,308)   

Issuance of common stock

   30     —                —      30    

Transactions with noncontrolling interests

   (19)    —                132      113    
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

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

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

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
 

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           —    5,589          68  5,657 

Other comprehensive income, net

   —    (3,205)               (14)     (3,219)         (2,528)    —          6  (2,522

Issuance of common stock

   52     —                —      52        34   —     —            34 

Transactions with noncontrolling interests

   38     —                21      59        16   —     —          25  41 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

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

Balance at March 31, 2016

    $    35,678  $  31,454    $193,292      $ (1,763)    $    3,176  $  261,837 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

    $    35,689  $  37,298    $211,777      $ (1,763)    $    3,358  $286,359 

Net earnings

       —    4,060          79  4,139 

Other comprehensive income, net

      5,772     —          24  5,796 

Issuance of common stock

    34   —     —            34 

Transactions with noncontrolling interests

    (16  —     —          (32 (48
   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2017

    $    35,707  $  43,070    $215,837      $ (1,763)    $    3,429  $  296,280 
   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

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 Quarter 
  2016 2015   2017 2016 
  (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net earnings

  $10,739   $9,340    $4,139  $5,657 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:

      

Investment gains/losses

   (2,493 (459   (315 (1,850) 

Depreciation and amortization

   4,359   3,812     2,243  2,125 

Other

   (72 160     120  228 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   1,769   670     16,900  1,454 

Deferred charges reinsurance assumed

   35   246     (5,783 (111) 

Unearned premiums

   1,444   1,379     1,829  1,476 

Receivables and originated loans

   (2,716 (2,667   (1,197 (1,987) 

Derivative contract assets and liabilities

   790   (1,144   (460)  810 

Income taxes

   1,822   2,763     1,451  497 

Other

   (366 (157   (622 (845) 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash flows from operating activities

   15,311   13,943     18,305  7,454 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchases of fixed maturity securities

   (3,130 (3,001

Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities

   (45,342 (14,359) 

Purchases of equity securities

   (4,129 (4,714   (10,590 (3,059) 

Sales of fixed maturity securities

   926   622  

Redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity securities

   4,767   2,295  

Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities

   10,048  1,124 

Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities

   23,990  3,689 

Sales and redemptions of equity securities

   12,444   2,160     3,452  2,258 

Purchases of loans and finance receivables

   (188 (57   (52 (175) 

Collections of loans and finance receivables

   174   246     97  80 

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

   (30,440 (4,500   (1,599 (30,185) 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   (6,144 (6,836   (2,355 (2,843) 

Other

   (397 41     (115 (390) 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash flows from investing activities

   (26,117 (13,744   (22,466 (43,860) 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses

   8,600   3,253     1,203  8,539 

Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses

   2,211   3,238     2,094    

Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses

   3,494   998     1,298  3,493 

Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses

   (1,148 (1,843   (1,130 (381) 

Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses

   (1,781 (848   (446 (522) 

Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses

   (195 (1,173   (1,068 (88) 

Changes in short term borrowings, net

   618   (246   87  547 

Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests

   (2 (70

Other

   (44 (113   (23 25 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash flows from financing activities

   11,753   3,196     2,015  11,613 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes

   2   (77   61  7 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

   949   3,318  

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (2,085 (24,786) 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   71,730   63,269     28,048  67,161 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of second quarter *

  $72,679     $  66,587  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter *

  $25,963  $42,375 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

* Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following:

      

Beginning of year—

      

Insurance and Other

  $61,181     $57,974    $23,581  $56,612 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy

   3,437    3,001     3,939   3,437 

Finance and Financial Products

   7,112    2,294     528   7,112 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $71,730     $63,269    $28,048  $67,161 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

End of second quarter—

   

End of first quarter—

   

Insurance and Other

  $61,788     $60,394    $18,362  $37,620 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy

   3,036    3,860     5,584   2,692 

Finance and Financial Products

   7,855    2,333     2,017   2,063 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $72,679     $66,587    $25,963  $42,375 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2016March 31, 2017

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. At December 31, 2016, we began presenting U.S. Treasury Bills with maturity dates greater than three months from their purchase dates separately in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accordingly, we revised the first quarter of 2016 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows to reflect this change.

Financial information in this Quarterly Report reflects anyall 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 FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“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 the adoption of 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 investmentssecurities (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,securities, 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 impactaffect our comprehensive income or total shareholders’ equity. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual and interimreporting 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.earnings.

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 annualreporting 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.

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 2. New accounting pronouncements(Continued)

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to determine the implied goodwill in measuring an impairment loss. Upon adoption, a goodwill impairment will be measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over fair value, limited to the carrying value of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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. Financial results attributable to business acquisitions are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on their respective acquisition dates.

On August 8, 2015,January 29, 2016, Berkshire entered into a definitive agreement withacquired all outstanding common stock of 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.cash pursuant to a definitive merger agreement dated August 8, 2015. 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 withOn February 29, 2016, we acquired the Duracell business from The Procter & Gamble Company (“P&G”) pursuant to acquire the Duracell business from P&G. The transaction closed on February 29, 2016.a definitive agreement entered into in November 2014. 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 includedPro forma consolidated revenues and net earnings data for 2016 was not materially different from the amounts reflected in ourthe accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The fair values of certain assets and liabilities, particularly property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, are provisional and are subject to revision as the related valuations are completed.Statements. Goodwill from these acquisitions is not amortizable for income tax purposes. PreliminaryThe 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 thatas follows (in millions).

 

   PCC   Duracell 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $250     $1,807  

Inventories

   3,431     326  

Property, plant and equipment

   2,771     364  

Goodwill

   15,793     614  

Other intangible assets

   24,197     2,024  

Other assets

   1,914     256  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets acquired

   $48,356     $5,391  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   $2,445     $392  

Notes payable and other borrowings

   5,251       

Income taxes, principally deferred

   8,002     760  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities assumed

   $15,698     $1,152  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets

   $32,658     $    4,239  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table sets forth certain unaudited pro forma consolidated earnings data for the first six 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 six months of 2016 was not materially different from the amounts reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

First Six Months
      2015      

Revenues

$  105,602    

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

9,421    

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

5,734    
   PCC   Duracell 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $250    $1,807 

Inventories

   3,430    319 

Property, plant and equipment

   2,765    359 

Goodwill

   16,011    866 

Other intangible assets

   23,527    1,550 

Other assets

   1,916    242 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets acquired

   $47,899    $5,143 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   $2,442    $410 

Notes payable and other borrowings

   5,251    

Income taxes, principally deferred

   7,548    494 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities assumed

   $15,241    $904 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets

   $32,658    $4,239 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

8


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in securities with fixed maturities as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and December 31, 20152016 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

       

March 31, 2017

       

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

   $3,511     $25     $    $3,536    $4,636   $14   $(9 $4,641 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   1,266     66     (1 1,331     1,051    55    (1 1,105 

Foreign governments

   9,613     359     (50 9,922     8,480    224    (35 8,669 

Corporate bonds

   6,951     753     (10 7,694     6,787    687    (7 7,467 

Mortgage-backed securities

   1,133     169     (5 1,297     937    121    (7 1,051 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
   $  22,474     $1,372     $(66  $23,780    $21,891   $1,101   $(59 $22,933 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

December 31, 2015

       

December 31, 2016

       

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

   $3,425     $10     $(8  $3,427    $4,519   $16   $(8 $4,527 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   1,695     71     (2 1,764     1,159    58    (1 1,216 

Foreign governments

   11,327     226     (85 11,468     8,860    207    (66 9,001 

Corporate bonds

   7,323     632     (29 7,926     6,899    714    (9 7,604 

Mortgage-backed securities

   1,279     168     (5 1,442     997    126    (6 1,117 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
   $25,049     $1,107     $(129  $26,027    $22,434   $1,121   $(90 $23,465 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

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

 

  June 30,
2016
  December 31,
2015
  March 31,
2017
     December 31,
2016
 

Insurance and other

   $23,744    $25,988   $22,902     $23,432 

Finance and financial products

   36    39    31      33 
   

 

    

 

   

 

     

 

 
   $23,780    $  26,027   $22,933     $23,465 
   

 

    

 

   

 

     

 

 

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 June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, approximately 93%92% of foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies. Approximately 80%81% of foreign government holdings were issued or guaranteed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia or Canada.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities at June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 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.

 

  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  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      $8,117      $  9,898      $  756        $2,183      $    937      $21,891   

Fair value

   6,361    11,866    1,330    2,926    1,297    23,780    8,191      10,204      815        2,672      1,051      22,933   

 

9


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 5. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and December 31, 20152016 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 *

       

March 31, 2017 *

       

Banks, insurance and finance

   $19,852     $22,247     $(284  $41,815    $20,431   $31,725   $—    $52,156 

Consumer products

   5,259     17,956     (112 23,103     19,320    21,020    —    40,340 

Commercial, industrial and other

   33,822     7,422     (1,928 39,316     32,707    9,973    (156 42,524 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
   $  58,933     $  47,625     $  (2,324  $104,234    $72,458   $62,718   $(156 $135,020 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

*

Approximately 61%65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in the equity securities of four companies (Americanfive companies: American Express Company – $9.2 billion; Wells Fargo &- $12.0 billion, Apple Inc. - $19.2 billion, The Coca-Cola Company – $23.7 billion;- $17.0 billion, International Business Machines Corporation (“IBM”) – $12.3 billion;- $11.2 billion and The Coca-ColaWells Fargo & Company – $18.1 billion).- $27.8 billion.

 

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

December 31, 2015 *

        

December 31, 2016*

       

Banks, insurance and finance

   $20,026     $27,965     $(21)      $47,970    $19,852   $30,572   $—   $50,424 

Consumer products

   6,867     18,022     (1)      24,888     10,657    16,760    (9 27,408 

Commercial, industrial and other

   35,417     6,785     (3,238)      38,964     35,868    9,033    (701 44,200 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
   $  62,310     $  52,772     $  (3,260)      $111,822    $66,377   $56,365   $(710 $122,032 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

*

Approximately 59%62% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in the equity securities of four companies (Americanfive companies: American Express Company – $10.5 billion;- $11.2 billion, Apple Inc. - $7.1 billion, The Coca-Cola Company - $16.6 billion, IBM - $13.5 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $27.2 billion; IBM – $11.2 billion; and The Coca-Cola Company – $17.2 billion).- $27.6 billion.

As of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2015,2016, 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 June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2015,2016, unrealized losses on equity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $908$39 million and $989$551 million, respectively.

Unrealized losses at June 30, 2016 included approximately $1.5 billion related to our investment in IBM common stock (of which $848 million related to IBM shares that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months), which represented 11% 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.

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

 

  June 30,
2016
    December 31, 
2015
   March 31,
2017
   December 31,
2016
 

Insurance and other

    $102,563       $110,212     $133,393   $120,471 

Railroad, utilities and energy *

   1,347      1,238      1,248    1,186 

Finance and financial products

   324      372      379    375 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
    $104,234       $111,822     $135,020   $122,032 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

*

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 carried at fair value 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
   March 31,
2017
   December 31,
2016
   March 31,
2017
   December 31,
2016
 

Insurance and other

   $9,970     $9,970      $14,487     $15,998     $6,720   $6,720  $15,293   $14,364

Finance and financial products

   3,052     3,052      6,339     5,719      1,000    1,000   3,119    2,892
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $  13,022     $    13,022      $ 20,826     $    21,717     $7,720   $7,720  $18,412   $17,256
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

We own $2.1 billion liquidation amount of Wrigley preferred stock that was acquired pursuant

10


Notes 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. Pursuant to certain put and call provisions in the shareholder agreement, up to 50% of our original investment may be redeemed over a 90-day period beginning October 6, 2016. We currently anticipate that such shares will be redeemed. 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.Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 6. Other investments(Continued)

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 currently 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 Kingfranchises and Tim Hortons.operates quick service restaurants. 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.

Note 7. Investments in The Kraft Heinz Company

OnIn June 7, 2013, Berkshire and an affiliate of the global investment firm 3G Capital (such affiliate, “3G”), each made equity investmentsinvested $12.25 billion in a newly-formed company, 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 consistedconsisting 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$0.01 per share and cumulative compounding preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”) with a liquidation preference of $8 billion. The aggregate costAn affiliate of our investments was $12.25 billion.the global investment firm 3G Capital (such affiliate, “3G”) also acquired 425 million shares of Heinz Holding common stock for $4.25 billion. At that time, Berkshire and 3G each owned a 50% share of Heinz Holding common stock. Heinz Holding then acquired H.J. Heinz Company.

In March 2015, Heinz Holding entered into an agreement to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Kraft Foods Group, Inc. (“Kraft”). In June 2015, Berkshire exercised the aforementioned common stock warrants. On July 1, 2015, Berkshire and 3G also acquired new shares of Heinz Holding common stock for $5.26 billion and $4.74 billion, respectively. After these transactions, Berkshire owned approximately 52.5% of the outstanding shares of Heinz Holding. On July 2, 2015, Heinz Holding completed its acquisition of Kraft, at which time Heinz Holding was renamed The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”). In connection with its acquisition of Kraft, Kraft Heinz issued one new share of Kraft Heinz common stock for each share of Kraft common stock, which reduced Berkshire’s and 3G’s ownership of outstanding shares of Kraft Heinz common stock to 26.8% and 24.2%, respectively.

Berkshire currently owns 26.7% of the outstanding shares of Kraft Heinz common stock. We account for our investment in Kraft Heinz common stock pursuant to the equity method. The carrying value of this investment was approximately $15.4 billion at March 31, 2017 and $15.3 billion at December 31, 2016. Our earnings determined under the equity method for the first quarter were $239 million in 2017 and $240 million in 2016. We received dividends on the common stock of $195 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $187 million in the first quarter of 2016, which were recorded as reductions of our investment. On June 7, 2016, Kraft Heinz redeemed our Preferred Stock investment for cash of $8.32 billion. The Preferred Stock was entitled to dividends at 9% per annum.

Kraft Heinz is one of the world’s 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. Summarized consolidated financial information of Kraft Heinz follows (in millions).

   April 1, 2017  December 31, 2016

Assets

      $120,802     $120,480 

Liabilities

    62,858    62,906
   First Quarter 
   2017      2016 

Sales

   $  6,364          $  6,570  
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders

   $     893          $     896  
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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”). 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. Our equity method earnings on the common stock and dividends earned on the Preferred Stock in the first six months were $626 million in 2016 and $231 million in 2015 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 six months of 2016 were $180 million. In 2015, Preferred Stock dividends received were $180 million in the second quarter and $360 million in the first six months.

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

          July 3, 2016                 January 3, 2016        

Assets

   $121,684        $122,973     

Liabilities

   63,637        56,737     

           Second Quarter            First Six Months
   2016    2015    2016    2015

Sales

   $    6,793        $    2,616        $  13,363      $    5,094 
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz

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

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Note 8. Income taxes

Our consolidated effective income tax rates for the secondfirst quarter of 2017 and first six months of 2016 were 31.1%27.2% and 22.3%12.4%, respectively. In 2015, our effective income tax rates were 29.7% for the second quarter and 30.8% for the first six months. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects benefits from the recurring impact ofof: (a) dividends received deductions applicable to certain investments in equity securities, (b) income production tax credits fromrelated to 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, onOn 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 currentlywere 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 17.7 percentage point reduction in our consolidated effective income tax rate for the first six monthsquarter of 2016.

12


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 9. Investment gains/losses

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

 

           Second Quarter                     First Six Months         
       2016           2015             2016          2015     

Fixed maturity securities—

         

Gross gains from sales and redemptions

  $20      $53        $39   $82   

Gross losses from sales and redemptions

   (14)      (46)        (17  (84)  

Equity securities—

         

Gross gains from sales and redemptions

   740       342         2,547    448   

Gross losses from sales and redemptions

   (53)      (14)        (63  (20)  

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

   (63)      —          (63  —   

Other

   13       27         50    33   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $643      $362        $2,493   $459   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gains from sales and redemptions of equity securities in the second quarter of 2016 included $610 million from the redemption of our investment in Kraft Heinz Preferred Stock. Gains in the first six months of 2016 also included 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.

   First Quarter 
   2017  2016 

Fixed maturity securities—

   

Gross gains from sales and other disposals

   $      11  $19 

Gross losses from sales and other disposals

   (6  (3

Equity securities—

   

Gross gains from sales and redemptions

   425   1,807 

Gross losses from sales and redemptions

   (125  (10

Other

   10   37 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   $    315   $  1,850 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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 impairmentInvestment gains and losses are recognized in earnings represent reductionswhen we sell or otherwise dispose such securities. Gains from sales and redemptions of equity securities in the cost basisfirst quarter of 2016 included approximately $1.1 billion from the investment, but notexchange of our P&G common stock in 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 asacquisition of the balance sheet date.Duracell.

Note 10. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

 

       June 30,    
2016
   December 31,
2015
 

Raw materials

  $2,916    $1,852   

Work in process and other

   2,464     778   

Finished manufactured goods

   4,289     3,369   

Goods acquired for resale

   6,051     5,917   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $    15,720    $11,916   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Inventories at June 30, 2016 include approximately $3.6 billion related to PCC and Duracell.

   March 31,
2017
   December 31,
2016
 

Raw materials

  $2,857   $    2,789   

Work in process and other

   2,676   2,506   

Finished manufactured goods

   4,195   4,033   

Goods acquired for resale

   6,387   6,399   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $16,115   $  15,727   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 11. Receivables

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

 

       June 30,    
2016
  December 31,
2015

Insurance premiums receivable

   $9,995     $8,843 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

    3,473      3,307 

Trade and other receivables

    14,036      11,521 

Allowances for uncollectible accounts

    (342)     (368) 
   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $    27,162     $    23,303 
   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables at June 30, 2016 include approximately $1.8 billion related to PCC and Duracell.

   March 31,
2017
   December 31,
2016
 

Insurance premiums receivable

  $11,022    $10,462    

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

   3,221     3,338    

Trade and other receivables

   14,944     13,630    

Allowances for uncollectible accounts

   (317)     (333)    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $28,870    $27,097    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1312


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
   March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 

Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts

  $    13,547     $    13,186    $13,776  $13,728

Allowances for uncollectible loans

   (182)     (182)    (177 (182)

Unamortized acquisition discounts

   (277)     (232)    (234 (246)
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $    13,088     $    12,772    $13,365  $13,300
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Loans and finance receivables are predominantly installment loans originated or acquired by our manufactured housing installment loans.business. Provisions for loan losses in the first six monthsquarter of 2017 and 2016 were $78$38 million in 2016 and $77$37 million, in 2015.respectively. Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, in the first six monthsquarter were $78$43 million in 20162017 and $93$38 million in 2015.2016. At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, 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 June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, approximately 98% of the loan balances were determined to be performing and approximately 95% of the loan balances were current as to payment status.

Note 12. Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease

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
 

Land

   —      $2,071     $1,689    

Buildings and improvements

   5 – 40 years     8,091      7,329    

Machinery and equipment

   3 – 25 years     19,550      17,054    

Furniture, fixtures and other

   2 – 18 years     4,318      3,545    
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     34,030      29,617    

Accumulated depreciation

     (14,958)     (14,077)   
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $19,072     $15,540    
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   Ranges of
estimated useful life
   March 31,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 

Land

     $2,133  $2,108 

Buildings and improvements

   5 – 40 years    8,461   8,360 

Machinery and equipment

   3 – 25 years    20,983   20,463 

Furniture, fixtures and other

   2 – 15 years    4,214   4,080 
    

 

 

  

 

 

 
     35,791   35,011 

Accumulated depreciation

     (16,146  (15,686
    

 

 

  

 

 

 
    $19,645  $19,325 
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our railroad and our utilities and energy businesses follows (in millions).

   Ranges of
estimated useful life
   March 31,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 

Railroad:

     

Land

     $6,073  $6,063 

Track structure and other roadway

   7 – 100 years    49,917   48,277 

Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment

   6 – 41 years    12,172   12,075 

Construction in progress

      810   965 
    

 

 

  

 

 

 
     68,972    67,380  

Accumulated depreciation

     (7,583)   (6,130) 
    

 

 

  

 

 

 
     61,389    61,250  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Utilities and energy:

     

Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems

   5 – 80 years    71,308    71,536  

Interstate natural gas pipeline assets

   3 – 80 years    6,944    6,942  

Independent power plants and other assets

   3 – 30 years    6,937    6,596  

Construction in progress

      2,350    2,098  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 
     87,539    87,172  

Accumulated depreciation

     (24,651)   (24,663) 
    

 

 

  

 

 

 
     62,888    62,509  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 
    $124,277   $123,759  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

13


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 12. Property, plant and equipment(Continued)

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)

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
   Ranges of
estimated useful life
   March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 

Assets held for lease

  5 – 35 years  $    11,769     $11,317       5 – 35 years   $11,993  $11,902 

Land

  —     222      220       —     224  224 

Buildings, machinery and other

  3 – 50 years   1,267      1,207       3 – 50 years    1,335  1,302 
    

 

   

 

     

 

  

 

 
     13,258      12,744         13,552  13,428 

Accumulated depreciation

     (3,596)     (3,397)        (3,829 (3,739
    

 

   

 

     

 

  

 

 
    $9,662     $9,347        $9,723  $9,689 
    

 

   

 

     

 

  

 

 

A summary of depreciation expense for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016 follows (in millions).

 

  First Six Months   First Quarter 
  2016   2015   2017   2016 

Insurance and other

  $1,037    $824    $542   $493 

Railroad, utilities and energy

   2,298     2,155     1,175    1,141 

Finance and financial products

   308     296     159    152 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $3,643    $3,275    $1,876   $1,786 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

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
   March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 

Balance at beginning of year

  $  62,708     $60,714      $79,486  $62,708

Acquisitions of businesses

   16,772      2,563       540  17,650

Other, including foreign currency translation

   (303)     (569)      (75 (872)
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Balance at end of period

  $79,177     $62,708      $79,951  $79,486
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

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

 

  June 30, 2016  December 31, 2015  March 31, 2017  December 31, 2016
  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    $40,334   $6,862   $39,976   $6,495

Railroad, utilities and energy

   894    266    888    239    901   298   898   293
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

 
   $42,254    $6,447    $15,498    $5,701    $41,235   $7,160   $40,874   $6,788
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

 

Trademarks and trade names

   $6,034    $801    $3,041    $765    $  5,264   $   634   $  5,175   $   616

Patents and technology

   4,389    2,237    4,252    2,050    4,393   2,424   4,341   2,328

Customer relationships

   28,727    2,511    5,474    2,131    28,449   3,099   28,243   2,879

Other

   3,104    898    2,731    755    3,129   1,003   3,115   965
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

 
   $42,254    $6,447    $15,498    $5,701    $41,235   $7,160   $40,874   $6,788
   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

 

Other intangible assets at June 30, 2016 included preliminary fair values of intangible assets of PCC and Duracell of approximately $26 billion, which included approximately $17.5 billion in customer relationships and trade names that were preliminarily determined to have indefinite lives. Amortization expense in the first six monthsquarter was $716$367 million in 20162017 and $537$339 million in 2015.2016. Intangible assets with indefinite lives excluding business acquisitions completed in 2016, were approximately $3$18.7 billion as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2015.2016.

 

1514


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 14. Derivative contracts

DerivativeWe are party to derivative contracts have been entered into primarily through our finance and financial products and our utilities and energy businesses. DerivativeCurrently, the derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses consist ofinclude equity index put option contracts written between 2004 and a credit default contract. A summary of the2008. The liabilities and related notional values of thesesuch contracts follows (in millions).

 

  June 30, 2016  December 31, 2015 
   Liabilities   

 

 Notional 
Value

   Liabilities    Notional 
Value
 

Equity index put options

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

Credit default(2)

  195      7,792    284      7,792  
 

 

 

   

 

 

  
  $4,626       $3,836     
 

 

 

   

 

 

  
   March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
   Liabilities   Notional
Value
   Liabilities   Notional
Value
 

Equity index put options

  $2,430    $26,868(1)   $2,890    $26,497(1) 

 

(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.date.

(2)

In July 2016, the credit default contract was terminated by mutual agreement with the counterparty. We paid $195 million upon termination and, thereafter, we have no exposure to losses under the contract.

TheWe record derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses are recordedcontract liabilities at fair value and include 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)gains/losses included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings follows (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter     First Six Months   First Quarter 
  

 

      2016      

         2015               2016             2015       2017   2016 

Equity index put options

   $(83)       $(138)         $(879     $1,173    $460    $(796) 

Credit default

   103        (36)         89       (29

Other

       (14) 
  

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $20        $(174)         $(790     $1,144    $    460    $(810) 
  

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written between 2004 and 2008 on four major equity indexes. These contracts willindexes and 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 billion$700 million at June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and $1.1$1.0 billion at December 31, 2015.2016. 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 4.43.7 years at June 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.

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 June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, 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$128 million as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and $103$142 million as of December 31, 2015.2016. Derivative contract liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities and were $199$156 million as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and $237$145 million as of December 31, 2015.2016. Net derivative contract assets or liabilities of our regulated utilities 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.

15


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

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 Quarter 
  

 

2016

 

    2015    

  2017   2016 

Cash paid during the period for:

       

Income taxes

   $1,055   $    1,128   $    26    $    231 

Interest:

       

Insurance and other businesses

   253   185   306    181 

Railroad, utilities and energy businesses

   1,406   1,319   737    731 

Finance and financial products businesses

   184   215   78    63 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

       

Liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions

   16,997   2,478   142    16,842 

Equity securities exchanged in connection with business acquisition

   4,239   —     —      4,239 

Note 16. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

The liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (also referred to as “claim liabilities”) under our short duration property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet date and include estimates for incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) claims. Reconciliations of the changes in claim liabilities for the three months ending March 31, 2017 and 2016 follows (in millions).

   2017   2016 

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses—beginning of year:

    

Gross liabilities

    $    76,918         $    73,144 

Reinsurance recoverable and deferred charges

   (11,385)       (10,994
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance

   65,533        62,150 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses recorded during the period:

    

Current accident year events

   8,165        7,192 

Prior accident years’ events

   118        (372

Retroactive reinsurance and discount accretion

   10,283        712 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses

   18,566        7,532 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses during the period with respect to:

    

Current accident year events

   (2,678)       (2,421

Prior accident years’ events

   (4,222)       (3,828

Retroactive reinsurance

   (429)       (158
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total payments

   (7,329)       (6,407
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   77        (21

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses—March 31:

    

Net balance

   76,847        63,254 

Reinsurance recoverable and deferred charges

   17,051        11,308 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross liabilities

    $    93,898         $    74,562 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the preceding table reflect the losses and loss adjustment expenses recorded in earnings in each period related to insured events occurring in the current year and in prior years. We present incurred and paid losses under retroactive reinsurance contracts and discount accretion separately. Such amounts relate to prior years’ underlying loss events.

16


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 16. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses(Continued)

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter of 2017 reflected increases of $118 million for prior accident years’ events compared to decreases of $372 million in the first quarter of 2016. In 2017, incurred losses for prior years’ events included increases related to our reinsurance businesses, partly offset by reductions attributable to our primary insurance operations. Incurred losses for prior years’ events in 2017 of our reinsurance operations included increases in the estimated liabilities for certain personal injury claims in the United Kingdom due to a regulatory decision that increases calculated lump sum settlement amounts. In addition, we increased liability estimates for claims under certain reinsurance contracts due to reported hurricane and earthquake losses from events in 2016, as well as for estimates of IBNR losses. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in 2016 for prior accident years’ events derived primarily from our direct insurance businesses, and to a lesser extent, from our reinsurance businesses.

In January 2017, Berkshire’s subsidiary, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), entered into a retroactive reinsurance agreement with various subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”). Under the agreement, NICO agreed to indemnify AIG for 80% of up to $25 billion, excess of $25 billion retained by AIG, of losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses with respect to certain commercial insurance loss events occurring in years prior to 2016, for cash consideration of $10.2 billion. The transaction became effective on February 2, 2017. Berkshire agreed to guarantee the timely payment of all amounts due to AIG under the agreement.

We account for the AIG agreement as retroactive reinsurance of short-duration insurance contracts. As of the effective date, we recorded premiums earned and losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred of $10.2 billion from this contract. We also recorded unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of $16.4 billion, representing the estimated ultimate liabilities assumed and a deferred charge reinsurance assumed asset of $6.2 billion, representing the excess of those liabilities over the premiums earned. The deferred charge asset will be amortized over the estimated claims settlement period using the interest method based on the estimated timing and amount of future loss payments. Amortization charges are included in losses and loss adjustment expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Note 16.17. 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 June 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.

 

  Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
 March 31,
2017
   December 31,
2016
 
 Weighted
Average
 Interest Rate 
 June 30,
2016
 December 31,
2015
     

Insurance and other:

       

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

 2.3%    $ 18,035    $9,799     

Issued by Berkshire due 2017-2047

  2.1% $17,845    $17,703 

Short-term subsidiary borrowings

 2.1%   2,172   1,989       2.7% 2,135    2,094 

Other subsidiary borrowings due 2016-2044

 3.9%   7,360   2,811     

Other subsidiary borrowings due 2017-2045

  4.0% 7,436    7,378 
  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

 
   $ 27,567    $14,599        $27,416    $27,175 
  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

 

OnIn 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 2016,2017, Berkshire issued €2.75€1.1 billion in senior unsecured notes. The notes consistingconsisted of €1.0 billion of 0.50% notes due in 2020, €1.0 billion of 1.30% notes due in 2024 and €750€550 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%0.25% notes due in 2021 $2.0 billionand €550 million of 2.75%0.625% notes due in 2023 and $2.52023. In January 2017, senior notes of $1.1 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. Other subsidiary borrowings at June 30, 2016 included $4.6 billion attributable to PCC.matured.

 

17


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 16.17. Notes payable and other borrowings(Continued)

 

  Weighted
Average
 Interest Rate 
  June 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    

Subsidiary and other debt due 2016-2064

  4.8%    28,590    28,188    

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

  4.9%    22,189    21,737    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   $ 58,595    $57,739    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
     March 31,
2017
   December 31,
2016
 

Railroad, utilities and energy:

        

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

        

BHE senior unsecured debt due 2017-2045

   5.1%      $7,819    $7,818 

Subsidiary and other debt due 2017-2064

   4.7%      29,865    29,223 

Issued by BNSF due 2017-2097

   4.8%      23,241    22,044 
      

 

 

   

 

 

 
       $60,925    $59,085 
      

 

 

   

 

 

 

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. During the first three months of 2017, BHE subsidiaries issued approximately $850 million of debt with maturity dates ranging from 2027 to 2047 and a weighted average interest rate of 3.6%.

BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In May 2016,March 2017, BNSF issued $1.25 billion of senior unsecured debentures consisting of $500 million of 3.25% debentures due in 2027 and $750 million of 3.9%4.125% debentures due in 2046.2047. As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, 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
 

Finance and financial products:

  

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

  2.5%    $ 14,173    $10,679    

Other subsidiary borrowings due 2016-2036

  5.0%    1,078    1,272    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   $ 15,251    $11,951    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
     March 31,
2017
   December 31,
2016
 

Finance and financial products:

        

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

   2.6%      $14,672    $14,423 

Issued by other subsidiaries due 2017-2036

   4.9%      943    961 
      

 

 

   

 

 

 
       $15,615    $15,384 
      

 

 

   

 

 

 

In March 2016,January 2017, BHFC issued $3.5$1.3 billion of senior notes consisting of $750$950 million of 1.45% notes due in 2018, $1.0 billion floating rate notes that mature in 2018, $1.25 billion of 1.70% notes due in 2019 and $500$350 million of floating rate notes that maturedue in 2019.2020. In January 2017, senior notes of $1.05 billion matured. The borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire.

As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, our subsidiaries also had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately $8.5$7.4 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included about $4.4$3.9 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries. In addition to BHFC’s borrowings, at March 31, 2017, Berkshire guarantees certain other subsidiary borrowings, which aggregatedguaranteed approximately $3.3 billion at June 30, 2016.of other subsidiary borrowings. 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 17.18. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and December 31, 20152016 with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivablesU.S. Treasury Bills, receivable 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

              

March 31, 2017

          

Investments in fixed maturity securities:

                        

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

  $    3,536   $    3,536      $    2,407        $    1,129          $    —           $  4,641     $    4,641     $    3,187     $  1,454     $   —    

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

  1,331   1,331      —          1,331          —           1,105     1,105     —       1,105     —    

Foreign governments

  9,922   9,922      7,656        2,266          —           8,669     8,669     6,835     1,834     —    

Corporate bonds

  7,694   7,694      —          7,589          105         7,467     7,467     —       7,405     62  

Mortgage-backed securities

  1,297   1,297      —          1,297          —           1,051     1,051     —       1,051     —    

Investments in equity securities

  104,234   104,234      104,198        35          1         135,020     135,020     135,012         —    

Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock

  15,752   28,795      28,795        —            —           15,431     29,553     29,553     —       —    

Other investments

  20,826   20,826      351        —            20,475         18,412     18,412     —       —       18,412  

Loans and finance receivables

  13,088   13,450      —          14          13,436         13,365     13,639     —       14     13,625  

Derivative contract assets(1)

  109   109      2        12          95         128     128         20     107  

Derivative contract liabilities:

                        

Railroad, utilities and energy(1)

  199   199      5��       157          37         156     156         127     26  

Finance and financial products:

              

Equity index put options

  4,431   4,431      —          —            4,431         2,430     2,430     —       —       2,430  

Credit default

  195   195      —          195          —        

Notes payable and other borrowings:

                        

Insurance and other

  27,567   28,982      —          28,982          —           27,416     28,022     —       28,022     —    

Railroad, utilities and energy

  58,595   68,757      —          68,757          —           60,925     67,655     —       67,655     —    

Finance and financial products

  15,251   16,068      —          15,656          412         15,615     16,064     —       15,725     339  

December 31, 2015

              

December 31, 2016

          

Investments in fixed maturity securities:

                        

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

  $    3,427   $    3,427      $    2,485        $     942          $     —           $  4,527     $    4,527     $    3,099     $1,428     $   —    

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

  1,764   1,764      —          1,764          —           1,216     1,216     —       1,216     —    

Foreign governments

  11,468   11,468      9,188        2,280          —           9,001     9,001     7,237     1,764     —    

Corporate bonds

  7,926   7,926      —          7,826          100         7,604     7,604     —       7,540     64  

Mortgage-backed securities

  1,442   1,442      —          1,442          —           1,117     1,117     —       1,117     —    

Investments in equity securities

  111,822   111,822      111,786        35          1         122,032     122,032     122,031     —        

Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock

  15,714   23,679      23,679        —            —           15,345     28,418     28,418     —       —    

Investment in Kraft Heinz Preferred Stock

  7,710   8,363      —          —            8,363      

Other investments

  21,717   21,717      315        —            21,402         17,256     17,256     —       —       17,256  

Loans and finance receivables

  12,772   13,112      —          16          13,096         13,300     13,717     —       13     13,704  

Derivative contract assets(1)

  103   103      —          5          98         142     142         43     94  

Derivative contract liabilities:

                        

Railroad, utilities and energy(1)

  237   237      13        177          47         145     145         114     28  

Finance and financial products:

              

Equity index put options

  3,552   3,552      —          —            3,552         2,890     2,890     —       —       2,890  

Credit default

  284   284      —          —            284      

Notes payable and other borrowings:

                        

Insurance and other

  14,599   14,773      —          14,773          —           27,175     27,712     —       27,712     —    

Railroad, utilities and energy

  57,739   62,471      —          62,471          —           59,085     65,774     —       65,774     —    

Finance and financial products

  11,951   12,363      —          11,887          476         15,384     15,825     —       15,469     356  

 

(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 17.18. 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 sixthree months ending June 30,March 31, 2017 and 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

     

Three months ending March 31, 2017

       

Balance at December 31, 2016

    $64     $17,257   $(2,824

Gains (losses) included in:

       

Earnings

    —       —    499 

Other comprehensive income

   1     1,156  (2

Regulatory assets and liabilities

    —       —    1 

Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements

   (3    —    (23

Transfers into/out of Level 3

    —       (1  —   
   

 

    

 

  

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2017

    $62     $18,412   $(2,349
   

 

    

 

  

 

 

Three months ending March 31, 2016

       

Balance at December 31, 2015

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

Gains (losses) included in:

            

Earnings

    —     —    (737)    —       —    (766

Other comprehensive income

   1  (927)  —      2     (1,920 (6

Regulatory assets and liabilities

    —     —    (11)    —       —    (6

Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements

   5   —    (35)   4     —    (14

Transfers into/out of Level 3

   (1)  —    195    (1    —     —   
   

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

    

 

  

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

   $105  $20,476  $(4,373)

Balance at March 31, 2016

    $105     $19,483   $(4,577
   

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

    

 

  

 

 

Six months ending June 30, 2015

     

Balance at December 31, 2014

   $8  $21,996  $(4,759)

Gains (losses) included in:

     

Earnings

    —     —    1,200 

Other comprehensive income

    —    (329) (3)

Regulatory assets and liabilities

    —     —    (17)

Dispositions and settlements

   (1)  —    (51)

Transfers into/out of Level 3

    —     —    3 
   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

   $7  $21,667  $(3,627)
   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Gains and losses included in earnings are included as components of investment gains/losses, derivative gains/losses and 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 are primarily represent the net change in unrealized appreciation of investments.investments and the reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, as appropriate in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

 

20


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 17.18. Fair value measurements(Continued)

 

Quantitative information as of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, 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   $    7,730    Discounted cash flow  Expected duration   7 years 
      Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination  134 basis points      Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination   145 basis points 

Common stock warrants

  4,382  Warrant pricing model  Discount for transferability and hedging restrictions  8%    10,682  Warrant pricing model  Discount for transferability and hedging restrictions   4% 

Net derivative liabilities:

                

Equity index put options

  4,431  Option pricing model  Volatility  21%      2,430  Option pricing model  Volatility   19% 

OtherOur other investments consist of perpetualcurrently include 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.redemption rights. 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 manycertain of the 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 index price, contract duration and dividend and interest rate inputs (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.dates. Increases or decreases in the volatility inputs will produce increases or decreases in the fair values of the liabilities.

Note 18.19. Common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first six monthsquarter of 20162017 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)
   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 

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 
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  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 

Balance at December 31, 2016

  788,058    (11,680)    776,378    1,303,323,927    (1,409,762)    1,301,914,165  

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

  (7,258)   —     (7,258)    11,244,753    —     11,244,753  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2017

  780,800    (11,680)    769,120    1,314,568,680    (1,409,762)    1,313,158,918  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

21


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 18.19. 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 1,643,8131,644,559 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and 1,643,3931,644,321 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015.2016. 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 the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and cash equivalentU.S. Treasury Bills 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 19.20. 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 sixthree months ending June 30,March 31, 2017 and 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, net
 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

       

Balance at December 31, 2015

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

Three months ending March 31, 2017

       

Balance at December 31, 2016

   $43,176  $(5,268 $  (593 $(17 $37,298

Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications

   (1,971) (78) (5) (22) (2,076)   5,497 475  (22) (6) 5,944

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income

   (1,180)  —    35  16  (1,129)   (198)  —   18 8 (172)
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

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

Balance at March 31, 2017

   $48,475  $(4,793 $  (597 $(15 $43,070 
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reclassifications from other comprehensive income into net earnings:

              

Investment gains/losses

   $(1,816) $—    $—    $ —    $(1,816)   $    (305  $    —    $    —    $—   $    (305

Other

    —     —    51  35  86     —    —   24 14 38
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Reclassifications before income taxes

   (1,816)  —    51  35  (1,730)   (305)  —   24 14 (267)

Applicable income taxes

   (636)  —    16  19  (601)   (107)  —   6 6 (95)
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   $(1,180) $—    $35  $16  $(1,129)   $    (198  $    —   $      18 $    8 $    (172
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

22


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 19.20. 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

Six months ending June 30, 2015

           

Balance at December 31, 2014

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

Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications

    (2,306)   (787)   (6)   (100)   (3,199)

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income

    (127)   —      8    3    (116)
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reclassifications from other comprehensive income into net earnings:

           

Investment gains/losses

   $(195)  $—     $ —     $—     $(195)

Other

    —      —      15    9    24 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reclassifications before income taxes

    (195)   —      15    9    (171)

Applicable income taxes

    (68)   —      7    6    (55)
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $(127)  $—      8   $3   $(116)
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

Three months ending March 31, 2016

            

Balance at December 31, 2015

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

Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications

    (1,791)   456   (14)     (32)   (1,381)

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income

    (1,175)   —     16      12     (1,147
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2016

    $35,632   $(3,400   $(760)     $  (18   $31,454
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reclassifications from other comprehensive income into net earnings:

            

Investment gains/losses

    $(1,807   $   —     $ —      $ —     $(1,807

Other

    —     —     21      21   42
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reclassifications before income taxes

    (1,807)   —     21      21   (1,765)

Applicable income taxes

    (632)   —          9   (618)
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $(1,175   $   —     $    16      $    12   $(1,147
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 20.21. 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.

In the third quarter of 2016, NICO 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 December 31, 2016 were approximately $5.5 billion and $2.1 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 expected to be completed in late 2017.

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 thepaper, which is limited to $1.5 billion. Berkadia’s commercial paper outstanding is supported by a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Leucadia has agreed to indemnify us for one-half of any losses incurredwe incur under the policy. Berkadia’s maximum outstanding balance of commercial paper borrowings is currently limited to $1.5 billion. On June 30, 2016, the aggregate amount of Berkadia commercial paper outstanding was $1.47 billion.

 

23


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 21.22. Business segment data

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, finance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. Our manufacturingreportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses include PCChave been grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and Duracell, which were acquired indistribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. Revenues by segment for the first quarter of 2016. Revenues by segment2017 and 2016 were as follows (in millions).

 

 Second Quarter     First Six Months   First Quarter 
 2016 2015     2016     2015           2017                 2016         

Operating Businesses:

             

Insurance group:

          

Insurance:

   

Underwriting:

             

GEICO

 $6,247     $5,619        $12,297       $11,004     $6,845    $6,050  

General Re

 1,389     1,494         2,779        2,992      1,391    1,390  

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

 1,652     1,978         3,895        3,425   

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

 1,511     1,309         2,952        2,519   

BHRG

   11,841    2,243  

BH Primary

   1,676    1,441  

Investment income

 1,236     1,338         2,385        2,428      1,132    1,149  
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total insurance group

 12,035     11,738         24,308        22,368   

Total insurance

   22,885    12,273  

BNSF

 4,585     5,369         9,352        10,971      5,185    4,767  

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

 4,299     4,543         8,417        8,874      4,257    4,118  

Manufacturing

 12,201     9,524         22,755        18,387      12,097    10,554  

McLane Company

 12,049     12,293         23,850        23,936      12,101    11,801  

Service and retailing

 6,385     6,294         12,276        10,815      6,093    5,891  

Finance and financial products

 1,989     1,799         3,715        3,353      1,865    1,726  
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 
 53,543     51,560         104,673        98,704      64,483    51,130  

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

             

Investment and derivative gains/losses

 663     188         1,703        1,603      775    1,040  

Income from Kraft Heinz

 386      —         626        231   

Eliminations and other

 (132)    (380)        (139)       (526)  

Corporate, eliminations and other

   (71)   (7) 
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 
 $        54,460     $        51,368        $        106,863       $        100,012     $65,187    $52,163  
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 

Earnings before income taxes by segment for the first quarter of 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in millions).

 

 Second Quarter     First Six Months   First Quarter 
 2016 2015     2016     2015           2017                 2016         

Operating Businesses:

             

Insurance group:

          

Insurance:

   

Underwriting:

             

GEICO

 $150       $53          $414       $213    $175   $264  

General Re

 2       107           44        60     (143)   42  

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

 184       (411)          105        48  

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

 174       203           295        378  

BHRG

   (600)   (79) 

BH Primary

   189   121  

Investment income

 1,235       1,334           2,377        2,421     1,129   1,142  
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total insurance group

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

Total insurance

   750   1,490  

BNSF

 1,238       1,536           2,496        3,208     1,345   1,258  

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

 666       649           1,235        1,245     615   569  

Manufacturing

 1,687       1,393           3,169        2,598     1,487   1,482  

McLane Company

 129       147           265        278     88   136  

Service and retailing

 457       498           781        882     393   324  

Finance and financial products

 583       550           1,061        994     466   478  
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 
 6,505       6,059           12,242        12,325     5,144   5,737  

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

             

Investment and derivative gains/losses

 663       188           1,703        1,603     775   1,040  

Income from Kraft Heinz

 386        —           626        231  

Interest expense, not allocated to segments

 31       (189)          (317)       (308)     (211)   (348) 

Eliminations and other

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

Investments in Kraft Heinz

   239   240  

Corporate, eliminations and other

   (259)   (213) 
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 
 $        7,372       $        5,846          $        13,828       $        13,493    $5,688   $6,456  
 

 

  

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

24


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.interests (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter First Six Months   First Quarter 
  2016   2015 2016   2015   2017   2016 

Insurance – underwriting

   $337      $(38  $550      $442     $(267  $213 

Insurance – investment income

   978      977   1,897      1,852      908    919 

Railroad

   772      963   1,556      2,008      838    784 

Utilities and energy

   482      502   923      923      501    441 

Manufacturing, service and retailing

   1,493      1,309   2,759      2,432      1,317    1,266 

Finance and financial products

   396      370   707      659      303    311 

Investment and derivative gains/losses

   394      123   2,246      1,043      504    1,852 

Other

   149      (193 (48)     (182)     (44   (197
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

   $  5,001      $  4,013    $  10,590      $  9,177     $    4,060   $    5,589 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Through our subsidiaries, we engage in a number of diverse business activities. OurWe manage 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 2122 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

Our insurance underwriting operationsbusinesses generated increased net earningsan after-tax loss from underwriting in the secondfirst quarter of 2017 due primarily to increased loss estimates for prior years’ loss events, higher losses from current year catastrophe events and first six months of 2016 compared to 2015. The increases reflected variations in the foreign currency exchange gains/lossesincreased deferred charge amortization related to claim liabilities denominated in foreign currencies under certain Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group retroactiveour property and casualty reinsurance and periodic payment annuity contracts, as well as increased underwriting gains from GEICO, offset by lower gains from General Re and Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group operations.businesses. Our railroad business generated significantly lower netincreased earnings in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 compared to 2015, primarily due to a 7.5% year-to-date decline2016, reflecting an increase in unit volume. Net earnings of our utilitiesvolume, partly offset by increased fuel and other costs. Our utility and energy businesses were relatively unchangedbusiness produced higher earnings in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 compared to 2015. Net2016, reflecting a lower effective income tax rate and an overall increase in pre-tax earnings from the various operating businesses within this group. Earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses in 2017 increased 4.0% over the first quarter of 2016, increased 14.1% in the second quarter and 13.4%reflecting increases from businesses acquired in the first six months as compared to 2015, reflecting the impactquarter of the PCC2016 (PCC and Duracell acquisitions,Duracell), partly offset by lower aggregate earningslosses and impairment charges related to the disposition of a prior bolt-on acquisition by one of our manufacturing businesses.

Investment and derivative gains/losses in the first quarter of 2017 included after-tax gains of approximately $300 million from changes in the other businesses within this group.

fair values of derivative contracts. In the first quarter of 2016, changes in derivative contract liabilities produced after-tax losses of approximately $525 million. After-tax gains from investments were approximately $200 million in 2017 and of $2.4 billion in 2016. After-tax investment and derivative gains in the secondfirst quarter and first six months were $394 million and $2.25 billion, respectively, in 2016 compared to $123 million and $1.04 billion, respectively, in 2015. Gains in the first six months of 2016 included a non-cash after-tax gain of approximately $1.9 billion related to the exchange of P&G common stock for 100% of the common stock of Duracell. 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 derivativeThese 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)are disaggregated as follows: 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.gains/losses.

25


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

Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

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. 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. Unpaidtime and the 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. VariationsOur periodic underwriting results may also include significant gains and losses arising from the changes in the valuation of non-U.S. Dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities of our U.S. based insurance subsidiaries as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange rates can producebe volatile and the resulting impact on our underwriting earnings can be 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 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.significant. Underwriting results of our insurance businesses are summarized below. Amounts are in millions.

 

    Second Quarter     First Six Months   First Quarter 
    2016     2015     2016     2015     2017        2016  

Underwriting gain (loss) attributable to:

                      

GEICO

     $150          $53          $414       $213    $175     $264 

General Re

     2          107          44       60     (143     42 

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

     184          (411)         105       48     (600     (79

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

     174          203          295       378     189      121 
    

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

     

 

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)

     510          (48)         858       699     (379     348 

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

     173          (10)         308       257     (112     135 
    

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

     

 

 

Net underwriting gain (loss)

     $   337          $   (38)         $   550       $   442    $  (267    $  213 
    

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

 

     

 

 

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 most 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 arebelow (dollars in millions.millions).

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months     First Quarter 
  2016   2015   2016   2015     2017     2016 
  Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %     Amount         %         Amount         %     

Premiums written

   $      6,229        $     5,591        $12,794        $    11,477         $7,587         $  6,565     
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

       

 

         

 

     

Premiums earned

   $6,247      100.0       $5,619      100.0       $12,297      100.0       $    11,004      100.0        $  6,845      100.0     $6,050      100.0 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   5,173      82.8       4,699      83.6       9,996      81.3       9,015      81.9         5,590      81.7      4,823      79.7 

Underwriting expenses

   924      14.8       867      15.4       1,887      15.3      

 

1,776 

  

   16.1         1,080      15.7      963      15.9 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 

Total losses and expenses

   6,097      97.6       5,566      99.0       11,883      96.6       10,791      98.0         6,670      97.4      5,786      95.6 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain

   $150        $53        $414        $         213         $175         $264     
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

       

 

         

 

     

 

26


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

 

Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

 

GEICO (Continued)

 

Premiums written and earned in the secondfirst quarter of 2017 were $7,587 million and first six months of 2016 were $6.2 billion$6,845 million, respectively, and $12.8 billion, respectively,represented increases of 11.4%15.6% and 11.5%13.1%, respectively, compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2015. Premiums earned in 2016 increased $628 million (11.2%) in the second quarter and $1.3 billion (11.8%) in the first six months, as compared to the same periods in 2015.2016. These increases reflected voluntary auto policy-in-force growth of 4.2%9.2% and increased average premiums per auto policy of approximately 7.1%4.7% over the past twelve months, duewhich was 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. As a result, we implemented premium rate increases where necessary. Voluntary auto new business sales in 2016 increased 4.2% in the second quarter and 1.9% in the first six monthsquarter of 2017 increased 30.2% compared to 2015. The growth in voluntary auto new business sales accelerated in June and has continued in July. During the first six monthsquarter of 2016, voluntary2016. Voluntary auto policies-in-force increased by approximately 394,000.568,000 during the first quarter of 2017.

In the second quarter and 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. Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in 2016 increased $474 million (10.1%) in the second quarter and $981 million (10.9%) in the first six months, as compared to 2015. In 2016, our loss ratio (the ratioquarter of 2017 increased $767 million (15.9%) over 2016. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums) declined 0.8 percentage pointswere reduced $93 million in 2017 and $143 million in 2016 from the second quarter and 0.6 percentage pointsre-estimation of unpaid liabilities for prior years’ claims. Claims frequencies in the first six months as compared to 2015, reflecting the impactquarter of the aforementioned premium rate increases, partly offset by increased storm losses. Claims frequencies (claim counts per exposure unit) in the first six months of 20162017 for property damage and collision coverages were relatively unchanged compared to 2016, and increased two to three percent for bodily injury coverage. Claim frequencies for personal injury protection coverage decreased in theapproximately one to two percent range, which was primarily attributable to mild weather in the first quarter. Claim frequencies for bodily injury coverage for the first six monthsquarter of 2016 were relatively unchanged from 2015.2017. Average claims severities were higher in the first six monthsquarter of 20162017 for physicalproperty damage, collision and collisionbodily injury coverages (four to six percent range) and bodily injury coverage (five to seven percent range). In addition, in each period, we experienced storm losses of approximately $290$100 million in the first six monthsrepresenting approximately 1.5% and 1.7%, respectively, of 2016, compared to $124 million in the first six months of 2015.premiums earned.

Underwriting expenses in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 were $924$1,080 million, and $1.9 billion, respectively, increasesan increase of $57$117 million (6.6%(12.1%and $111 million (6.3%), respectively, over 2015.2016. Our expense ratio (underwriting expenses to premiums earned) in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2016 declined 0.6 and 0.82017 decreased 0.2 percentage points respectively, compared to 2015.2016. The largest components of underwriting expenses are employee-related expenses (salaries and benefits) and advertising costs. The increasesincrease in underwriting expenses reflectreflects the increase in policies-in-force.

General Re

General Re conducts a reinsurance business offering property and casualty coverages to clients worldwide through General Reinsurance Corporation, Germany-based General Reinsurance AG, Faraday Holdings in London and other wholly-owned affiliates. We write life and health coverages to clients worldwide. We write property and casualty reinsurance in North Americaprimarily on a direct basis through General Reinsurance Corporation and internationally through Germany-based General Reinsurance AG and other wholly-owned affiliates. Property and casualty reinsurance is also written in broker markets through Faraday in London. Life and health reinsurance is written in North America through General Re Life Corporation and internationally through General Reinsurance AG. General Re strivesWe strive to generate underwriting profits in essentially all of itsour 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.table (in millions).

 

 Premiums earned Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)   First Quarter 
 Second Quarter First Six Months Second Quarter First Six Months       Premiums written           Premiums earned           Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)     
 

 

    2016    

 

     2015     

 

    2016    

 

      2015     

 

   2016   

 

     2015     

 

   2016   

 

   2015   

   2017   2016   2017   2016   2017   2016 

Property/casualty

  $624     $706     $1,276     $1,436     $23        $88      $53    $74    $1,130   $992   $654   $652   $(143)    $30       

Life/health

 765    788    1,503    1,556    (21)      19     (9 (14   742    740    737    738    —      12       
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $1,389     $1,494     $2,779     $2,992     $2        $107      $44    $60    $1,872   $1,732   $1,391   $1,390   $(143)    $42       
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Property/casualty

In the second quarter and first six months of 2016, property/Property/casualty premiums written declined $23in the first quarter of 2017 increased $138 million (5%(14%) and $214 million (13%), respectively, while premiums earned decreased $82 million (12%) and $160 million (11%), respectively, as compared to 2015.2016. Adjusting for 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,2017 increased 16% compared to 2015. Our premium2016, reflecting higher volume declined in both the direct and broker markets. Insurance industryPremiums earned in the first quarter of 2017 were essentially unchanged from 2016 and increased 2% before the effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes. Industry capacity dedicated to property and casualty markets remains high and price competition in most property/casualty reinsurance markets persists. WeWhile we continue to decline business when we believe prices are inadequate. However,inadequate, we remain prepared to write substantially more business, when more appropriate prices can be attained relative to the risks assumed.are attainable.

 

27


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

 

Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

 

General Re (Continued)

Property/casualty (Continued)

In the second quarter and first six months of 2016, our property business generated pre-tax underwriting gains of $23 million and $78 million, respectively, compared to gains of $104 million and $99 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 estimated losses on prior years’ business were relatively unchanged in the first six months of 2016 as compared to 2015. While there were no significant losses from catastrophe events in the first six 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 andproperty/casualty operations generated a pre-tax underwriting loss of $25$143 million in the first six monthsquarter of 2017 compared to a pre-tax underwriting gain of $30 million in 2016. In 2015, thisthe first quarter of 2017, we increased our estimates for unpaid losses by $142 million with respect to certain United Kingdom (“U.K.”) liability business produced pre-tax underwritingwritten in prior years. The increase was the result of the U.K. Ministry of Justice’s decision to reduce the fixed discount rate required in lump sum settlement calculations of U.K. personal injury claims, referred to as the Ogden rate, from 2.5% to negative 0.75%. We expect the Ogden rate decrease will significantly increase claim costs associated with currently unsettled cases, as well as for future cases. Underwriting results for the first quarter of 2017 also included $50 million of estimated losses of $16 millionfrom a cyclone in the second quarter and $25 millionAustralia in March 2017. There were no significant catastrophe loss events in the first six months. Underwritingquarter of 2016.

Life/health

Life/health premiums written and earned in the first quarter of 2017 were relatively unchanged from 2016. The life/health operations produced pre-tax break-even results in the first six monthsquarter of 2016 and 2015 included net losses on current year business, partially offset by2017, compared to pre-tax underwriting gains from reductions of estimated losses on prior years’ business of $110$12 million in 2016 and $106 million in 2015. The gains from prior years’ business were net of recurring charges for discount accretion on workers’ compensation liabilities and deferred charge amortization on retroactive reinsurance contracts. 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 second2016. First quarter and first six months of 2016, life/health premiums earned decreased $23 million (3%) and $53 million (3%), respectively, compared to 2015. Adjusting for changes in foreign currency exchange rates, premium volume in the first six months of 2016 was relatively unchanged from 2015. The life/health business produced pre-tax underwriting losses of $9 million in the first six months of 2016 compared to losses of $14 million in the first six months of 2015. Underwriting results in the first six months of 2016 and 20152017 reflected underwritinga comparative decline in pre-tax gains from our international life business offset byof $3 million and a comparative increase in pre-tax losses from business in North America of $9 million. The increase in pre-tax losses in North America was primarily attributable to an increase in large individual and group life claims. Underwriting results also include pre-tax losses from the periodicrecurring discount accretion on long-term care liabilities and higher than expected individual life claim frequency in North America. Additionally, our international underwriting results were adversely affected by increased liabilities for estimated premium deficiencies on certain disability business in the second quarter of 2016 and foreign currency exchange losses in 2015.liabilities.

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. A summary of BHRG’s underwriting results are summarized in the table below. Amounts are in millions.follows (in millions).

 

  Premiums earned   Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)   First Quarter 
  Second Quarter   First Six Months   Second Quarter   First Six Months   

 

Premiums written

   

 

Premiums earned

   

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)

 
  2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015   2016 2015   2017   2016   2017   2016   2017 2016 

Property/casualty

   $ 1,067     $911     $2,194     $1,827     $249        $15        $375    $422    $1,461   $1,612   $1,088   $1,127   $(269 $126 

Retroactive reinsurance

           582         9        (283)      (82 (285   10,185    580    10,185    580    (259 (91

Life and annuity

   583     1,064     1,119     1,595     (74)      (143)      (188 (89   568    536    568    536    (72 (114
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
   $1,652     $1,978     $ 3,895     $3,425     $   184        $(411)      $105    $48    $    12,214   $    2,728   $    11,841   $    2,243   $(600 $(79
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Property/casualty

Premiums written and earned in the secondfirst quarter of 2017 decreased 9% and first six months of 2016 increased $386 million (57%) and $624 million (30%)3%, respectively, compared to 2015, while premiums earned increased $156 million (17%) and $367 million (20%), respectively. These increases were attributable to a quota-share contract with Insurance Australia Group Ltd., which became effective on July 1, 2015, partially offset by lower premiums from property catastrophe and other property/casualty business.2016. Our premium volume is generally constrained for most property/casualty reinsurance coverages, and for property catastrophe coverages in particular as rates, in our view, are generally inadequate. However, weWe have the capacity and desire to write more business when appropriate pricing can be obtained.prices are appropriate.

Our property/casualty business generated pre-tax underwriting gainslosses of $249 million and $375$269 million in the secondfirst quarter and first six months, respectively, of 20162017 compared to $15pre-tax gains of $126 million and $422 million, respectively, in 2015.2016. The pre-taxcomparative decline in first quarter underwriting gains in the first six months of 2016 and 2015 wereresults was primarily due to reductionsincreases in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events and an increase in current year catastrophe losses. In 2017, we incurred losses of approximately $270 million related to prior years’ loss events and estimated losses onof $52 million from a cyclone in Australia in March. The losses for prior years’ business.loss events primarily related to unanticipated reported claims from hurricane and earthquake events in 2016 and from increases in estimated incurred-but-not reported losses. In the first quarter of 2016, changes in our estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events were insignificant and we incurred no significant losses from catastrophe loss 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

RetroactiveWe periodically write retroactive reinsurance contracts, which provide indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to past loss events,events. In January 2017, NICO entered into an aggregate excess-of-loss retroactive reinsurance agreement with AIG (the “AIG Agreement”) that became effective on February 2, 2017. We received cash premiums of $10.2 billion in connection with the AIG Agreement and related claims are generally expected to be paid over long periodswe also recorded losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred of time. At$10.2 billion, representing our initial estimate of the inceptionunpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses assumed of $16.4 billion, partly offset by a contract, deferred charge assets are recorded forasset of $6.2 billion. Thus, on the excess, if any, ofeffective date, the estimated ultimate losses payable over the premiums earned. Deferred charges are subsequently amortized over the estimated claims payment period basedAIG Agreement had no effect 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 changesour pre-tax underwriting results. See Note 16 to the estimated timing and amount of future loss payments are included in periodic earnings.accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

Pre-tax underwriting resultslosses from retroactive reinsurance contracts includein the first quarter were $259 million in 2017 and $91 million in 2016. In each period, underwriting results included deferred charge amortization and foreign currency transaction gains/gains and losses associated with the revaluation of foreign currency denominated liabilities of U.S.-based subsidiaries. In 2016, foreign currency gains were $158 million in the second quarter and $177 millionExchange rate changes in the first six months. In 2015, foreign currencyquarter produced pre-tax losses were $152of $89 million in the second quarter2017 and $28pre-tax gains of $19 million in the first six months.2016. Before such foreign currency gains/losses, retroactive reinsurance contracts produced first quarter pre-tax losses of $170 million in 2017 and $110 million in 2016. The increase in pre-tax underwriting losses was primarily due to deferred charge amortization related to the AIG contract and another retroactive reinsurance contract written in December 2016, partly offset by a net gain in the first six monthsquarter of $259 million in 2016 and $257 million in 2015, which were primarily2017 from recurring periodicthe commutation of an unrelated retroactive reinsurance contract. We currently estimate deferred charge amortization. Gross unpaidamortization for the year ending December 31, 2017 will be approximately $975 million, which includes amortization related to the aforementioned AIG Agreement.

Liabilities for losses assumed underand loss adjustment expenses associated with our retroactive reinsurance contracts were approximately $24.0$40.3 billion at June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and $23.7$24.7 billion at December 31, 2015.2016. Unamortized deferred charges related to such reinsurancethese contracts were approximately $7.6$13.8 billion as of June 30, 2016at March 31, 2017 and $8.0 billion at December 31, 2015. As previously stated, the amortization of deferred charge balances will be charged to earnings in the future.2016.

Life and annuity

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

 

  Premiums earned   Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)   First Quarter 
  Second Quarter   First Six Months   Second Quarter First Six Months           Premiums earned           Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) 
  2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015 2016   2015   2017   2016   2017   2016 

Periodic payment annuity

   $    195     $    674       $    404       $    867     $     $    (163  $(62)        $    (153)    $220  $209  $(145)   $(70) 

Life reinsurance

   383     385       706       718          (59 14         (68)     344   323   (5)    11   

Variable annuity guarantee

   5     5       9       10     (85)     79   (140)        132   

Variable annuity

   4   4   78     (55) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $583     $1,064       $  1,119       $    1,595     $    (74)     $(143  $    (188)        $(89)    $568  $536  $(72)   $(114) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Premiums earned in 2016 from periodic payment annuity contracts declined $479 million (71%) in the second quarter and $463 million (53%) in the first six months compared to the same periods in 2015. The comparative declines were primarily due to 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 gains of $8 million in the second quarter and losses of $62$145 million and $70 million in the first six monthsquarter of 2016. In 2015, this business2017 and 2016, respectively. Liabilities under certain contracts of a U.S. domiciled subsidiary are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the British Pound. Changes in the exchange rates produce changes in the values of related liabilities, which are reflected in pre-tax earnings. Exchange rate changes in the first quarter produced pre-tax losses of $163$24 million in the second quarter2017 and $153pre-tax gains of $40 million in the first six months.2016. Before the impact ofsuch foreign currency exchange rate changes on foreign currency denominated liabilities of U.S.-based subsidiaries, annuity contracts producedrevaluation gains and losses, pre-tax underwriting losses of $118 million and $228were $121 million in the second quarter and first six months, respectively, of 20162017 compared to losses of $72$110 million and $146 million, respectively, in 2015. This business is expected to2016. We expect these contracts will generate pre-tax underwriting losses attributable to the recurring accretion of discounted annuity liabilities. The increasesincrease in underwriting losses in 2016 compared to 20152017 reflected increased average liabilities from new business written over the past year and the impact of lower interest rates which increased expected future loss payments under certain reinsurance contracts. Aggregatewritten. Discounted periodic payment annuity liabilities were approximately $9.1$10.2 billion at June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and $8.7 billion at December 31, 2015.the weighted average interest rate of these contracts was approximately 4.1%.

In the second quarter and first six months of 2016, life reinsurance premiums were relatively unchanged compared to 2015. The life reinsurance business produced pre-tax underwriting losses of $5 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to pre-tax underwriting gains of $3$11 million and $14 million, respectively, in the second quarter and first six months of 2016,2016. The deterioration in underwriting results was attributable to increased liabilities for future policyholder benefits, reflecting lower claimsexpected net cash flow with respect to a certain block of business.

The variable annuity business primarily consists of reinsurance contracts that provide guarantees on closed blocks of variable annuity business written by other insurers. In the first quarter, these contracts produced pre-tax underwriting gains of $78 million in 2017 and pre-tax underwriting expenses.losses of $55 million in 2016. Underwriting gains and losses in each period reflected changes in liabilities for guaranteed benefits, which were affected by changes in securities markets and interest rates, as well as from the second quarter and first six monthsperiodic amortization of 2015expected profit margins included pre-tax losses of $53 million in connection with business terminated in the second quarter.our liabilities estimates.

 

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 equity markets and interest rates which produce increases or decreases in estimated liabilities for guaranteed minimum benefits. Periodic results from these contracts can be volatile reflecting changes in investment market conditions, which impact the underlying insured exposures. In the first six months of 2016, the 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 resulted in lower estimated liabilities.

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

The Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (“BH Primary”) consists of severala wide variety of independently managed insurance businesses. Theseunderwriting businesses include:that primarily provide a variety of commercial insurance products, including healthcare malpractice, workers’ compensation, automobile, general liability, property and various specialty coverages for small, medium and large clients. The largest of these insurers include the MedPro Group, providers of healthcare malpractice insurance coverages; National Indemnity Company’s primary groupCompany (“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, including workers’ compensation; 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;. Other BH Primary insurers include U.S. Liability Insurance Company, Applied Underwriters and Central States Indemnity Company, a providerCompany. A summary of creditBH Primary’s underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

   First Quarter 
   2017     2016 
     Amount       %       Amount       % 

Premiums written

  $1,849           $1,569       
  

 

 

         

 

 

     

Premiums earned

  $1,676        100.0       $1,441        100.0     
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   1,037        61.9        911        63.2     

Underwriting expenses

   450        26.8        409        28.4     
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total losses and expenses

   1,487        88.7        1,320        91.6     
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain

  $189           $121       
  

 

 

         

 

 

     

Premiums written and Medicare Supplement insurance.

Premiums earned in the first six monthsquarter of 2016 were $2.95 billion2017 increased $280 million (18%) and $235 million (16%), respectively, compared to $2.52 billion in 2015. The increase in premiums was2016. These increases were 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$189 million in the first six monthsquarter of 20162017 and $378$121 million in 2015. Combined loss ratios were 62% in2016. In the first six monthsquarter, losses and loss adjustment expenses included reductions of 2016 and 58% in 2015. The comparative increase in the first six months of 2016 loss ratio reflected comparative declines in favorable loss development ofestimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events partly offset by improvedof $168 million in 2017 and $119 million in 2016, which produced corresponding increases in pre-tax underwriting results 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.gains.

Insurance—Investment Income

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

 

 Second Quarter First Six Months   First Quarter 
 2016 2015 2016 2015   2017   2016 

Interest income

  $214      $234      $444    $454    $246   $230 

Dividend income

 1,021     1,100     1,933   1,967     883    912 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

 1,235     1,334     2,377   2,421  

Investment income before taxes and noncontrolling interests

   1,129    1,142 

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

 257     357     480   569     221    223 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net investment income

  $978      $977      $ 1,897    $1,852    $908   $919 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Pre-tax investment income in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2016 declined $992017 decreased $13 million (7%) and $44 million (2%(1%) from 2015, due primarily to lower dividends from foreign issuers as a result of investment dispositions in 2015,2016, which reflected decreased dividend income partly offset by increased dividends from domestic issuers.interest income. We continue to hold significant cash, cash equivalents and cash equivalent balancesU.S. Treasury Bills earning very low yields.yields, although such yields were higher in 2017 than in 2016. We believe that maintaining ample liquidity is paramount and we insist on safety over yield with respect to such balances. The decrease in dividends in 2017 reflected Dow Chemical Company’s redemption of our $3 billion investment in 8.5% preferred stock in December 2016, partly offset by increased dividend income from investments in other equity securities.

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$105 billion at June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and $88$91 billion at December 31, 2015. The2016. Our average cost of float was negativeapproximately 0.4% in the first quarter of 2017, as our insurance businesses overallwe generated an aggregate pre-tax underwriting gainsloss of $379 million. The increase in each period.float in the first quarter of 2017 was primarily attributable to the AIG Agreement.

 

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.follows (in millions).

 

  June 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
   March 31,
2017
   December 31,
2016
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $44,986       $43,762    

Cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills

   $  56,090    $  48,888   

Equity securities

   102,017       109,607       132,587    119,780   

Fixed maturity securities

   23,141       23,621       22,298    22,778   

Other investments

   14,487       15,998       15,293    14,364   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $  184,631       $  192,988       $226,268    $205,810   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Fixed maturity investments as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 were as follows. Amounts are in millions.follows (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     $4,361    $4    $4,365 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   1,224     64     1,288     1,037    54    1,091 

Foreign governments

   9,398     309     9,707     8,463    189    8,652 

Corporate bonds, investment grade

   5,277     493     5,770     5,516    459    5,975 

Corporate bonds, non-investment grade

   1,439     252     1,691     1,047    222    1,269 

Mortgage-backed securities

   1,002     160     1,162     835    111    946 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $  21,838     $      1,303     $23,141     $21,259    $1,039    $22,298 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

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.higher by the major rating agencies. 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 operatesstates, as well as in three Canadian provinces. BNSF’s major business groups are classified by type of product shipped and include consumer products, coal, industrial products and agricultural products and coal. Earningsproducts. A summary of BNSF are summarized belowBNSF’s earnings follows (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months   First Quarter 
  2016   2015   2016   2015   2017     2016 

Revenues

   $  4,585       $  5,369       $  9,352     $  10,971     $  5,185      $  4,767 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

 

Operating expenses:

              

Compensation and benefits

   1,134       1,268       2,342     2,606     1,283      1,208 

Fuel

   431       697       826     1,410     605      395 

Purchased services

   589       628       1,227     1,276     626      638 

Depreciation and amortization

   530       489       1,050     985     573      520 

Equipment rents, materials and other

   414       523       917     1,041     501      503 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

 

Total operating expenses

   3,098       3,605       6,362     7,318     3,588      3,264 

Interest expense

   249       228       494     445     252      245 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

 
   3,347       3,833       6,856     7,763     3,840      3,509 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

 

Pre-tax earnings

   1,238       1,536       2,496     3,208     1,345    �� 1,258 

Income taxes

   466       573       940     1,200     507      474 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

 

Net earnings

   $772       $963       $1,556     $2,008     $838      $784 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

 

 

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 secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 were approximately $4.6$5.2 billion, and $9.4 billion, respectively, representing decreasesan increase of $784$418 million (14.6%(8.8%and $1.6 billion (14.8%), respectively, versus the corresponding periods in 2015.compared to 2016. Pre-tax earnings in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2016 declined 19.4% and 22.2%, respectively,2017 were $1.3 billion, an increase of $87 million (6.9%) compared to the same periods in 2015. In 2016, our revenues and earnings were negatively impacted by lower volumes, particularly in the coal and petroleum products categories. Our system velocity and on-time performance continued to improve.2016.

In the first six monthsquarter of 2016,2017, revenues reflected a 2.7% comparative declinesincrease in average revenue per car/unit (8.3%) and a 6.4% increase in volumes (7.5%).volume. Our aggregate volume was 2.5 million cars/units compared to 2.3 million in 2016. The decreaseincrease in average revenue per car/unit was primarily attributable to lowerhigher fuel surcharge revenue, driven by lowerhigher fuel prices, as well as increased rates per car/unit and to business mix changes, partially offset by increased ratechanges.

Freight revenues from consumer products were $1.7 billion in the first quarter of 2017, an increase of 8.8% from 2016. The increase reflected higher average revenue per car/unit.unit and volume increases of 5.6%. Consumer products volumes benefited from higher domestic intermodal, international intermodal, and automotive volumes. The fuel price impact on fuel surcharges generally lags its impact on fuel costs. The impact from this timing difference resulted in a decline in earnings comparedincreases were primarily attributable to the first six monthsimproving economic conditions, normalizing of 2015 because the price of fuel declined more significantly in 2015.retail inventories and higher market share.

In the second quarter and first six months of 2016, freightFreight revenues from industrial products were $1.2 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively, which decreased 14.3% and 16.1%, respectively, from the comparable 2015 periods. The decreases reflected lower volumes (5.2% in the second quarter and 7.2% in the first six months),quarter of 2017, an increase of 3.9% compared with 2016. The increase was primarily for petroleumdue to higher average revenue per car/unit. Overall, industrial products volumes in the first quarter of 2017 were slightly higher than in 2016. We experienced volume increases in minerals and other commodities that support domestic drilling which reflectsactivity, decreases in petroleum products volume, due primarily to pipeline displacement of U.S. crude rail traffic, and lower U.S. production. In addition, we experienced lower demand for taconite and steel products, partly offset by increased movements of non-owned rail equipment and increased plastics products volume. With oil at low production levels, along with pipeline displacement, we expect comparative volume declines in petroleum-related categories for the remainder of 2016.

Freight revenues in 2016 from agricultural products decreased 1.7% in the second quarterincreased to $0.9 billion and decreased 6.4% to $2.0$1.1 billion in the first six monthsquarter of 2017, an increase of 5.7% compared to the same periodsperiod in 2015.2016. The decreases were primarily attributable to lower average revenue per car, partly offset by volume increases. Volumes increasedincrease was primarily due to higher grain exports.

Freight revenues in 2016 from coal declined 41.6% in the second quarter to $0.7 billion and 40.0% inaverage revenue per car/unit, as well as volume growth of 1.8%. In the first six months to $1.4 billion compared to the same periods in 2015. Coal volumes declined 33.4% in the first six monthsquarter of 2016. In recent years demand for coal2017, we experienced higher grain exports, partially offset 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 and natural gas prices are relatively low, so we expect declines in coal volume over the remainder of 2016.lower domestic grain shipments.

Freight revenues from consumer productscoal increased 23.2% to $960 million in the secondfirst quarter of 2017 compared to 2016, were $1.6 billion, a decline of 5.3% from 2015, reflecting a 3.5% declinean 18.5% increase in volumevolumes and lowerhigher average revenue per car/unit. The volume reduction was primarilyincreases in 2017 were due to lower intermodal volume,mild winter weather in the first quarter of 2016 and higher natural gas prices in the first quarter of 2017. Together, these factors led to increased utility coal usage in 2017, which we attribute to soft economic activity and excess retail inventories, partiallywas partly offset by increased automotive volumes due to the additioneffects of a new automotive customer. Revenues for the first six monthsretirements 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.coal generating facilities.

Operating expenses in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 were $3.1$3.6 billion, and $6.4 billion, respectively, representing decreasesan increase of $507$324 million (14.1%(9.9%) and $956 million (13.1%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. Our ratiosfirst quarter of 2016, and our ratio of operating expenses to revenues in 2016 increased 0.50.7 percentage points to 67.6% in the second quarter and 1.3 percentage points to 68.0% for the first six months versus the corresponding 2015 periods.69.2%. Compensation and benefits expenses in 2016 decreased $134increased $75 million (10.6%(6.2%) for the second quarter and $264 million (10.1%) for the first six months as compared to 2015.2016. The declines wereincrease was primarily due to lower employment levels in response to decreased volumeshigher health and productivity improvements,welfare costs, wage inflation, and volume-related increases, partially offset by wage inflation.productivity improvements. Fuel expenses inincreased $210 million (53.2%) compared to 2016, declined $266 million (38.2%) in the second quarter and $584 million (41.4%) in the first six months due to significantly lowerhigher average fuel prices and lower volumes.increased volumes, partially offset by improved efficiency. Depreciation and amortization expense in 2016 increased 8.4% in the second quarter and 6.6% in the first six months as$53 million (10.2%) compared to 2015,2016 due to increaseda larger base of depreciable assets in service reflecting our ongoing capital additions and improvement programs. In the second quarter and first six months of 2016, equipment rents, materials and other expense declined $109 million (20.8%) and $124 million (11.9%), respectively, compared to the same periods of 2015, as a result of lower volumes and productivity improvements in both periods, as well as, lower derailment and other casualty related costs in the six-month period.service.

Interest expense in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 was $249$252 million, and $494an increase of $7 million respectively, increases of $21 million (9.2%(2.9%) and $49 million (11.0%), respectively, compared to 2015.2016, which was primarily due to an increase in average outstanding debt. 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%a 90% ownership interest in Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”), which operates an internationala global 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 residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States.

32


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

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

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.below (in millions).

 

 Second Quarter   First Six Months   First Quarter 
 Revenues   Earnings   Revenues   Earnings   

 

Revenues

   

 

Earnings

 
 2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015   

 

2017

   

 

2016

   

 

2017

   

 

2016

 

PacifiCorp

  $  1,243        $  1,282      $    258     $    248     $ 2,507        $  2,545       $502       $    445      $1,292   $1,264    $265   $244   

MidAmerican Energy Company

 593        583      95     73     1,225        1,332       148       147       708    632     62    53   

NV Energy

 714        842      118     120     1,338        1,558       150       189       594    624     51    32   

Northern Powergrid

 250        264      92     97     529        588       217       257       245    279     103    125   

Natural gas pipelines

 189        211      49     40     505        545       229       225       318    316     200    180   

Other energy businesses

 466        601      78     111     974        1,096       132       150       513    508     41    54   

Real estate brokerage

 844        760      95     87     1,339        1,210       98       86       587    495     3    3   
 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $4,299        $4,543          $8,417        $8,874          $  4,257   $  4,118      
 

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

     

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

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

  

   785     776         1,476       1,499           725    691 

Corporate interest

Corporate interest

  

   119     127         241       254           110    122 

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

  

   184     147         312       322           114    128 
  

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

  

   $482     $502         $923       $923           $  501       $  441 
  

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

 

PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp operates a regulated electric utility in portions of several Western states, including Utah, Oregon and Wyoming. PacifiCorp’s revenues in the secondfirst quarter of 2017 were $1.3 billion, an increase of 2% from 2016. The increase was primarily due to a 2.8% increase in retail customer volume and first six months of 2016 were $1.24 billion and $2.51 billion, respectively, decreases of $39 million (3%) and $38 million (1%), respectively, from 2015. Revenues in 2016 reflectedhigher wholesale electricity prices, partly offset by lower average retail customer loads and wholesale volumes, partially offset by higher retail rates.prices attributable to changes in mix. EBIT in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 were $258$265 million, and $502an increase of $21 million respectively, increases of $10 million (4%(9%and $57 million (13%), respectively, from the same periods of 2015.compared to 2016. The increases wereincrease was primarily due to increasedan increase in gross margins as energy costs declined more than revenues. The declines($8 million), reflecting the increase in energy costs wererevenues and lower operating expenses ($13 million), which was primarily attributabledue to lower fuel pricespension and changes in fuel mix.plant maintenance expenses.

MidAmerican Energy Company

MEC operates a regulated electric and natural gas utility primarily in Iowa and Illinois. Revenues in 2016 increased $10 million (2%) in the second quarter and declined $107 million (8%) in the first six months asquarter of 2017 were $708 million, an increase of $76 million (12%) compared to the same periods in 2015.2016. The revenue increase in the second quarter was primarily due to higher electric revenues ($20 million), partly offset by lower natural gas revenues. The increaseincreases 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 lowerregulated natural gas revenues ($7736 million) and lowerelectric revenues ($34 million). The comparative increase in first quarter natural gas revenues reflected higher average per-unit costs of gas sold ($40 million), which are offset in cost of sales. In the first quarter of 2017, retail natural gas volumes decreased (5.4%), while wholesale volumes increased (6.9%). The increase in electric revenues was attributable to higher wholesale volumes and prices ($21 million) and increased retail revenues ($13 million). The increase in retail revenues reflected increased recoveries through bill riders (which are substantially offset by increases in costs and expenses) and from non-weather usage and rate factors, partially offset by the impact of warmer winter temperatures in 2017. Electric retail customer volumes in the first quarter of 2017 increased 1.6% compared to 2016. EBIT in the first quarter of 2017 were $62 million, an increase of $9 million (17%) compared to 2016. The increase in 2017 was primarily attributable to an increase in gross margin, partly offset by increased depreciation, maintenance and other operating expenses.

NV Energy

NV Energy operates regulated electric and other revenues.natural gas utilities in Nevada. Revenues in the first quarter of 2017 were $594 million, a decrease of $30 million (5%) versus 2016. In the first quarter of 2017, electric revenues declined $19 million and natural gas revenues declined $12 million as compared to 2016. The decline in naturalelectric revenues reflected lower retail revenues resulting from lower energy costs and lower revenues from customer efficiency incentive programs, which are both passed on to customers, and from lower commercial and industrial customer volumes. Natural gas revenuesoperating revenue decreased primarily due to lower energy rates, partially offset by higher customer usage. EBIT in the first quarter of 2017 were $51 million, an increase of $19 million (59%) compared to 2016. The increase was primarily due to lower average per-unit cost of gas sold ($62 million) which is offset in cost of sales,other operating expenses and lower volumes. EBIT in the second quarter of 2016 were $95 million, an increase of $22 million (30%) over the second quarter of 2015. EBIT in the first six months of 2016 were relatively unchanged from 2015. In 2016, gross margins increased comparedinterest expense. Operating expenses declined primarily due to 2015, which were partially offset by higher depreciationlower planned maintenance and amortization and interest expenses. In addition, EBIT in the first six months of 2015 included a gain of $13 million from the sale of aother generating facility lease.costs.

 

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 second quarter and first six months of 2016 were $714 million and $1.34 billion, respectively, decreases of $128 million (15%) and $220 million (14%), 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 six months of 2016 increased 1.3% compared to 2015. EBIT were relatively unchanged in the second quarter of 2016 and fell $39 million in the first six months of 2016 compared to 2015. In 2016, gross margins increased slightly as energy costs declined slightly more than revenues. However, operating expenses in 2016 increased $12 million (5%) in the second quarter and $42 million (9%) in the first six months compared to 2015. These increases resulted from higher property and other taxes and depreciation and amortization. In addition, operating expenses in the first six 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.

Northern Powergrid

Revenues in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 declined $14$34 million (5%(12%) to $250 million and $59 million (10%) to $529 million, respectively, as compared to 2015.$245 million. The decreases weredecrease was primarily due to the unfavorable impact from a stronger U.S. Dollar ($38 million) and lower distribution revenue ($2 million), partially offset by higher smart metering revenue of $17 million in the second quarter and $33 million in the first six months. In the first six months of 2016, revenues also declined, primarily$6 million. Distribution revenue decreased due to the recovery in 2016 of the December 2013 customer rebate of $11 million, unfavorable movements in regulatory provisions of $6 million and lower units distributed of $5 million, partially offset by higher tariff rates from a new price control period that became effective April 1, 2015.of $20 million. EBIT in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 declined $5decreased $22 million (5%(18%) to $92 million and $40 million (16%) to $217 million, respectively, as compared to 2015,2016, primarily due to the lower revenues and the stronger U.S. Dollar.Dollar of $16 million and higher depreciation of $7 million from additional assets placed in-service.

Natural gas pipelines

Revenues in the secondfirst quarter of 2017 of $318 million were relatively unchanged from 2016, as higher transportation revenues and first six monthshigher gas sales of 2016 declined $22$4 million (10%)related to $189system balancing activities (largely offset in cost of sales) at Northern Natural Gas were offset by lower transportation revenues at Kern River. EBIT in 2017 increased $20 million and $40 million (7%(11%) to $505 million, respectively, as compared to 2015. The revenue declines2016, primarily due to a reduction in 2016 reflected lower gas sales from balancing activities inexpenses and regulatory liabilities related to the second quarter and lower transportation revenuesimpact of an alternative rate structure approved by Kern River’s regulators in the first quarter resultingof 2017, as well as from lower volumes and rates in part due to comparatively warmer temperatures. EBIT in 2016 increased $9 million (23%) in the second quarter and $4 million (2%) in the first six months versus 2015. The 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 than offset the declines inhigher transportation revenues.

Other energy businesses

Revenues in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2016 declined $1352017 increased $5 million (22%(1%) to $466$513 million, and $122 million (11%) to $974 million, respectively, compared to the corresponding 2015 periods. The declines were primarily due to lowerreflecting increased revenues from AltaLink (6%) and renewable energy (4%), partially offset by a 9% decline in revenues from the unregulated retail services business. In MayEBIT in the first quarter of 2017 declined $13 million compared to 2016 AltaLink received a decision from its regulator which changesdue to higher operating expenses of $19 million and higher depreciation and amortization of $9 million, primarily due to the timing of when construction-in-progress expenditures included in rate base are billable to customersadditional wind, solar and earned in revenues. The decision resulted in one-time net reductions in revenue, with offsetting reductions in expenses, with no impact on net earnings. Otherwise, AltaLink generated increased operating revenue in 2016, primarily from additionaltransmission assets placed in service.

EBITservice, and increased interest expense, partially offset by an increase in 2016 declined $33 million (30%) in the second quarterrevenues from AltaLink and $18 million (12%) in the first six months as compared to 2015. EBIT from renewable energy businesses declined $25 million in the second quarter and $22 million in the first six months reflecting lower revenues and unfavorable changes in the values of certain interest rate swaps.energy.

Real estate brokerage

Revenues in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 increased 11%19% to $844$587 million and 11% to $1.34 billion, respectively, as compared to 2015. The2016, reflecting increases were primarily attributable to increasedin closed transactions and average home transaction prices and the impact of business acquisitions. EBIT from real estate brokerage activities were $3 million in the secondfirst quarter of 2017 and first six months of 2016 increased $8 million (9%) and $12 million (14%), respectively, compared to 2015, reflecting the increases in revenues.was unchanged from 2016.

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 consolidated effective income tax rate for the first six monthsquarter was approximately 16%9% in 20162017 and 17%13% in 2015. BHE’s2016. The effective income tax rates regularly reflect significantrate decreased primarily due to an increase in production tax credits from wind-powered electricity generation placedrecognized, the favorable impacts of rate making, and lower consolidated deferred state income tax expenses due to changes in service. In addition, pre-taxthe tax status of certain subsidiaries.

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing

A summary of revenues and earnings of Northern Powergridour manufacturing, service 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.retailing businesses follows (in millions).

   First Quarter 
   

 

Revenues

   

 

Earnings *

 
   

 

2017

   

 

2016

   

 

2017

   

 

2016

 

Manufacturing

  $12,097   $10,554   $1,487   $1,482  

Service and retailing

   18,194    17,692    481    460  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $  30,291   $  28,246     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Pre-tax earnings

       1,968    1,942  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

       651    676  
      

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $  1,317   $  1,266  
      

 

 

   

 

 

 

*

Excludes certain acquisition accounting expenses, which were primarily from the amortization of identified intangible assets recorded in connection with our business acquisitions. The after-tax acquisition accounting expenses excluded from earnings above were $132 million in 2017 and $91 million in 2016. These expenses are included in “other” in the summary of earnings on page 25 and in the “other” earnings section on page 40.

 

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.(Continued)

 

   Second Quarter   First Six Months 
   Revenues   Earnings   Revenues   Earnings 
   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  

Service and retailing

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $30,635     $    28,111         $    58,881     $    53,138      
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

     

Pre-tax earnings

       2,273        2,038         4,215     3,758  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

       780        729         1,456     1,326  
      

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
       $    1,493          $    1,309         $  2,759     $  2,432  
      

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

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)Corporation (“Lubrizol”)), metal cutting tools/systems (IMC International Metalworking Companies)Companies (“IMC”)), equipment and systems for the livestock and agricultural industries (CTB International)((CTB International (“CTB”)), and a variety of industrial products for diverse markets (Marmon, Scott Fetzer and Scott Fetzer)LiquidPower Specialty Products). Beginning on January 29, 2016, our industrial products group also 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), sixseveral apparel and footwear operations (led by(including Fruit of the Loom, which includes Russell athletic apparelGaran, H.H. Brown Shoe Group and Vanity Fair Brands women’s intimate apparel)Brooks Sports), custom picture framing products (Larson Juhl) and jewelry products (Richline). Beginningbeginning February 29, 2016, our consumer products group includes the Duracell Company (“Duracell”), a leading manufacturer of high performance alkaline batteries. This group also includes custom picture framing products (Larson Juhl) and jewelry products (Richline). A summary of revenues and pre-tax earnings of our manufacturing operations follows (in millions).

 

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

 

Revenues

     

 

Pre- tax earnings

  2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015     2017     2016     2017 

 2016 

Industrial products

   $6,505     $4,416     $1,133     $848     $12,199     $8,709      $2,187      $1,634        $6,508     $5,694      $994  $     1,054 

Building products

   2,847     2,710     305     341     5,308     5,037��     547      571         2,734      2,461       249  242 

Consumer products

   2,849     2,398     249     204     5,248     4,641      435      393         2,855      2,399       244  186 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

  

 

   $  12,201     $    9,524     $    1,687     $  1,393     $  22,755     $  18,387      $  3,169      $  2,598        $  12,097     $  10,554      $  1,487  $     1,482 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

  

 

Aggregate first quarter revenues in 2016 were approximately $12.2$12.1 billion in the second quarter and $22.8 billion in the first six months, representing increases2017, an increase of approximately $2.7$1.5 billion (28%(15%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 2015.2016. 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-taxPre-tax earnings fell 4% in the second quarter and 2% in the first sixquarter was $1.5 billion in 2017, which was relatively unchanged from 2016. Pre-tax earnings in 2017 included pre-tax losses of $184 million in connection with the disposition of an underperforming bolt-on business acquired by Lubrizol in 2014. Excluding these losses, pre-tax earnings of our manufacturing businesses increased 13% compared to 2016.

Industrial products

Revenues in the first quarter of 2017 increased $814 million (14%) versus 2016. The increase was primarily due to inclusion of PCC for the full three months of 2017 compared to two months in the prior year period. We also experienced revenue increases from Lubrizol (5%), IMC (7%) and CTB (12%). Comparatively higher volumes drove the first quarter revenue increases of Lubrizol and IMC, while business acquisitions generated most of CTB’s increase. Marmon manufacturing revenues increased 3% in the first quarter of 2017 versus 2016, as comparedreflecting the mixture of increases from business acquisitions, metal price increases and increased volume in certain product lines, offset by lower demand at several of its business units. In 2017, while sales volumes were generally higher than the first quarter of 2016, we experienced margin pressures, particularly at Lubrizol and CTB.

Pre-tax earnings in the corresponding 2015 periods.first quarter of 2017 declined $60 million (6%) compared to the first quarter of 2016. Pre-tax earnings in 2017 reflected earnings of PCC for the full three months, which was more than offset by lower earnings from certain of our other businesses. During the first quarter of 2017, Lubrizol recognized pre-tax losses of $184 million related to the disposition of an underperforming bolt-on business and the recognition of intangible asset impairments and restructuring charges. In the first quarter of 2017, Lubrizol, CTB, as well as other businesses, also experienced higher manufacturing costs derived from increased prices for petroleum-based materials and certain metals, which contributed to a comparative pre-tax margin decline. We continue to implement cost containment and other initiatives intended to improve productivity at several of our businesses.

 

35


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

 

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing(Continued)

 

Manufacturing(Continued)

 

Industrial products

Revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 increased approximately $2.1 billion (47%) and $3.5 billion (40%), respectively, versus the same periods in 2015. These increases were primarily due to inclusion of PCC, partially offset by declines in the second quarter (6%) and first six months (7%) across our other businesses. In 2016, sales volumes were generally lower compared to 2015, particularly for products sold to businesses in the oil and gas and heavy equipment industries. In addition, lower costs of petroleum-based raw materials and metals and increased competitive pressures in 2016 continued to push 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.

Pre-tax earnings in 2016 increased $285 million (34%) in the second quarter and $553 million (34%) in the first six 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 earnings of PCC, partially offset by comparative declines in earnings (8% for the second quarter and 6% for the first six months) from our other businesses, primarily IMC International, Lubrizol and Marmon’s retail fixtures and equipment, highway transportation equipment, wire products and metals distribution businesses. The declines in earnings of these businesses were attributable to the aforementioned soft market conditions, somewhat offset by the impacts of cost containment initiatives and lower average material prices. We expect the prevailing market conditions to continue over 2016 and we may take additional cost containment actions in response to further slowdowns in customer demand.

Building products

Revenues in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 increased $137$273 million (5%(11%) and $271 million (5%), respectively, compared to 2016. The increase reflected the same periods in 2015. The revenue increases reflectedeffect of bolt-on business acquisitions (Shaw and MiTek) and sales volume increases across most of our product categories,(MiTek and Johns Manville), partly offset by lower average sales prices and changes in product mix.

Pre-tax earnings in 2016 declined $36the first quarter of 2017 increased $7 million (11%(3%compared to 2016. The increase in earnings was primarily attributable to the second quarteraforementioned increases in revenues and $24 million (4%)lower restructuring charges, largely offset by lower gross sales margin rates in most of our businesses. The declines in gross sales margin rates were primarily due to increases in average raw material prices and contributed to an overall decline in the first six months as comparedquarter pre-tax margin from approximately 9.8% in 2016 to the corresponding periods9.1% in 2015. In the second quarter of 2016, the favorable impact from increased sales volume was more than offset by an increase in charges related to asset impairments, pension settlements and environmental claims.2017.

Consumer products

Revenues were approximately $2.9 billion in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2016 were approximately $2.8 billion and $5.2 billion, respectively, increases2017, an increase of $451$456 million (19%) and $607 million (13%), respectively, compared toover 2016. The increase reflected the corresponding 2015 periods. The increases reflected revenues fromimpact of the Duracell acquisition on February 29, 2016 and a 9.3% year-to-date6.7% increase in Forest River’s revenues, primarily attributabledue to increasedan increase in unit sales. Apparel revenues in the first six months of 2016 declined $74 million (4%)were relatively unchanged compared to 2015, which was primarily attributable to lower footwear sales and the impact of an apparel business divested in 2015.2016.

Pre-tax earnings in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 increased $45$58 million (22%(31%) and $42 million (11%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. In 2016, reflecting increased earnings increases were generated byfrom Duracell and Forest River, which benefitted from increased sales and lower material costs, and our clothing apparel businesses, which benefitted from past restructuring activities and divestitures of unprofitable business lines. These increases were partly offset by lower earnings from our footwear businesses, reflecting relatively difficult retail footwear industry conditions and fromapparel earnings. Duracell’s results in 2016 included significant transition and integration costs in connection witharising from the Duracell acquisition.

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).

 

   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)

   First Quarter 
   Revenues   Pre-tax earnings 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 

Service

   $2,617    $2,361    $260    $225

Retailing

   3,476    3,530    133    99

McLane Company

   12,101    11,801    88    136
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $  18,194    $  17,692    $  481    $  460
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 providefranchise and service a network of quick service restaurants (Dairy Queen). Services also include the electronic distribution services of corporate news, multimedia and regulatory filings (Business Wire). We are a franchisor, publication of quick service restaurants (Dairy Queen), publish newspapers and other publications (Buffalo News and the BH Media Group) and operateoperation of a television station in Miami, Florida (WPLG). We also offer third party logistics services that primarily serve the petroleum and chemical industries (Charter Brokerage).

36


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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing(Continued)

Service (Continued)

Revenues in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2016 declined $1082017 increased $256 million (4%(11%) and $172 million (3%), respectively, as compared to 2015. The decreases were2016, primarily due to lower revenues fromrevenue increases of NetJets partly offset by increased revenues from TTI. NetJets’ comparative revenues in 2016 declined 14% in the second quarter(19%) and 11% for the first six months,TTI (10%). The increase at NetJets was primarily due to loweran increase in fractional aircraft salessold and, lower fuel surchargeto a lesser degree, an increase in services revenues, attributable to lower fuel prices. TTI’s revenue increases in 2016 (8%pass-through costs and a 2% increase in the second quarter and 4% for the first six months) wereflight hours. The increase in TTI’s revenues was primarily due to increased sales volume increases in Europe and through the internet.most of its markets. Pre-tax earnings in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2016 declined $452017 increased $35 million (13%(16%) and $111 million (18%), respectively, as compared to corresponding periods2016. The increase in 2015. These declinesearnings was primarily reflectedattributable to increased earnings of NetJets and TTI, partly offset by lower earnings of NetJets. The declines in NetJets’ earnings were primarily due to lower aircraft salesfrom media businesses and reduced margins from flight operations, due primarily to increased maintenance costs and personnel costs, as well as an increase in depreciation.FlightSafety.

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 businessesretailers also include Berkshire Hathaway Automotive (“BHA”). BHA includes 83 auto dealerships, which was acquired in the first quarter of 2015. BHA currently includes 84 auto dealerships. BHA sellssell new and pre-owned automobiles and offersoffer repair and other related services and products, andproducts. BHA also includes two related insurance businesses, two auto auctions and a distributor of automotive fluid maintenance products.

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 Germany-based retailer of motorcycle accessories based in Germany which was acquired in the second quarter of 2015.accessories.

Revenues of our retailing businesses in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2016 increased approximately $1992017 decreased $54 million (5.5%(2%) and $1.6 billion (29%), respectively, as compared to 2016. The decrease reflected a 2% decline in revenues at BHA, due primarily to lower vehicle units sold, and lower revenues at See’s attributable to the same periodstiming of Easter, partly offset by a slight increase in 2015. The increases reflected the impact of the BHA and Louis acquisitions, which accounted for approximately $183 million and $1.5 billion, respectively, of the comparative increases. Revenuesrevenues of our home furnishings retailers and increased revenues of Pampered Chef. Pre-tax earnings in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 20162017 from retailing increased $34 million (5%(34%over 2016. The increase was primarily due to BHA and $170 million (13%), respectively, over 2015, driven by new stores opened byNebraska Furniture Mart. The earnings increase at BHA reflected lower amortization and operating expenses, as well as a slight increase in gross margin rates due to changes in sales mix. The earnings increase of Nebraska Furniture Mart and Jordan’s. Thereflected an increase in pre-tax earnings for the first six months was primarily attributable to BHAgross sales margin rate and Louis.lower operating and depreciation expenses.

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 units 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 secondfirst quarter andof 2017 were $12.1 billion, an increase of 2.5% over the first six monthsquarter of 2016 were $12.0 billion and $23.9 billion, respectively, decreases of 2.0% and 0.4%, respectively, compared with the corresponding periods2016. The increase in 2015. The year-to-date decreaserevenues was primarily due to a 2% reduction4% increase in grocery sales, partly offset by a 3% increase in foodservice sales. Earnings in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 were $129 million and $265 million, respectively, decreases of $18 million (12%) and $13 million (5%), respectively, compared to 2015. Pre-tax earnings in the 2015 periods includedfirst quarter of 2017 were $88 million, a gaindecrease of $19$48 million (35%) compared to 2016, due primarily to a 51% decline in earnings from grocery operations. In the dispositionfirst quarter of a subsidiary. Excluding this gain, the2017, our grocery business results were negatively affected by pricing pressures from an increasingly competitive business environment. In addition, personnel, fuel and depreciation costs increased at greater rates than revenues, negatively affecting our results. McLane’s consolidated operating margin (ratio of pre-tax earnings to revenues) in the first six monthsquarter of 20162017 was 1.11%, and was relatively unchanged from 2015.approximately 0.7% compared to 1.2% in 2016.

 

37


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

 

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.follows (in millions).

 

 Second Quarter First Six Months   First Quarter 
 Revenues Earnings Revenues Earnings   Revenues   Earnings 
 

     2016    

 

    2015     

 

     2016    

 

    2015    

 

      2016     

 

     2015      

 

     2016     

 

    2015     

   2017   2016   2017   2016 

Manufactured housing and finance

  $1,065     $924     $179     $    177     $   1,958     $ 1,711     $349   $326     $1,074    $893   $176    $170

Transportation equipment leasing

 671    618    245    215    1,354    1,216    496  420     624    683   209    251

Other

 253    257    159    158    403    426    216  248     167    150   81    57
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $ 1,989     $ 1,799     $583     $550     $3,715     $3,353     $ 1,061   $994     $    1,865    $    1,726    
 

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

     

Pre-tax earnings

       466    478

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   187    180      354  335         163    167
   

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

 
    $    396     $370       $707   $ 659         $    303    $    311
   

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

 

Manufactured housing and finance

Clayton Homes’ revenues in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $1412017 were approximately $1.1 billion, an increase of $181 million (15%(20%) and $247 million (14%), respectively, compared to 2015.2016. The increases reflectedincrease was primarily due to a 24%31% increase in year-to-date revenues from home sales, due primarily toattributable a 21%20% increase in units sold. Pre-tax 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, and higher average prices, primarily due to sales mix changes. In 2017, home sales included a higher mix of site built homes, which were partiallyhave a higher land content and therefore unit prices tend to be higher. In addition, the increased land content generally results in lower gross sales margin rates for site built homes than for typical sales of manufactured homes. Revenues from financial services in the first quarter of 2017 increased 2% compared to 2016. Pre-tax earnings increased $6 million (4%) in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to 2016. Earnings in 2017 included a gain of $11 million from a legal settlement and higher earnings from manufacturing and retail operations, partly offset by lower earnings from lending and finance activities. In 2017, the increase in financial services revenues was more than offset by increased losses from insurance claimsoperating and impairment charges on servicing assets. As of June 30, 2016, approximately 95% of the installment loan portfolio was current in terms of payment status.interest expenses.

Transportation equipment leasing

Transportation equipment leasing revenues in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $532017 decreased $59 million (9%) and $138 million (11%), respectively, compared to 2015. The increases were2016, primarily due to an increase in rail/tank cars on leaselower railcar sales, lower railcar and increased sales of railcars. The increase in rail/tank cars on lease reflected a largertrailer fleet size, due primarily to the acquisition of the GE Railcar Services fleet at the end of the third quarter of 2015, partially offset byutilization rates, and lower utilization rates. In 2016, we also experienced lower crane leasevolume and demand in North Americafor cranes and reduced volumes in other products and services attributable to lower oil and gas commodity prices.

services. Pre-tax earnings were $209 million in the secondfirst quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $302017, a decline of $42 million (14%(17%) and $76 million (18%), respectively, compared to 2015.2016. The increases weredecrease was primarily attributable to the positive impact of the revenue growth and lower depreciation rates for certain railcars, partially offset bydemand driven decline in revenues discussed previously, as well as from higher railcar repair and storage costs and additional interest expensecosts attributable to new borrowings from a Berkshire financing subsidiary. A significant portion of the transportation equipment leasing expenses,business costs, such as depreciation, do not vary proportionately to revenue changes and therefore changes in revenues can disproportionately impact earnings.

Other

Other earnings from 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 six months of 2016,2017, other earnings decreased $32increased $24 million compared to 2015,2016, reflecting decreasedincreased interest income and earnings from investment securities and Berkadia.Berkadia, partly offset by lower earnings from CORT. 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’the results of our manufactured housing and UTLX’s results.finance and transportation equipment business groups. Interest rate spreads charged to these businesses were $35$20 million in the first six months of 20162017 and $31$16 million in 2015.2016.

 

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.follows (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months   First Quarter 
  

     2016     

   

     2015     

   

    2016    

 

       2015       

   2017   2016 

Investment gains/losses

   $643        $362        $2,493    $459      $315    $1,850  

Derivative gains/losses

   20        (174)       (790 1,144      460    (810) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Gains/losses before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   663        188        1,703   1,603      775    1,040  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   269        65        (543 560      271    (812) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net gains/losses

   $394        $123        $ 2,246    $  1,043      $  504    $  1,852  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

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.investments. 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.

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 secondfirst quarter were $315 million in 2017 and $1.85 billion in 2016. Pre-tax investment gains in the first six monthsquarter of 2016 were $643 million and $2.5 billion, respectively, and $362 million and $459 million, respectively, in the comparable periods of 2015. Investment gains in 2016 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 tax-free 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 3 and Note 8 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.Our after-tax gain from this transaction was approximately $1.9 billion.

Investment gains/losses included pre-taxWe recorded no other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charges of $63 million in the second quarter of 2016. There were no OTTI charges in the first six monthsquarters of 2015.2017 or 2016. Although we have periodically recorded OTTI charges in earnings in the past, we continue to hold certainsome of thosethe related securities. If the market values of those investmentssecurities subsequently increase, following the date OTTI charges were recorded in earnings, thesuch 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.

AsAt the beginning of June 30, 2016, gross2018, we will adopt a new accounting standard that, among its provisions, changes the reporting of unrealized gains and losses on ourrelated to investments in equity securities and fixed maturity securities determined on an individual purchase lot basis were approximately $2.4 billion,certain other investments. Upon adoption of which approximately $1.5 billion pertainedthis accounting standard, we will reclassify the net unrealized gains for such investments presently reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income 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 creditworthinessretained earnings. The amount of the issuer,reclassification will be based on our abilityequity investments at December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2017, accumulated after-tax net unrealized gains related to equity securities and intent to holdother investments was approximately $47.8 billion. Thereafter, the investment untilchanges in the price recoversaccumulated unrealized gains and losses on equity securities, as well as realized gains and losses from sales and dispositions, will be included in our periodic Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We do not expect the adoption of this standard will affect our total consolidated shareholders’ equity. However, it will likely produce a very significant increase in the volatility of our periodic net earnings given the magnitude of our existing equity securities portfolio and the lengthinherent volatility of time and relative magnitude of the price decline.equity securities prices.

 

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 primarilycurrently represent the changes in fair value of our credit default and equity index put option contracts. Periodiccontract liabilities. The periodic changes in the fair values of these contracts are reflectedrecorded in earnings and can be significant, reflecting the volatility of underlying creditequity markets and equity markets.the changes in the inputs used to measure such liabilities.

Derivative contracts produced pre-tax gains in the secondfirst quarter of 20162017 of $20$460 million and pre-tax losses of approximately $174 million in 2015. In the first six months, these contracts produced pre-tax losses of $790$810 million in 2016, and pre-taxsubstantially all of which derived from our equity index put options. The gains of approximately $1.1 billion in 2015. In each period, the gains and losses2017 related to these contracts were primarily attributable to non-cash changesincreased index values and the passage of time, while the losses in the fair values of our contacts. In 2016 our equity index contracts produced pre-tax losses of $83 million in the second quarter and $879 million for the first six months. These losses were driven by lower index values and interest rates. In the first six months of 2015, the gains reflected increased index values and the favorable impact of a stronger U.S. Dollar. As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, equity index put option intrinsic values were approximately $2.0 billion$700 million and our recorded liabilities at fair value were approximately $4.4$2.43 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 agreementOther

A summary of after-tax other earnings (losses) follows (in millions).

   First Quarter 
     2017         2016   

Kraft Heinz earnings

   $ 222      $  159 

Acquisition accounting expenses

   (142     (134

Corporate interest expense

   (124     (213

Other

         (9
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net earnings (losses) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

   $  (44     $ (197
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

Kraft Heinz earnings includes Berkshire’s share of Kraft Heinz’s earnings attributable to common shareholders determined pursuant to the equity method. Other earnings also include charges from the application of the acquisition method in connection with Berkshire’s business acquisitions. Such charges were primarily from the counterparty. We paid $195 million upon termination and have no further exposure toamortization of intangible assets recorded in connection with those business acquisitions, which we view as corporate expenses. Corporate interest expense included after-tax foreign exchange losses under this contract. This contract produced pre-tax earnings of $103 million in the second quarter and $89 million in the first six monthsquarter of 2016.

Other

Other earnings include corporate income (including income from our investments in Kraft Heinz), expenses and income taxes not allocated to operating businesses. Earnings from our investments in Kraft Heinz included dividends on the Preferred Stock, which was redeemed in June 2016, and our equity method earnings from our common stock investment. Such earnings, after allocated corporate income taxes, were $247$57 million in the second quarter2017 and $406$161 million in the first six months of 2016. In 2015, our investments produced earnings of $50 million in the second quarter and $200 million for the first six 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 $32 million in the second quarter and a charge of $181 million for the first six months. In 2015, after-tax corporate interest expense was $110 million in the second quarter and $175 million in the first six months. The variations in comparative after-tax corporate interest expense were primarily attributable to foreign exchange gains and losses with respect to Euro denominated debt issued by Berkshire in March 2015 (€3.0during the last three years. Such debt is currently €6.85 billion, par) and March 2016 (€2.75 billion par). In 2016, corporate interest included after-taxthus changes in foreign currency exchange rates can produce sizable remeasurement gains of $101and losses. Excluding foreign currency effects, after-tax corporate interest expense was $67 million in the second quarter2017 and after-tax losses of $60$52 million in the first six months. In 2015, after-tax foreign currency exchange losses were $73 million2016. The increase in the second quarter and $102 million in the first six months. Relatively minor changes in the U.S. Dollar/Euro exchange rate can produce significant gains or losses given the level of our Eurointerest expense was attributable to increased average outstanding borrowings.

Also included in other earnings are charges related to the amortization of fair value adjustments made in connection with several business acquisitions. These charges (after-tax) were $126 million and $233 million in the second quarter and first six months, respectively, of 2016 compared to $99 million and $201 million, respectively, in the comparable periods in 2015.

Financial Condition

Our balance sheet continues to reflectreflects significant liquidity and a strong capital base. Our consolidated shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 was $263.0approximately $292.8 billion, an increase of $7.5about $9.8 billion since December 31, 2015.2016. Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders in the first six monthsquarter of 20162017 were $10.6 billion.

$4.1 billion and net unrealized appreciation of investments, after taxes, increased approximately $5.3 billion during the first quarter. At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, our insurance and other businesses held cash, and cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills of $61.8$79.4 billion and investments (excluding our investmentsinvestment in Kraft Heinz) of $140.8$171.6 billion. In June 2016, we received a paymentJanuary 2017, Berkshire issued new senior notes aggregating €1.1 billion and repaid $1.1 billion of $8.32 billion upon the redemption our investmentmaturing senior notes. There are no other Berkshire term debt maturities in Kraft Heinz Preferred Stock.2017. Berkshire’s debt outstanding at March 31, 2017 was $17.8 billion.

 

40


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

 

Financial Condition(Continued)

 

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 company 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. Over the next twelve months, $1.85 billion of parent company senior notes will mature.

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 six monthsquarter of 2016,2017, capital expenditures were $865 million by BHE and $674 million by BNSF. We estimate that aggregate forecasted capital expenditures of these businesses were approximately $4.1 billion, including $2.1 billion by BHE and $2.0 billion by BNSF. Forecasted capital expenditures of the two businesses for the remainder of 2016 approximate $4.5 billion. Future2017 will be approximately $6.5 billion and we currently expect to fund such future capital expenditures are expected to be funded fromwith cash flows from operations and debt issuances.

BNSF’s outstanding debt was approximately $22.2approximated $23.2 billion as of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, an increase of $452 million fromapproximately $1.2 billion since December 31, 2015.2016. In March 2017, BNSF issued $1.25 billion of senior unsecured debentures with $500 million due in 2027 and $750 million due in 2047. Approximately $650 million of BNSF debentures mature in May 2017, and another $650 million mature in March 2018. Outstanding borrowings of BHE and its subsidiaries, excluding its borrowings from Berkshire insurance subsidiaries, were approximately $36.4$37.7 billion as of June 30, 2016,at March 31, 2017, an increase of $404$643 million fromsince December 31, 2015.2016. During the first three months of 2017, BHE subsidiaries issued approximately $850 million of debt with maturity dates ranging from 2027 to 2047. BHE has $656 million of debt maturities during the remainder of 2017. 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$42.1 billion as of June 30, 2016, an increase of approximately $2.3 billionMarch 31, 2017, relatively unchanged since December 31, 2015.2016. Finance assets also includeconsist primarily of loans and finance receivables, and various types of property held for lease, as well as significant balances of cash, and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills and equity securities.

other investments. Finance and financial products liabilities were approximately $21.4$19.5 billion as of June 30, 2016, an increase of approximately $4.2 billionMarch 31, 2017, relatively unchanged compared to December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to new debt2016. Liabilities at March 31, 2017 included approximately $14.7 billion of senior unsecured notes issued by a wholly-owned financing subsidiary, Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”). In March 2016, BHFC issued $3.5 billion of senior notes. See Note 16 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. The proceeds wereof BHFC’s senior notes are 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 carUTLX railcar leasing business, UTLX.business. In January 2017, BHFC issued new senior notes aggregating $1.3 billion due in 2019 and 2020 and repaid $1.05 billion of maturing notes. Over the next twelve months, $3.4remainder of 2017, an additional $1.75 billion of BHFC senior notes will mature. Berkshire guarantees the full and timely payment of principal and interest with respect to BHFC’s senior notes.

Berkshire’s Board of Directors has authorized Berkshire management to repurchase, at its discretion, Berkshire Class A and Class B common stock at prices no higher than a 20% premium over book value. There is no obligation to repurchase any stock and the program is expected to continue indefinitely. We will not repurchase our stock if it reduces the total amount of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings below $20 billion. Financial strength and redundant liquidity will always be of paramount importance at Berkshire. There were no repurchases in 2017.

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 reflectedincluded 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 obligationsstatements, but will be reflectedrecognized in future periods as the goods are delivered or services are provided.

DuringThe timing and amount of the first six monthspayments under certain contracts, such as insurance and reinsurance contracts, are contingent upon the outcome of 2016,future events and claim settlements. Actual payments will likely vary, perhaps materially, from the estimated liabilities currently recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. As previously discussed, we issued new term debtentered into a retroactive reinsurance agreement with AIG, which became effective in February 2017. In connection with this agreement, we recorded liabilities of $16.4 billion for unpaid losses and assumed debt throughloss adjustment expenses, representing our current estimate of the PCC business acquisition. Futureclaims we ultimately expect to pay under the agreement. Based on our current estimates, we project future payments of principalunder this agreement as follows: 2020-2021 – $3.6 billion and interest related to such borrowings are summarizedthereafter – $12.8 billion; however, as follows (in millions): 2016 - $303; 2017 - $397; 2018 - $3,130; 2019 - $2,096; and 2020 and after - $15,798. generally noted above, actual payments under this agreement will likely vary, perhaps materially, from these estimates.

Except as otherwise disclosed herein, our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 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, 2015.2016.

 

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, 2015.2016.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 includes estimated liabilities for unpaid losses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of approximately $75$94 billion. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the process of establishing loss reserve amounts, the actual ultimate claim amounts will likely differ from the currently recorded amounts. A very small percentage change in estimates of this magnitude will result in a material effect on periodic earnings. The effects from changes in these estimates are recorded as a component of insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses in the period of the change.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of approximately $79$80 billion. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and we conducted our most recent annual review during the fourth quarter of 2015.2016. 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 affecting the valuationsvaluation of the reporting units.unit. 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 principalimportant 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 or cyber attack 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 June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, 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, 2015.2016.

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

WeBerkshire and its subsidiaries 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, 20152016 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 the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, equivalentcash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings 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 sixthree months of 2016.2017.

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

 

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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 June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2015,2016, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for each of the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the six-monththree-month periods ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the six-monththree-month periods ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 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: AugustMay 5, 20162017

 

/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG

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

 

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