UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018

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 number001-14905

 

 

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware

  47-0813844

(State            (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  ☒    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 RegulationS-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  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

   Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer

   Smaller reporting company 
   Emerging growth company 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 26,October 25, 2018:

 

Class A —

   734,527733,152                                                  

Class B —

   1,365,840,7481,362,792,906                                                  

 

 

 


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

 

       Page No.     

Part I – Financial Information

  

Item 1. Financial Statements

  
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets—JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

   2-3 
 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings—SecondThird Quarter and First SixNine Months 2018 and 2017

   4 
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income— SecondThird Quarter and First SixNine Months 2018 and 2017

   5 
 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—First SixNine Months 2018 and 2017

   5 
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—First SixNine Months 2018 and 2017

   6 
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7-25 

Item 2.

 

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

   26-44 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   45 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

   45 

Part II – Other Information

   45 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

   45 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

   45 

Item 2.

 

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

   45 

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   4546 

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

   4546 

Item 5.

 

Other Information

   4546 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

   46 

Signature

   46 

1


Part I Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

 

     June 30,    
2018
   December 31,    
2017
  September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 
 (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)     

ASSETS

      

Insurance and Other:

      

Cash and cash equivalents*

  $57,918   $25,460    $36,506     $25,460  

Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills

 45,243  78,515    59,947     78,515  

Investments in fixed maturity securities

 18,524  21,353    18,271     21,353  

Investments in equity securities

 174,033  164,026    201,226     164,026  

Investment in The Kraft Heinz Company

 17,530  17,635    17,453     17,635  

Receivables

 31,280  28,578    31,884     28,578  

Inventories

 16,194  16,187    16,793     16,187  

Property, plant and equipment

 23,948  20,104    24,357     20,104  

Goodwill

 54,955  54,985    54,985     54,985  

Other intangible assets

 31,925  32,518    31,626     32,518  

Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts

 14,730  15,278    14,451     15,278  

Other

 11,619  11,158    13,250     11,158  
 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

 
 497,899  485,797    520,749     485,797  
 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

      

Cash and cash equivalents*

 3,363  2,910    3,297     2,910  

Property, plant and equipment

 129,216  128,184    130,387     128,184  

Goodwill

 24,772  24,780    24,790     24,780  

Regulatory assets

 2,929  2,950    2,928     2,950  

Other

 15,590  15,589    16,020     15,589  
 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

 
 175,870  174,413    177,422     174,413  
 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

      

Cash and cash equivalents*

 3,280  3,213    1,635     3,213  

Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills

 1,295  5,856    2,258     5,856  

Loans and finance receivables

 14,211  13,748    14,477     13,748  

Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease

 10,065  9,931    10,273     9,931  

Goodwill

 1,523  1,493    1,552     1,493  

Other

 7,789  7,644    8,093     7,644  
 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

 
 38,163  41,885    38,288     41,885  
 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

 
  $    711,932   $702,095    $    736,459     $    702,095  
 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

*

Cash and cash equivalents includes U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $41.6$14.7 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $5.7 billion at December 31, 2017.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

 

     June 30,    
2018
     December 31,    
2017
   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 
     (Unaudited)             (Unaudited)         

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Insurance and Other:

      

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

  $62,737    $61,122     $64,263   $61,122 

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts

 42,115   42,937     41,935    42,937 

Unearned premiums

 18,292   16,040     19,011    16,040 

Life, annuity and health insurance benefits

 18,061   17,608     18,368    17,608 

Other policyholder liabilities

 6,900   7,654     6,692    7,654 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

 26,384   23,099     27,178    23,099 

Notes payable and other borrowings

 25,158   27,324     24,271    27,324 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 
 199,647   195,784     201,718    195,784 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

      

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

 10,986   11,334     11,269    11,334 

Regulatory liabilities

 7,744   7,511     7,723    7,511 

Notes payable and other borrowings

 62,664   62,178     62,599    62,178 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 
 81,394   81,023     81,591    81,023 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

      

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

 1,662   1,470     1,752    1,470 

Derivative contract liabilities

 2,006   2,172     1,869    2,172 

Notes payable and other borrowings

 8,951   13,085     10,770    13,085 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 
 12,619   16,727     14,391    16,727 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Income taxes, principally deferred

 56,514   56,607     59,340    56,607 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total liabilities

 350,174   350,141     357,040    350,141 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

      

Common stock

          

Capital in excess of par value

 35,694   35,694     35,713    35,694 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 (3,808)  58,571     (3,927)    58,571 

Retained earnings

 327,963   255,786     346,503    255,786 

Treasury stock, at cost

 (1,763)  (1,763)    (2,691)    (1,763) 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity

 358,094   348,296     375,606    348,296 

Noncontrolling interests

 3,664   3,658     3,813    3,658 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 361,758   351,954     379,419    351,954 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $    711,932    $702,095     $        736,459   $        702,095 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

 Second Quarter First Six Months   Third Quarter First Nine Months
 2018 2017 2018 2017   2018 2017 2018 2017
 (Unaudited) (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) (Unaudited)

Revenues:

         

Insurance and Other:

         

Insurance premiums earned

 $14,149   $12,367  $27,522   $34,120    $14,333  $13,349  $41,855  $47,469  

Sales and service revenues

 33,256   31,733  64,879   61,962    33,249 32,055 98,128 94,017  

Interest, dividend and other investment income

 1,534   1,322  2,849   2,484    1,619 1,320 4,468 3,804  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 48,939   45,422  95,250   98,566    49,201 46,724 144,451 145,290  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy operating and other revenues

 10,895   9,822  20,997   19,200    11,818 10,633 32,815 29,833  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

         

Sales and service revenues

 1,992   1,648  3,685   3,146    2,057 1,790 5,742 4,936  

Interest, dividend and other investment income

 374   364  741   714    374 360 1,115 1,074  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2,366   2,012  4,426   3,860    2,431 2,150 6,857 6,010  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 62,200   57,256  120,673   121,626    63,450 59,507 184,123 181,133  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses:

         

Investments gains (losses)

 5,990   290  (1,819)  605    14,569 657 12,750 1,262  

Derivative contract gains (losses)

 372   (65)  166   395    137 308 303 703  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 6,362   225  (1,653)  1,000    14,706 965 13,053 1,965  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

         

Insurance and Other:

         

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

 9,401   8,747  18,364   27,313    9,932 12,137 28,296 39,450  

Life, annuity and health insurance benefits

 1,418   1,263  2,705   2,490    1,448 1,213 4,153 3,703  

Insurance underwriting expenses

 2,123   2,378  4,727   4,717    2,352 2,207 7,079 6,924  

Cost of sales and services

 26,480   25,419  51,895   49,779    26,789 25,815 78,684 75,594  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 4,150   4,020  8,174   8,136    3,984 3,965 12,158 12,101  

Interest expense

 (260)  700  130   970    116 435 246 1,405  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 43,312   42,527  85,995   93,405    44,621 45,772 130,616 139,177  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy:

         

Cost of sales and operating expenses

 7,963   6,940  15,364   13,694    8,087 6,984 23,451 20,678  

Interest expense

 702   697  1,412   1,390    698 700 2,110 2,090  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 8,665   7,637  16,776   15,084    8,785 7,684 25,561 22,768  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance and Financial Products:

         

Cost of sales and services

 1,217   962  2,246   1,829    1,273 1,062 3,519 2,891  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 518   469  985   911    564 531 1,549 1,442  

Interest expense

 79   103  171   207    82 98 253 305  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1,814   1,534  3,402   2,947    1,919 1,691 5,321 4,638  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 53,791   51,698  106,173   111,436    55,325 55,147 161,498 166,583  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes and equity method earnings

 14,771   5,783  12,847   11,190    22,831 5,325 35,678 16,515  

Equity method earnings

 327   346  728   627    316 305 1,044 932  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

 15,098   6,129  13,575   11,817    23,147 5,630 36,722 17,447  

Income tax expense

 3,021   1,774  2,569   3,323    4,440 1,427 7,009 4,750  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 12,077   4,355  11,006   8,494    18,707 4,203 29,713 12,697  

Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 66   93  133   172    167 136 300 308  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

  $12,011    $4,262   $10,873    $8,322    $18,540  $4,067  $29,413  $12,389  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per average equivalent Class A share

  $7,301    $2,592   $6,610    $5,060 

Net earnings per average equivalent Class A share*

   $11,280  $2,473  $17,885  $7,533  

Net earnings per average equivalent Class B share*

  $4.87    $1.73   $4.41    $3.37    $7.52  $1.65  $11.92  $5.02  

Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding

 1,645,057   1,644,580  1,645,008   1,644,503 

Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding

 2,467,585,853   2,466,870,080  2,467,511,782   2,466,754,153 

Average Class A shares outstanding

   736,262 756,528 744,126 766,245  

Average Class B shares outstanding

   1,360,940,890  1,332,192,917  1,350,588,758  1,317,463,821  

 

*  Net earnings per average equivalent Class B share outstanding
*

Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth of a Class A share. Accordingly, net earnings per average equivalent Class B share outstanding is equal toone-fifteen-hundredth of the equivalent Class A amount. See Note 19.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in millions)

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
  2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 
  (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   

 

(Unaudited)

   (Unaudited) 

Net earnings

   $    12,077    $    4,355     $    11,006    $    8,494     $18,707    $4,203    $29,713    $12,697 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

                

Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments

   (92)    4,711     (137)    13,088        4,952    (132)    18,040 

Applicable income taxes

   22     (1,659)    20     (4,531)    (1)    (1,716)    19    (6,247) 

Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings

   (44)    (284)    (265)    (589)    (34)    (646)    (299)    (1,235) 

Applicable income taxes

   10     99     56     206        226    63    432 

Foreign currency translation

   (1,364)    798     (763)    1,356     (79)    771    (842)    2,127 

Applicable income taxes

   43     (23)    37     (92)       (24)    46    (116) 

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

   87     (44)    63     (54)    (13)    (3)    50    (57) 

Applicable income taxes

   (20)    18     (3)    25               31 

Other, net

   (5)        (36)        (21)    32    (57)    38 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net

   (1,363)    3,619     (1,028)    9,415     (124)    3,598    (1,152)    13,013 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Comprehensive income

   10,714     7,974     9,978     17,909     18,583    7,801    28,561    25,710 

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   34     130     109     233     162    203    271    436 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

   $    10,680    $    7,844     $    9,869    $    17,676     $    18,421    $    7,598    $    28,290    $    25,274 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

 

 

Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity

    Total   Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity       Total 
 

Common stock
and capital in
excess of par
value

 Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
 Retained
earnings
 Treasury
stock
 Non-
controlling
  interests  
   Common stock
and capital in
excess of par
value
   Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
   Retained
earnings
   Treasury
stock
   Non-
controlling
interests
 

First nine months 2017:

            

Balance at December 31, 2016

  $    35,689   $37,298    $    210,846    $    (1,763)   $3,358    $    285,428     $35,689   $37,298   $210,846    $(1,763)    $3,358    $285,428 

Net earnings

 —   —   8,322    —   172   8,494     —     —     12,389    —     308    12,697 

Other comprehensive income, net

 —  9,354    —    —   61   9,415     —     12,885    —     —     128    13,013 

Issuance of common stock

 40   —    —    —    —   40     58    —     —     —     —     58 

Transactions with noncontrolling interests

 (58)  —    —    —   (157)  (215)    (55)    —     —     —     (220)    (275) 
 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2017

  $    35,671   $46,652    $    219,168    $    (1,763)   $3,434    $    303,162  

Balance at September 30, 2017

   $35,692   $50,183   $223,235    $(1,763)    $3,574    $310,921 
 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

First nine months 2018:

            

Balance at December 31, 2017

  $    35,702   $58,571    $    255,786    $    (1,763)   $3,658    $    351,954     $35,702   $58,571   $255,786    $(1,763)    $3,658    $351,954 

Adoption of new accounting pronouncements

 —  (61,375)  61,304    —    —   (71)    —     (61,375)    61,304    —     —     (71) 

Net earnings

 —   —   10,873    —   133   11,006     —     —     29,413    —     300    29,713 

Other comprehensive income, net

 —  (1,004)   —    —   (24)  (1,028)    —     (1,123)    —     —     (29)    (1,152) 

Issuance of common stock

 32   —    —    —    —   32  

Issuance (acquisition) of common stock

   54    —     —     (928)    —     (874) 

Transactions with noncontrolling interests

 (32)  —    —    —   (103)  (135)    (35)    —     —     —     (116)    (151) 
 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2018

  $    35,702   $(3,808)   $    327,963    $    (1,763)   $3,664    $    361,758  

Balance at September 30, 2018

   $    35,721   $    (3,927)   $    346,503    $    (2,691)    $    3,813    $    379,419 
 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

 

  First Six Months          First Nine Months         
  2018  2017      2018           2017     
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net earnings

   $    11,006     $    8,494     $29,713    $12,697 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:

        

Investment gains/losses

   1,819     (605)    (12,750)    (1,262) 

Depreciation and amortization

   4,774     4,539     7,169    6,835 

Other

   (421)    403     (677)    1,110 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

           

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   924     18,075     2,272    22,615 

Deferred charges reinsurance assumed

   549     (5,550)    827    (5,525) 

Unearned premiums

   2,253     1,830     2,974    2,253 

Receivables and originated loans

   (3,413)    (1,608)    (4,781)    (2,890) 

Other assets

   (1,367)    (960)    (1,788)    (1,287) 

Other liabilities

   (45)    111     805    360 

Income taxes

   12     1,893     2,791    2,593 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net cash flows from operating activities

   16,091     26,622     26,555    37,499 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

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

   (50,227)    (68,547)    (85,502)    (106,597) 

Purchases of equity securities

   (20,845)    (13,628)    (38,552)    (14,936) 

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

   19,374     20,164     26,903    35,143 

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

   71,486     34,164     83,742    65,666 

Sales and redemptions of equity securities

   9,011     7,815     14,164    10,572 

Purchases of loans and finance receivables

   (81)    (1,350)    (1,748)    (1,392) 

Collections of loans and finance receivables

   188     393     266    1,599 

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

   (373)    (1,721)    (521)    (2,640) 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

   (6,329)    (5,149)    (10,040)    (8,411) 

Other

   226     (138)    257    (150) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net cash flows from investing activities

   22,430     (27,997)    (11,031)    (21,146) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses

   28     1,295     55    1,321 

Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses

   4,239     2,413     7,019    2,812 

Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses

   21     1,298     2,339    1,298 

Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses

   (1,882)    (1,180)    (2,661)    (1,763) 

Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses

   (2,428)    (1,768)    (3,658)    (1,944) 

Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses

   (4,161)    (2,897)    (4,661)    (3,605) 

Changes in short term borrowings, net

   (1,080)    462     (2,754)    122 

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (928)    —  

Other

   (253)    (92)    (277)    (108) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net cash flows from financing activities

   (5,516)    (469)    (5,526)    (1,867) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes

   (41)    183     (109)    222 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

   32,964     (1,661) 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

   9,889    14,708 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year

   32,212     28,643     32,212    28,643 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of second quarter *

   $65,176     $26,982  

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of third quarter *

   $42,101    $43,351 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

*Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are comprised of the following:

        

Beginning of year—

        

Insurance and Other

   $25,460    $23,581     $25,460    $23,581 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy

   2,910     3,939     2,910    3,939 

Finance and Financial Products

   3,213     528     3,213    528 

Restricted cash, included in other assets

   629     595     629    595 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 
   $32,212     $28,643     $32,212    $28,643 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

End of second quarter—

    

End of third quarter—

          

Insurance and Other

   $57,918     $20,142     $36,506    $35,247 

Railroad, Utilities and Energy

   3,363     4,962     3,297    4,448 

Finance and Financial Products

   3,280     1,314     1,635    3,011 

Restricted cash, included in other assets

   615     564     663    645
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 
   $65,176     $26,982     $    42,101    $    43,351 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JuneSeptember 30, 2018

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 Form10-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. Changes to those policies due to the adoption of new accounting standards effective January 1, 2018 are described in Note 2. Certain immaterial amounts related to equity method earnings were reclassified in the accompanying 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to current presentations.

Financial information in this Quarterly Report reflects all 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. Changes in market prices of the equity securities we own can produce significant effects on our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Beginning in 2018, those effects are included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings, whereas inpre-2018 periods, such effects were included in other comprehensive income. In addition, changes in the fair values of certain derivative contract liabilities and gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies can cause significant variations in our periodic net earnings.

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)2016-01 “Financial Instruments—Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU2016-01”), ASU2018-02 “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU2018-02”) and Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 – “Revenues from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”). A summary of the effects of the initial adoption of ASU2016-01, ASU2018-02 and ASC 606 follows (in millions).

 

          ASU 2016-01                  ASU 2018-02                  ASC 606                  Total         

Increase (decrease):

    

Assets

 $—  $—  $3,382  $3,382 

Liabilities

  —    —    3,453   3,453 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

  (61,459)   84   —    (61,375) 

Retained earnings

  61,459   (84)   (71)   61,304 

Shareholders’ equity

  —    —    (71)   (71) 

With respect to ASU2016-01, we reclassified netafter-tax unrealized gains on equity securities as of January 1, 2018 from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. We continue to carry our investments in equity securities at fair value and there is no change to the asset values or total shareholders’ equity that we would have otherwise recorded. Beginningbeginning in 2018, we are including unrealized gains and losses arising from the changes in the fair values of our equity securities during the period as a component of investment gains in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. ASU2016-01 prohibited the restatement of prior year financial statements. For periods ending prior to January 1, 2018, we recognized gains and losses were recognized in earnings when we sold equity securities, based on the difference between the sale proceeds and the cost of the equity securities, orand for an other-than-temporary impairment loss andlosses. We recorded unrealized gains and losses from the changes in fair value ofavailable-for-sale equity securities were recorded in other comprehensive income.

7 We continue to carry our investments in equity securities at fair value and there is no change to the asset values or total shareholders’ equity amounts we would have otherwise recorded. ASU2016-01 prohibited the restatement of prior year financial statements. However, as of January 1, 2018, we reclassified netafter-tax unrealized gains on equity securities from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements(Continued)

 

We alsoIn connection with our adoption of ASU2018-02, we reclassified the stranded deferred income taxestax effects that were included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of January 1, 2018 to retained earnings in connection with our adoption of ASU2018-02.earnings. These stranded deferred income tax effects arose from the reduction in the U.S. statutory income tax rate under the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017. Prior year financial statements were not restated. The effect of the reduction in the statutory income tax rate on accumulated other comprehensive income items was recorded in earnings in December 2017. Prior year financial statements were not restated.

We adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method, whereby the cumulative effect of the adoption was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings. Prior year financial statements were not restated. The initial adoption of ASC 606 as of January 1, 2018 resulted in an increaseincreases to both assets (primarily property, plant and equipment) and other liabilities, andwith a relatively minor reduction in retained earnings asearnings. Prior to January 1, 2018, we recognized revenues from the sales of fractional ownership interests in aircraft over the term of the beginningrelated management services agreements, as the transfers of 2018.the ownership interests were inseparable from the management services agreements. These agreements also include provisions that require us to repurchase the fractional interest at fair market value at contract termination or upon the customer’s request following the end of a minimum commitment period. ASC 606 also provides that such contracts are subject to accounting guidance for certainlease contracts and not ASC 606. The principal effects of thisre-characterization were to increase both property, plant and equipment and other disclosures which are included in Note 3.liabilities by approximately $3.5 billion. There-characterization of these fractional ownership interests as operating leases did not have a material effect on our consolidated revenues or earnings for the first nine months of 2018.

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU2016-02 “Leases.“Leases,ASU2016-02which together with subsequent amendments is included in ASC 842. Most significantly, ASC 842 requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and aright-of-usean asset representingwith respect to its right to use the underlying asset for the lease termterm. ASC 842 also addresses accounting and also requires additionalreporting by lessors, which is not significantly different from current accounting and reporting, and further provides for qualitative and quantitative disclosures. ASU2016-02 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We intend to adopt ASC 842 as of January 1, 2019 under the modified retrospective method.

We are currently evaluatingparty to contracts where we are the lessee and other contracts where we are the lessor. For contracts where we are the lessee, we will record lease liabilities and right of use assets for contracts in effect this standardon January 1, 2019 based on the facts and circumstances as of that date. While we continue to evaluate certain provisions of ASC 842, based on our current estimates, we expect to recognize right of use assets and lessee lease liabilities of approximately $6 billion with respect to operating leases. We do not believe the adoption of ASC 842 will have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-13 “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 andavailable-for-sale debt securities. Currently, credit losses are recognized and measured when such losses become probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. ASU2016-13 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.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU2017-04 eliminates the requirement to determine the implied value of goodwill in measuring an impairment loss. Upon adoption of ASU2017-04, the measurement of a goodwill impairment will represent the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over fair value, limited to the carrying value of goodwill. ASU2017-04 is effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU2018-12 “Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts.” ASU2018-12 requires periodic reassessment of actuarial and discount rate assumptions used in the valuation of policyholder liabilities and deferred acquisition costs arising from the issuance of long-duration insurance and reinsurance contracts, with the effects of changes in cash flow assumptions reflected in earnings and the effects of changes in discount rate assumptions reflected in other comprehensive income. Under current accounting guidance, the actuarial and discount rate assumptions are set at the contract inception date and not subsequently changed, except under limited circumstances. ASU2018-12 also requires new disclosures and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 3. Revenues from contracts with customers

As discussed in Note 2, on January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 “Revenues from Contracts with Customers.” OurExcept as described in Note 2, our revenue recognition practices for contracts with customers under ASC 606 do not differ materiallysignificantly from prior practices. Under ASC 606, revenues are recognized when a good or service is transferred to a customer. A good or service is transferred when (or as) the customer obtains control of that good or service. Revenues are based on the consideration we expect to receive in connection with our promises to deliver goods and services to our customers. Our accounting policies related to revenue from contracts with customers follow.

We manufacture and/or distribute a wide variety of industrial, building and consumer products. Our sales contracts provide customers with manufacturedthese products and goods acquired for resale through wholesale and retail channels in exchange for consideration specified under the contracts. Contracts generally represent customer orders for individual products at stated prices. Sales contracts may contain either single or multiple performance obligations. In instances where contracts contain multiple performance obligations, we allocate the expected considerationrevenue to each obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling prices of each product or service.

Expected consideration (and therefore revenue)Sales revenue reflects reductions for returns, allowances, volume discounts and other incentives, some of which may be contingent on future events. In certain customer contracts of our grocery distribution business, considerationsales revenue includes certain state and local excise taxes billed to customers on specified products when those taxes are levied directly upon us by the taxing authorities. Expected considerationSales revenue excludes sales taxes and value-added taxes collected on behalf of taxing authorities. RevenueSales revenue includes consideration for shipping and other fulfillment activities performed prior to the customer obtaining control of the goods. We also elect to treat consideration for such services performed after control has passed to the customer as fulfillment activities.

8


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 3. Revenues from contracts with customers(Continued)

sales revenue.

Our product sales revenues are generally recognized at a point in time when control of the product transfers to the customer, which coincides with customer pickup or product delivery or acceptance, depending on terms of the arrangement. We recognize sales revenues and related costs with respect to certain contracts over time, primarily from certain castings, forgings and aerostructures contracts. Control of the product units under these contracts transfers continuously to the customer as the product is manufactured. These products generally have no alternative use and the contract requires the customer to provide reasonable compensation if terminated for reasons other than breach of contract.

Our energy revenue derives primarily from tariff based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory bodies. These tariff based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission, distribution and natural gas and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. Our nonregulated energy revenue primarily relates to our renewable energy business. Energy revenues are equivalent to the amounts we have the right to invoice and correspond directly with the value to the customer of the performance to date and include billed and unbilled amounts. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, trade receivables were approximately $2.2 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, and were included in other assets of our railroad, utilities and energy businesses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Such amounts substantially relate substantially to customer revenue and included unbilled revenue of $722$624 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $665 million as of December 31, 2017. Payments from customers are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price, as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

The primary performance obligation under our freight rail transportation service contracts is to move freight from a point of origin to a point of destination for its customers.destination. The performance obligations are represented by bills of lading which create a series of distinct services that have a similar pattern of transfer to the customer. The revenues for each performance obligation are based on various factors including the product being shipped, the origin and destination pair, and contract incentives which are outlined in various private rate agreements, common carrier public tariffs, interline foreign road agreements and pricing quotes. The transaction price is generally a per car amount to transport railcars from a specified origin to a specified destination. Freight revenues are recognized over time as the service is performed because the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the service. Revenues recognized represent the proportion of the service completed as of the balance sheet date. Receivables related to customer contracts were approximately $1.3 billion at September 30, 2018 and $1.2 billion at both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and were included in other assets of our railroad, utilities and energy businesses. Invoices for freight transportation services are generally issued to customers and paid within thirty days or less. Customer incentives, which are primarily provided for shipping a specified cumulative volume or shipping to/from specific locations, are recorded as a reduction to revenue on apro-rata basis based on actual or projected future customer shipments.

Other service revenues derive from contracts with customers in which performance obligations are satisfied over time, where customers receive and consume benefits as we perform the services, or at a point in time when the services are provided. Other service revenues primarily derive from real estate brokerage, automotive repair, aircraft management, aviation training, franchising and news distribution services.

Prior to January 1, 2018, we recognized revenues from the sales of fractional ownership interests in aircraft over the terms of the related management services agreements, as the transfers of the ownership interests were inseparable from the management services agreements. These agreements also include provisions that require us to repurchase the fractional interest at fair market value at contract termination or upon the customer’s request following the minimum commitment period. ASC 606 provides that such contracts are subject to accounting guidance for lease contracts and not ASC 606. The principal effects of thisre-characterization were to increase both assets (primarily property, plant and equipment) and other liabilities by approximately $3.5 billion with a small reduction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. There-categorization of these contracts as operating leases did not have a significant effect on our consolidated revenues or earnings for the first six months of 2018.

9


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 3. Revenues from contracts with customers(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the sixthree and nine months ended Juneending September 30, 2018 (in millions). Other revenues included in our consolidated revenues were primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and lease income which are not within the scope of ASC 606.

 

 Manufacturing  McLane
Company
 Service and
Retail
 BNSF Berkshire
Hathaway
Energy
 Finance and
Financial
Products
 Insurance,
Corporate
and other
 Total  Manufacturing  McLane
    Company    
  Service and
Retail
      BNSF      Berkshire
Hathaway
Energy
  Finance and
Financial
Products
  Insurance,
Corporate
and other
      Total    

Three months ending September 30, 2018

                

Manufactured products:

                         

Industrial and commercial products

  $12,922    $   $108   $   $   $421   $   $13,451    $6,384    $ —    $47    $    $    $82    $    $6,513 

Building products

 6,344               7     6,351    3,473                    4        3,477 

Consumer products

 5,896               1,954     7,850    2,838                    1,170        4,008 

Grocery and convenience store distribution

      16,419                 16,419        8,709                        8,709 

Food and beverage distribution

      8,124                 8,124        4,079                        4,079 

Auto sales

        4,004              4,004            2,083                    2,083 

Other retail and wholesale distribution

 1,012      5,617        42     6,671    521        3,117            23        3,661 

Service

 497    37  1,947  11,411  1,886  26     15,804    262    16    965    6,099    1,140    148        8,630 

Electricity and natural gas

              7,090        7,090                    4,267            4,267 
 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Total

 26,671    24,580  11,676  11,411  8,976  2,450     85,764    13,478    12,804    6,212    6,099    5,407    1,427        45,427 

Other revenue

 81    36  1,921  24  586  1,976  30,285  34,909    51    18    743    13    299    1,004    15,895    18,023 
 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  $26,752    $   24,616   $  13,597   $  11,435   $  9,562   $    4,426   $  30,285   $  120,673    $13,529    $12,822    $6,955    $6,112    $5,706    $2,431    $  15,895    $63,450 
 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  Manufacturing  McLane
Company
  Service and
Retail
  BNSF  Berkshire
Hathaway
Energy
  Finance and
Financial
Products
  Insurance,
Corporate
and other
      Total    

Nine months ending September 30, 2018

                

Manufactured products:

                

Industrial and commercial products

   $19,306    $    $155    $    $    $503    $    $19,964 

Building products

   9,817                    11        9,828 

Consumer products

   8,734                    3,124        11,858 

Grocery and convenience store distribution

       25,128                        25,128 

Food and beverage distribution

       12,203                        12,203 

Auto sales

           6,087                    6,087 

Other retail and wholesale distribution

   1,533        8,734            65        10,332 

Service

   759    53    2,912    17,510    3,026    174        24,434 

Electricity and natural gas

                   11,357            11,357 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Total

   40,149    37,384    17,888    17,510    14,383    3,877        131,191 

Other revenue

   132    54    2,664    37    885    2,980    46,180    52,932 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   $40,281    $37,438    $20,552    $  17,547    $  15,268    $6,857    $  46,180    $  184,123 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

A summary of the transaction price allocated to the significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations relating to contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 follows (in millions).

 

      Performance obligations    
expected to be satisfied:
     
       Performance obligations
     expected to be satisfied:
   
     Less than    
12 months
     Greater than    
12 months
 Total   Less than
12 months
   Greater than
12 months
           Total         

Manufactured products:

         

Industrial and commercial products

  $59   $      2,970   $      3,029    $50     $2,549     $2,599  

Electricity and natural gas

 1,160  5,955  7,115    1,011     5,879     6,890  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities

InvestmentsOur investments in securities with fixed maturitiesmaturity securities as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized by type below (in millions).

 

   Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Gains
  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value

 

June 30, 2018

        

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

   $3,463    $10    $(35)    $3,438 

U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivisions

   452    17    (5)    464 

Foreign governments

   7,551    56    (42)    7,565 

Corporate bonds

   5,968    453    (8)    6,413 

Mortgage-backed securities

   585    62    (3)    644 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   $18,019    $598    $(93)    $18,524 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

        

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

   $3,975    $4    $        (26)    $3,953 

U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivisions

   847    19    (12)    854 

Foreign governments

   8,572    274    (24)    8,822 

Corporate bonds

   6,279    588    (5)    6,862 

Mortgage-backed securities

   772    92    (2)    862 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   $    20,445    $        977    $        (69)    $   21,353 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

10


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities(Continued)

     Amortized  
Cost
  Unrealized
Gains
  Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
    Value    

September 30, 2018

        

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

   $3,626    $8    $(35)    $3,599 

U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivisions

   276    15    (1)    290 

Foreign governments

   7,362    45    (37)    7,370 

Corporate bonds

   6,029    436    (7)    6,458 

Mortgage-backed securities

   502    56    (4)    554 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   $17,795    $560    $(84)    $18,271 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

        

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

   $3,975    $4    $(26)    $3,953 

U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivisions

   847    19    (12)    854 

Foreign governments

   8,572    274    (24)    8,822 

Corporate bonds

   6,279    588    (5)    6,862 

Mortgage-backed securities

   772    92    (2)    862 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   $20,445    $977    $(69)    $    21,353 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments in foreign government securities include securities issued by national and provincial government entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, approximately 92%89% of foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Amounts are in millions. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to early call or prepayment rights held by issuers.

 

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

Amortized cost

  $        6,863   $        9,439   $        399   $        733   $        585   $        18,019    $    7,275    $9,057    $387    $574    $502    $17,795 

Fair value

 6,876  9,507  448  1,049  644  18,524    7,274    9,108    435    900    554    18,271 

Note 5. Investments in equity securities

InvestmentsOur investments in equity securities as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the table belowas follows (in millions).

 

   Cost Basis  Net Unrealized
Gains
  

Fair
Value

June 30, 2018 *

      

Banks, insurance and finance

   $    27,003    $      50,770    $            77,773

Consumer products

   40,199    28,502   68,701

Commercial, industrial and other

   20,256    12,999   33,255
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

   $87,458    $92,271    $          179,729
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

*    Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $14.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $47.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $19.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.5 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $26.4 billion).

 

   Cost Basis  Net Unrealized
Gains
  

Fair
Value

December 31, 2017 *

      

Banks, insurance and finance

   $    25,783    $    55,026    $            80,809

Consumer products

   25,177    25,698   50,875

Commercial, industrial and other

   23,716    15,140   38,856
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

   $    74,676    $    95,864    $          170,540
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

*    Approximately 65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $15.1 billion; Apple Inc. – $28.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $18.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $29.3 billion).

 

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

 

      June 30,
2018
  

December 31,
2017

 

Insurance and other

    

 

 $

 

      174,033

 

 

  

 

 $          164,026

Railroad, utilities and energy *

     1,364   1,961

Finance and financial products *

     4,332   4,553
    

 

 

 

  

 

     $179,729    $          170,540
    

 

 

 

  

 

   Cost Basis  Net Unrealized
Gains
  Fair
    Value    

September 30, 2018 *

      

Banks, insurance and finance

   $42,010    $51,499    $93,509 

Consumer products

   38,793    39,858    78,651 

Commercial, industrial and other

   21,035    14,137    35,172 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   $    101,838    $105,494    $    207,332 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $16.1 billion; Apple Inc. – $57.6 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $26.5 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $18.5 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $24.4 billion).

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 5. Investments in equity securities(Continued)

   Cost Basis    Net Unrealized
Gains
  Fair
        Value        
December 31, 2017 *      

Banks, insurance and finance

   $25,783    $55,026    $80,809 

Consumer products

   25,177    25,698    50,875 

Commercial, industrial and other

   23,716    15,140    38,856 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   $    74,676    $95,864    $170,540 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

Approximately 65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $15.1 billion; Apple Inc. – $28.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $18.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $29.3 billion).

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

       September 30,    
2018
      December 31,    
2017

Insurance and other

   $201,226    $164,026 

Railroad, utilities and energy *

   1,616    1,961 

Finance and financial products *

   4,490    4,553 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   $207,332    $170,540 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 *

Included in other assets.

11


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 6. Equity Method Investments

Berkshire holds investments in certain businesses that are accounted for pursuant to the equity method. Currently, the most significant of these is our investment in the common stock of The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”). Kraft Heinz is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and marketers of food and beverage products, including condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee and other grocery products. Berkshire currently owns 325,442,152 shares of Kraft Heinz common stock representing 26.7% of the outstanding shares. The carrying value and fair value of this investment at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 was approximately $17.5 billion and $20.4$17.9 billion, respectively, and at December 31, 2017 was $17.6 billion and $25.3 billion, respectively. Our earnings determined under the equity method during the first sixnine months of 2018 and 2017 were $467$635 million and $548$800 million, respectively. We received dividends on the common stock of $407$610 million in the first sixnine months of 2018 and $391$594 million in the first sixnine months of 2017, which we recorded as reductions of our investment.

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

 

     June 30,
2018
 December 30,
2017
                        September 29,  
2018
    December 30,  
2017

Assets

    $      121,896    $      120,232       $119,730    $120,232 

Liabilities

   56,024   53,985       54,152    53,985 
 Second Quarter First Six Months  Third Quarter   First Nine Months
 2018 2017 2018 2017          2018                 2017                   2018                  2017        

Sales

 $        6,686    $        6,637    $12,990    $12,961   $6,378    $6,280     $19,368     $19,241  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders

 $        756    $        1,159    $1,749    $2,052   $630    $944     $2,379     $2,996  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

Other investments accounted for pursuant to the equity method include our investments in Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J (“Pilot Flying J”), and Electric Transmission Texas, LLC (“ETT”). Our investments in these entities were approximately $3.5$3.6 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $3.4 billion as of December 31, 2017 and were included in other assets. Our equity method earnings in these entities for the first sixnine months were $261$409 million in 2018 and $79$132 million in 2017. Additional information concerning these investments follows.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 6. Equity Method Investments(Continued)

We own a 50% interest in Berkadia with Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (“Jefferies”), formerly known as Leucadia National Corporation, 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 source of funding for Berkadia’s operations is through its issuance of commercial paper, which is currently limited to $1.5 billion. We support theThe commercial paper withis supported by a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Jefferies is obligated to indemnify us forone-half of any losses incurred under the policy. In addition, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company subsidiary owns a 50% ownership interest in ETT, an owner and operator of electric transmission assets in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint. American Electric Power owns the other 50% interest.

On October 3, 2017, we entered into an investment agreement and an equity purchase agreement whereby we acquired a 38.6% interest in Pilot Flying J, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot Flying J is one of the largest operators of travel centers in North America, with more than 27,00028,000 team members, 750 locations across the U.S. and Canada and approximatelymore than $20 billion in annual revenues. The Haslam family currently owns a 50.1% interest in Pilot Flying J and a third party owns the remaining 11.3% interest. We also entered into an agreement to acquire in 2023 an additional 41.4% interest in Pilot Flying J with the Haslam family retaining a 20% interest. As a result, Berkshire will become the majority owner of Pilot Flying J in 2023.

Note 7. Income taxes

Our consolidated effective income tax rates for the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were 20.0%19.2% and 18.9%19.1%, respectively, and 28.9%25.3% and 28.1%, respectively,27.2% in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2017.2017, respectively. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects recurring benefits from: (a) dividends received deductions applicable to certain investments in equity securities and (b) income production tax credits related to wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. In 2018, our effective income tax rate reflects the current U.S. statutory rate of 21%, while the rate for 2017 reflects the then current U.S. statutory rate of 35%. In addition, theThe relative mix ofpre-tax earnings or losses and underlying income tax rates applicable to the various taxing jurisdictions can also affect our periodic consolidated effective income tax rate.

12


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 7. Income taxes(Continued)

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”) to provide clarification in implementing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) when registrants do not have the necessary information available to complete the accounting for an element of the TCJA in the period of its enactment. SAB 118 provides for tax amounts to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement for up to one year from the enactment date for such elements when the accounting effect is not complete, but can be reasonably estimated. We considerrecorded income tax expense of approximately $1.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing our provisional estimate of the taxU.S. Federal and state income taxes on the deemed repatriation of accumulated undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiariessubsidiaries. We continue to consider this estimate to be provisional and subject to remeasurement when we obtain the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. Whilemeasurement. As of September 30, 2018, we believe our estimate is reasonable, it will take additional time to validatehad not finalized the inputs to the foreign earnings and profits calculations, the basis on which the repatriation tax is determined, and how the applicable states will address the U.S. repatriation tax. We currently expect that ourincome taxes are determined. Our accounting for the repatriation tax under the TCJA will be completed byduring the endfourth quarter of 2018. We do not anticipate significant adjustments to the provisional estimates.

Note 8. Investment gains/losses

A summary of investment gains and losses in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

 

 Second Quarter First Six Months  Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
 2018 2017 2018 2017      2018           2017           2018           2017     

Equity securities:

            

Unrealized investment gains/losses on securities held at the end of the period

  $5,585   $—   $(2,146)  $—    $14,294     $—     $12,126     $—  

Investment gains/losses during 2018 on securities sold in 2018

 357   —  41   —    244     —     307     —  

Gross realized gains

  —  359   —  784    —     1,011     —     1,795  

Gross realized losses

  —  (82)  —  (207)   —     (419)    —     (626) 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
 5,942  277  (2,105) 577    14,538     592     12,433     1,169  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

            

Gross realized gains

 48  15  407  26    44     56     451     82  

Gross realized losses

 (4) (8) (142)  (14)   (10)    (2)    (152)    (16) 

Other

   21  16    (3)    11     18     27  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $   5,990   $     290   $   (1,819)   $     605    $    14,569     $657     $    12,750     $    1,262  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 8. Investment gains/losses(Continued)

Prior to 2018, we recognized investment gains and losses in earnings when we sold or otherwise disposed of equity securities based on the difference between the proceeds from the sale and the cost of the securities orand also when we recognized other-than-temporary impairment losses. Beginning in 2018, equity securities gains and losses include unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair values during the period on equity securities we still own. See Note 2. Prior to 2018, we recorded the changes in unrealized gains and losses on our investments in equity securities in other comprehensive income. See Note 2.

During the first sixnine months of 2018, as reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, we received proceeds of approximately $9.0$14.2 billion from sales of equity securities. In the table above, investment gains/losses on equity securities sold during 2018 reflect the difference between proceeds from sales and the fair value of the equity security sold at the beginning of the period or the purchase date, if later. Our taxable gains on equity securities sold during the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, which are generally the difference between the proceeds from sales and our original cost, were $629$1,329 million and $1,359$2,688 million, respectively.

Note 9. Receivables

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

 

   June 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Insurance premiums receivable

   $12,638     $11,058  

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

   2,989     3,201  

Trade receivables

   12,945     11,756  

Other

   3,074     2,925  

Allowances for uncollectible accounts

   (366)     (362)  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $      31,280     $      28,578  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

13


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 9. Receivables(Continued)

   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Insurance premiums receivable

   $13,002    $11,058 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

   2,944    3,201 

Trade receivables

   13,197    11,756 

Other

   3,121    2,925 

Allowances for uncollectible accounts

   (380)    (362) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $31,884    $28,578 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A summary of loans and finance receivables of our finance and financial products businesses follows (in millions).

 

  June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts

   $14,564   $14,126    $14,832    $14,126 

Allowances for uncollectible loans

   (180)  (180)    (183)    (180) 

Unamortized acquisition discounts

   (173)  (198)    (172)    (198) 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $     14,211   $     13,748    $14,477    $13,748 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Loans and finance receivables are predominantly installment loans originated or acquired by our manufactured housing business. Provisions for loan losses in the first sixnine months of 2018 and 2017 were $70$109 million and $78$124 million, respectively. Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, in the first sixnine months were $70$106 million in 2018 and $83$126 million in 2017. At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, we evaluated approximately 98% of the loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment. As part of the evaluation process, credit quality indicators arewere reviewed and loans arewere designated as performing ornon-performing. At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, we considered approximately 99% of the loan balances to be performing and approximately 95% of the loan balances to be current as to payment status. In June 2017, we agreed to provide a Canada-based financial institution with a C$2 billionone-year secured revolving credit facility. The agreement expired on June 29, 2018.

Note 10. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

 

  June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
   September 30,
2018
  December 31,
2017

Raw materials

   $3,172    $2,997     $3,326    $2,997 

Work in process and other

   2,213   2,315     2,232    2,315 

Finished manufactured goods

   4,117   4,179     4,150    4,179 

Goods acquired for resale

   6,692   6,696     7,085    6,696 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   $     16,194    $     16,187     $16,793    $16,187 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 11. Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease

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

   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Land

   $2,272     $2,292  

Buildings and improvements

   9,034     8,810  

Machinery and equipment

   28,594     21,935  

Furniture, fixtures and other

   4,972     4,387  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   44,872     37,424  

Accumulated depreciation

   (20,515)    (17,320) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $24,357     $20,104  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In conjunction with the adoption of ASC 606, we recorded a net asset of approximately $3.5 billion inrelated to aircraft sold under fractional aircraft ownership programs in machinery and equipment. Such amount included cost of approximately $5.3 billion, net of accumulated depreciation of $1.8 billion. We also recorded other liabilities of approximately $3.5 billion for estimated aircraft repurchase obligations and unearned lease revenues, substantially offsetting the amount recorded in machinery and equipment. See Note 2.

   June 30,
2018
  December 31,
2017
 

Land

   $2,289    $2,292  

Buildings and improvements

   9,041    8,810  

Machinery and equipment

   27,932    21,935  

Furniture, fixtures and other

   4,695    4,387  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   43,957    37,424  

Accumulated depreciation

   (20,009)   (17,320) 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   $     23,948    $     20,104  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

14


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 11. Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease(Continued)

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

 

  June 30,
2018
  

December 31,
2017

Railroad:

  

Land

  $6,093    $        6,088 

Track structure and other roadway

  51,994   51,320 

Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment

  12,640   12,543 

Construction in progress

  1,039   989 
 

 

 

  

 

  71,766   70,940 

Accumulated depreciation

  (9,259)  (8,627)
 

 

 

  

 

  62,507   62,313 
 

 

 

  

 

Utilities and energy:

  

Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems

  74,975   74,660 

Interstate natural gas pipeline assets

  7,240   7,176 

Independent power plants and other assets

  8,142   7,499 

Construction in progress

  3,204   2,556 
 

 

 

  

 

  93,561   91,891 

Accumulated depreciation

  (26,852)  (26,020)
 

 

 

  

 

  66,709   65,871 
 

 

 

  

 

  $    129,216    $    128,184 
 

 

 

  

 

 

Assets held for lease and property, plant and equipment of our finance and financial products businesses are summarized below (in millions). Assets held for lease includes railcars, intermodal tank containers, cranes,over-the-road trailers, storage units and furniture.

 

  June 30,
2018
  

December 31,
2017

Assets held for lease

  $12,507    $      12,318 

Land

  234   231 

Buildings, machinery and other

  1,489   1,444 
 

 

 

  

 

  14,230   13,993 

Accumulated depreciation

  (4,165)  (4,062)
 

 

 

  

 

  $      10,065    $        9,931 
 

 

 

  

 

 

A summary of depreciation expense for the first six months of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

 

  First Six Months
  2018  

2017

Insurance and other

  $1,302    $        1,089 

Railroad, utilities and energy

  2,444   2,389 

Finance and financial products

  321   321 
 

 

 

  

 

  $      4,067    $        3,799 
 

 

 

  

 

15

   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Railroad:

    

Land, track structure and other roadway

   $58,755     $57,408  

Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment

   12,731     12,543  

Construction in progress

   910     989  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   72,396     70,940  

Accumulated depreciation

   (9,596)    (8,627) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   62,800     62,313  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Utilities and energy:

       

Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems

   75,751     74,660  

Interstate natural gas pipeline assets

   7,295     7,176  

Independent power plants and other assets

   8,156     7,499  

Construction in progress

   3,724     2,556  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   94,926     91,891  

Accumulated depreciation

   (27,339)    (26,020) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   67,587     65,871  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $130,387     $128,184  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 11. Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease(Continued)

Assets held for lease and property, plant and equipment of our finance and financial products businesses are summarized below (in millions). Assets held for lease include railcars, intermodal tank containers, cranes,over-the-road trailers, storage units and furniture.

   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Assets held for lease

   $12,736     $12,318  

Land

   240     231 

Buildings, machinery and other

   1,527     1,444  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   14,503     13,993  

Accumulated depreciation

   (4,230)    (4,062) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $10,273     $9,931  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A summary of depreciation expense for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

           First Nine Months         
   2018   2017 

Insurance and other

   $1,954     $1,636  

Railroad, utilities and energy

   3,678     3,604  

Finance and financial products

   485     487  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $6,117     $5,727  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 12. Goodwill and other intangible assets

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

 

       June 30,
2018
 

December 31,
2017

Balance at beginning of year

    $81,258    $        79,486 

Acquisitions of businesses

    177   1,545 

Other, including foreign currency translation

    (185)  227 
   

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

    $        81,250    $        81,258 
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

  June 30, 2018  December 31, 2017
  Gross carrying
amount
  Accumulated
amortization
 Gross carrying
amount
 

Accumulated
amortization

Insurance and other

  $40,267  $8,342   $40,225   $          7,707 

Railroad, utilities and energy

  1,018  349  988 324 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  $41,285  $8,691  $41,213  $          8,031 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks and trade names

  $5,398  $729  $5,381 $             692 

Patents and technology

  4,380  2,635  4,341 2,493 

Customer relationships

  28,335  4,140  28,322 3,722 

Other

  3,172  1,187  3,169 1,124 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  $        41,285  $        8,691  $41,213  $          8,031 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Balance at beginning of year

   $81,258     $79,486  

Acquisitions of businesses

   250     1,545  

Other, including foreign currency translation

   (181)    227  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $81,327     $81,258  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
     Gross carrying
amount
   Accumulated  
amortization
     Gross carrying
amount
   Accumulated  
amortization
 

Insurance and other

   $40,288    $8,662    $40,225    $7,707 

Railroad, utilities and energy

   1,026    362    988    324 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $41,314    $9,024    $41,213    $8,031 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Trademarks and trade names

   $5,396    $744    $5,381    $692 

Patents and technology

   4,408    2,716    4,341    2,493 

Customer relationships

   28,343    4,351    28,322    3,722 

Other

   3,167    1,213    3,169    1,124 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $41,314    $9,024    $41,213    $8,031 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization expense in the first sixnine months was $707$1,052 million in 2018 and $740$1,108 million in 2017. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were approximately $18.9 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 13. Derivative contracts

We are party to derivative contracts primarily through our finance and financial products and our utilities and energy businesses. Currently, the derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses consist of equity index put option contracts written between 2004 and 2008. The liabilities and related notional values of such contracts follows (in millions).

 

  June 30, 2018  December 31, 2017 
  Liabilities  

 

Notional
Value

  Liabilities  

 

Notional
Value

 

Equity index put options

  $      2,006      $    27,658(1)    $      2,172      $    28,753(1) 
   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
       Liabilities           Notional      
Value
       Liabilities           Notional      
Value
 

Equity index put options

   $1,869     $27,434(1)    $2,172     $28,753 (1) 

 

(1) 

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

We record derivativeequity index put option contract liabilities at fair value and include the changes in the fair values of such contracts in earnings as derivative contract gains/losses. A summary of derivative contract gains/losses included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings follows (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter  First Six Months 
  

 

2018

  

 

2017

  

 

2018

  

 

2017

 

Equity index put options

 $      372   $      (65)   $      166    $      395  

16


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 13. Derivative contracts(Continued)

   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
       2018           2017           2018           2017     

Equity index put options

   $137     $308     $303     $703  

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written prior to March 2008 on four major equity indexes. The remaining contracts expire between April 2019 and January 2026. TheAt September 30, 2018, the remaining weighted average life of all contracts was approximately 2.5 years at June 30, 2018.2.25 years. In the second quarter of 2018, one equity index put option contract expired with no payment due to the counterparty.

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 aggregate premiums of approximately $4.1 billion on the remaining contracts at the contract inception dates and 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) was $930$919 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $789 million at December 31, 2017. These contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates and the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses on these contracts will not be determined until the contract expiration dates.

A limited number of our equity index put option contracts contain collateral posting requirements with respect to changes in the fair value or intrinsic value of the contracts and/or a downgrade of Berkshire’s credit ratings. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, 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 eitherA- by Standard & Poor’s or A3 by Moody’s, collateral of up to $1.1 billion could be required to be posted.

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. We may use forward purchases and sales, futures, swaps and options to manage a portion of these price risks. Most of the net derivative contract assets or liabilities of our regulated utilities are probable of recovery through rates and are offset by regulatory liabilities or assets. Derivative contract assets are included in other assets and were $149$154 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $142 million as of December 31, 2017. Derivative contract liabilities are included in other liabilities and were $93$80 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $82 million as of December 31, 2017.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 14. Supplemental cash flow information

Supplemental cash flow information follows (in millions).

 

   First Six Months 
   

 

2018

   

 

2017

 

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Income taxes

   $    2,358     $    1,082  

Interest:

    

Insurance and other businesses

   464     390  

Railroad, utilities and energy businesses

   1,402     1,410  

Finance and financial products businesses

   182     211  

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

    

Liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions

   76     167  

17


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

       First Nine Months     
   2018   2017 

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Income taxes

   $  3,977     $  1,774  

Interest:

           

Insurance and other businesses

   677     747  

Railroad, utilities and energy businesses

   2,129     2,111  

Finance and financial products businesses

   257     296  

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

          

Liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions

   93     685  

Equity securities surrendered in connection with warrant exercise

   —     4,965  

Note 15. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

Our liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (also referred to as “claim liabilities”) under short-duration property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet date and include estimates forincurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) claims. Reconciliations of the changes in claim liabilities, excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note 16), for the sixnine months ending JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017 follow (in millions).

 

  2018   2017   2018   2017 

Balances – beginning of year:

        

Gross liabilities

   $61,122     $53,379     $61,122     $53,379  

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

   (3,201)    (3,338)    (3,201)    (3,338) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net liabilities

   57,921     50,041     57,921     50,041  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:

        

Current accident year events

   18,905     16,980     29,071     28,632  

Prior accident years’ events

   (1,054)    (166)    (1,566)    (461) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses

   17,851    16,814     27,505     28,171  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:

        

Current accident year events

   (7,332)    (6,656)    (12,474)    (11,539) 

Prior accident years’ events

   (8,581)    (7,253)    (11,516)    (9,952) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total payments

   (15,913)    (13,909)    (23,990)    (21,491) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   (111)    327     (117)    603  

Balances – June 30:

    
  

 

   

 

 

Balances – September 30:

    

Net liabilities

   59,748     53,273     61,319     57,324  

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

   2,989     3,076     2,944     3,254  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Gross liabilities

   $   62,737     $   56,349     $    64,263     $    60,578  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first sixnine months of 2018 and 2017 included net reductions of estimated ultimate claim liabilities for prior accident years of $1,054$1,566 million compared to $166and $461 million, in 2017.respectively. We reduced estimated ultimate claim liabilities for prior accident years related to primary insurance by $768$985 million in the first sixnine months of 2018 compared to $532and $569 million in the first sixnine months of 2017. In the first six months2017, which included reductions of $478 million in 2018 estimated liabilities for prior accident years forand increases of $37 million in 2017 related to private passenger automobile insurance coverages were reduced $430 million compared to $106 million in 2017. In each period, wecoverages. We also reduced prior years’ claim liabilities for medical professional liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverages.

In the first six months of 2018, we reduced estimated ultimate claim liabilities with respect to prior accident years for property and casualty reinsurance by $286$581 million in the first nine months of 2018, compared to an increase of $366$108 million in the first sixnine months of 2017. The comparative change reflected the impact in the 2017 period of unanticipated property claims and increases in estimated liabilities for certain U.K. personal injury claims resulting from the U.K. Ministry of Justice’s decision to reduce the fixed discount rate to be used by insurers in lump sum settlement calculations.

18


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 16. Retroactive reinsurance contracts

Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses of short-duration insurance contracts with respect to underlying loss events that occurred prior to the contract inception date. Claims payments may commence immediately after the contract date or, if applicable, once a contractual retention amount has been reached. Reconciliations of the changes in estimated liabilities for retroactive reinsurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“claim liabilities”) and related deferred charge reinsurance assumed assets for the sixnine months ending JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

 

  2018   2017   2018   2017 
  

 

Unpaid losses
and loss
adjustment
expenses

   

 

Deferred
charges
reinsurance
assumed

   

 

Unpaid losses
and loss
adjustment
expenses

   

 

Deferred

charges
reinsurance
assumed  

   Unpaid losses
and loss
adjustment
expenses
   Deferred
charges
reinsurance
assumed
   Unpaid losses
and loss
adjustment
expenses
   Deferred
charges
reinsurance
assumed
 

Balances – beginning of year:

   $   42,937    $    (15,278)  $   24,972  $   (8,047)   $42,937    $(15,278)   $24,972    $(8,047)
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses

                

Current year contracts

   —      —      16,448    (6,078)    —     —     17,213    (6,170) 

Prior years’ contracts

   (35)    548    (399)    528    (36)    827    (409)    645 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   (35)    548    16,049    (5,550)    (36)    827    16,804    (5,525) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses

   (787)    —      (630)    —      (966)    —     (783)    —  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balances – June 30:

   $   42,115    $    (14,730)  $   40,391   $   (13,597)

Balances – September 30:

   $    41,935    $    (14,451)   $    40,993    $    (13,572)
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges

   $   513     $   10,499      $791      $11,279   
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

In the preceding table, classifications of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on the inception dates of the contracts. We do not believe that analysis of losses incurred and paid by accident year of the underlying event is relevant or meaningful given that our exposure to losses incepts when the contract incepts. Further, we believe the classifications of reported claims and case development liabilities has little or no practical analytical value.

In the first quarter of 2017, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into an agreement with various subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”), which became effective on February 2, 2017. Under this agreement, NICO agreed to indemnify AIG for 80% of up to $25 billion of losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses in excess of $25 billion retained by AIG with respect to certain commercial insurance loss events occurring prior to 2016. As of the effective date, we recorded premiums earned of $10.2 billion a liabilityand losses incurred of $10.2 billion, which consisted of liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of $16.4 billion and a deferred charge reinsurance assumed assetassets of $6.2 billion. Berkshire agreed to guarantee the timely payment of all amounts due to AIG under the agreement. Our estimated ultimate claim liabilities with respect to the AIG contract at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and at December 31, 2017 were $18.2 billion, which reflected an increase of $1.8 billion in estimated ultimate claim liabilities recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017. Deferred charge assets related to the AIG contract were approximately $7.2$7.1 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $7.5 billion at December 31, 2017.2017, which included an additional $1.7 billion arising from the aforementioned increase to ultimate claim liabilities in the fourth quarter.

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses related to contracts written in prior years were $513$791 million in the first sixnine months of 2018 and $129$236 million in the first sixnine months of 2017. Such losses included recurring amortization of deferred charge assets and net gains from reductions of estimated ultimate claim liabilities.

Note 17. Notes payable and other borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (in(dollars in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018.

 

   Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
  June 30,
2018
  December 31,
2017

Insurance and other:

      

Issued by Berkshire:

      

U.S. Dollar denominated borrowings due 2018-2047

   3.0%    $   9,809    $   10,603 

Euro denominated borrowings due 2020-2035

   1.1%    7,950    8,164 

Short-term subsidiary borrowings

   3.9%    1,795    1,832 

Other subsidiary borrowings due 2018-2045

   4.0%    5,604    6,725 
    

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

     $   25,158    $   27,324 
    

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

19

   Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
 September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 
Insurance and other:     

Issued by Berkshire:

        

U.S. Dollar denominated borrowings due 2018-2047

   3.1  $9,058     $10,603  

Euro denominated borrowings due 2020-2035

   1.1  7,897     8,164  

Short-term subsidiary borrowings

   4.1  1,733     1,832  

Other subsidiary borrowings due 2018-2045

   4.0  5,583     6,725  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $24,271     $27,324  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 17. Notes payable and other borrowings(Continued)

 

In the first six months of 2018, theThe carrying value of Berkshire’s Euro denominated senior notes decreased $219 million due toreflects the Euro/U.S. Dollar exchange rate as of the balance sheet date. The gains or losses arising from the changes in the Euro/U.S. Dollar exchange rates, which produced a corresponding increase topre-taxrate during the period are recorded in earnings of $219 million as a reductioncomponent of interest expense. DuringThe change in the Euro/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in the first sixnine months of 2018 $800resulted in reductions of $273 million in interest expense and to the carrying value of Berkshire U.S. Dollarthe Euro denominated senior notes matured.compared to increases of $860 million in interest expense and to the carrying value of the notes in the first nine months of 2017.

 

  Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
   June 30,
2018
  December 31,
2017
  Weighted
Average
 Interest Rate 
    September 30, 
2018
    December 31, 
2017

Railroad, utilities and energy:

            

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

            

BHE senior unsecured debt due 2018-2048

   4.5%    $   7,979    $   6,452 

Subsidiary and other debt due 2018-2064

   4.7%    28,727    28,739 

BHE senior unsecured debt due 2018-2049

   4.5%      $8,970     $6,452 

Subsidiary and other debt due 2019-2064

   4.7%     28,588     28,739 

Short-term debt

   2.7%    3,424    4,488    3.0%     1,784     4,488 

Issued by BNSF due 2018-2097

   4.7%    22,534    22,499    4.7%     23,257     22,499 
    

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

     $   62,664    $   62,178       $62,599     $62,178 
    

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

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, which pertain to leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and/or debt service coverage ratios, among other covenants. During the first sixnine months of 2018, BHE and its subsidiaries issued $3.5approximately $5.5 billion of long-term debt, withincluding $2.05 billion in the third quarter. The debt issued in 2018 has maturity dates ranging from 2020 to 2048 with2049 and a weighted average interest rate of 3.2%. In July 2018, BHE and subsidiaries issued an additional $2.05 billion of debt with maturities in 2049 with a weighted average interest rate of 4.3%3.6%. Proceeds from these debt issuances were used to repay debt, to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In the first quarternine months of 2018, BNSF issued $750 million$1.5 billion of 4.05% senior unsecured debentures due in 2048, andincluding $750 million in the third quarter. These debentures have a weighted average interest rate of 4.1%. In 2018, BNSF repaid $650 million of debentures matured. In August 2018, BNSF issued $750 million of 4.15% debentures due in 2048.maturing debentures. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, BNSF, 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,
2018
  December 31,
2017
  Weighted
Average
 Interest Rate 
    September 30, 
2018
    December 31, 
2017

Finance and financial products:

            

Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2018-2043

   3.0%    $   8,829    $   12,926 

Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2019-2048

   3.3%     $10,649     $12,926 

Issued by other subsidiaries due 2018-2028

   3.6%    122    159    3.6%     121     159 
    

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

     $     8,951    $   13,085      $10,770     $13,085 
    

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

Borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, consist of senior unsecured notes used to fund manufactured housing loans originated or acquired and assets held for lease of certain finance subsidiaries. In August 2018, BHFC issued $2.35 billion of 4.2% senior notes due in 2048. Such borrowings are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. During the first sixnine months of 2018, $4.1BHFC repaid $4.6 billion of BHFCmaturing senior notes matured.notes.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, our subsidiaries had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately $6.6$8.4 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included about $5.1approximately $6.8 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries. In addition to BHFC’s borrowings, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $1.8$1.7 billion of other subsidiary borrowings at JuneSeptember 30, 2018. Generally, Berkshire’s guarantee of a subsidiary’s debt obligation is an absolute, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for the full and prompt payment when due of all payment obligations.

20


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 18. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, receivables and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

 

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

June 30, 2018

          

September 30, 2018

             

Investments in fixed maturity securities:

                       

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

   $3,438    $3,438    $2,413    $1,025    $—     $3,599    $3,599    $2,378    $1,221    $—   

U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivisions

   464    464    —      464    —      290     290     —       290     —    

Foreign governments

  

 

7,565

 

   7,565    5,715    1,850    —      7,370     7,370     5,162     2,208     —    

Corporate bonds

   6,413    6,413    —      6,408    5    6,458     6,458     —       6,453      

Mortgage-backed securities

   644    644    —      644    —      554     554     —       554     —    

Investments in equity securities

   179,729    179,729    179,681    48    —      207,332     207,332     206,985     47     300  

Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock

   17,530    20,444    20,444    —      —      17,453     17,935     17,935     —       —    

Loans and finance receivables

   14,211    14,485    —      87    14,398    14,477     14,735     —       59     14,676  

Derivative contract assets(1)

   149    149        30    118    154     154         41     110  

Derivative contract liabilities:

                             

Railroad, utilities and energy(1)

   93    93    —      75    18    80     80         63     16  

Equity index put options

   2,006    2,006    —      —      2,006    1,869     1,869     —       —       1,869  

Notes payable and other borrowings:

                             

Insurance and other

   25,158    25,422    —      25,422    —      24,271     24,422     —       24,422     —    

Railroad, utilities and energy

   62,664    67,284    —      67,284    —      62,599     66,823     —       66,823     —    

Finance and financial products

   8,951    9,148    —      9,121    27    10,770     10,979     —       10,953     26  

December 31, 2017

                          

Investments in fixed maturity securities:

                       

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

   $3,953    $3,953    $2,360    $1,593    $—     $3,953     $3,953    $2,360    $1,593    $—   

U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivisions

   854    854    —      854    —      854     854     —       854     —    

Foreign governments

   8,822    8,822    6,946    1,876    —      8,822     8,822     6,946     1,876     —    

Corporate bonds

   6,862    6,862    —      6,856    6    6,862     6,862     —       6,856      

Mortgage-backed securities

   862    862    —      862    —      862     862     —       862     —    

Investments in equity securities

   170,540    170,540    170,494    46    —      170,540     170,540     170,494     46     —    

Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock

   17,635    25,306    25,306    —      —      17,635     25,306     25,306     —       —    

Loans and finance receivables

   13,748    14,136    —      17    14,119    13,748     14,136     —       17     14,119  

Derivative contract assets(1)

   142    142    1    28    113    142     142         28     113  

Derivative contract liabilities:

                          

Railroad, utilities and energy(1)

   82    82    3    69    10    82     82         69     10  

Equity index put options

   2,172    2,172    —      —      2,172    2,172     2,172     —       —       2,172  

Notes payable and other borrowings:

                                   

Insurance and other

   27,324    28,180    —      28,180    —      27,324     28,180     —       28,180     —    

Railroad, utilities and energy

   62,178    70,538    —      70,538    —      62,178     70,538     —       70,538     —    

Finance and financial products

   13,085    13,582    —      13,577    5    13,085     13,582     —       13,577      

 

(1)

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

21


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 18. Fair value measurements(Continued)

 

The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. The hierarchy for measuring fair value consists of Levels 1 through 3, which are described below.

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

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

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

Reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the sixnine months ending JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017 follow (in millions).

 

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

Six months ending June 30, 2018

    

Nine months ending September 30, 2018

    

Balance at December 31, 2017

   $    $(2,069)    $   $(2,069) 

Gains (losses) included in:

        

Earnings

   —     256     —     446  

Regulatory assets and liabilities

   —     (14)    —     (11) 

Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements

   (1)    (79)    (1)    (141) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2018

   $    $(1,906) 

Balance at September 30, 2018

   $   $(1,775) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Six months ending June 30, 2017

    

Nine months ending September 30, 2017

    

Balance at December 31, 2016

   $17,321     $(2,824)    $17,321    $(2,824) 

Gains (losses) included in:

        

Earnings

   —     473     —     822  

Other comprehensive income

   1,157     (2)    1,157     (3) 

Regulatory assets and liabilities

   —     (2)    —     (5) 

Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements

   (58)    (50)    (58)    (78) 

Transfers into/out of Level 3

   (18,412)    —     (18,413)    —  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2017

   $    8     $    (2,405) 

Balance at September 30, 2017

   $   $(2,088) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Gains and losses included in earnings are includedreported as components of investment gains/losses, derivative gains/losses and other revenues, as appropriate. In 2017, gains and losses included in other comprehensive income were primarily the net change in unrealized appreciation of investments and the reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings as appropriate in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

On June 30, 2017, we announced our intention to exercise our investment in Bank of America Corporation Warrants (“BAC Warrants”) for common stock in the third quarter of 2017 and that we expected to use our investment in Bank of America Corporation Preferred Stock as consideration. In the second quarter of 2017, Restaurant Brands International, Inc. (“RBI”) announced its intention to redeem our investment in RBI Preferred Shares in the fourth quarter of 2017. As of June 30, 2017, we based our valuations of these investments on such expectations and we significantly reduced expected durations and effectively eliminated the discounts for transferability and other restrictions. As a result, we concluded the Level 3 inputs used in the previous fair value determinations of our investments in BAC Warrants and RBI Preferred Shares were not significant and that the valuations of such investments were deemed Level 2 measurements.

22


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

Note 18. Fair value measurements(Continued)

 

Quantitative information as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, 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
Technique
   Unobservable Input  Weighted
  Average  
 

Derivative liabilities:

       

Equity index put options

  $  2,006   Option pricing model Volatility   17% 
   Fair
Value
   Principal Valuation
Techniques
    Unobservable Inputs    Weighted
  Average  
Derivative contract liabilities – Equity index put options   $  1,869     Option pricing model     Volatility    16% 

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 certain of the contracts have relatively long durations. For these and other reasons, we classified these contracts as Level 3.3 measurements. The methods we use to value these contractsmeasure fair values 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 Berkshirenon-performance input) which are observable. However, we believe that the valuation of long-duration optionsour longer duration contracts using any model is inherently subjective and, given the lack of observable transactions and prices, acceptable values may be subject to wide ranges. 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. Increases or decreases in the volatility inputs will produce increases or decreases in the fair values of the liabilities.

Note 19. Common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the sixnine months ending JuneSeptember 30, 2018 are shown in the table below. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.

 

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

Balance at December 31, 2017

   762,755     (11,680)    751,075     1,342,066,749     (1,409,762)    1,340,656,987     762,755     (11,680)    751,075     1,342,066,749     (1,409,762)    1,340,656,987  

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

   (4,560)    —     (4,560)    7,181,203     —     7,181,203     (16,850)    —     (16,850)    25,886,063     —     25,886,063  

Treasury stock acquired

   —     (225)    (225)    —     (4,139,192)    (4,139,192) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2018

           758,195             (11,680)            746,515      1,349,247,952       (1,409,762)     1,347,838,190  

Balance at September 30, 2018

   745,905     (11,905)    734,000     1,367,952,812     (5,548,954)    1,362,403,858  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote per share. Class B common stock possesses dividend and distribution rights equal toone-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of such rights of Class A common stock. Each Class B common share possesses voting rights equivalent toone-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 1,645,0741,642,269 shares outstanding as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 1,644,846 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017. In addition to our

Since we have two classes of common stock, 1,000,000we provide earnings per share data on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for average equivalent Class A shares outstanding and average equivalent Class B shares outstanding. Class B shares are economically equivalent toone-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.a Class A share. Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding represents average Class A shares outstanding plusone-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of the average Class B shares outstanding. Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding represents average Class B shares outstanding plus 1,500 times average Class A shares outstanding.

For several years, Berkshire had a common stock repurchase program, which permitted Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. On July 17, 2018, Berkshire’s Board of Directors authorized an amendment to the program, permitting Berkshire to repurchase shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, a Vice-Chairman of the Board, believe that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined. The program continues to allow share repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings below $20 billion. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares and there is no expiration date to the program.

23


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 20. Accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes inafter-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders and amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the sixnine months ending JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

 

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

2018

               

Balance at December 31, 2017

  $62,093    $(3,114)   $(420)   $12    $58,571     $62,093     $(3,114)    $(420)    $12     $58,571  

Reclassifications to retained earnings

 (61,340)  (65)  36   (6)  (61,375) 

Reclassifications to retained earnings upon adoption of new accounting standards

   (61,340)    (65)    36     (6)    (61,375) 

Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications

 (144)  (705)  (8)    (852)    (142)    (776)    (33)    (19)    (970) 

Reclassifications into net earnings

 (209)   —   62   (5)  (152)    (236)    —     76         (153) 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2018

  $400    $    (3,884)   $(330)   $   $(3,808) 

Balance at September 30, 2018

   $375     $(3,955)    $(341)    $(6)    $(3,927) 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Reclassifications into net earnings:

               

Reclassifications before income taxes

  $(265)   $—    $84    $(8)   $(189)    $(299)    $—     $101     $10     $(188) 

Applicable income taxes

 (56)   —   22   (3)  (37)    (63)    —     25         (35) 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $(209)   $—    $62    $(5)   $(152)    $(236)    $—     $76     $    $(153) 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

2017

               

Balance at December 31, 2016

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

Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications

 8,540   1,221   (64)  (7)  9,690     11,734     1,946     (90)    19     13,609  

Reclassifications into net earnings

 (383)   —     34   13   (336)    (803)    —     61     18     (724) 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2017

  $51,333    $(4,047)   $    (623)   $        (11)   $46,652  

Balance at September 30, 2017

   $54,107     $(3,322)    $(622)    $20     $50,183  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Reclassifications into net earnings:

               

Reclassifications before income taxes

  $(589)   $—      $45    $24    $(520)    $(1,235)    $—    $82     $32     $(1,121) 

Applicable income taxes

 (206)   —     11   11   (184)    (432)    —     21     14     (397) 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $(383)   $ —      $34    $13    $(336)    $(803)    $—    $61     $18     $(724) 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Note��Note 21. Contingencies and CommitmentsSubsequent Event

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

In 2016, NICO entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company, (“MLMIC”Medical Liability Mutual”), a writer of medical professional liability insurance domiciled in New York. The acquisition price will bewas approximately $2.5 billion. The acquisition will involveinvolved the conversion of MLMICMedical Liability Mutual from a mutual company to a stock company. The closing of the transaction iswas subject to various regulatory approvals, customary closing conditions and the approval of the MLMICMedical Liability Mutual policyholders eligible to vote on the proposed demutualization and sale. The acquisition closed on October 1, 2018, at which time, Medical Liability Mutual’s name was changed to the MLMIC Insurance Company (“MLMIC”). The results of MLMIC will be included in Berkshire’s consolidated results beginning as of that date. As of the acquisition date, the preliminary fair values of MLMIC’s assets were approximately $6.3 billion, consisting primarily of cash and investments, and liabilities were approximately $3.8 billion, consisting primarily of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned insurance premiums. We currently expectbelieve goodwill arising from this acquisition will be completed ininsignificant. MLMIC’s premiums earned for the third quarterfirst nine months of 2018.

242018 were approximately $300 million.


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)

 

Note 22. Business segment data

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, railroad, utilities and energy, finance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. Our reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses have been grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and distribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. Revenues by segment for the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in millions).

 

 Second Quarter First Six Months  Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
 2018 2017 2018 

2017

  2018   2017   2018   2017 

Operating Businesses:

            

Insurance:

            

Underwriting:

            

GEICO

  $8,284    $7,244   $16,199  $         14,089     $      8,506      $      7,543   $      24,705   $      21,632 

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

 3,912   3,364  7,452  16,596    3,777     3,954    11,229    20,550 

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

 1,953   1,759  3,871  3,435    2,050     1,852    5,921    5,287 

Investment income

 1,399   1,284  2,612  2,416    1,446     1,248    4,058    3,664 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total insurance

 15,548   13,651  30,134  36,536    15,779     14,597    45,913    51,133 

BNSF

 5,878   5,250  11,502  10,435    6,147     5,314    17,649    15,749 

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

 5,050   4,602  9,562  8,833    5,706     5,351    15,268    14,184 

Manufacturing

 13,853   12,738  26,787  24,835    13,552     12,819    40,339    37,654 

McLane Company

 12,427   12,581  24,616  24,682    12,822     12,798    37,438    37,480 

Service and retailing

 7,062   6,550  13,649  12,643    6,974     6,527    20,623    19,170 

Finance and financial products

 2,366   2,017  4,429  3,866    2,432     2,153    6,861    6,019 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
 62,184   57,389  120,679  121,830    63,412     59,559    184,091    181,389 

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

            

Corporate, eliminations and other

 16   (133)  (6)  (204)   38     (52)    32    (256) 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $    62,200    $    57,256   $    120,673  $       121,626     $63,450      $59,507   $184,123   $181,133 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Earnings before income taxes by segment for the second quarter and first six months of 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in millions).

 Second Quarter First Six Months
 2018 2017 2018 

2017

Operating Businesses:

    

Insurance:

    

Underwriting:

    

GEICO

  $          673    $          119   $          1,350   $             294 

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

 297   (375)  39  (1,118)

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

 234   232  333  421 

Investment income

 1,392   1,283  2,597  2,412 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Total insurance

 2,596   1,259  4,319  2,009 

BNSF

 1,655   1,537  3,168  2,882 

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

 586   649  1,073  1,238 

Manufacturing

 2,135   1,939  3,990  3,426 

McLane Company

 67   69  127  157 

Service and retailing

 697   555  1,212  948 

Finance and financial products

 565   492  1,059  942 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 8,301   6,500  14,948  11,602 

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

    

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses

 6,362   225  (1,653)  1,000 

Interest expense, not allocated to segments

 320   (646)  (17)  (857)

Equity method investments

 327   346  728  627 

Corporate, eliminations and other

 (212)  (296)  (431)  (555)
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   $        15,098     $        6,129   $        13,575   $      11,817  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Earnings before income taxes by segment for the third quarter and first nine months of 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in millions).

 

25

   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Operating Businesses:

        

Insurance:

        

Underwriting:

        

GEICO

    $        627      $(416)   $        1,977      $(122) 

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

   (163)    (1,845)    (124)    (2,963) 

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

   135     52    468          473 

Investment income

   1,455         1,246    4,052    3,658 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total insurance

   2,054     (963)    6,373    1,046 

BNSF

   1,879     1,710    5,047    4,592 

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

   1,165     1,243    2,238    2,481 

Manufacturing

   2,012     2,002    6,002    5,428 

McLane Company

   44     45    171    202 

Service and retailing

   628     491    1,840    1,439 

Finance and financial products

   530     496    1,589    1,438 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   8,312     5,024    23,260    16,626 

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

        

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses

   14,706     965    13,053    1,965 

Interest expense, not allocated to segments

   (60)    (386)    (77)    (1,243) 

Equity method investments

   316     305    1,044    932 

Corporate, eliminations and other

   (127)    (278)    (558)    (833) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $      23,147    $5,630   $36,722     $17,447 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


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 (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
  2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Insurance – underwriting

   $943     $(22)    $1,350     $(289)   $441    $(1,439)   $1,791     $(1,728) 

Insurance – investment income

   1,142     965     2,154     1,873     1,239         1,044     3,393     2,917  

Railroad

   1,309     958     2,454     1,796     1,393     1,042     3,847     2,838  

Utilities and energy

   581     509     1,166     989     1,091     952     2,257     1,941  

Manufacturing, service and retailing

   2,141     1,662     3,963     2,979     2,097     1,694     6,060     4,673  

Finance and financial products

   429     323     803     614     390     319     1,193     933  

Investment and derivative gains/losses

   5,118     143     (1,308)    647     11,660     623    ��10,352     1,270  

Other

   348     (276)    291     (287)    229     (168)    520     (455) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

   $    12,011     $    4,262     $    10,873     $    8,322    $    18,540    $4,067    $   29,413     $   12,389  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Through our subsidiaries, we engage in a number of diverse business activities. We manage our operating businesses on an unusually decentralized basis. There are essentially no centralized or integrated business functions and there is minimal involvement by our corporate headquarters in theday-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. Beginning in 2018, our periodic net earnings include changes in unrealized gains and losses on our investments in equity securities. These gains and losses are likely to be very significant given the size of our current holdings and the inherent volatility inherent in securities prices. Prior to 2018, thesechanges in unrealized gains and losses were recorded in other comprehensive income. Thus, the new accounting treatment has no effect on the consolidated shareholders’ equity we would have otherwise reported.equity. The business segment data (Note 22 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

Ourafter-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were favorably affected by lower U.S. income tax expense, primarily attributable to a reduction in the U.S. statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 in connection with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) enacted on December 22, 2017. The effect of the lower U.S. statutory income tax rate in 2018 generally resulted in increased comparativeafter-tax earnings of our various business operations, although the effects varied, reflecting the differences in the mix of earnings subject to income tax, in the U.S. and internationallyincome tax credits and the varying effects of U.S. state and local income taxes. Further, the effective U.S. income tax rates on dividend income under the TCJA are not significantly different from the prior income tax law.

Our insurance businesses generatedafter-tax earnings from underwriting of $943$441 million and $1,350 million$1.8 billion in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, respectively, compared to losses of $22 million$1.4 billion and $289 million,$1.7 billion, respectively, in 2017.the corresponding 2017 periods. Results in 2018 included reductions of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ property/casualty loss events, the favorable effects ofgains from foreign currency exchange rate changes on certainnon-U.S. Dollar denominated liabilities of U.S subsidiaries and a lower effective income tax rate. Underwriting results in the third quarter of 2017 included estimatedpre-tax losses of approximately $3.0 billion ($1.95 billionafter-tax) attributable to three major hurricanes in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and an earthquake in Mexico. Underwriting results in 2017 also included foreign currency exchange rate losses from the revaluation of certainnon-U.S. Dollar denominated liabilities.

Our railroad business generated increased after-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 compared to 2017, reflecting an increase in unit volume, higher average revenue per car/unit and a lower effective income tax rate, partly offset by increased fuel and other operating costs. Our utilities and energy businesses produced higherafter-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to a lower overall effective income tax rate and increasedpre-tax earnings from renewables and natural gas pipelines. EarningsAfter-tax earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 increased 29%24% and 33%30%, respectively, over 2017, due to lower effective income tax rates and an 18%a 13% increase inyear-to-datepre-tax earnings.

InAfter-tax gains in the secondthird quarter and first nine months of 2018after-tax gains from investments and derivative contracts were $5.1$11.7 billion while in the first six months of 2018, we incurredafter-tax losses of $1.3 billion.and $10.4 billion, respectively. Investment gains/losses includedafter-tax gains of approximately $4.5$11.4 billion in the secondthird quarter andafter-tax losses of approximately $1.7 $9.6 billion in the first sixnine months from changes in market values onof our investments in equity securities held at JuneSeptember 30, 2018. In 2017,after-tax investment gains on equity securities arose from the disposition or exchange of securities during the period based on the cost of the disposed security. In the first sixnine months of 2017, we also recordedafter-tax unrealized gains on our investments in equity securities of approximately $8.2$10.9 billion in other comprehensive income. We believe that investment and derivative gains/losses, whether realized from dispositions or unrealized from changes in market prices of equity securities, are generally meaningless in understanding our reported results or evaluating the economic performance of our businesses. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.

26


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

 

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 GEICO, Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”) and Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group.

Our management views insurance businesses as possessing two distinct operations – underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, while investing decisions are the responsibility of Berkshire’s Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett and Berkshire’s corporate investment managers. Accordingly, we evaluate performance of underwriting operations without any allocation of investment income or investment gains/losses. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, asnon-operating based on our long-held philosophy of acquiring securities and holding those securities for long periods. Accordingly, we believe that such gains and losses are not predictable or necessarily meaningful in understanding the operating results of our insurance businesses.

The timing and amount of catastrophe losses can produce significant volatility in our periodic underwriting results, particularly with respect to our reinsurance businesses. Generally, we consider catastrophe losses in excess of $100 million(pre-tax) from a current year event as significant. We incurred estimatedpre-tax losses of $372 million from two significant catastrophe events in the third quarter of 2018. In the third quarter of 2017, we incurredpre-tax losses of approximately $3.0 billion from four significant catastrophe events. In October 2018, Hurricane Michael hit the Southeastern United States. Incurred losses in the fourth quarter from this event are currently estimated to be in the $350 million to $550 million range.

Changes in estimates for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including amounts established for occurrences in prior years, can also significantly affect our periodic underwriting results. Unpaid loss estimates, including estimates under retroactive reinsurance contracts, were approximately $105$106 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018. Our periodic underwriting results may also include significant foreign currency transaction gains and losses arising from the changes in the valuation ofnon-U.S. Dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities of our U.S. based insurance subsidiaries due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Underwriting results of our insurance businesses are summarized below (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months  Third Quarter First Nine Months 
  2018   2017   2018   2017  2018 2017 2018 2017 

Underwriting gain (loss):

            

GEICO

   $673     $        119    $1,350     $        294    $627     $(416)    $1,977     $(122)  

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

   297     (375)    39     (1,118)  (163)   (1,845)   (124)   (2,963)  

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

   234     232    333     421   135    52    468    473   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)

   1,204     (24)    1,722     (403)  599    (2,209)   2,321    (2,612)  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   261     (2)    372     (114)  158    (770)   530    (884)  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net underwriting gain (loss)

   $            943     $(22)    $            1,350     $(289)   $        441     $(1,439)    $        1,791     $(1,728)  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   21.4%     34.4%    21.4%     30.8%   25.9%          35.1%  22.6%          34.4% 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

GEICO

GEICO writes private passenger automobile insurance, offering coverages to insureds in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. GEICO markets its policies mainly by direct response methods where most customers apply for coverage directly to the company via the Internet or over the telephone. A summary of GEICO’s underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

 

   Second Quarter  First Six Months 
   2018  2017   2018   2017 
       Amount      %      Amount       %      Amount       %       Amount       %

Premiums written

   $    8,237      $    7,270       $16,926      $14,857    
  

 

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Premiums earned

   $8,284          100.0    $7,244     100.0    $16,199          100.0     $14,089           100.0  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   6,505    78.5    6,108     84.3    12,580    77.7     11,698     83.0  

Underwriting expenses

   1,106    13.4    1,017     14.1    2,269    14.0     2,097     14.9  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total losses and expenses

   7,611    91.9    7,125           98.4    14,849    91.7     13,795     97.9  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain

   $673      $119       $1,350      $294    
  

 

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

27

   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 
   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   % 

Premiums written

   $8,952       $    8,130       $  25,878      $   22,987    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Premiums earned

   $8,506         100.0     $7,543         100.0      $24,705        100.0     $21,632         100.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   6,725     79.1      6,933     91.9      19,305    78.1     18,631     86.1  

Underwriting expenses

   1,154     13.5      1,026     13.6      3,423    13.9     3,123     14.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total losses and expenses

   7,879     92.6      7,959     105.5      22,728    92.0     21,754     100.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)

   $        627       $(416)      $1,977      $(122)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   


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

Insurance—Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

GEICO (Continued)

 

Premiums written in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were approximately $8.2$9.0 billion and $16.9$25.9 billion, respectively, representing increases of 13.3%10.1% and 13.9%12.6%, respectively, compared to 2017. These increases reflected increases in voluntary autopolicy-in-forcepolicies-in-force growth of 4.9%3.7% and increased premiums per auto policy of approximately 8.7%7.8% over the past twelve months. The increase in premiums per policy was attributable to rate increases, coverage changes and changes in state and risk mix. The rate increases were in response to accelerating lossesclaim costs in recent years. VoluntaryAlthoughpolicies-in-force increased 461,000 during the first nine months of 2018, the rate of increase slowed, as voluntary auto new business sales in the first six months of 2018 decreased 9.3%6.6% compared to our record growth over the first half of 2017, while our voluntary autopolicies-in-force increased approximately 369,000 during the first six months of 2018.2017.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $397decreased $208 million (6.5%(3.0%) in the secondthird quarter and $882increased $674 million (7.5%(3.6%) in the first sixnine months of 2018 compared to 2017. Our ratioratios of losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums earned (the “loss ratio”) infor the third quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 was 77.7%were 79.1% and 78.1%, a declinerespectively, declines of 5.312.8 and 8.0 percentage points compared to 2017. The declinethe third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively. In the third quarter of 2018, we recorded estimated losses of $30 million related to Hurricane Florence. In the third quarter of 2017, we incurred estimated losses related to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma of approximately $500 million (6.6% of premiums earned in the third quarter and 2.3% in the first nine months).

Our losses and loss ratio reflectedadjustment expenses incurred in the effectsfirst nine months of premium rate increases and comparatively lower storm-related losses.

We2018 also reducedincluded reductions of $478 million with respect to ultimate claim loss estimates for prior years’ loss events, which produced a corresponding increase inpre-tax underwriting gains. By comparison, we increased loss estimates for prior years’ events by $430$37 million in the first sixnine months of 2018 and $106 million in the first six months of 2017. These reductions produced corresponding increases inpre-tax underwriting gains. The comparative increase in gains relating to prior years’ claims was primarily related to collision and property damage losses, which usually have short claim-tails. Claims frequencies in the first sixnine months of 2018 for property damage, collision, and bodily and personal injury protection coverages declined approximately two(two to three percent range) compared to 2017, and decreased approximately three percent for bodily injury coverage.2017. Average claims severities in the first sixnine months of 2018 were higherincreased for property damage and collision coverages (four to six percent range) and bodily injury coverage (five to seven percent range).

Our underwriting expenses in the first sixnine months of 2018 were approximately $2.3$3.4 billion, an increase of $172$300 million (8.2%(9.6%) over 2017. Our expense ratio (underwriting expenses to premiums earned) for the first sixnine months of 2018 decreased 0.90.6 percentage points compared to 2017. The largest components of underwriting expenses are employee-related expenses (salaries and benefits) and advertising costs. The increaseincreases in underwriting expenses reflects the increasewere primarily attributable to increases inpolicies-in-force. advertising expenses, insurance premium taxes and employee-related costs, which included wage and staffing increases.

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

We offerexcess-of-loss and quota-share reinsurance coverages on property and casualty risks and life and health reinsurance to insurers and reinsurers worldwide through several legal entities, led by National Indemnity Company (“NICO Group”), Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company of Nebraska (“BHLN Group”), and General Reinsurance Corporation, General Reinsurance AG and General Re Life Corporation (collectively, “General Re Group”). We also periodically assume property and casualty risks under retroactive reinsurance contracts written through NICO. In addition, the BHLN Group writes periodic payment annuity contracts.

With the exception of our retroactive reinsurance and periodic payment annuity businesses, we strive to generatepre-tax underwriting profits.Time-value-of-money concepts are important elements in establishing prices for our retroactive reinsurance and periodic payment annuity businesses due to the expected long durations of the liabilities. We expect to incurpre-tax underwriting losses from such businesses, primarily through deferred charge amortization and discount accretion charges. Premiums receivedWe receive premiums at the inception underof these contracts, are often large, which are then available for investment. A summary of the premiums andpre-tax underwriting results of our reinsurance business follows (in millions).

 

  Premiums earned  Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) 
  

 

    Second Quarter    

      First Six Months          Second Quarter          First Six Months     
  

 

2018

  2017  2018  2017  2018  2017  2018  2017 

Property/casualty

  $2,296    $1,960    $4,322   $3,702   $338    $40    $468    $(370) 

Retroactive reinsurance

  —       —    10,186    (147)   (333)   (458)   (594) 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  2,296    1,961    4,322   13,888    191    (293)   10    (964) 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Life/health

  1,314    1,173    2,548   2,258    120            116    216            189  

Periodic payment annuity

  302    230    582   450    (14)   (198)   (187)   (343) 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  1,616    1,403    3,130   2,708    106    (82)   29    (154) 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $      3,912    $      3,364    $      7,452   $    16,596   $        297    $(375)   $        39    $(1,118) 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

28

  Premiums earned  Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) 
  Third Quarter  First Nine Months  Third Quarter  First Nine Months 
  2018  2017  2018  2017  2018  2017  2018  2017 

Property/casualty

  $2,157    $2,061    $6,479   $5,763   $67    $(1,486)  $535    $(1,856) 

Retroactive reinsurance

     550      10,736    (246)   (287)   (704)   (881) 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  2,158    2,611    6,480   16,499    (179)   (1,773)   (169)   (2,737) 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Life/health

  1,307    1,146    3,855   3,404    108    113    324            302  

Periodic payment annuity

  312    197    894   647    (92)   (185)   (279)   (528) 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  1,619    1,343    4,749   4,051                16    (72)               45    (226) 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $        3,777    $      3,954    $      11,229   $  20,550   $(163)   $    (1,845)  $(124)   $(2,963) 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


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

Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

 

Property/casualty

A summary of premiums and underwriting results of our property/casualty reinsurance businesses follows (in millions).

 

  Premiums earned   Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)   Premiums earned   Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) 
  

 

Second Quarter

   First Six Months   Second Quarter   First Six Months   Third Quarter   First Nine Months   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
  

 

2018

   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018             2017           2018           2017         

NICO Group

  $1,263     $1,183     $2,317     $2,271     $278     $52     $301     $        (217)   $1,077     $1,217     $3,394     $3,488     $(29)    $(927)    $272     $(1,144) 

General Re Group

   1,033 ��   777     2,005     1,431     60     (12)    167    (153)    1,080     844     3,085     2,275     96     (559)    263     (712) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $        2,296     $      1,960     $      4,322     $      3,702     $        338     $        40     $        468     $        (370)   $        2,157     $        2,061     $        6,479     $        5,763     $          67     $(1,486)    $          535     $(1,856) 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

NICO Group’s premiums earned in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 increased 7%decreased 11.5% and 2%2.7%, respectively, compared to 2017. Premiums earned in the third quarter of 2017 included additional amounts related to certain contracts where policy limits were fully exhausted due to catastrophe losses during the quarter. Such amounts would have been earned in future periods. The effect of significant catastrophe losses in 2018 on the timing of premiums earned was relatively insignificant. For the first sixnine months of 2018, nearly halfapproximately 40% of NICO Group’s premiums written and earned derived from two contracts, which included a10-year, 20% quota-share contract with Insurance Australia Group Ltd. that inceptedexpires in July 2015.2025. General Re Group’s premiums earned in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 increased $256$236 million (33%(28.0%) and $574$810 million (40%(35.6%), respectively, compared to 2017. The increases reflected higher direct and broker markets business, derived primarily from new business and increased participations for renewal business. Industry capacity dedicated tobusiness in both property and casualty markets remains high and price competition in most reinsurance markets persists. We continue to decline business when we believe prices are inadequate.lines.

On a combined basis, our property/casualty reinsurance business generatedpre-tax underwriting gains of $338$67 million and $468$535 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, respectively, compared topre-tax gains of $40 million in the second quarter andpre-tax losses of $370 millionapproximately $1.5 billion in the third quarter and $1.9 billion in the first sixnine months of 2017. There were no significant catastrophe loss events in 2018. In the first six months of 2017, weWe incurred estimated losses of $165approximately $267 million in the third quarter of 2018 related to Hurricane Florence and Typhoon Jebi and approximately $2.29 billion in the third quarter of 2017 related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and an earthquake in Mexico. Our losses from a cyclone in Australia.significant catastrophe events were approximately $2.45 billion for the first nine months of 2017.

In addition, we reduced estimated ultimate claims liabilities in the first sixnine months of 2018 we also decreasedfor prior years’ loss events by $581 million. We increased estimated ultimate claims liabilities for prior years’ loss events by $286 million, compared to an increase of $366$108 million in the first sixnine months of 2017. The increase in prior years’ losses in 2017, was driven bywhich reflected the U.K. Ministry of Justice’s decision in the first quarter to reduce the fixed discount rate required in lump sum settlement calculations of U.K. personal injury claims and by unanticipated property claims from events in 2016.

Retroactive reinsurance

Premiums earned in the first sixnine months of 2017 included $10.2 billion from an aggregateexcess-of-loss retroactive reinsurance agreement with various subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (the “AIG Agreement”), which became effective on February 2, 2017. At the inception of the AIG Agreement, weWe also recorded losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred of $10.2 billion at the inception of the AIG Agreement, representing our initial estimate of the unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses assumed of $16.4 billion, partly offset by an initial deferred charge asset of $6.2 billion. Thus, on the effective date, the AIG Agreement had no effect on ourpre-tax underwriting results.

Pre-tax underwriting losses from retroactive reinsurance contracts in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $147$246 million and $458$704 million, respectively, compared to $333$287 million and $594$881 million, respectively, in the same periods in 2017. Certain liabilities relating to retroactive reinsurance contracts written by our U.S. subsidiaries are denominated in foreign currencies. Underwriting results include gains and losses from there-measurement of such liabilities fromdue to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in exchange rates generatedpre-tax gains of $124$35 million and $64$99 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, respectively, compared topre-tax losses in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of $102$60 million and $191$251 million, respectively, in 2017.

Pre-tax underwriting losses before foreign currency gains/losses in the first sixnine months of 2018 and 2017 were $522$803 million and $403$630 million, respectively. The increase inpre-tax losses was primarily due to amortization charges related to the AIG Agreement, which included the effects of a previously reported increaseincreases to our ultimate claim liability estimates of approximately(approximately $1.8 billionbillion) and an increase in the related deferred charge asset of(approximately $1.7 billionbillion) in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Gross unpaid losses assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts were approximately $42.1$41.9 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $42.9 billion at December 31, 2017. Unamortized deferred charge assets related to such reinsurance contracts were approximately $14.7$14.5 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $15.3 billion at December 31, 2017. Deferred charge asset balances will be amortized as charges topre-tax earnings over the expected remaining claims settlement periods.

29


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

Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

 

Life/health

Premiums earned andpre-tax underwriting results of our life/health reinsurance businesses are further summarized as follows (in millions).

 

  Premiums earned   Pre-tax underwriting gain   Premiums earned   Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss) 
  

 

Second Quarter

   First Six Months   Second Quarter   First Six Months   Third Quarter   First Nine Months   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
  

 

      2018      

         2017               2018               2017               2018               2017               2018               2017         2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 

General Re Group

  $936     $801     $1,855    $1,538    $67     $39    $114     $39    $964    $786    $2,819    $2,324    $38     $57    $152     $96  

BHLN Group

   378     372     693     720     53     77     102     150     343     360     1,036     1,080     70     56     172     206  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $1,314     $1,173     $2,548    $2,258    $120     $116    $216     $189    $      1,307    $      1,146    $      3,855    $      3,404    $          108     $        113    $        324     $         302  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

General Re Group’s premiums earned in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 increased $135$178 million (17%(22.6%) and $317$495 million (21%(21.3%), respectively, compared to 2017. The increases were primarily attributable to growth in Asia and Australia markets and foreign currency translation effects of a comparatively weaker U.S. Dollar. The General Re Group producedpre-tax underwriting gains in the first sixnine months of $114$152 million in 2018 and $39$96 million in 2017. Underwriting resultsThe comparative increase in 2018the first nine months reflected increasedpre-tax gains earnings from international life business, attributableprimarily due to increased volumes and foreign currency translation, effects, and lower claim lossesimproved earnings fromrun-off and life business in North America.America and lower losses from the run-off of long-term care and disability business.

BHLN Group’s life reinsurance premiums earned in the third quarter and first nine months of 2018 were $340 million and $1,025 million, respectively, compared to $355 million and $1,067 million, respectively, in the corresponding 2017 periods. BHLN Group’s business during the last two years covered predominantly life risks in North America, with approximatelytwo-thirds of the premiums earned deriving from one reinsurance contract. BHLN Group’s life reinsurance business produced near break-even results in each of the first nine months of 2018 and 2017.

BHLN Group’spre-tax underwriting results in the first sixnine months of 2018 and 2017 includedpre-tax gains of $100$166 million and $152$197 million, respectively, from therun-off of variable annuity reinsurance contracts that provide guarantees on closed blocks of variable annuity business. Periodic underwriting results from this business reflect changes in estimated liabilities for guaranteed benefits, which result from changes in securities markets and interest rates and from the periodic amortization of expected profit margins. Underwriting results from variable annuity contracts can be volatile, reflecting the volatility of securities markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Estimated liabilities for variable annuity guaranteesguarantee liabilities were approximately $1.7$1.6 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2017.

BHLN Group’s life reinsurance premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2018 were $374 million and $685 million, respectively, compared to $368 million and $712 million, respectively, in the corresponding 2017 periods. This business produced near break-evenpre-tax underwriting results in each period.

Periodic payment annuity

Periodic payment annuity premiums earned in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 increased $72$115 million (31%(58.4%) and $132$247 million (29%(38.2%), respectively, compared to 2017. Periodic payment annuity contracts producedpre-tax losses of $14$92 million and $187$279 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, respectively, compared topre-tax losses of $198$185 million and $343$528 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. Certain periodic payment annuity contracts written by our U.S. subsidiaries are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the Great Britain Pound Sterling.Pre-tax underwriting results in 2018 includedpre-tax gains of $106$21 million in the secondthird quarter and $36$57 million in the first sixnine months from there-measurement of such liabilities due to changes in exchange rates compared topre-tax losses of $86$63 million in the secondthird quarter and $110$173 million in the first sixnine months of 2017.

Before the effect of foreign currency gains and losses, this business hadgeneratedpre-tax underwriting losses of $223$336 million in the first sixnine months of 2018 and $233$355 million in the first sixnine months of 2017. These losses were primarily attributable to the recurring discount accretion of annuity liabilities. Discounted annuity liabilities approximated $11.8$12.2 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $11.2 billion at December 31, 2017, reflecting a weighted average discount rate of approximately 4.1%.

30


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

Insurance—Underwriting(Continued)

 

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

The Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (“BH Primary”) consists of a wide variety of independently managed insurance underwriting businesses that primarily provide a variety of commercial insurance solutions, including healthcare malpractice, workers’ compensation, automobile, general liability, property and various specialty coverages for small, medium and large clients. The largest of these insurers include Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (“BH Specialty”), Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (“BHHC”), MedPro Group, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies (“GUARD”) and National Indemnity Company (“NICO Primary”). Other BH Primary insurers include U.S. Liability Insurance Company, Applied Underwriters and Central States Indemnity Company.

A summary of BH Primary underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

 

  Second Quarter   First Six Months   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
  

 

2018

   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 
  

 

  Amount  

       %         Amount         %           Amount         %           Amount         %             Amount         %         Amount         %             Amount         %           Amount         %       

Premiums written

  $2,110      $1,801      $4,271      $3,650       $2,227       $1,995       $6,498       $5,645    
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

Premiums earned

  $1,953        100.0    $1,759         100.0    $3,871         100.0    $3,435         100.0     $2,050         100.0     $1,852         100.0     $5,921         100.0     $5,287         100.0  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   1,214     62.2     1,047     59.5     2,465     63.7     2,084     60.7     1,419     69.2     1,342     72.5     3,884     65.6     3,426     64.8  

Underwriting expenses

   505     25.9     480     27.3     1,073     27.7     930     27.0     496     24.2     458     24.7     1,569     26.5     1,388     26.3  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total losses and expenses

   1,719     88.1     1,527     86.8     3,538     91.4     3,014     87.7     1,915     93.4     1,800     97.2     5,453     92.1     4,814     91.1  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Pre-tax underwriting gain

  $234      $232      $333      $421       $135       $52       $468       $473    
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

Premiums written in both the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 increased 17%11.6% and 15.1%, respectively, compared to the corresponding 2017 periods. These increases were primarily attributable to BH Specialty, MedPro Group, GUARD and GUARD.BHHC. Premiums earned in the first sixnine months of 2018 increased $436$634 million (13%(12.0%) compared to the first sixnine months of 2017, reflecting the growth of written premiumspremium increases of these businesses over the past year.businesses.

BH Primary producedpre-tax underwriting gains of $234$135 million and $333$468 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, respectively, compared to $232$52 million and $421$473 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2017, respectively. Underwriting results in the third quarter included estimated losses of approximately $75 million in 2018 from Hurricane Florence and $225 million in 2017 from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first sixnine months also included net reductions of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events of $338$507 million in 2018 and $426$606 million in 2017, which produced corresponding increases inpre-tax underwriting gains. The liability reductions in each year primarily related to healthcare malpractice and workers’ compensation business. BH Primary writes significant levels of commercial and professional liability and workers’ compensation insurance and the related claim costs may be subject to higher severity and longer claim-tails, which could give rise to significant increases in claims liabilities in the future attributable to higher than expected claim settlements, adverse litigation outcomes or judicial rulings and other factors not currently anticipated.

Insurance—Investment Income

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

 

  Second Quarter  First Six Months 
  

 

       2018       

         2017                2018                2017        

Interest and other investment income

  $399    $280   $851   $526  

Dividend income

  993    1,003    1,746    1,886  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

  1,392    1,283    2,597    2,412  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

  250    318    443    539  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net investment income

  $1,142    $965   $2,154   $1,873  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

  17.9%    24.7%    17.0%    22.3%  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

31

   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Interest and other investment income

   $495     $344     $1,346     $870  

Dividend income

   960     902     2,706     2,788  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   1,455     1,246     4,052     3,658  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   216     202     659     741  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $    1,239     $    1,044     $    3,393     $    2,917  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   14.7%    16.2%    16.2%    20.2% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


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

Insurance—Investment Income(Continued)

 

Pre-tax interest and other investment income increased $119 million (43%) in the secondthird quarter and $325 million (62%) in the first sixnine months of 2018 increased $151 million (43.9%) and $476 million (54.7%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. The increases reflected the effect of higher short-term interest rates in 2018 and fair value adjustments related toincome from a limited partnership investment in the first quarter, partly offset by lower interest from reduced investments in fixed maturity securities. Our invested assets continue to include significant levels of short-term investments. We believe that maintaining ample liquidity is paramount and we insist on safety over yield with respect to such investments.

Dividend income declined $10increased $58 million (1%(6.4%) in the secondthird quarter and $140decreased $82 million (7%(2.9%) in the first sixnine months of 2018 as compared to the same periods in 2017. The comparative changes in dividend income reflected the impact of Restaurant Brands International’s redemption of our $3 billion investment in 9% preferred stock in December 2017 and other changesincreases in our portfolio of marketable equity securities. Our invested assets continue to include significant levels of short-term investments. We believe that maintaining ample liquidity is paramount and we insist on safety over yield with respect to such investments.

Invested assets of our insurance businesses derive from shareholder capital, including reinvested earnings, and from net liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts or “float.” The major components of float are unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts, life, annuity and health insurance benefit liabilities, unearned premiums and other liabilities due to policyholders, less premium and reinsurance receivables, deferred charges assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs. Float approximated $116$118 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $114 billion at December 31, 2017. Our combined insurance operations generatedpre-tax underwriting earnings of $2.3 billion in the first nine months of 2018, and consequently, the average cost of float in the first six months of 2018for that period was negative, as our underwriting operations generatedpre-tax earnings of $1.7 billion.negative. Our average cost of float for the year ending December 31, 2017 was approximately 3%, reflectingpre-tax underwriting losses of approximately $3.2 billion, most of which was incurred in the lastsecond half of the year.

A summary of cash and investments held in our insurance businesses as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 follows (in millions).

 

 June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
   September 30, 
2018
   December 31, 
2017
 

Cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills

  $       69,279    $       73,285     $59,292     $73,285  

Equity securities

 173,154   163,134     199,860     163,134  

Fixed maturity securities

 18,298   21,092     18,057     21,092  
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $260,731    $257,511     $    277,209     $    257,511  
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Fixed maturity investments as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 were as follows (in millions).

 

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

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

  $       3,456    $        (25)   $       3,431     $3,618     $(26)    $3,592  

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 445   12   457     259     14     273  

Foreign governments

 7,549   14   7,563     7,360         7,368  

Corporate bonds, investment grade

 5,127   296   5,423     5,321     388     5,709  

Corporate bonds,non-investment grade

 680   150   830     563     42     605  

Mortgage-backed securities

 535   59   594     457     53     510  
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $17,792    $506    $18,298     $    17,578     $    479     $    18,057  
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

U.S. government obligations are rated AA+ or Aaa by the major rating agencies. Approximately 89%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 rated belowBBB- or Baa3. Foreign government securities include obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by national or provincial government entities.

32


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

 

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, as well as in three Canadian provinces. BNSF’sBNSF classifies its major business groups are classified by type of product shipped, andwhich include consumer products, coal, industrial products and agricultural products. A summary of BNSF’s earnings follows (in millions).

 

   Second Quarter  First Six Months 
   

 

2018

   2017  2018  2017 

Revenues

   $     5,878     $     5,250    $    11,502    $   10,435  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

      

Compensation and benefits

   1,328     1,255    2,643    2,552  

Fuel

   830     577    1,597    1,182  

Purchased services

   714     609    1,406    1,235  

Depreciation and amortization

   575     592    1,146    1,165  

Equipment rents, materials and other

   520     424    1,030    911  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   3,967     3,457    7,822    7,045  

Interest expense

   256     256    512    508  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   4,223     3,713    8,334    7,553  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Pre-tax earnings

   1,655     1,537    3,168    2,882  

Income taxes

   346     579    714    1,086  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $1,309     $958    $2,454    $1,796  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   20.9%     37.7%   22.5%   37.7% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Revenues

   $    6,147     $    5,314     $    17,649     $    15,749  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

        

Compensation and benefits

   1,378     1,173     4,021     3,725  

Fuel

   859     595     2,456     1,777  

Purchased services

   718     608     2,124     1,843  

Depreciation and amortization

   580     591     1,726     1,756  

Equipment rents, materials and other

   471     384     1,501     1,295  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   4,006     3,351     11,828     10,396  

Interest expense

   262     253     774     761  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   4,268     3,604     12,602     11,157  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pre-tax earnings

   1,879     1,710     5,047     4,592  

Income taxes

   486     668     1,200     1,754  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $1,393     $1,042     $3,847     $2,838  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   25.9%     39.1%    23.8%    38.2% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BNSF’s revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $5.9$6.1 billion and $11.5$17.6 billion, respectively, representing increases of $628$833 million (12.0%(15.7%) and $1,067 million (10.2%$1.9 billion (12.1%), respectively, versus the corresponding periods in 2017. During the first sixnine months of 2018, revenues reflected a 3.6% comparative increase in aggregateour overall average revenue per car/unit increased 6.1% and a 5.2% increase in volume.our aggregate volume increased 4.6%. OurOur year-to-date volume was approximately 5.38.0 million cars/units compared to 5.07.6 million in 2017. The increase in average revenue per car/unit was attributable to business mix changes, higher fuel surcharge revenue driven primarily by higher fuel prices, and increased rates per car/unit, and business mix changes.unit.Pre-tax earnings were approximately $1.7$1.9 billion and $3.2$5.0 billion in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, respectively, increases of 7.7% and 9.9%, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2017.

Revenues from consumer products were $2.0 billion in the secondthird quarter and $3.8$5.8 billion in the first sixnine months of 2018, representing increases of 13.6%11.7% and 12.2%12.0%, respectively, from 2017. The increases reflected higher average revenue per unit and volume increases of 4.7%0.9% in the secondthird quarter and 5.4%3.9% in the first sixnine months. The volume increases were attributable to higherthe intermodal volumesbusiness, due to general economic growth and tight truck capacity leading to conversion from highway to rail, as well as strengthgrowth in imports and containerized agricultural product exports, partlypartially offset by a sizable contract loss.

Revenues from industrial products in 2018 were $1.5$1.6 billion in the secondthird quarter and $2.8$4.4 billion for the first sixnine months, or increases of 16.3%24.3% and 13.7%17.3%, respectively, from the comparable 2017 periods. TheThese increases were attributable to volume increases of 10.4%13.1% in the secondthird quarter and 9.8%10.9% in the first sixnine months as well as higher average revenue per car/unit.car. Volumes in 2018 were higher primarily due to strength in the energyindustrial and industrialenergy sectors, which drove higher demand for sand, petroleum products, rocks, steel, and plastics. TheVolumes in the first sixnine months of 2018 were also included higher taconite volume.for sand and taconite.

Revenues from agricultural products in 2018 increased 10.1%17.4% in the secondthird quarter to $1.2 billion and increased 7.0%10.2% to $2.3$3.5 billion for the first sixnine months when compared to the same periods in 2017. The secondthird quarter revenue increase reflected highera 16.3% increase in volumes of 9.1% and higher average revenue per car/unit.car. In the first sixnine months, higher volumesthe increase in revenues was attributable to volume increases of 7.8% were10.5%, partially offset by slightly lower average revenue per car/unit.car. Volumes in 2018 increased due to strong export and domestic grain shipments, as well as higher fertilizer and other grain products volumes.

Revenues from coal in 2018 decreased 0.1%increased 5.9% in the secondthird quarter to $911 million$1.1 billion and 0.7%1.6% in the first sixnine months to $1.9$2.9 billion compared to 2017. The declineThese increases reflected lower volumes of 0.5% in the second quarter and 1.4%year-to-date partially offset by slightly higher average revenue per car/unit.car partially offset by lower volumes of 4.6% in the third quarter and 2.6%year-to-date. The volume decreases in 2018 were due mainly to utility plant retirements combined with competition from natural gas and renewables, partially offset by market share gains and increasedimproved export volumes.

33


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

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

Operating expenses in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $4.0 billion and $7.8$11.8 billion, respectively, increases of $510$655 million (14.8%(19.5%) and $777 million (11.0%$1.4 billion (13.8%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. Our ratios of operating expenses to revenues increased 1.7 percentage points to 67.5%were 65.2% in the secondthird quarter and 0.5 percentage points to 68.0%67.0% for the first sixnine months of 2018, or increases of 2.1 and 1.0 percentage points, respectively, versus the corresponding prior year periods.

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

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

Compensation and benefits expenses increased $73$205 million (5.8%(17.5%) for the secondthird quarter of 2018 and increased $91$296 million (3.6%(7.9%) for the first sixnine months of 2018, primarily due to wage inflation, volume-related increases,including a change in estimate of the effect of a pending labor agreement recorded in 2017, increased headcount and higher training costs. Fuel expenses increased $253$264 million (43.8%(44.4%) for the secondthird quarter and increased $415$679 million (35.1%(38.2%) for the first sixnine months of 2018, primarily due to higher average fuel prices and increased volumes.

Purchased services expenses increased $105$110 million (17.2%(18.1%) in the secondthird quarter and $171$281 million (13.8%(15.2%) in the first sixnine months of 2018 as compared to 2017. The increases arewere due to higher purchased transportation costs of our logistics services business, as well as increased intermodal ramping, drayage and other volume-related costs.

In the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, equipment rents, materials and other expense increased $96$87 million (22.6%(22.7%) and $119$206 million (13.1%(15.9%), respectively, compared to 2017. These increases resulted from higher locomotive materials, derailment-related costs, property taxes and personal injury expenses.expenses and property taxes. The first nine months also included higher derailment-related costs.

BNSF’s effective income tax rate was 20.9%25.9% and 22.5%23.8% for the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, respectively, as compared to 37.7%39.1% and 38.2%, respectively, in boththe corresponding periods in 2017. The decrease was driven by the reduction in the U.S. statutory income tax rate under the TCJA, effective January 1, 2018, as well as various statedrove most of the effective income tax rate reduction. In addition, certain states enacted income tax rate reductions enacted in 2018.

Utilities and Energy (“Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company”)

We currently own 90.4% of the outstanding common stock of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”), which operates a global energy business. BHE’s domestic regulated utility interests are comprised of PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy Company (“MEC”) and NV Energy. In Great Britain, BHE subsidiaries operate two regulated electricity distribution businesses referred to as Northern Powergrid. BHE also owns two domestic regulated interstate natural gas pipeline companies. Other energy businesses include a regulated electricity transmission-only business in Alberta, Canada (“AltaLink, L.P.”) and a diversified portfolio of mostly renewable independent power projects. In addition, BHE also operates the second-largest residential real estate brokerage firm and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States.

The rates our regulated businesses charge customers for energy and services are based, in large part, on the costs of business operations, including income taxes and a return on capital, and are subject to regulatory approval. To the extent these regulated operations are not allowed to include such costs in the approved rates, operating results will be adversely affected. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017Among its provisions, the TCJA reduced the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of our domestic regulated utilities from 35% to 21%. The resulting effectsBHE’s regulated subsidiaries anticipate passing the benefits of the lower U.S. income tax expense of those regulated utilitiesattributable to the TCJA to customers through regulatory mechanisms, including lower rates and reductions to rate base, which would produce lower revenue and pre-tax earnings in 2018 and future years when compared to 2017. We do not expect the TCJA and related regulatory treatment to have a material adverse impact on BHE’s long-term operating cash flows, subject to actual rulings by regulatory commissions that are expected to be substantially offset over time by lower revenuesin 2018 andpre-tax earnings. 2019. Revenues and earnings of BHE are summarized below (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter  First Six Months 
  Revenues  

 

Earnings

  Revenues  Earnings 
  2018  2017  

 

2018

  2017  2018  2017  2018  2017 

PacifiCorp

  $     1,198    $     1,256   $        212    $        258    $    2,400    $   2,548    $      385    $      523  

MidAmerican Energy Company

  730    669    56    90    1,497    1,377    96    152  

NV Energy

  760    761    95    141    1,385    1,355    135    192  

Northern Powergrid

  248    220    50    64    523    465    159    167  

Natural gas pipelines

  242    190    53    43    621    508    272    243  

Other energy businesses

  595    547    114    51    1,095    1,034    134    66  

Real estate brokerage

  1,277    959    107    113    2,041    1,546    97    116  

Corporate interest

  —     —    (101)   (111)   —    —    (205)   (221) 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $5,050    $4,602      $9,562    $8,833    
 

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

   

Pre-tax earnings

 

  586    649      1,073    1,238  

Income taxes

 

  (63)   72      (230)   119  
 

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

  649    577      1,303    1,119  

Noncontrolling interests

 

  68    68      137    130  
 

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

 

  $581    $509      $1,166    $989  
 

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

 

  (10.7)%   11.1%      (21.4)%    9.6%  
 

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

 

34

   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
   Revenues   Earnings   Revenues   Earnings 
   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 

PacifiCorp

   $1,386     $1,443     $319     $389     $3,786     $3,991     $704     $912  

MidAmerican Energy Company

   857     832     251     250     2,354     2,209     347     402  

NV Energy

   1,071     1,057     268     347     2,456     2,412     403     539  

Northern Powergrid

   233     220     58     48     756     685     217     215  

Natural gas pipelines

   268     198     104     60     889     706     376     303  

Other energy businesses

   669     636     184     179     1,764     1,670     318     245  

Real estate brokerage

   1,222     965     83     81     3,263     2,511     180     197  

Corporate interest

   —     —     (102)    (111)    —     —     (307)    (332) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $    5,706     $    5,351         $    15,268    $    14,184      
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

     

Pre-tax earnings

 

   1,165     1,243         2,238     2,481  

Income taxes

 

   (49)    177         (279)    296  
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

   1,214     1,066         2,517     2,185  

Noncontrolling interests

 

   123     114         260     244  
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

 

   $1,091     $952         $    2,257     $    1,941  
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

 

   (4.2)%    14.2%        (12.5)%    11.9% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 


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

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

PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp operates a regulated electric utility in portions of several Western states, including Utah, Oregon and Wyoming. Revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 decreased 5%4% and 6%5%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. Retail revenues in the secondthird quarter of 2018 decreased $67$40 million and $178$218 million in the first sixnine months, compared to 2017. The declines reflected the effects of lower average rates ($125185 millionyear-to-date), primarily due to refund accruals related to 2017 tax reform including the impact of the TCJA ($53 million in the secondthird quarter and $106$159 million in the first sixnine months), and ayear-to-date reduction in volumes (2.3%(0.9%), largely attributable to the impacts of weather. Wholesale and other revenues increased due to higher volumes partially offset by lower market rates.

Pre-tax earnings decreased $46$70 million (18%) in the secondthird quarter and $138$208 million (26%(23%) in the first sixnine months of 2018 as compared to the same periods in 2017. Utility marginsmargin (operating revenues less fuel and purchased energy costs) in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $791$904 million and $1,542$2,446 million, respectively, representing decreases of $55$61 million (7%(6%) and $144$205 million (9%(8%), respectively, versus the comparable periods in 2017. These decreases were primarily due to the declines in revenues, which included the refund accruals relating to 2017 tax reform.effects of the TCJA. PacifiCorp’safter-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $185$270 million and $333$603 million, respectively, representing an increase of $9$7 million (5%(3%) in the secondthird quarter and a decrease of $22$15 million (6%(2%) from the first sixnine months of 2017.

MidAmerican Energy Company

MEC operates a regulated electric and natural gas utility primarily in Iowa and Illinois. Revenues in the secondthird quarter and first nine months of 2018 were $730increased $25 million an increase of $61(3%) and $145 million (9%(7%), respectively, as compared to the same periodperiods in 2017. Electric operating revenues in 2018 increased $52$20 million comparedin the third quarter and $108 million in the first nine months versus 2017. The third quarter increase was due to 2017.higher wholesale and other revenues due to increases in volumes and average prices. The increase in electric revenuesthe first nine months was primarily attributable to higher retail revenues ($62 million),of $96 million, reflecting comparative increases from higher recoveries through bill riders (substantially offset in cost of sales, operating expenses and income tax expense) and volumes, partially offset by lower average rates, predominantly from the impact of the TCJA. In the first nine months of 2018, natural gas revenues increased $20 million, primarily due to refund accruals related to 2017 tax reform. increased volumes, partially offset by a lower averageper-unit price and the effects of the TCJA.

Pre-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter of 2018 were relatively unchanged and in the first nine months decreased $34$55 million (38%(14%) compared to the same periodperiods in 2017. Electric utility marginsmargin in the secondthird quarter and first nine months of 2018 were $471was $587 million an increaseand $1,419 million, respectively, increases of $44$10 million compared toand $84 million, respectively, over the corresponding 2017 periods, which waswere primarily due to the net increase in retail revenues.revenues in the first nine months. However, thistheyear-to-date increase in electric utility margin was more than offset by increased depreciation, maintenance and other operating expenses. Theyear-to-date increase in depreciation expense included $51$83 million from Iowa revenue sharing and $15$47 million from additional wind generation and other plant placedin-service.

Revenues in the first six months of 2018 increased $120 million (9%) compared to 2017. The increase reflected increases in electric operating revenues ($88 million) and natural gas operating revenues ($20 million). The increase in electric revenues was attributable to higher retail revenues ($94 million), reflecting comparative increases from higher recoveries through bill riders and volumes, partially offset by refund accruals related to 2017 tax reform. The increase in natural gas revenues was primarily due to increased volumes, partially offset by a lower average per-unit price and refund accruals related to 2017 tax reform. Pre-taxMEC’safter-tax earnings in the third quarter and first six months of 2018 decreased $56 million (37%) compared to the same period in 2017. Electric utility margins in the first sixnine months of 2018 were $832 million, an increase of $74 million compared to 2017, which was primarily due to the net increase in retail revenues. However, this increase was more than offset by increased depreciation, maintenance and other operating expenses. The increase in depreciation included $79 million from Iowa revenue sharing and $29 million from wind generation and other plant placed in-service.

MEC’s after-tax earnings in 2018 and 2017 were significantly greater than pre-tax earnings due to the significant production income tax credits it receives related to its wind-powered generating facilities. MEC’s after-tax earnings in the second quarter and first six months of 2018 were $103$479 million and $206$685 million, respectively, declinesincreases of $28$96 million (21%(25%) and $27$69 million (12%(11%), respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2017. MEC’safter-tax earnings in 2018 and 2017 were significantly greater thanpre-tax earnings due to the significant production income tax credits received relating to wind-powered generating facilities.

NV Energy

NV Energy operates regulated electric and natural gas utilities in Nevada. Revenues were unchanged in the secondthird quarter and increased $30 million (2%) in the first sixnine months of 2018 increased 1% and 2%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. In the first six months of 2018, electricElectric operating revenues increased $21$12 million in the third quarter and $34 million in the first nine months of 2018, reflecting increased pass-through cost adjustments and higher volumes largely attributable to the impacts of weather and retail customer growth, partly offset by reductions due tofrom the effectsimpact of 2017 tax reformthe TCJA and lower retail rates attributable toresulting from a 2017 regulatory rate review. Natural gas operating revenue increased $9$8 million in the first sixnine months of 2018, primarily due to a higher rates,averageper-unit price, partially offset by lower customer usage.

35


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 (Continued)

 

Pre-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 decreased $46$79 million (33%(23%) and $57$136 million (30%(25%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. The decreases were primarily due to lower electric utility marginsmargin and increased depreciation, maintenance and other operating costs. Electric utility marginsmargin in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $414was $623 million and $743$1,366 million, respectively, representing decreases of $21$17 million (5%(3%) and $22$38 million (3%) versus the comparable periods in 2017. The decreases were primarily due to the declines in revenues from the effects of 2017 tax reform.the TCJA offset by the higher sales volumes. NV Energy’safter-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $77$201 million and $110$311 million, respectively, declines of 15% and 11%, respectively,10% from each of the corresponding 2017 periods.

Northern Powergrid

Revenues increased $28$13 million and $58$71 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 compared to same periods in 2017, primarily due to the favorable foreign currency translation effects of a weaker U.S. Dollar in the first nine months of 2018 and increased smart meter and distribution revenues.Pre-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter of 2018 decreased $14increased $10 million (22%(21%) and $8$2 million (5%(1%) in the first sixnine months of 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to favorable foreign currency translation effects and the increases in revenues, partly offset by higher depreciation and other operating expenses, including higher pension settlement losses in 2018.

Natural gas pipelines

Revenues increased $70 million (35%) in the third quarter and $183 million (26%) in the first nine months of 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to higher depreciationtransportation revenues of $58 million and other operating expenses, including pension settlement losses in 2018, partly offset by favorable foreign currency translation effects.

Natural gas pipelines

Revenues increased $52$102 million, (27%) in the second quarter of 2018respectively, from higher volumes and increased $113 million (22%) in the first six months compared to 2017, primarilyrates due to higher transportation revenuesunique market opportunities and increased gas sales volumes related to system balancing activities, which were largely offset in cost of sales.Pre-tax earnings increased $10$44 million (23%(73%) and $29$73 million (12%(24%) in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, respectively, compared to 2017. The increases were primarily due to the increases in transportation revenues and lower depreciation expense, partly offset by comparative increases in operations and maintenance expenses.

Other energy businesses

Revenues increased $48$33 million (9%(5%) in the secondthird quarter of 2018 and $61$94 million (6%) in the first sixnine months of 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, reflecting comparativeyear-to-date increases of 9% and 10%, respectively, from renewable energy and comparative increases of 10% and 9%, respectively, from AltaLink, L.P. of 4%.Pre-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 increased $63$5 million and $68$73 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. The increases were primarily attributable to the increased revenues from renewable energy and AltaLink, L.P. as well as lower other operating expenses,, partly offset by increased depreciation expense.expense and higher other operating expenses.

Real estate brokerage

Revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 increased 33%27% and 32%30%, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2017, primarily due to recent business acquisitions.Pre-tax earnings declined $6 million in the second quarter and $19decreased $17 million in the first sixnine months of 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to higher operating costs and interest expense.expense, partially offset by higher margin.

Corporate interest

Corporate interest includes interest on unsecured debt issued by the BHE holding company and borrowings from Berkshire insurance subsidiaries in connection with certain of BHE’s business acquisitions, whichacquisitions. The borrowings from Berkshire insurance subsidiaries were fully repaid in the third quarter of 2017. Corporate interest declined 7%7.5% in the first sixnine months of 2018 as compared to 2017, primarily due to lower average borrowings.

Income taxes

BHE’s consolidated effective income tax ratesrate for the first sixnine months of 2018 and 2017 were (21.4)was (12.5)% and 9.6%11.9%, respectively. BHE’s effective income tax rates regularly reflect significant production tax credits from wind-powered electricity generation placed in service by our domestic regulated utilities and other energy businesses. The effective tax rate in the first sixnine months of 2018 decreased primarily due to the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate, as well as from lower state income tax expense, an increase in recognized production tax credits, lower U.S. income taxes on foreign earnings and favorable impacts of rate making.

36


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 (in millions).

 

 Second Quarter   First Six Months  Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
         Revenues                   Earnings *                  Revenues                  Earnings *          Revenues   Earnings *   Revenues   Earnings * 
 2018 2017  2018  2017  2018  2017  2018  2017  2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Manufacturing

  $  13,853    $   12,738    $   2,135    $    1,939    $    26,787    $   24,835    $      3,990    $    3,426    $13,552     $12,819     $    2,012     $    2,002     $  40,339     $37,654     $6,002     $5,428  

Service and retailing

 19,489   19,131    764    624    38,265    37,325    1,339    1,105    19,796     19,325     672     536     58,061     56,650     2,011     1,641  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $  33,342    $    31,869        $  65,052    $  62,160        $    33,348     $    32,144         $  98,400     $    94,304      
 

 

  

 

      

 

  

 

      

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

     

Pre-tax earnings

Pre-tax earnings

 

    2,899    2,563        5,329    4,531 

Pre-tax earnings

 

     2,684     2,538         8,013     7,069  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

     758    901        1,366    1,552 

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

 

     587     844         1,953     2,396  
    

 

  

 

      

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

 
     $2,141    $    1,662        $3,963    $2,979      $2,097     $1,694         $     6,060     $    4,673  
    

 

  

 

      

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

 

Effective income tax rate

     25.5%    34.5%        25.0%    33.6% 

Effective income tax rate

 

     21.3%     32.7%         23.8%     33.3%  
    

 

  

 

      

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

       

 

   

 

 

 

*

Excludes certain acquisition accounting expenses, which were primarily from the amortization of identified intangible assets recorded in connection with our business acquisitions. Theafter-tax acquisition accounting expenses excluded from earnings in the preceding table were $213$192 million and $422$614 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, respectively, compared to $169$184 million and $301$485 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2017, respectively. These expenses are included in “Other” in the summary of earnings on page 26 and in the “Other” earnings section on page 42.

Manufacturing

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

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), several apparel and footwear operations (including Fruit of the Loom, Garan, H.H. Brown Shoe Group and Brooks Sports) and the Duracell Company (“Duracell”), a manufacturer of high performance alkaline batteries. This group also includes custom picture framing products (Larson Juhl) and jewelry products (Richline). A summary of revenues andpre-tax earnings of our manufacturing operations follows (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter  First Six Months  Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
      Revenues                  Pre-tax earnings                  Revenues                  Pre-tax earnings        Revenues   Pre-tax earnings   Revenues   Pre-tax earnings 
  2018  2017  2018  2017  2018  2017  2018  2017  2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Industrial products

   $7,287    $6,637    $1,404    $1,267    $14,364    $13,145    $2,715    $2,261    $7,119     $6,657     $1,297     $1,247     $21,483     $19,802     $4,012     $3,508  

Building products

   3,340    3,125    415    401    6,174    5,859    667    650    3,389     3,124     375     407     9,563     8,983     1,042     1,057  

Consumer products

   3,226    2,976    316    271    6,249    5,831    608    515    3,044     3,038     340     348     9,293     8,869     948     863  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   $    13,853    $    12,738    $    2,135    $  1,939    $  26,787    $  24,835    $  3,990    $  3,426    $    13,552     $    12,819     $    2,012     $    2,002     $  40,339     $    37,654     $    6,002     $    5,428  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Aggregate revenues of our manufacturing businesses in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were approximately $13.85$13.6 billion and $26.8$40.3 billion, increases of approximately $1.1 billion (8.8%$733 million (5.7%) and $1.95approximately $2.7 billion (7.9%(7.1%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017.Pre-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first six months of 2018 were approximately $2.1$2.0 billion, relatively unchanged from 2017, and $4.0$6.0 billion respectively, representing increasesin the first nine months of $1962018, an increase of $574 million (10.1%(10.6%) and $564 million (16.5%), respectively, over the corresponding 2017 periods.compared to 2017.Pre-tax earnings in the first sixnine months of 2017 includedpre-tax losses of $193approximately $190 million (predominantly in the first quarter) in connection with the disposition of an underperformingbolt-on business acquired by Lubrizol in 2014. Excluding these losses,pre-tax earnings in the first sixnine months of 2018 increased 10.3%6.8% compared to 2017.

37


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

Manufacturing, Serviceour manufacturing businesses in 2018 generally reflected higher revenues compared to 2017. However, manufacturing costs and Retailing(Continued)

operating expenses were also higher, partly offsetting the revenue increases, particularly in the third quarter.

Industrial products

Revenues from industrial products businesses were approximately $7.3$7.1 billion in the secondthird quarter and $14.4$21.5 billion in the first sixnine months of 2018, or increases of $650$462 million (9.8%(6.9%) and $1.2$1.7 billion (9.3%(8.5%), respectively, versus the same periods incompared to 2017. PCC’s revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 increased approximately 6.5%5.9% and 6.3%, respectively, over the same periods in 2017. The increases reflected increased demand in aerospace markets in connection with new aircraft programs, partly offset by lower demand for industrial gas turbine demand. products.

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Industrial products (Continued)

Lubrizol’s revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 increased 9.5%7.3% and 7.8%7.6%, respectively, compared to 2017, primarily due to higher prices, changes in product mix and favorable foreign currency translation. Overall,Lubrizol experienced a significant increase in average material unit costs during 2018 and 2017, necessitating increases in sales prices. Lubrizol’s consolidated sales volumes in 2018 increased 5%6% and 3%, respectively, in the second quarter and 2% in the first six months compared to 2017.

Marmon’s revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, increased 10.2% and 9.6%, respectively, as compared to 2017. Revenue increases were attributable to higher average copper and steel prices, business acquisitions, growth in heavy-duty transportation and HVAC product lines and favorable foreign currency translation. These increases were partially offset by lower retail food, beverage and store products sales and lower steel distribution volume. IMC’s revenues increased 21.4%11.7% in the secondthird quarter and 24.3%20.0% in the first sixnine months of 2018 compared to 2017, due to a combination of factors, including increased unit sales (particularly over the first half of the year), business acquisitions and foreign currency translation effects from a weaker U.S. Dollar.Dollar in the first half of 2018.

Marmon’s revenues in the third quarter and first nine months of 2018 increased 4.0% and 7.6%, respectively, as compared to 2017. Revenue increases were primarily attributable to higher average metals prices, business acquisitions and growth in heavy-duty transportation product lines, partially offset by lower sales from the beverage and retail products businesses and lower steel distribution volume. CTB’s revenues increased 2.2%6.0% in the first sixnine months of 2018 versus 2017, due to favorable foreign currency effects partly offset by lower organic sales.and modest sales growth in protein production and grain systems during the third quarter.

Pre-tax earnings of the industrial products group were $1.4$1.3 billion in the secondthird quarter and $2.7$4.0 billion in the first sixnine months of 2018, representing increases of $137$50 million (10.8%(4.0%) and $454$504 million (20.1%(14.4%), respectively, compared to 2017. The comparative increaseOur results in earnings for the first sixnine months of 2018 reflected the effects of2017 includedpre-tax losses of $193approximately $190 million, recognized by Lubrizolsubstantially all of which were in 2017 in connection with the first quarter, related to Lubrizol’s disposition of an underperformingbolt-on business and the recognition ofrelated intangible asset impairments and restructuring charges. Excluding the effects of these losses,pre-tax earnings of the industrial products group increased 8.5% in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to 2017.

PCC’spre-tax earnings increased 10.6%decreased 2.0% in the third quarter and 6.2% in the first sixnine months of 2018 compared to 2017. Results in 2018 were negatively affected by costs associated with the temporary unplanned shut-downs of certain metals facilities, metal press outages and lower earnings from the industrial gas turbine business. The closed facilities are gradually resuming production, with most expected to becoming fully operational by the end of 2018. In addition, the aforementioned new aircraft programs involve relatively complex manufacturing processes and manufacturing costs (including personnel training costs) have been relatively highto-date, but we expect costs will decline as processes and efficiencies develop.

ExcludingLubrizol’spre-tax earnings, excluding the effects of the aforementioned losses Lubrizol’spre-tax earningson the disposition of a bolt-on business in 2017, increased 20.7%approximately 16% in the first sixnine months of 2018 compared to 2017, which2017. The increase was primarily due to increases in sales volumes and selling prices, as well as by lower interest expense and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation, past restructuringsomewhat offset by higher raw material costs and ongoing cost containment efforts. Lubrizol experienced a significant increase in year-over-year average material unit costs for the first six months of 2018, necessitating increases in sales prices.

operating expenses. IMC’spre-tax earnings increased significantly in the second quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, reflecting a combination of increased sales, increased manufacturing efficiencies, the effects of business acquisitions and ongoing expense control efforts, partly offset by the effects of rising raw material costs. IMC’s raw material costs have risen significantly over the past year, and we anticipate margin pressures will increase over the second half of 2018. PCC’spre-tax earnings decreased 8.9% in the second quarter and 8.2% in the first six months of 2018 compared to 2017. Results in 2018 were negatively affected by costs associated with temporary unplanned plant shut-downs of certain metals facilities, metal press outages and lower earnings from industrial gas turbine business in 2018. In addition, the aforementioned new aircraft programs involve relatively complex manufacturing processes and manufacturing costs are initially high, but we expect they will decline as processes and efficiencies develop.

Marmon’spre-tax earnings in 2018 increased 35%3.2% in the secondthird quarter and 17%12.3% in the first sixnine months of 2018, reflectingcompared to the same periods in 2017. The increase in the first nine months was primarily due to anon-recurring gain of $44$43 million from the sale of certain assets of its beverage products business.business in the second quarter.

Building products

Revenues of the building products group in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were approximately $3.3$3.4 billion and $6.2$9.6 billion, respectively, increases of $215$265 million (6.9%(8.5%) and $315$580 million (5.4%(6.5%), respectively, compared to the corresponding 2017 periods. For the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018, the increases reflected cost-driven increases inhigher average selling prices, product mix changes and unit increases with respect to certain flooring and insulation products. The selling price increases in 2018 were in response to significant material cost increases over the favorable effects of foreign currency translation.past two years.

Pre-tax earnings of the building products group in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $415$375 million and $667$1,042 million, respectively, increasesdecreases of 3.5%7.9% and 2.6%1.4%, respectively, overversus the same periods in 2017.corresponding 2017 periods. Raw material and production costs continued to riserose over the first sixnine months of 2018, which together with increased facilities closure costs, more than offset most of the increaseincreases in revenues and contributed to declines in our overall operating margins.revenues. In particular, our costs in 2018 for steel, titanium dioxide and petrochemicals increasedwere substantially compared tohigher in 2018 than in 2017.

38 The increases in selling prices have lagged the increases in raw materials costs and, consequently, gross margin rates have deteriorated.


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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing(Continued)

 

Consumer products

Revenues of the consumer products group in the third quarter of 2018 were approximately $3.2$3.0 billion, essentially unchanged from 2017. Our apparel and footwear businesses generated a comparative third quarter revenue increase of 6%, offset by lower revenues from Forest River and Duracell. These increases and decreases were primarily attributable to changes in the secondunit sales, and to a lesser extent, selling prices and sales mix changes. Most significantly, Forest River experienced a comparative 7% decline in third quarter and $6.25 billionunit sales. Revenues in the first sixnine months of 2018 representingwere approximately $9.3 billion, an increase of $424 million (4.8%) compared to the first nine months of 2017. Theyear-to-date increase included increases of $250 million (8.4%from Forest River (5%) and $418 million (7.2%our apparel and footwear businesses (6%), respectively, over the same periods in 2017. The comparative revenue increases in 2018which were primarily due to unitincreased volume increases at Forest River,from Brooks Sports Duracell and Garan and favorable foreign currency translation effects of a weaker U.S. Dollar, partly offset by lower unit sales at Fruit of the Loom.Garan.

Pre-tax earnings of the consumer products group were $316$340 million in the secondthird quarter of 2018, a decrease of 2.3% from 2017. The decline reflected lower earnings from Forest River (24%), partially offset by increased earnings from the apparel and $608 million infootwear businesses (5%) and Duracell (8%).Pre-tax earnings for the first sixnine months of 2018 were $948 million, an increase of $85 million (9.8%) compared to 2017. The comparative increase inyear-to-date earnings reflected increases from Duracell (47%) and the apparel and footwear businesses (9%), partly offset by lower earnings from Forest River and Larson Juhl.

During 2018, and in the third quarter in particular, Forest River’s results were affected by higher material costs, which together with the effects of lower sales volume in the third quarter, contributed to reductions in its gross sales margin rates andpre-tax earnings. The comparative earnings increases of $45 million (16.6%)the apparel and $93 million (18.1%), respectively, over the corresponding periodsfootwear businesses in 2017. The2018 were primarily attributable to revenue increases. Duracell’s earnings increases in 2018 reflected the changes in revenues previously described. Duracell’s increases in earnings in the 2018 periods also reflected thefavorable effects of ongoing operational restructuring efforts and comparatively lower restructuring charges.

Service and retailing

A summary of revenues andpre-tax earnings of our service and retailing businesses follows (in millions).

 

 Second Quarter First Six Months   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
 Revenues Pre-tax earnings Revenues Pre-tax earnings   Revenues       Pre-tax earnings       Revenues       Pre-tax earnings     
 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Service

  $3,133   $2,792    $467    $351    $6,078    $5,409    $824    $611     $3,141     $2,775     $444     $315    $9,219     $8,184     $1,268    $926  

Retailing

 3,929   3,758   230   204   7,571   7,234   388   337     3,833     3,752     184     176     11,404     10,986     572     513  

McLane Company

 12,427   12,581   67   69   24,616   24,682   127   157     12,822     12,798     44     45     37,438     37,480     171     202  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $19,489    $19,131    $      764    $      624    $      38,265    $      37,325    $      1,339    $    1,105     $ 19,796     $ 19,325     $    672     $    536    $ 58,061     $ 56,650     $  2,011    $    1,641  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

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

Revenues of the servicesservice group were approximately $3.1 billion in the secondthird quarter and $6.1$9.2 billion in the first sixnine months of 2018, representing increases of $341$366 million (12.2%(13.2%) and $669 million (12.4%$1.0 billion (12.6%), respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2017. RevenuesTTI’s revenues in the third quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 of TTI increased 35.7%approximately 35% compared to 2017, reflectingthe same periods in 2017. The increases reflected an industry-wide increase in demand throughout 2018 for electronic components in many geographic markets around the world, and from the effects of business acquisitions and foreign currency translation due to a weaker U.S. Dollar. In addition,While TTI’s revenue increases were significant, we believe that demand is beginning to moderate. Otherwise, Charter Brokerage, FlightSafety and Charter BrokerageWPLG generated comparative revenue increases in the first nine months of 2018, periods.while the revenues from most of our other service businesses declined from 2017.

Pre-tax earnings of the servicesservice group in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $467$444 million and $824 million,$1.3 billion, respectively, increases of $116$129 million (33.0%(41.0%) and $213$342 million (34.9%(36.9%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. The comparative increases in earnings in 2018 were driven by the aforementioned revenue increases at TTI, andwhich accounted for almost 70% of these increases, as well as from earnings increases at Charter Brokerage and increased earnings at NetJets.

Retailing

Our retailers include Berkshire Hathaway Automotive (“BHA”). BHA includes over 80 auto dealerships that sell new andpre-owned automobiles, and offer repair services and related products. BHA also operates two insurance businesses, two auto auctions and an automotive fluid maintenance products distributor. Our retailing businesses also include four home furnishings retailing businesses (Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey, Star Furniture and Jordan’s), which sell furniture, appliances, flooring and electronics.

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Retailing (Continued)

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

39


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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing(Continued)

Retailing (Continued)

Retailingthe retailing business revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $3.9$3.8 billion and $7.6$11.4 billion, respectively, increases of $171$81 million (4.6%(2.2%) and $337$418 million (4.7%(3.8%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. BHA’s revenues, which representrepresented approximately 63%64% of theyear-to-date retailing revenues in 2018, increased 5.4%2.1% in the secondthird quarter and 5.0%4.0% in the first sixnine months of 2018 as compared to 2017. The increases werederived primarily from increasedpre-owned vehicle sales and, to a lesser extent,sales. Revenues from new vehicle sales.sales were down 2.3% in the third quarter and relatively unchanged for the first nine months. In addition, Louis revenues increased 20% in the second quarter and 14%9.1% in the first sixnine months of 2018, due primarily to comparatively higher second quarter sales and foreign currency translation effects. See’s Candies comparative second quarter revenues decreased 25% compared to 2017 due to the timing of the Easter holiday, while its revenues for the first six months of 2018 were relatively unchanged from 2017.effects and comparatively higher sales. Revenues of our home furnishings businesses increased 7% in the second quarter and 6%5.4% in the first sixnine months of 2018 compared to 2017, due to higher volumes in certain geographic markets and the effect of a new store, which opened in 2018.

Pre-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 from retailing were $230$184 million and $388$572 million, respectively, increases of $26$8 million (12.7%(4.5%) and $51$59 million (15.1%(11.5%), respectively, over 2017. The increases were primarily attributable to BHA and Louis. The earnings increases of BHA were primarily from finance and insurance activities, while the increases at Louis were primarily dueattributable to the revenue increases.

McLane Company

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

Revenues for the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $12.4$12.8 billion and $24.6$37.4 billion, respectively, representing decreases of 1.2% in the second quarter and 0.3% in the first six monthsrelatively unchanged compared to the same periods in 2017. On ayear-to-date basis, grocery sales increased slightly compared to 20170.8% and foodservice sales declined 2.5%2.4%, whichcompared to 2017. The decline in foodservice revenues was primarily due to a net loss of customers.

Pre-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter andof 2018 were $44 million, essentially unchanged from 2017, whilepre-tax earnings in the first sixnine months of 2018 were $67of $171 million and $127declined $31 million respectively, decreases of $2 million (2.9%) and $30 million (19.1%(15.3%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. McLane continuesMcLane’s grocery and foodservice businesses continue to operate in an intenselya highly competitive business environment, which is negatively affecting its current operating results. These conditions contributed to declining grossGross margin rates increased slightly over the first sixnine months of 2018, which together withbut were more than offset by increases in fuel, depreciation and certain other operating expenses, producedproducing a 12 basis point decline in its operating margin rate (ratio ofpre-tax earnings to revenues) compared to 2017. We expect our grocery and foodservice businessesthe current unfavorable operating conditions will continue to be subject to intense competition over the remainder of 2018.into 2019.

Finance and Financial Products

Our finance and financial products businesses include manufactured and site built 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 earnings from our finance and financial products businesses follows (in millions).

 

  Second Quarter  First Six Months 
          Revenues                  Earnings                  Revenues                  Earnings         
        2018              2017              2018              2017              2018              2017              2018              2017       

Manufactured housing and finance

  $1,509    $1,199    $234    $197    $2,756    $2,273    $429    $373  

Transportation equipment leasing

  675    652    210    221    1,326    1,276    415    430  

Other

  182    166    121    74    347    317        215        139  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $    2,366    $    2,017      $    4,429   $    3,866    
 

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

   

Pre-tax earnings

    565    492      1,059    942  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

    136    169      256    328  
   

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

 
    $429    $323      $803    $614  
   

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

        24.1%        34.2%          24.2%        34.8%  
   

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

 

40

   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
   Revenues   Earnings   Revenues   Earnings 
   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Manufactured housing and finance

   $1,580    $1,318    $205     $173     $4,336     $3,591    $634     $546  

Transportation equipment leasing

   674     652     209     219     2,000     1,928     624     649  

Other

   178     183     116     104     525     500     331     243  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $    2,432    $    2,153         $    6,861     $    6,019      
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

     

Pre-tax earnings

       530     496         1,589     1,438  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

       140     177         396     505  
      

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $        390     $      319        $    1,193     $    933  
      

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

       26.6%     35.6%         25.0%     35.1%  
      

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 


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

Finance and Financial Products(Continued)

 

Manufactured housing and finance

Clayton Homes’ revenues in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were approximately $1.5$1.6 billion and $2.8$4.3 billion, respectively, increases of $310$262 million (26%(19.9%) and $483$745 million (21%(20.7%), respectively, over the corresponding 2017 periods. The increases reflectedyear-to-date increases in home sales of 31%29% and in financial services revenue of approximately 4%. The increase in home sales was primarily due to increaseda 104%year-to-date increase in unit sales of site built homes attributable to business acquisitions during the last two years, and to increased unit sales of manufactured homes. Average unit prices of site built homes are considerably higher than our traditional manufactured homes. The increase in financial services revenue was primarily attributable to increased interest income from a comparative increase in average loan balances of approximately 4%5% over the first six months.nine months of 2018 as compared to 2017. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, Clayton Homes’ loan balances were approximately $14.2$14.4 billion.

Pre-tax earnings in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 were $234$205 million and $429$634 million, respectively, increases of $37$32 million (19%(18.5%) and $56$88 million (15%(16.1%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. The increases in earnings reflected increased manufactured and site built home sales and financial services interest income, lower corporate overhead costs and credit losses, partly offset by increased interest expense.expense and the effects of an $11 million gain from a legal settlement in 2017.

Transportation equipment leasing

Transportation equipment leasing revenues increased $23in 2018 were $674 million (3.5%) in the secondthird quarter and $50 million (3.9%)$2.0 billion in the first sixnine months, increases of 3.4% and 3.7%, respectively, over the comparable 2017 periods. Revenues in 2018 of ourover-the-road trailer leasing business increased 14% in the third quarter and 13% in the first nine months over the same periods in 2017, primarily due to increased units on lease. Revenues in the third quarter of 2018 asof our railcar and crane services businesses were relatively unchanged compared to 2017, while revenues in the first nine months increased $32 million (2%) compared to 2017. The increases were primarily dueincrease inyear-to-date revenues was attributable to increased crane services,over-the-road trailer units on lease, andrailcar equipment sales, railcar repair services and favorable foreign currency translation effects,crane services, partly offset by decreasedlower railcar lease revenue. Excessrevenues. Throughout 2018, we have experienced negative impacts from lower railcar capacity for lease continues to contribute to fewer unitsrenewal rates versus the higher rates on lease and relatively low lease rates.expiring leases.

Pre-tax earnings in 2018 were $210$209 million in the secondthird quarter and $415$624 million in the first sixnine months, of 2018, decreases of $11$10 million (5%(4.6%) and $15$25 million (3.5%(3.9%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. The decreases were due to lower earnings from the railcar leasing business, attributable to the decline in lease revenues and higher repair costs, partly offset by increased earnings of ourover-the-road trailer and crane services businesses. Significant components of the operating costs of our leasingthese businesses, such as depreciation, expense, financinginterest and certain other operating costs, do not vary proportionately to revenue changes. Thus, changes in revenues can produce a disproportionate effect ondisproportionately affect earnings.

Other

Other earnings from our finance activities include CORT furniture leasing and other investment income. Other earnings also include interest income on loans to finance Clayton Homes’ loan portfolio and transportation equipment held for lease (charged as interest expense in the results of those businesses) and interest expense on related borrowings of Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”). The net interest (income, net of expense) related to such loans increased $50$81 million in the first sixnine months of 2018 compared to 2017, which reflected increased interest income and lower interest expense of BHFC. In the first six months of 2018, other earnings also reflected increased other investment income.

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses

A summary of investment and derivative gains and losses follows (in millions).

 

   Second Quarter  First Six Months 
       2018          2017      2018  2017 

Investment gains/losses

   $    5,990    $      290    $    (1,819)   $      605  

Derivative gains/losses

   372    (65)   166    395  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gains/losses before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   6,362    225    (1,653)   1,000  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   1,244    82    (345)   353  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net gains/losses

   $      5,118    $143    $(1,308)   $647  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   19.9%          36.6%          18.3%          35.4%  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

41

   Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Investment gains/losses

   $14,569     $657    $12,750     $1,262 

Derivative gains/losses

   137     308     303     703  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gains/losses before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   14,706     965     13,053     1,965  

Income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   3,046     342     2,701     695  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net gains/losses

   $      11,660     $623    $      10,352     $1,270  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   20.5%           35.3%     20.8%           35.3%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


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

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses(Continued)

 

Investment gains/losses

As discussed in Note 2 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, on January 1, 2018, we adopted a new accounting pronouncement as of January 1, 2018 (“ASU2016-01”), which requires thatthe recognition of unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in market values of our investments in equity securities be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Prior to 2018, investment gains/losses related to equity securities were generally recorded as the securities were sold, redeemed or exchanged and were based on the cost of the disposed securities. While ASU2016-01 does not affect our consolidated shareholders’ equity or total comprehensive income, it is expected to produce a very significantsignificantly increase in the volatility of our periodic net earnings given the magnitude of our existing equity securities portfolio and the inherent volatility of equity securities prices. Investment gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in earnings reported in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

In 2018,pre-taxPre-tax investment gains/losses reflected in earnings in 2018 included changes during the periods innet unrealized gains of approximately $14.3 billion in the third quarter and losses on$12.1 billion for the first nine months from investments in equity securities still held at JuneSeptember 30, 2018. Securities still held at June 30, 2018 producedpre-tax gains in earnings of approximately $5.6 billion in the second quarter andpre-tax losses of approximately $2.1 billion for the first six months. Prior to the adoption of ASU2016-01, such unrealized gains and losses were included in other comprehensive income. ASU2016-01 did not permit the restatement of prior years’ statements of earnings.

We believe that investment gains/losses, whether realized from sales or unrealized from changes in market prices, are often meaningless in terms of understanding our reported results or evaluating our periodic economic performance. We continue to believe the amount of investment gains/losses included in earnings in any given period typically has little analytical or predictive value. The effects of changes in market prices for equity securities that are now reported in earnings are unpredictable particularly over any quarterly andor annual periods.period.

Derivative gains/losses

Derivative contract gains/losses currently represent the changes in fair value of our equity index put option contract liabilities. These liabilities relate to contracts entered into before March 2008 and expiringthat will expire between April 2019 and January 2026. The periodic changes in the fair values of these contractsliabilities are recorded in earnings and can be significant, reflecting the volatility of underlying equity markets and the changes in the inputs used to measure such liabilities.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the intrinsic value of our equity index put option intrinsic values werecontracts was approximately $930$919 million and our recorded liabilities at fair value were approximately $2.0$1.9 billion. Our ultimate payment obligations, if any, under our equity index put option contracts will be determined as of the contract expiration dates and will be based on the intrinsic value as defined under the contracts. Derivative contracts producedpre-tax gains in the second quarter and first sixnine months of 2018 of $372$303 million, and $166 million, respectively. The second quarter gainswhich were primarily due to higher equity index values, foreign currency exchange rate changes and the effects of shorter average contract durations.durations, partially offset by lower values on certain indexes. Derivative contracts producedpre-tax gains of $395$703 million in the first sixnine months of 2017, which were primarily attributable to increasedhigher equity index values and shorter contract durations, partly offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate changes.

Other

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

 

       Second Quarter           First Six Months       Third Quarter   First Nine Months 
     2018         2017         2018         2017       2018   2017   2018   2017 

Equity method earnings

  $    285    $    304    $      625    $      559    $269    $248    $894    $807  

Acquisition accounting expenses

 (220)  (180)  (438)  (322)    (199)    (196)            (637)    (518) 

Corporate interest expense, before foreign currency exchange rate effects

 (82)  (65)  (159)  (132)    (77)    (66)    (236)    (198) 

Corporate interest expense, Euro note foreign currency exchange rate effects

 323   (342)  160   (399)    56     (172)    216     (571) 

Other

 42     103       180     18     283     25  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net earnings (losses) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders

  $      348    $      (276)   $      291    $      (287)   $        229    $        (168)   $520    $        (455) 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

After-tax equity method earnings includes Berkshire’s share of earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz, Pilot Flying J, Berkadia and Electric Transmission of Texas.After-tax other earnings (losses) also include charges arising from the application of the acquisition method in connection with Berkshire’s past business acquisitions. Such charges were primarily from the amortization of intangible assets recorded in connection with those business acquisitions. Berkshire issued Euro-denominatedEuro denominated debt in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and at JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the aggregate par amount outstanding was €6.85 billion. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates can producein 2018 and 2017 produced sizablenon-cash gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of these liabilities into U.S. Dollars.

42


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

 

Financial Condition

Our consolidated balance sheet continues to reflect significant liquidity and a strong capital base. Our consolidated shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2018 was $375.6 billion, increases of $17.5 billion since June 30, 2018 was $358.1 billion, an increase of $9.8and $27.3 billion since December 31, 2017. Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders in the first sixnine months of 2018 were $10.9$29.4 billion, which includedafter-tax lossesgains on our investments in equity securities of approximately $1.7$10.1 billion. Most of these gains derived from changes in market prices for securities we owned at September 30, 2018.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, our insurance and other businesses held cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills of approximately $103.2$96.5 billion, of which $84.7included $74.5 billion was held in U.S. Treasury Bills. Investments in securities (excluding our investment in Kraft Heinz) were $192.6$219.5 billion. Berkshire parent company debt outstanding at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 was approximately $17.8$17.0 billion, a decrease of $1.0$1.8 billion from December 31, 2017, reflecting a maturitymaturities of $800 million$1.55 billion in term debt and a $219$273 millionyear-to-date decrease attributable to foreign currency exchange rate changes applicable to the €6.85 billion par amount of Euro-denominatedEuro denominated senior notes. The next maturity of Berkshire termparent company debt of $750 million will mature inis August 2018.2019.

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. We forecast capital expenditures of these two operations will approximate $10$9.8 billion for the year ending December 31, 2018, of which approximately $4.1$6.4 billion was made inexpended during the first sixnine months.

BNSF’s outstanding debt approximated $22.5$23.3 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, relatively unchangedan increase of $758 million since December 31, 2017. In August 2018, BNSF issued $750 million of 4.15% senior unsecured debentures due in 2048. Outstanding borrowings of BHE and its subsidiaries were approximately $40.1$39.3 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2018, an increasea decrease of $451$337 million since December 31, 2017. In July 2018, BHE issued $1.0 billion of 4.45% senior unsecured debt that matures in 2049. BHE subsidiaries also issued debt in July 2018, aggregating $1.05 billion and due in 2049. The proceeds from these financings were used to repay borrowings and for other general corporate purposes. Over the remainderApproximately $500 million of 2018, approximately $1.7 billion of BHE and subsidiary term debt will mature.mature in the fourth quarter of 2018, and another $1.4 billion will mature in the first quarter of 2019. 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, BHE or any of their subsidiaries.

Finance and financial products assets were approximately $38.2$38.3 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, a decrease of $3.7$3.6 billion since December 31, 2017. Finance assets consist primarily of loans and finance receivables, various types of property held for lease, cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills. Finance and financial products liabilities declined $4.1$2.3 billion in the first sixnine months of 2018 to approximately $12.6$14.4 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2018, primarily attributable to $4.1 billion of debt maturitiesa net decrease in borrowings of a wholly-owned financing subsidiary, Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”). AnDuring the first nine months of 2018, BHFC repaid $4.6 billion of maturing senior notes and in August 2018 issued $2.35 billion of 4.2% senior notes due in 2048. In the first quarter of 2019, an additional $500 million$2.7 billion of BHFC senior notes will mature over the remainder of 2018.mature. BHFC’s senior note borrowings are used to fund loans originated and acquired by Clayton Homes and a portion of assets held for lease by our UTLX railcar leasing business. Berkshire guarantees the full and timely payment of principal and interest with respect to BHFC’s senior notes.

Berkshire has a common stock repurchase program which, as amended on July 17, 2018, permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, as conservatively determined by Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, a Vice-Chairman of the Board. The program allows share repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. The program is expected to continue indefinitely. We will not repurchase our stock if it reduces the total amount of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings below $20 billion. Financial strength and redundant liquidity will always be of paramount importance at Berkshire. There were no share repurchases in 2018.In the third quarter of 2018, Berkshire paid $928 million to repurchase shares of Class A and B common stock under the program.

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 included 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 pertainpertaining 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, but will be recognized in future periods as the goods are delivered or services are provided.

The timing and amount of the payments under certain contracts, such as insurance and reinsurance contracts, are contingent upon the outcome of future events and claim settlements. Actual payments will likely vary, perhaps materially, from the estimated liabilities currently recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Except as otherwise disclosed in this Quarterly Report, our

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

Contractual Obligations(Continued)

Our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2018December 31, 2017 were in the aggregate, not materially different from those disclosed in the “Contractual Obligations” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

43


Item 2. Management’s Discussion During the first nine months of 2018, our subsidiaries issued term debt of approximately $9.4 billion, which included approximately $5.2 billion in the third quarter. The borrowings in 2018 were used to repay existing debt, as well as for other corporate purposes. Interest and Analysis of Financial Conditionprincipal payments in connection with these new borrowings in the aggregate are due as follows: 2019 and Results of Operations (Continued)

2020 — $1.3 billion; 2021 and 2022 — $1.1 billion; and thereafter $16.4 billion.

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 Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 includes estimated liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of approximately $105$106 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of approximately $81 billion. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and we conducted our most recent annual review during the fourth quarter of 2017. Although we believe that the goodwill reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet is not impaired, goodwill may subsequently become impaired as a result of changes in facts and circumstances affecting the valuation of the reporting unit. A goodwill impairment charge could have a material effect on periodic earnings.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheets include significant derivative contract liabilities with respect to our 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 whichthat are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions whichand may 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 as well as 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 important 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, act of terrorism or cyber attack that causes losses insured by our insurance subsidiaries and/or losses to our business operations, changes in laws or regulations affecting our insurance, railroad, utilities and energy and finance subsidiaries, changes in federal income tax laws, and changes in general economic and market factors that affect the prices of securities or the industries in which we do business.

44


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report and in particular the “Market Risk Disclosures” included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, there were no material changes in the market risks described in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December  31, 2017.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form10-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 Rule13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman (Chief Executive Officer) and the Senior Vice President (Chief Financial Officer) concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings. During the quarter, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect internal control over financial reporting.

Part II Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our significant business risks are described in Item 1A to Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 to which reference is made herein.

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

For several years, Berkshire had a common stock repurchase program, which permitted Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. On July 17, 2018, Berkshire’s Board of Directors authorized an amendment to the program, permitting Berkshire to repurchase shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charles Munger, a Vice-Chairman of the Board, believe that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined. The program continues to allow share repurchasesRepurchases may be in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of sharestransactions. Information with respect to be repurchased. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number ofBerkshire’s Class A orand Class B shares and there is no expiration date tocommon stock repurchased during the program. There were no share repurchases in 2018.third quarter of 2018 follows.

Period

  

Total number of

shares purchased

   

Average price

paid per share

   

Total number of

shares purchased

as part of publicly

announced program

   

Maximum number or

value of shares that yet

may be repurchased

under the program

August 7 through August 24:

        

Class A common stock

   225        $312,806.74    225       *

Class B common stock

   4,139,192        $207.09    4,139,192       *

*

The program does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased or obligate Berkshire to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares and there is no expiration date to the repurchase program. Berkshire will not repurchase its common stock if the repurchases reduce the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings to less than $20 billion.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Information regarding the Company’s mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form10-Q.

Item 5. Other Information

None

45


Item 6. Exhibits

 

  a. Exhibits

3(i)

  

Restated Certificate of Incorporation

        Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Form10-K filed on March 2, 2015.

3(ii)

  

By-Laws

        Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to Form8-K filed on May 4, 2016.

12

  Calculation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Consolidated Fixed Charges

31.1

  Rule13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

31.2

  Rule13a-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 Form10-Q for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for each of the three-month andsix-month nine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three-month andsix-month nine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of thesix-month nine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of thesix-month nine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, 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 4,November 3, 2018  

/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG

(Signature)

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

 

46