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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC - Quarter Report: 2016 June (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q

 

 

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, 2016

OR

 

¨

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 001-14905

 

 

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   47-0813844

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

3555 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131

(Address of principal executive office)

(Zip Code)

(402) 346-1400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer

 

x

  

Accelerated filer

 

¨

Non-accelerated filer

 

¨

  

Smaller reporting company

 

¨

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

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

 

Class A —

     788,894   

Class B —

     1,282,442,561   

 

 

 


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

 

     Page No.  

Part I – Financial Information

  

Item 1. Financial Statements

  
    

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

     2   
    

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

     4   
    

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

     5   
    

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

     5   
    

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

     6   
    

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     7-24   

Item 2.

    

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

     25-42   

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    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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  
     2016     2015     2016        2015  
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Revenues:

           

Insurance and Other:

           

Insurance premiums earned

    $ 10,799         $ 10,400         $ 21,923          $ 19,940   

Sales and service revenues

     30,542          27,792          58,821           52,733   

Interest, dividend and other investment income

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

Investment gains/losses

     640          136          2,486           232   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 
     43,598          39,651          86,238           75,531   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

           

Revenues

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

           

Sales and service revenues

     1,577          1,383          2,969           2,605   

Interest, dividend and other investment income

     411          416          743           748   

Investment gains/losses

     3          226          7           227   

Derivative gains/losses

     20          (174)         (790        1,144   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

           

Insurance and Other:

           

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

     7,178          6,692          14,710           12,693   

Life, annuity and health insurance benefits

     1,241          1,738          2,408           2,918   

Insurance underwriting expenses

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

Cost of sales and services

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

Selling, general and administrative expenses

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

Interest expense

     28          217          415           361   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 
     38,732          36,632          76,413           68,906   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

           

Cost of sales and operating expenses

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

Interest expense

     596          653          1,281           1,285   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

           

Cost of sales and services

     875          739          1,643           1,398   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     443          402          836           767   

Interest expense

     103          97          204           196   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 
     1,421          1,238          2,683           2,361   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 
     47,088          45,522          93,035           86,519   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

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

Income tax expense

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net earnings

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

Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

     81          94          149           163   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net earnings per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders *

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

Average equivalent Class A Shares outstanding *

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

 

*

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  
     2016     2015     2016        2015  
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Net earnings

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

           

Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments

     (271)         234          (2,962        (3,562

Applicable income taxes

     94          (151)         993           1,280   

Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings

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

Applicable income taxes

     4          36          636           68   

Foreign currency translation

     (607)         577          (114        (783

Applicable income taxes

     44          4          14           (19

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

     51          (44)         55           5   

Applicable income taxes

     (19)         13          (19        (2

Other, net

     16          25          (6        (100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net

     (697)         590          (3,219        (3,308
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     4,385          4,697          7,520           6,032   

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     61          131          135           170   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

    $ 4,324         $   4,566         $ 7,385          $ 5,862   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

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     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

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

Net earnings

     —         —          10,590                 149          10,739     

Other comprehensive income, net

     —         (3,205)                         (14)         (3,219)    

Issuance of common stock

     52         —                          —          52     

Transactions with noncontrolling interests

     38         —                          21          59     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

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

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

 

     First Six Months  
     2016     2015  
     (Unaudited)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net earnings

   $ 10,739      $ 9,340   

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:

    

Investment gains/losses

     (2,493     (459

Depreciation and amortization

     4,359        3,812   

Other

     (72     160   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     1,769        670   

Deferred charges reinsurance assumed

     35        246   

Unearned premiums

     1,444        1,379   

Receivables and originated loans

     (2,716     (2,667

Derivative contract assets and liabilities

     790        (1,144

Income taxes

     1,822        2,763   

Other

     (366     (157
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from operating activities

     15,311        13,943   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of fixed maturity securities

     (3,130     (3,001

Purchases of equity securities

     (4,129     (4,714

Sales of fixed maturity securities

     926        622   

Redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity securities

     4,767        2,295   

Sales and redemptions of equity securities

     12,444        2,160   

Purchases of loans and finance receivables

     (188     (57

Collections of loans and finance receivables

     174        246   

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

     (30,440     (4,500

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (6,144     (6,836

Other

     (397     41   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from investing activities

     (26,117     (13,744
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses

     8,600        3,253   

Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses

     2,211        3,238   

Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses

     3,494        998   

Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses

     (1,148     (1,843

Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses

     (1,781     (848

Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses

     (195     (1,173

Changes in short term borrowings, net

     618        (246

Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests

     (2     (70

Other

     (44     (113
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from financing activities

     11,753        3,196   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes

     2        (77
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     949        3,318   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     71,730        63,269   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of second quarter *

   $ 72,679        $   66,587   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

* Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following:

    

Beginning of year—

    

Insurance and Other

   $ 61,181        $ 57,974   

Railroad, Utilities and Energy

     3,437        3,001   

Finance and Financial Products

     7,112        2,294   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 71,730        $ 63,269   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of second quarter—

    

Insurance and Other

   $ 61,788        $ 60,394   

Railroad, Utilities and Energy

     3,036        3,860   

Finance and Financial Products

     7,855        2,333   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 72,679        $ 66,587   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2016

Note 1. General

The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire” or “Company”) consolidated with the accounts of all its subsidiaries and affiliates in which Berkshire holds controlling financial interests as of the financial statement date. In these notes the terms “us,” “we” or “our” refer to Berkshire and its consolidated subsidiaries. Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) which includes information necessary or useful to understanding Berkshire’s businesses and financial statement presentations. Our significant accounting policies and practices were presented as Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report.

Financial information in this Report reflects any adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of results for the interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). For a number of reasons, our results for interim periods are not normally indicative of results to be expected for the year. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses incurred by insurance subsidiaries and the estimation error inherent to the process of determining liabilities for unpaid losses of insurance subsidiaries can be more significant to results of interim periods than to results for a full year. Variations in the amount and timing of investment gains/losses can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings. Investment gains/losses are recorded when investments are disposed or are other-than-temporarily impaired. In addition, changes in the fair values of liabilities associated with derivative contracts can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements

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

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

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

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases.” ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, along with additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual 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 3. Significant business acquisitions

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

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

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

Financial results attributable to these business acquisitions are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The 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. Goodwill from these acquisitions is not amortizable for income tax purposes. Preliminary fair values of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed and residual goodwill of PCC and Duracell at their respective acquisition dates are summarized in the table that follows (in millions).

 

     PCC      Duracell  

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       

 

8


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities

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

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
 

June 30, 2016

          

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

    $ 3,511        $ 25        $       $ 3,536   

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     1,266         66         (1     1,331   

Foreign governments

     9,613         359         (50     9,922   

Corporate bonds

     6,951         753         (10     7,694   

Mortgage-backed securities

     1,133         169         (5     1,297   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $   22,474        $ 1,372        $ (66    $ 23,780   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2015

          

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

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

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     1,695         71         (2     1,764   

Foreign governments

     11,327         226         (85     11,468   

Corporate bonds

     7,323         632         (29     7,926   

Mortgage-backed securities

     1,279         168         (5     1,442   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

     June 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015

Insurance and other

     $ 23,744        $ 25,988  

Finance and financial products

       36          39  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $ 23,780        $   26,027  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

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

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

 

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

Amortized cost

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

Fair value

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

 

9


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 5. Investments in equity securities

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

 

     Cost Basis      Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
 

June 30, 2016 *

          

Banks, insurance and finance

    $ 19,852        $ 22,247        $ (284    $ 41,815   

Consumer products

     5,259         17,956         (112     23,103   

Commercial, industrial and other

     33,822         7,422         (1,928     39,316   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $   58,933        $   47,625        $   (2,324    $ 104,234   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

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

 

     Cost Basis      Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 

December 31, 2015 *

           

Banks, insurance and finance

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

Consumer products

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

Commercial, industrial and other

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

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

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

Insurance and other

     $ 102,563          $ 110,212    

Railroad, utilities and energy *

     1,347          1,238    

Finance and financial products

     324          372    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 104,234          $ 111,822    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

Included in other assets.

 

10


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 6. Other investments

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

 

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

Insurance and other

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

Finance and financial products

     3,052         3,052          6,339         5,719    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $   13,022        $     13,022         $  20,826        $     21,717    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

We own $2.1 billion liquidation amount of Wrigley preferred stock that was acquired pursuant to a shareholder agreement in conjunction with Mars Incorporated’s acquisition of Wrigley in 2008. The Wrigley preferred stock is entitled to dividends at 5% per annum. 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.

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

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

We own Class A 9% Cumulative Compounding Perpetual Preferred Shares of RBI (“RBI Preferred”) having a stated value of $3 billion. RBI, domiciled in Canada, is the ultimate parent company of Burger King and Tim Hortons. The RBI Preferred is entitled to dividends on a cumulative basis of 9% per annum plus an additional amount, if necessary, to produce an after-tax yield to Berkshire as if the dividends were paid by a U.S.-based company.

Note 7. Investments in The Kraft Heinz Company

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

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

 

11


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

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

 

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

On July 2, 2015, Heinz Holding acquired Kraft Foods Group, Inc. (“Kraft”). 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 include Kraft, Capri Sun, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Lunchables, Maxwell House, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters and Velveeta.

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 second quarter and first six months of 2016 were 31.1% and 22.3%, 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 of (a) dividends received deductions applicable to certain investments in equity securities, (b) income production tax credits from wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. and (c) lower income tax rates applicable to earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries.

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

 

12


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 9. Investment gains/losses

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

 

             Second Quarter                        First Six Months          
         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.

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

Note 10. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

 

         June 30,    
2016
     December 31,
2015
 

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.

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.

 

13


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 11. Receivables (Continued)

 

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

 

     June 30,
2016
     December 31,
2015
 

Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts

   $     13,547        $     13,186   

Allowances for uncollectible loans

     (182)         (182)  

Unamortized acquisition discounts

     (277)         (232)  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $     13,088        $     12,772   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loans and finance receivables are predominantly originated or acquired manufactured housing installment loans. Provisions for loan losses in the first six months were $78 million in 2016 and $77 million in 2015. Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, in the first six months were $78 million in 2016 and $93 million in 2015. At June 30, 2016, approximately 98% of the loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment. As a part of the evaluation process, credit quality indicators are reviewed and loans are designated as performing or non-performing. At June 30, 2016, 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

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.

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our railroad and our utilities and energy businesses follows (in millions). The utility generation, transmission and distribution systems and interstate natural gas pipeline assets are owned by regulated public utility and natural gas pipeline subsidiaries.

 

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

Railroad:

        

Land

     —         $ 6,054        $ 6,037     

Track structure and other roadway

     7 – 100 years         46,955          45,967     

Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment

     6 – 40 years         11,758          11,320     

Construction in progress

     —           1,131          1,031     
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        65,898          64,355     

Accumulated depreciation

        (5,370)         (4,845)    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 60,528        $ 59,510     
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Utilities and energy:

  

Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems

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

Interstate natural gas pipeline assets

     3 – 80 years         6,835          6,755     

Independent power plants and other assets

     3 – 30 years         5,882          5,626     

Construction in progress

     —           2,701          2,627     
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        85,373          84,256     

Accumulated depreciation

        (23,924)         (23,487)    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $     61,449        $     60,769     
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

14


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 12. Property, plant and equipment (Continued)

 

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
 

Assets held for lease

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

Land

   —        222          220     

Buildings, machinery and other

   3 – 50 years      1,267          1,207     
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        13,258          12,744     

Accumulated depreciation

        (3,596)         (3,397)    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 9,662        $ 9,347     
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

A summary of depreciation expense follows (in millions).

 

     First Six Months  
     2016      2015  

Insurance and other

   $ 1,037       $ 824   

Railroad, utilities and energy

     2,298         2,155   

Finance and financial products

     308         296   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,643       $ 3,275   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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
 

Balance at beginning of year

   $   62,708        $ 60,714     

Acquisitions of businesses

     16,772          2,563     

Other, including foreign currency translation

     (303)         (569)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 79,177        $ 62,708     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

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

Insurance and other

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

Railroad, utilities and energy

       894          266          888          239  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

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

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Trademarks and trade names

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

Patents and technology

       4,389          2,237          4,252          2,050  

Customer relationships

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

Other

       3,104          898          2,731          755  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

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

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

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 months was $716 million in 2016 and $537 million in 2015. Intangible assets with indefinite lives, excluding business acquisitions completed in 2016, were approximately $3 billion as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

15


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 14. Derivative contracts

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

 

    June 30, 2016     December 31, 2015  
     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       
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

(1) 

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

 

(2) 

In July 2016, 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.

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

 

     Second Quarter        First Six Months  
    

 

      2016      

           2015                  2016                2015      

Equity index put options

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

Credit default

     103            (36)             89           (29
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

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

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

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

The aggregate intrinsic value (the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date) of our equity index put option contracts was approximately $2.0 billion at June 30, 2016 and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2015. However, these contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates. Therefore, the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses on these contracts will not be determined for several years. The remaining weighted average life of all contracts was approximately 4.4 years at June 30, 2016.

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

 

16


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 14. Derivative contracts (Continued)

 

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

Note 15. Supplemental cash flow information

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

 

     First Six Months
    

 

2016

   

    2015    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Income taxes

    $ 1,055      $    1,128

Interest:

    

Insurance and other businesses

     253      185

Railroad, utilities and energy businesses

     1,406      1,319

Finance and financial products businesses

     184      215

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

    

Liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions

     16,997      2,478

Equity securities exchanged in connection with business acquisition

     4,239      —  

Note 16. Notes payable and other borrowings

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

Short-term subsidiary borrowings

    2.1%        2,172        1,989      

Other subsidiary borrowings due 2016-2044

    3.9%        7,360        2,811      
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     $  27,567       $ 14,599      
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

17


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 16. Notes payable and other borrowings (Continued)

 

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

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     
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BHE subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. Substantially all of the assets of certain BHE subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants including, but not limited to, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios. BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In May 2016, BNSF issued $750 million of 3.9% debentures due in 2046. As of June 30, 2016, BNSF and BHE and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt, borrowings or lines of credit of BNSF, BHE or their subsidiaries.

 

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

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     
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

As of June 30, 2016, our subsidiaries also had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately $8.5 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included about $4.4 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries. In addition to BHFC’s borrowings, Berkshire guarantees certain other subsidiary borrowings, which aggregated approximately $3.3 billion at June 30, 2016. Generally, Berkshire’s guarantee of a subsidiary’s debt obligation is an absolute, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for the full and prompt payment when due of all present and future payment obligations.

 

18


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 17. Fair value measurements

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

 

    

     Carrying     
Value

  

    Fair Value    

  

Quoted
Prices
      (Level 1)      

    

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

    

Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

June 30, 2016

                  

Investments in fixed maturity securities:

                  

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

   $    3,536     $    3,536        $    2,407          $    1,129            $    —        

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   1,331     1,331        —            1,331            —        

Foreign governments

   9,922     9,922        7,656          2,266            —        

Corporate bonds

   7,694     7,694        —            7,589            105      

Mortgage-backed securities

   1,297     1,297        —            1,297            —        

Investments in equity securities

   104,234     104,234        104,198          35            1      

Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock

   15,752     28,795        28,795          —              —        

Other investments

   20,826     20,826        351          —              20,475      

Loans and finance receivables

   13,088     13,450        —            14            13,436      

Derivative contract assets (1)

   109     109        2          12            95      

Derivative contract liabilities:

                  

Railroad, utilities and energy (1)

   199     199        5          157            37      

Finance and financial products:

                  

Equity index put options

   4,431     4,431        —            —              4,431      

Credit default

   195     195        —            195            —        

Notes payable and other borrowings:

                  

Insurance and other

   27,567     28,982        —            28,982            —        

Railroad, utilities and energy

   58,595     68,757        —            68,757            —        

Finance and financial products

   15,251     16,068        —            15,656            412      

December 31, 2015

                  

Investments in fixed maturity securities:

                  

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

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

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   1,764     1,764        —            1,764            —        

Foreign governments

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

Corporate bonds

   7,926     7,926        —            7,826            100      

Mortgage-backed securities

   1,442     1,442        —            1,442            —        

Investments in equity securities

   111,822     111,822        111,786          35            1      

Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock

   15,714     23,679        23,679          —              —        

Investment in Kraft Heinz Preferred Stock

   7,710     8,363        —            —              8,363      

Other investments

   21,717     21,717        315          —              21,402      

Loans and finance receivables

   12,772     13,112        —            16            13,096      

Derivative contract assets (1)

   103     103        —            5            98      

Derivative contract liabilities:

                  

Railroad, utilities and energy (1)

   237     237        13          177            47      

Finance and financial products:

                  

Equity index put options

   3,552     3,552        —            —              3,552      

Credit default

   284     284        —            —              284      

Notes payable and other borrowings:

                  

Insurance and other

   14,599     14,773        —            14,773            —        

Railroad, utilities and energy

   57,739     62,471        —            62,471            —        

Finance and financial products

   11,951     12,363        —            11,887            476      

 

(1)

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

 

19


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 17. Fair value measurements (Continued)

 

The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the fair values presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in an actual current market exchange. The use of alternative market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value. The hierarchy for measuring fair value consists of Levels 1 through 3, which are described below.

Level 1—Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets.

Level 2—Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities exchanged in active or inactive markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in inactive markets; other inputs that may be considered in fair value determinations of the assets or liabilities, such as interest rates and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Pricing evaluations generally reflect discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, estimated durations and yields for other instruments of the issuer or entities in the same industry sector.

Level 3—Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets or liabilities and it may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in valuing assets or liabilities.

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

 

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

Six months ending June 30, 2016

            

Balance at December 31, 2015

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

Gains (losses) included in:

            

Earnings

       —           —           (737 )

Other comprehensive income

       1         (927 )       —    

Regulatory assets and liabilities

       —           —           (11 )

Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements

       5         —           (35 )

Transfers into/out of Level 3

       (1 )       —           195  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

     $ 105       $ 20,476       $ (4,373 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 primarily represent the net change in unrealized appreciation of investments.

 

20


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 17. Fair value measurements (Continued)

 

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

 

    

Fair

Value

  

Principal Valuation

Techniques

  

Unobservable Inputs

   Weighted
Average

Other investments:

           

Preferred stocks

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

Common stock warrants

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

Net derivative liabilities:

           

Equity index put options

   4,431    Option pricing model    Volatility    21%

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

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

We value equity index put option contracts based on the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Inputs to this model include 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 volatility inputs represent our expectations, which consider the remaining duration of each contract and assume that the contracts will remain outstanding until the expiration dates without offsetting transactions occurring in the interim. Increases or decreases in the volatility inputs will produce increases or decreases in the fair values of the liabilities.

Note 18. Common stock

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

 

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

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

21


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 18. Common stock (Continued)

 

Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote per share. Class B common stock possesses dividend and distribution rights equal to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of such rights of Class A common stock. Each Class B common share possesses voting rights equivalent to one-ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of the voting rights of a Class A share. Unless otherwise required under Delaware General Corporation Law, Class A and Class B common shares vote as a single class. Each share of Class A common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into 1,500 shares of Class B common stock. Class B common stock is not convertible into Class A common stock. On an equivalent Class A common stock basis, there were 1,643,813 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and 1,643,393 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.

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

Note 19. Accumulated other comprehensive income

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

 

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

Six months ending June 30, 2016

                    

Balance at December 31, 2015

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

Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications

       (1,971 )       (78 )       (5 )       (22 )       (2,076 )

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income

       (1,180 )       —           35         16         (1,129 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

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

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Reclassifications from other comprehensive income into net earnings:

                    

Investment gains/losses

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

Other

       —           —           51         35         86  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Reclassifications before income taxes

       (1,816 )       —           51         35         (1,730 )

Applicable income taxes

       (636 )       —           16         19         (601 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
     $ (1,180 )     $ —         $ 35       $ 16       $ (1,129 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

22


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 19. Accumulated other comprehensive income (Continued)

 

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

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 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Note 20. Contingencies and Commitments

We are parties in a variety of legal actions that routinely arise out of the normal course of business, including legal actions seeking to establish liability directly through insurance contracts or indirectly through reinsurance contracts issued by Berkshire subsidiaries. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. We do not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and penalties. We believe that any liability that may arise as a result of other pending legal actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

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

 

23


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 21. Business segment data

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

 

    Second Quarter        First Six Months  
    2016     2015        2016        2015  

Operating Businesses:

             

Insurance group:

             

Underwriting:

             

GEICO

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

General Re

    1,389          1,494             2,779            2,992    

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

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

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

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

Investment income

    1,236          1,338             2,385            2,428    
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total insurance group

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

BNSF

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

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

    4,299          4,543             8,417            8,874    

Manufacturing

    12,201          9,524             22,755            18,387    

McLane Company

    12,049          12,293             23,850            23,936    

Service and retailing

    6,385          6,294             12,276            10,815    

Finance and financial products

    1,989          1,799             3,715            3,353    
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
    53,543          51,560             104,673            98,704    

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

             

Investment and derivative gains/losses

    663          188             1,703            1,603    

Income from Kraft Heinz

    386          —             626            231    

Eliminations and other

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

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

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

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

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

 

    Second Quarter        First Six Months  
    2016     2015        2016        2015  

Operating Businesses:

             

Insurance group:

             

Underwriting:

             

GEICO

  $ 150          $ 53             $ 414          $ 213   

General Re

    2            107               44            60   

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

    184            (411)              105            48   

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

    174            203               295            378   

Investment income

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

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total insurance group

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

BNSF

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

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

    666            649               1,235            1,245   

Manufacturing

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

McLane Company

    129            147               265            278   

Service and retailing

    457            498               781            882   

Finance and financial products

    583            550               1,061            994   
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

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

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

             

Investment and derivative gains/losses

    663            188               1,703            1,603   

Income from Kraft Heinz

    386            —               626            231   

Interest expense, not allocated to segments

    31            (189)              (317)           (308)   

Eliminations and other

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

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

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

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

24


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

Results of Operations

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

 

     Second Quarter     First Six Months  
     2016      2015     2016      2015  

Insurance – underwriting

    $ 337         $ (38    $ 550         $ 442    

Insurance – investment income

     978          977        1,897          1,852    

Railroad

     772          963        1,556          2,008    

Utilities and energy

     482          502        923          923    

Manufacturing, service and retailing

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

Finance and financial products

     396          370        707          659    

Investment and derivative gains/losses

     394          123        2,246          1,043    

Other

     149          (193     (48)         (182)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

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

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

Our insurance underwriting operations generated increased net earnings in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 compared to 2015. The increases reflected variations in the foreign currency exchange gains/losses related to claim liabilities denominated in foreign currencies under certain Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group retroactive 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. Our railroad business generated significantly lower net earnings in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to a 7.5% year-to-date decline in unit volume. Net earnings of our utilities and energy businesses were relatively unchanged in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 compared to 2015. Net earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses in 2016 increased 14.1% in the second quarter and 13.4% in the first six months as compared to 2015, reflecting the impact of the PCC and Duracell acquisitions, partly offset by lower aggregate earnings from the other businesses within this group.

After-tax investment and derivative gains in the second 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 derivative gains and losses have caused and will likely continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.

Insurance—Underwriting

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

 

25


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

 

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

 

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

The timing and amount of large property catastrophe losses can produce significant volatility in our periodic underwriting results, particularly with respect to our reinsurance businesses. Our periodic underwriting results may be affected significantly by changes in estimates for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including amounts established for occurrences in prior years. Actual claim settlements and revised loss estimates will develop over time. Unpaid loss estimates recorded as of the balance sheet date will develop upward or downward in future periods, producing a corresponding decrease or increase to pre-tax earnings. Variations in foreign currency exchange rates can produce relatively significant foreign currency exchange gains and losses in our periodic earnings with respect to non-U.S. dollar liabilities of our U.S.-based insurance subsidiaries.

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

 

       Second Quarter        First Six Months  
       2016        2015        2016        2015  

Underwriting gain (loss) attributable to:

                   

GEICO

      $ 150             $ 53             $ 414          $ 213   

General Re

       2              107              44           60   

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

       184              (411)             105           48   

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

       174              203              295           378   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)

       510              (48)             858           699   

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

       173              (10)             308           257   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net underwriting gain (loss)

      $    337             $    (38)            $    550          $    442   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

GEICO

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

 

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

Premiums written

    $       6,229            $      5,591            $ 12,794            $     11,477       
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

    

Premiums earned

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     5,173          82.8           4,699          83.6           9,996          81.3           9,015          81.9     

Underwriting expenses

     924          14.8           867          15.4           1,887          15.3        

 

1,776 

  

     16.1     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total losses and expenses

     6,097          97.6           5,566          99.0           11,883          96.6           10,791          98.0     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain

    $ 150            $ 53            $ 414            $          213       
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

26


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

 

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

 

GEICO (Continued)

 

Premiums written in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 were $6.2 billion and $12.8 billion, respectively, increases of 11.4% and 11.5%, 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. These increases reflected voluntary auto policy-in-force growth of 4.2% and increased average premiums per auto policy of approximately 7.1% over the past twelve months due to rate increases, coverage changes and 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 months compared to 2015. The growth in voluntary auto new business sales accelerated in June and has continued in July. During the first six months of 2016, voluntary auto policies-in-force increased by approximately 394,000.

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 ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums) declined 0.8 percentage points in the second quarter and 0.6 percentage points in the first six months as compared to 2015, reflecting the impact 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 2016 for property damage and collision coverages decreased in the 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 months of 2016 were relatively unchanged from 2015. Average claims severities were higher in the first six months of 2016 for physical damage and collision coverages (four to six percent range) and bodily injury coverage (five to seven percent range). In addition, we experienced storm losses of approximately $290 million in the first six months of 2016, compared to $124 million in the first six months of 2015.

Underwriting expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 were $924 million and $1.9 billion, respectively, increases of $57 million (6.6%) and $111 million (6.3%), respectively, over 2015. Our expense ratio (underwriting expenses to premiums earned) in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 declined 0.6 and 0.8 percentage points, respectively, compared to 2015. The largest components of underwriting expenses are employee-related expenses (salaries and benefits) and advertising costs. The increases in underwriting expenses reflect the increase in policies-in-force.

General Re

General Re conducts a reinsurance business offering property and casualty and life and health coverages to clients worldwide. We write property and casualty reinsurance in North America on a direct 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 strives to generate underwriting profits in essentially all of its product lines. Our management does not evaluate underwriting performance based upon market share and our underwriters are instructed to reject inadequately priced risks. General Re’s underwriting results are summarized in the following table. Amounts are in millions.

 

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

 

    2016    

   

     2015     

   

    2016    

   

      2015     

   

   2016   

   

     2015     

   

   2016   

   

   2015   

 

Property/casualty

   $ 624        $ 706        $ 1,276          $1,436        $ 23           $ 88         $ 53       $ 74   

Life/health

    765         788         1,503         1,556         (21)           19          (9     (14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,389        $ 1,494        $ 2,779          $2,992        $ 2           $ 107         $ 44       $ 60   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property/casualty

In the second quarter and first six months of 2016, property/casualty premiums written declined $23 million (5%) and $214 million (13%), respectively, while premiums earned decreased $82 million (12%) and $160 million (11%), respectively, as compared to 2015. 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, compared to 2015. Our premium volume declined in both the direct and broker markets. Insurance industry capacity remains high and price competition in most property/casualty reinsurance markets persists. We continue to decline business when we believe prices are inadequate. However, we remain prepared to write substantially more business when more appropriate prices can be attained relative to the risks assumed.

 

27


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

 

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

 

General Re (Continued)

 

In the second quarter and first six months of 2016, 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 and a pre-tax underwriting loss of $25 million in the first six months of 2016. In 2015, this business produced pre-tax underwriting losses of $16 million in the second quarter and $25 million in the first six months. Underwriting results in the first six months of 2016 and 2015 included net losses on current year business, partially offset by gains from reductions of estimated losses on prior years’ business of $110 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 second 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 2015 reflected underwriting gains from our international life business offset by losses from the periodic 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.

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

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

 

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

Property/casualty

    $  1,067        $ 911        $ 2,194        $ 1,827        $ 249           $ 15           $ 375       $ 422   

Retroactive reinsurance

                   582                9            (283)          (82     (285

Life and annuity

     583         1,064         1,119         1,595         (74)          (143)          (188     (89
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 1,652        $ 1,978        $  3,895        $ 3,425        $    184           $ (411)         $ 105       $ 48   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property/casualty

Premiums written in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $386 million (57%) and $624 million (30%), 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. Our premium volume is generally constrained for most property/casualty coverages, and for property catastrophe coverages in particular as rates, in our view, are generally inadequate. However, we have the capacity and desire to write more business when appropriate pricing can be obtained.

Our property/casualty business generated pre-tax underwriting gains of $249 million and $375 million in the second quarter and first six months, respectively, of 2016 compared to $15 million and $422 million, respectively, in 2015. The pre-tax underwriting gains in the first six months of 2016 and 2015 were primarily due to reductions of estimated losses on prior years’ business.

 

28


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

 

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

 

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (Continued)

 

Retroactive reinsurance

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

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

Life and annuity

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

 

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

Periodic payment annuity

    $     195        $     674          $     404          $     867        $        $     (163    $ (62)           $     (153)   

Life reinsurance

     383         385           706           718                 (59     14             (68)   

Variable annuity guarantee

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $ 583        $ 1,064          $   1,119          $     1,595        $     (74)        $ (143    $     (188)           $ (89)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 million in the first six months of 2016. In 2015, this business produced pre-tax losses of $163 million in the second quarter and $153 million in the first six months. Before the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on foreign currency denominated liabilities of U.S.-based subsidiaries, annuity contracts produced pre-tax underwriting losses of $118 million and $228 million in the second quarter and first six months, respectively, of 2016 compared to losses of $72 million and $146 million, respectively, in 2015. This business is expected to generate underwriting losses attributable to the recurring accretion of discounted annuity liabilities. The increases in underwriting losses in 2016 compared to 2015 reflected increased 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. Aggregate annuity liabilities were approximately $9.1 billion at June 30, 2016 and $8.7 billion at December 31, 2015.

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

 

29


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

 

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

 

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (Continued)

 

Our variable annuity business primarily consists of contracts that provide guarantees on closed blocks of variable annuity business written by other insurers. The periodic underwriting gains and losses in each period reflect the impacts of changes in 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 several independently managed insurance businesses. These businesses include: MedPro Group, providers of healthcare malpractice insurance coverages; National Indemnity Company’s primary group (“NICO Primary”), writers of commercial motor vehicle and general liability coverages; U.S. Investment Corporation, whose subsidiaries underwrite specialty insurance coverages; a group of companies referred to as Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (“BHHC”), providers of commercial multi-line insurance, 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; and Central States Indemnity Company, a provider of credit and Medicare Supplement insurance.

Premiums earned in the first six months of 2016 were $2.95 billion compared to $2.52 billion in 2015. The increase in premiums was primarily attributable to volume increases from BH Specialty, MedPro Group, BHHC and GUARD. The BH Primary insurers produced aggregate pre-tax underwriting gains of $295 million in the first six months of 2016 and $378 million in 2015. Combined loss ratios were 62% in the first six months 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 of prior years’ loss events, partly offset by improved 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.

Insurance—Investment Income

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

 

    Second Quarter     First Six Months  
    2016     2015     2016     2015  

Interest income

   $ 214         $ 234         $ 444       $ 454   

Dividend income

    1,021          1,100          1,933        1,967   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

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

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

    257          357          480        569   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $ 978         $ 977         $  1,897       $ 1,852   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

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

 

30


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

 

Insurance—Investment Income (Continued)

 

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

 

     June 30,
2016
     December 31,
2015
 

Cash and cash equivalents

    $ 44,986          $ 43,762     

Equity securities

     102,017           109,607     

Fixed maturity securities

     23,141           23,621     

Other investments

     14,487           15,998     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $   184,631          $   192,988     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

     Amortized
cost
     Unrealized
gains/losses
     Carrying
value
 

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

    $ 3,498        $ 25        $ 3,523   

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     1,224         64         1,288   

Foreign governments

     9,398         309         9,707   

Corporate bonds, investment grade

     5,277         493         5,770   

Corporate bonds, non-investment grade

     1,439         252         1,691   

Mortgage-backed securities

     1,002         160         1,162   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $   21,838        $       1,303        $ 23,141   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

Railroad (“Burlington Northern Santa Fe”)

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

 

     Second Quarter      First Six Months  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Revenues

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

           

Compensation and benefits

     1,134           1,268           2,342         2,606   

Fuel

     431           697           826         1,410   

Purchased services

     589           628           1,227         1,276   

Depreciation and amortization

     530           489           1,050         985   

Equipment rents, materials and other

     414           523           917         1,041   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

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

Interest expense

     249           228           494         445   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pre-tax earnings

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

Income taxes

     466           573           940         1,200   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net earnings

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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 second quarter and first six months of 2016 were approximately $4.6 billion and $9.4 billion, respectively, representing decreases of $784 million (14.6%) and $1.6 billion (14.8%), respectively, versus the corresponding periods in 2015. Pre-tax earnings in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 declined 19.4% and 22.2%, respectively, 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.

In the first six months of 2016, revenues reflected comparative declines in average revenue per car/unit (8.3%) and in volumes (7.5%). The decrease in average revenue per car/unit was primarily attributable to lower fuel surcharge revenue driven by lower fuel prices and to business mix changes, partially offset by increased rate per car/unit. 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 compared to the first six months of 2015 because the price of fuel declined more significantly in 2015.

In the second quarter and first six months of 2016, freight 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), primarily for petroleum products and commodities that support drilling, which reflects 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 quarter to $0.9 billion and decreased 6.4% to $2.0 billion in the first six months compared to the same periods in 2015. The decreases were primarily attributable to lower average revenue per car, partly offset by volume increases. Volumes increased 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% 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 months of 2016. In recent years demand for coal by utilities has declined, as other fuel sources, particularly natural gas, have increased. Coal volumes in 2015 also benefitted from higher demand in the early part of the year as utility customers restocked coal inventories. Utility coal inventories remain relatively high and natural gas prices are relatively low, so we expect declines in coal volume over the remainder of 2016.

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

Operating expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 were $3.1 billion and $6.4 billion, respectively, representing decreases of $507 million (14.1%) and $956 million (13.1%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. Our ratios of operating expenses to revenues in 2016 increased 0.5 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. Compensation and benefits expenses in 2016 decreased $134 million (10.6%) for the second quarter and $264 million (10.1%) for the first six months as compared to 2015. The declines were primarily due to lower employment levels in response to decreased volumes and productivity improvements, partially offset by wage inflation. Fuel expenses in 2016 declined $266 million (38.2%) in the second quarter and $584 million (41.4%) in the first six months due to significantly lower average fuel prices and lower volumes. Depreciation expense in 2016 increased 8.4% in the second quarter and 6.6% in the first six months as compared to 2015, due to increased 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.

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

 

32


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

 

Utilities and Energy (“Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company”)

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

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

 

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

PacifiCorp

   $   1,243           $   1,282         $     258        $     248        $  2,507           $   2,545          $ 502          $     445     

MidAmerican Energy Company

    593            583          95         73         1,225            1,332           148           147     

NV Energy

    714            842          118         120         1,338            1,558           150           189     

Northern Powergrid

    250            264          92         97         529            588           217           257     

Natural gas pipelines

    189            211          49         40         505            545           229           225     

Other energy businesses

    466            601          78         111         974            1,096           132           150     

Real estate brokerage

    844            760          95         87         1,339            1,210           98           86     
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

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

 

 

    

 

 

          

 

 

    

 

 

       

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

  

     785         776               1,476           1,499     

Corporate interest

  

     119         127               241           254     

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

  

     184         147               312           322     
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

  

    $ 482        $ 502              $ 923          $ 923     
  

 

 

    

 

 

          

 

 

    

 

 

 

PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp operates a regulated electric utility in portions of several Western states, including Utah, Oregon and Wyoming. PacifiCorp’s revenues in the second quarter 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 reflected lower average retail customer loads and wholesale volumes, partially offset by higher retail rates. EBIT in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 were $258 million and $502 million, respectively, increases of $10 million (4%) and $57 million (13%), respectively, from the same periods of 2015. The increases were primarily due to increased gross margins as energy costs declined more than revenues. The declines in energy costs were primarily attributable to lower fuel prices and changes in fuel mix.

MidAmerican Energy Company

MEC operates a regulated electric and natural gas utility primarily in Iowa and Illinois. Revenues in 2016 increased $10 million (2%) in the second quarter and declined $107 million (8%) in the first six months as compared to the same periods in 2015. The revenue increase in the second quarter was primarily due to higher electric revenues ($20 million), partly offset by lower natural gas revenues. The increase in second quarter electric revenues resulted primarily from increased retail customer load, partly offset by lower wholesale volume. The decline in revenues for the first six months included lower natural gas revenues ($77 million) and lower electric and other revenues. The decline in natural gas revenues was primarily due to lower average per-unit cost of gas sold ($62 million) which is offset in cost of sales, 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 compared to 2015, which were partially offset by higher depreciation 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 a generating facility lease.

 

33


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

 

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

 

NV Energy

NV Energy operates regulated electric and natural gas utilities in Nevada. Revenues in the 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 second quarter and first six months of 2016 declined $14 million (5%) to $250 million and $59 million (10%) to $529 million, respectively, as compared to 2015. The decreases were primarily due to the unfavorable impact from a stronger U.S. Dollar 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 due to lower tariff rates from a new price control period that became effective April 1, 2015. EBIT in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 declined $5 million (5%) to $92 million and $40 million (16%) to $217 million, respectively, as compared to 2015, primarily due to the lower revenues and the stronger U.S. Dollar.

Natural gas pipelines

Revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 declined $22 million (10%) to $189 million and $40 million (7%) to $505 million, respectively, as compared to 2015. The revenue declines in 2016 reflected lower gas sales from balancing activities in the second quarter and lower transportation revenues in the first quarter resulting from lower volumes and rates in part due to comparatively warmer temperatures. 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 in revenues.

Other energy businesses

Revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 declined $135 million (22%) to $466 million and $122 million (11%) to $974 million, respectively, compared to the corresponding 2015 periods. The declines were primarily due to lower revenues from AltaLink and the unregulated retail services business. In May 2016, AltaLink received a decision from its regulator which changes the timing of when construction-in-progress expenditures included in rate base are billable to customers and earned in revenues. The decision resulted in one-time net reductions in revenue, with offsetting reductions in expenses, with no impact on net earnings. Otherwise, AltaLink generated increased operating revenue in 2016, primarily from additional assets placed in service.

EBIT in 2016 declined $33 million (30%) in the second quarter 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.

Real estate brokerage

Revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 increased 11% to $844 million and 11% to $1.34 billion, respectively, as compared to 2015. The increases were primarily attributable to increased closed transactions and the impact of business acquisitions. EBIT in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $8 million (9%) and $12 million (14%), respectively, compared to 2015, reflecting the increases in revenues.

Corporate interest and income taxes

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

 

34


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

 

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing

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

 

     Second Quarter      First Six Months  
     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), metal cutting tools/systems (IMC International Metalworking Companies), equipment and systems for the livestock and agricultural industries (CTB International), and a variety of industrial products for diverse markets (Marmon and Scott Fetzer). Beginning January 29, 2016, our industrial products group includes Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”), a leading manufacturer of complex metal products for aerospace, power and general industrial markets.

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

 

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

Industrial products

    $ 6,505        $ 4,416        $ 1,133        $ 848        $ 12,199        $ 8,709         $ 2,187         $ 1,634     

Building products

     2,847         2,710         305         341         5,308         5,037          547          571     

Consumer products

     2,849         2,398         249         204         5,248         4,641          435          393     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $   12,201        $     9,524        $     1,687        $   1,393        $   22,755        $   18,387         $   3,169         $   2,598     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

35


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

 

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

 

Manufacturing (Continued)

 

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 second quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $137 million (5%) and $271 million (5%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. The revenue increases reflected sales volume increases across most of our product categories, partly offset by lower sales prices and changes in product mix. Pre-tax earnings in 2016 declined $36 million (11%) in the second quarter and $24 million (4%) in the first six months as compared to the corresponding periods 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.

Consumer products

Revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 were approximately $2.8 billion and $5.2 billion, respectively, increases of $451 million (19%) and $607 million (13%), respectively, compared to the corresponding 2015 periods. The increases reflected revenues from Duracell and a 9.3% year-to-date increase in Forest River’s revenues, primarily attributable to increased unit sales. Apparel revenues in the first six months of 2016 declined $74 million (4%) compared to 2015, which was primarily attributable to lower footwear sales and the impact of an apparel business divested in 2015.

Pre-tax earnings in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $45 million (22%) and $42 million (11%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. In 2016, earnings increases were generated by 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 from transition and integration costs in connection with 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)

 

Service

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

Revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 declined $108 million (4%) and $172 million (3%), respectively, as compared to 2015. The decreases were primarily due to lower revenues from NetJets, partly offset by increased revenues from TTI. NetJets’ comparative revenues in 2016 declined 14% in the second quarter and 11% for the first six months, primarily due to lower aircraft sales and lower fuel surcharge revenues attributable to lower fuel prices. TTI’s revenue increases in 2016 (8% in the second quarter and 4% for the first six months) were primarily due to increased sales volume in Europe and through the internet. Pre-tax earnings in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 declined $45 million (13%) and $111 million (18%), respectively, as compared to corresponding periods in 2015. These declines primarily reflected lower earnings of NetJets. The declines in NetJets’ earnings were primarily due to lower aircraft sales and reduced margins from flight operations, due primarily to increased maintenance costs and personnel costs, as well as an increase in depreciation.

Retailing

Our retailing businesses include four distinct home furnishings retailing businesses (Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey, Star Furniture and Jordan’s), which sell furniture, appliances, flooring and electronics. Our retailing businesses also include Berkshire Hathaway Automotive (“BHA”) which was acquired in the first quarter of 2015. BHA currently includes 84 auto dealerships. BHA sells new and pre-owned automobiles and offers repair and other related services and products, and includes two related insurance businesses, two auto auctions and a distributor of automotive fluid maintenance products.

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

Revenues of our retailing businesses in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 increased approximately $199 million (5.5%) and $1.6 billion (29%), respectively, as compared to the same periods 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. Revenues of our home furnishings retailers in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $34 million (5%) and $170 million (13%), respectively, over 2015, driven by new stores opened by Nebraska Furniture Mart and Jordan’s. The increase in pre-tax earnings for the first six months was primarily attributable to BHA and Louis.

McLane Company

McLane operates a wholesale distribution business that provides grocery and non-food consumer products to retailers and convenience stores (“grocery unit”) and to restaurants (“foodservice unit”). McLane also operates businesses that are wholesale distributors of distilled spirits, wine and beer (“beverage unit”). 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 second quarter and first six months of 2016 were $12.0 billion and $23.9 billion, respectively, decreases of 2.0% and 0.4%, respectively, compared with the corresponding periods in 2015. The year-to-date decrease was primarily due to a 2% reduction 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 included a gain of $19 million from the disposition of a subsidiary. Excluding this gain, the operating margin (ratio of earnings to revenues) in the first six months of 2016 was 1.11%, and was relatively unchanged from 2015.

 

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.

 

    Second Quarter     First Six Months  
    Revenues     Earnings     Revenues     Earnings  
   

     2016    

   

    2015     

   

     2016    

   

    2015    

   

      2016     

   

     2015      

   

     2016     

   

    2015     

 

Manufactured housing and finance

   $ 1,065        $ 924        $ 179        $     177        $    1,958        $  1,711        $ 349      $ 326   

Transportation equipment leasing

    671         618         245         215         1,354         1,216         496       420   

Other

    253         257         159         158         403         426         216       248   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

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

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

     

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

        187         180             354       335   
     

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
       $     396        $ 370            $ 707      $  659   
     

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Manufactured housing and finance

Clayton Homes’ revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $141 million (15%) and $247 million (14%), respectively, compared to 2015. The increases reflected a 24% increase in year-to-date revenues from home sales, due primarily to a 21% 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, which were partially offset by increased losses from insurance claims 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.

Transportation equipment leasing

Transportation equipment leasing revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 increased $53 million (9%) and $138 million (11%), respectively, compared to 2015. The increases were primarily due to an increase in rail/tank cars on lease and increased sales of railcars. The increase in rail/tank cars on lease reflected a larger fleet size, due primarily to the acquisition of the GE Railcar Services fleet at the end of the third quarter of 2015, partially offset by lower utilization rates. In 2016, we also experienced lower crane lease demand in North America and reduced volumes in other products and services attributable to lower oil and gas commodity prices.

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

Other

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

 

38


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

 

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses

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

 

     Second Quarter      First Six Months  
    

     2016     

    

     2015     

    

    2016    

   

       2015       

 

Investment gains/losses

    $ 643           $ 362           $ 2,493       $ 459    

Derivative gains/losses

     20            (174)           (790     1,144    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gains/losses before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

     663            188            1,703        1,603    

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

     269            65            (543     560    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net gains/losses

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment gains/losses

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

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 periodic earnings, we are providing information to explain the nature of such gains and losses when reflected in earnings.

Pre-tax investment gains in the second quarter and first six months 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 exchange of shares of P&G common stock for 100% of the common stock of Duracell in the first quarter. 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.

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

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

 

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

 

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses (Continued)

 

Derivative gains/losses

Derivative gains/losses primarily represent the changes in fair value of our credit default and equity index put option contracts. Periodic changes in the fair values of these contracts are reflected in earnings and can be significant, reflecting the volatility of underlying credit and equity markets.

Derivative contracts produced pre-tax gains in the second quarter of 2016 of $20 million and pre-tax losses of approximately $174 million in 2015. In the first six months, these contracts produced pre-tax losses of $790 million in 2016 and pre-tax gains of approximately $1.1 billion in 2015. In each period, the gains and losses were primarily attributable to non-cash changes in the fair values of our contacts. In 2016, our equity index contracts produced pre-tax losses of $83 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, equity index put option intrinsic values were approximately $2.0 billion and our recorded liabilities at fair value were approximately $4.4 billion. Our ultimate payment obligations, if any, under our equity index put option contracts will be determined as of the contract expiration dates (beginning in 2018), and will be based on the intrinsic value as defined under the contracts.

In July 2016, our remaining credit default contract was terminated by mutual agreement with the counterparty. We paid $195 million upon termination and have no further exposure to losses under this contract. This contract produced pre-tax earnings of $103 million in the second quarter and $89 million in the first six months 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 million in the second quarter and $406 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 (€3.0 billion par) and March 2016 (€2.75 billion par). In 2016, corporate interest included after-tax foreign currency exchange gains of $101 million in the second quarter and after-tax losses of $60 million in the first six months. In 2015, after-tax foreign currency exchange losses were $73 million 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 Euro 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 reflect significant liquidity and a strong capital base. Our consolidated shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2016 was $263.0 billion, an increase of $7.5 billion since December 31, 2015. Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders in the first six months of 2016 were $10.6 billion.

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

 

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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 months of 2016, aggregate 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. Future capital expenditures are expected to be funded from cash flows from operations and debt issuances.

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

Finance and financial products assets were approximately $41.3 billion as of June 30, 2016, an increase of approximately $2.3 billion since December 31, 2015. Finance assets also include loans and finance receivables and various types of property held for lease, as well as significant balances of cash and cash equivalents and equity securities.

Finance and financial products liabilities were approximately $21.4 billion as of June 30, 2016, an increase of approximately $4.2 billion compared to December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to new debt issued by 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 were used to fund loans originated and acquired by Clayton Homes and to fund a portion of existing assets held for lease by our rail tank car leasing business, UTLX. Over the next twelve months, $3.4 billion of BHFC senior notes will mature.

Contractual Obligations

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

During the first six months of 2016, we issued new term debt and assumed debt through the PCC business acquisition. Future payments of principal and interest related to such borrowings are summarized as follows (in millions): 2016 - $303; 2017 - $397; 2018 - $3,130; 2019 - $2,096; and 2020 and after - $15,798. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2016 were, in the aggregate, not materially different from those disclosed in the “Contractual Obligations” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

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

 

Critical Accounting Policies

Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Such estimates and judgments necessarily involve varying, and possibly significant, degrees of uncertainty. Accordingly, certain amounts currently recorded in the financial statements will likely be adjusted in the future based on new available information and changes in other facts and circumstances. Reference is made to “Critical Accounting Policies” discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2016 includes estimated liabilities for unpaid losses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of approximately $75 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, 2016 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of approximately $79 billion. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and we conducted our most recent annual review during the fourth quarter of 2015. Although we believe that the goodwill reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is not impaired, goodwill may subsequently become impaired as a result of changes in facts and circumstances affecting the valuations of the reporting units. A goodwill impairment charge could have a material effect on periodic earnings.

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

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

Forward-Looking Statements

Investors are cautioned that certain statements contained in this document as well as some statements in periodic press releases and some oral statements of Berkshire officials during presentations about Berkshire or its subsidiaries are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Forward-looking statements include statements which are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, which include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects and possible future Berkshire actions, which may be provided by management, are also forward-looking statements as defined by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Berkshire and its subsidiaries, economic and market factors and the industries in which we do business, among other things. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and we have no specific intention to update these statements.

Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. The principal risk factors that could cause our actual performance and future events and actions to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in market prices of our investments in fixed maturity and equity securities, losses realized from derivative contracts, the occurrence of one or more catastrophic events, such as an earthquake, hurricane or act of terrorism that causes losses insured by our insurance subsidiaries and/or losses to our business operations, changes in laws or regulations affecting our insurance, railroad, utilities and energy and finance subsidiaries, changes in federal income tax laws, and changes in general economic and market factors that affect the prices of securities or the industries in which we do business.

 

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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, there were no material changes in the market risks described in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chairman (Chief Executive Officer) and the Senior Vice President (Chief Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman (Chief Executive Officer) and the Senior Vice President (Chief Financial Officer) concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings. During the quarter, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect internal control over financial reporting.

Part II Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are party in a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. In particular, such legal actions affect our insurance and reinsurance businesses. Such litigation generally seeks 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.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our significant business risks are described in Item 1A to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 to which reference is made herein.

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

Berkshire’s Board of Directors (“Berkshire’s Board”) has approved a common stock repurchase program under which Berkshire may repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. Berkshire may repurchase shares in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Berkshire’s Board authorization does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce Berkshire’s consolidated cash equivalent 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 six months of 2016.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Information regarding the Company’s mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q.

Item 5. Other Information

None

 

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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, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for each of the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

  BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

  (Registrant)

Date: August 5, 2016

 

/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG

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

 

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