(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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of ~~October 26, 2020:~~April 22, 2021:

	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019		March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Insurance and Other:
Cash and cash equivalents*	$	23,078	$	61,151	$	56,826	$	44,714
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills		118,906		63,822		85,385		90,300
Investments in fixed maturity securities		19,435		18,685		20,027		20,410
Investments in equity securities		245,317		248,027		282,097		281,170
Equity method investments		17,152		17,505		16,533		17,303
Loans and finance receivables		18,584		17,527		19,449		19,201
Other receivables		34,389		32,418		35,002		32,310
Inventories		19,361		19,852		18,886		19,208
Property, plant and equipment		21,141		21,438		20,990		21,200
Equipment held for lease		14,714		15,065		14,567		14,601
Goodwill		47,091		57,052		47,054		47,121
Other intangible assets		29,652		31,051		29,184		29,462
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		13,012		13,747		12,189		12,441
Other		14,121		13,232		15,447		14,580
		635,953		630,572		673,636		664,021
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Cash and cash equivalents*		3,739		3,024		3,228		3,276
Receivables		3,426		3,417		4,050		3,542
Property, plant and equipment		140,398		137,838		151,799		151,216
Goodwill		24,774		24,830		26,641		26,613
Regulatory assets		2,933		2,881		3,492		3,440
Other		18,723		15,167		21,547		21,621
		193,993		187,157		210,757		209,708
	$	829,946	$	817,729	$	884,393	$	873,729

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019			March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Insurance and Other:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	78,041		$	73,019		$	80,961		$	79,854
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		41,786			42,441			40,685			40,966
Unearned premiums		22,018			19,782			23,756			21,395
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		20,975			20,155			21,709			21,616
Other policyholder liabilities		8,201			7,723			8,486			8,670
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		28,976			27,611			28,486			29,279
Payable for purchase of U.S. Treasury Bills		6,795			—
Payable for purchase of short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills								4,084			—
Derivative contract liabilities		1,547			968			577			1,065
Aircraft repurchase liabilities and unearned lease revenues		5,390			5,281			5,717			5,856
Notes payable and other borrowings		38,891			37,590			39,556			41,522
		252,620			234,570			254,017			250,223
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		15,050			14,708			15,207			15,224
Regulatory liabilities		6,921			7,311			7,626			7,475
Notes payable and other borrowings		68,800			65,778			74,975			75,373
		90,771			87,797			97,808			98,072
Income taxes, principally deferred		67,340			66,799			76,392			74,098
Total liabilities		410,731			389,166			428,217			422,393
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		8			8			8			8
Capital in excess of par value		35,621			35,658			35,630			35,626
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(5,190	)		(5,243	)		(4,570	)		(4,243	)
Retained earnings		408,791			402,493			456,337			444,626
Treasury stock, at cost		(24,075	)		(8,125	)		(39,418	)		(32,853	)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity		415,155			424,791			447,987			443,164
Noncontrolling interests		4,060			3,772			8,189			8,172
Total shareholders’ equity		419,215			428,563			456,176			451,336
	$	829,946		$	817,729		$	884,393		$	873,729

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months				First Quarter
	2020		2019		2020		2019		2021		2020
	(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
Revenues:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance premiums earned	$	15,913	$	15,323	$	47,256	$	44,505	$	16,424	$	15,748
Sales and service revenues		32,703		34,026		93,332		100,563		33,698		31,926
Leasing revenues		1,316		1,438		3,905		4,365		1,324		1,428
Interest, dividend and other investment income		1,717		2,483		6,143		6,895		1,851		2,276
		51,649		53,270		150,636		156,328		53,297		51,378
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Freight rail transportation revenues		5,148		5,982		15,101		17,558		5,378		5,380
Energy operating revenues		4,451		4,338		11,504		11,729		4,848		3,634
Service revenues and other income		1,776		1,382		3,888		3,633		1,076		873
		11,375		11,702		30,493		32,920		11,302		9,887
Total revenues		63,024		64,972		181,129		189,248		64,599		61,265

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses		31,582		10,926		1,392		41,296		5,700		(70,275	)

Costs and expenses:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses		11,667		10,858		32,712		31,701		10,964		10,979
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,311		1,176		4,101		3,245		1,480		1,383
Insurance underwriting expenses		3,228		2,708		9,219		8,033		3,014		2,924
Cost of sales and services		25,957		26,950		74,565		79,764		26,530		25,392
Cost of leasing		854		1,010		2,605		3,030		882		1,002
Selling, general and administrative expenses		5,181		4,384		14,304		13,645		3,910		4,471
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments		25		—		10,659		—
Interest expense		263		261		817		790		276		296
		48,486		47,347		148,982		140,208		47,056		46,447
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Freight rail transportation expenses		3,161		3,839		9,625		11,706		3,510		3,593
Utilities and energy cost of sales and other expenses		3,101		2,981		8,326		8,503		3,589		2,722
Other expenses		1,481		1,162		3,422		2,990		1,093		849
Interest expense		737		724		2,209		2,178		774		728
		8,480		8,706		23,582		25,377		8,966		7,892
Total costs and expenses		56,966		56,053		172,564		165,585		56,022		54,339
Earnings before income taxes and equity method earnings		37,640		19,845		9,957		64,959
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity method earnings										14,277		(63,349	)
Equity method earnings		290		644		333		936		251		300
Earnings before income taxes		37,930		20,489		10,290		65,895
Income tax expense		7,517		3,832		3,167		13,333
Net earnings		30,413		16,657		7,123		52,562
Earnings (loss) before income taxes										14,528		(63,049	)
Income tax expense (benefit)										2,688		(13,352	)
Net earnings (loss)										11,840		(49,697	)
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		276		133		437		304		129		49
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	30,137	$	16,524	$	6,686	$	52,258
Net earnings per average equivalent Class A share	$	18,994	$	10,119	$	4,160	$	31,944
Net earnings per average equivalent Class B share*	$	12.66	$	6.75	$	2.77	$	21.30
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders									$	11,711	$	(49,746	)
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent Class A share									$	7,638	$	(30,653	)
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent Class B share*									$	5.09	$	(20.44	)
Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding		1,586,698		1,633,002		1,607,041		1,635,903		1,533,284		1,622,889
Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding		2,380,046,304		2,449,502,430		2,410,561,550		2,453,854,768		2,299,925,502		2,434,333,367

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months						First Quarter
	2020			2019			2020			2019			2021			2020
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
Net earnings	$	30,413		$	16,657		$	7,123		$	52,562
Net earnings (loss)													$	11,840		$	(49,697	)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation of investments		19			(39	)		42			179			(87	)		(180	)
Applicable income taxes		(4	)		10			(13	)		(40	)		20			41
Foreign currency translation		791			(700	)		(77	)		(534	)		(285	)		(1,454	)
Applicable income taxes		(3	)		6			34			3			(3	)		47
Defined benefit pension plans		(24	)		(45	)		86			47			61			95
Applicable income taxes		8			7			(14	)		(16	)		(20	)		(21	)
Other, net		16			10			(19	)		(35	)		(6	)		(59	)
Other comprehensive income, net		803			(751	)		39			(396	)		(320	)		(1,531	)
Comprehensive income		31,216			15,906			7,162			52,166			11,520			(51,228	)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		302			112			423			301			136			(4	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	30,914		$	15,794		$	6,739		$	51,865		$	11,384		$	(51,224	)

Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity

Common stock
and capital in
excess of par
value

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income

Retained
earnings

Treasury
stock

Non-
controlling
interests

Total

For the third quarter and first nine months of 2019

Balance at December 31, 2018

$
35,715

$
(5,015
)

$
321,112

$
(3,109
)

$
3,797

$
352,500

Net earnings

—

—

21,661

—

71

21,732

Other comprehensive income, net

—

288

—

—

22

310

Issuance (acquisition) of common stock

13

—

—

(1,690
)

—

(1,677
)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests

(98
)

—

—

—

(176
)

(274
)
Balance at March 31, 2019

35,630

(4,727
)

342,773

(4,799
)

3,714

372,591

Net earnings

—

—

14,073

—

100

14,173

Other comprehensive income, net

—

49

—

—

(4
)

45

Issuance (acquisition) of common stock

8

—

—

(443
)

—

(435
)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests

(20
)

—

—

—

37

17

Balance at June 30, 2019

35,618

(4,678
)

356,846

(5,242
)

3,847

386,391

Net earnings

—

—

16,524

—

133

16,657

Other comprehensive income, net

—

(730
)

—

—

(21
)

(751
)
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock

—

—

—

(695
)

—

(695
)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests and other

2

—

(36
)

—

(10
)

(44
)
Balance at September 30, 2019

$
35,620

$
(5,408
)

$
373,334

$
(5,937
)

$
3,949

$
401,558

.

For the third quarter and first nine months of 2020

Balance at December 31, 2019

$
35,666

$
(5,243
)

$
402,493

$
(8,125
)

$
3,772

$
428,563

Net earnings

—

—

(49,746
)

—

49

(49,697
)
Adoption of new accounting pronouncement

—

—

(388
)

—

—

(388
)
Other comprehensive income, net

—

(1,478
)

—

—

(53
)

(1,531
)
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock

—

—

—

(1,575
)

—

(1,575
)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests

(39
)

—

—

—

(98
)

(137
)
Balance at March 31, 2020

35,627

(6,721
)

352,359

(9,700
)

3,670

375,235

Net earnings

—

—

26,295

—

112

26,407

Other comprehensive income, net

—

754

—

—

13

767

Issuance (acquisition) of common stock

—

—

—

(5,115
)

—

(5,115
)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests

(4
)

—

—

—

(37
)

(41
)
Balance at June 30, 2020

35,623

(5,967
)

378,654

(14,815
)

3,758

397,253

Net earnings

—

—

30,137

—

276

30,413

Other comprehensive income, net

—

777

—

—

26

803

Issuance (acquisition) of common stock

—

—

—

(9,260
)

—

(9,260
)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests

6

—

—

—

—

6

Balance at September 30, 2020

$
35,629

$
(5,190
)

$
408,791

$
(24,075
)

$
4,060

$
419,215

	Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity
	Common stock and capital in excess of par value			Accumulated other comprehensive income			Retained earnings			Treasury stock			Non- controlling interests			Total
For the first quarter of 2020
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	35,666		$	(5,243	)	$	402,493		$	(8,125	)	$	3,772		$	428,563
Net earnings (loss)		—			—			(49,746	)		—			49			(49,697	)
Adoption of new accounting pronouncement		—			—			(388	)		—			—			(388	)
Other comprehensive income, net		—			(1,478	)		—			—			(53	)		(1,531	)
Acquisition of common stock		—			—			—			(1,575	)		—			(1,575	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		(39	)		—			—			—			(98	)		(137	)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	35,627		$	(6,721	)	$	352,359		$	(9,700	)	$	3,670		$	375,235

For the first quarter of 2021
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	35,634		$	(4,243	)	$	444,626		$	(32,853	)	$	8,172		$	451,336
Net earnings (loss)		—			—			11,711			—			129			11,840
Other comprehensive income, net		—			(327	)		—			—			7			(320	)
Acquisition of common stock		—			—			—			(6,565	)		—			(6,565	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		4			—			—			—			(119	)		(115	)
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	35,638		$	(4,570	)	$	456,337		$	(39,418	)	$	8,189		$	456,176

	First Nine Months						First Quarter
	2020			2019			2021			2020
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	7,123		$	52,562
Net earnings (loss)							$	11,840		$	(49,697	)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses		(2,032	)		(40,079	)		(5,211	)		68,882
Depreciation and amortization		7,692			7,407			2,673			2,585
Other, including asset impairment charges		10,934			(1,740	)
Other								(225	)		(566	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		4,480			3,252			961			583
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed		735			745			252			260
Unearned premiums		2,544			2,663			2,390			2,006
Receivables and originated loans		(3,223	)		(3,618	)		(3,440	)		(2,083	)
Other assets		(1,673	)		(2,419	)		(397	)		(1,140	)
Other liabilities		2,446			(889	)		(1,861	)		17
Income taxes		201			8,726			2,324			(14,049	)
Net cash flows from operating activities		29,227			26,610			9,306			6,798
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of equity securities		(22,406	)		(15,090	)		(2,572	)		(4,003	)
Sales of equity securities		28,564			7,127			6,451			2,166
Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		(153,897	)		(72,189	)		(32,313	)		(31,551	)
Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		23,744			13,602			4,090			5,328
Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		81,252			94,742			37,559			3,694
Purchases of loans and finance receivables		(619	)		(57	)		(11	)		(595	)
Collections of loans and finance receivables		268			259			109			70
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired		(111	)		(732	)		(47	)		(26	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and equipment held for lease		(9,516	)		(11,139	)		(2,519	)		(2,968	)
Other		(1,685	)		(1,067	)		449			81
Net cash flows from investing activities		(54,406	)		15,456			11,196			(27,804	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses		3,435			8,141			1,442			1,613
Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses		(2,116	)		(5,046	)		(2,425	)		(1,502	)
Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		6,424			4,163			—			4,324
Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		(2,449	)		(1,766	)		(883	)		(1,748	)
Changes in short term borrowings, net		(1,062	)		165			229			(1,133	)
Acquisition of treasury stock		(15,712	)		(2,807	)		(6,580	)		(1,741	)
Other		(196	)		(341	)		(132	)		(159	)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(11,676	)		2,509			(8,349	)		(346	)
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes		(340	)		(95	)		(61	)		(184	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		(37,195	)		44,480			12,092			(21,536	)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year		64,632			30,811
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of third quarter *	$	27,437		$	75,291
* Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are comprised of the following:
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year*								48,396			64,632
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of first quarter*							$	60,488		$	43,096
*Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are comprised of the following:
Beginning of year—
Insurance and Other	$	61,151		$	27,749		$	44,714		$	61,151
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		3,024			2,612			3,276			3,024
Restricted cash, included in other assets		457			450
Restricted cash included in other assets								406			457
	$	64,632		$	30,811		$	48,396		$	64,632
End of third quarter—
End of first quarter—
Insurance and Other	$	23,078		$	71,064		$	56,826		$	38,717
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		3,739			3,712			3,228			3,923
Restricted cash, included in other assets		620			515
Restricted cash included in other assets								434			456
	$	27,437		$	75,291		$	60,488		$	43,096

The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire” or “Company”) consolidated with the accounts of all its subsidiaries and affiliates in which Berkshire holds controlling financial interests as of the financial statement date. In these notes, the terms “us,” “we” or “our” refer to Berkshire and its consolidated subsidiaries. Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”), which includes information necessary or useful to understanding Berkshire’s businesses and financial statement presentations. Our significant accounting policies and practices were presented as Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report. ~~Changes to those policies due to the adoption of new accounting standards are described in Note 2.~~

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. Given the size of our equity security investment portfolio, changes in market prices and the related changes in unrealized gains on equity securities will produce significant volatility in our interim and annual earnings. In addition, changes in the fair values of certain derivative contract liabilities, gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and the magnitude of asset impairment charges can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) spread rapidly across the world in 2020 and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The government and private sector responses to contain its spread began to significantly affect our operating businesses in ~~March.~~March of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has since adversely affected nearly all of our operations, although the effects are varying significantly. The ~~duration and~~ extent of the effects over longer terms cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The risks and uncertainties resulting from the pandemic that may affect our future earnings, cash flows and financial condition include the time ~~necessary~~ to ~~develop~~vaccinate a significant number of people in the U.S. and ~~produce a safe and effective vaccine that can be widely distributed~~ throughout the world ~~and~~as well as the long-term effect from the pandemic on the demand for certain of our products and services. Accordingly, significant estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements, including those associated with evaluations of certain long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to us and the estimations of certain losses assumed under insurance and reinsurance contracts, may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods. Additionally, GEICO’s underwriting results will likely be negatively affected over the remainder of the year and in the first quarter of 2021, as the remaining impact of the GEICO Giveback program (a program whereby all voluntary auto and motorcycle insurance policies renewed and newly issued during the period between April 8, 2020 and October 7, 2020 receive a 15% premium rate reduction) will be reflected in earned premiums during these periods.

We adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses” on January 1, 2020. ASC 326 provides for the measurement of expected credit losses on financial assets that are carried at amortized cost based on the net amounts expected to be collected. Measurements of expected credit losses therefore include provisions for non-collection, whether the risk is probable or remote. Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, credit losses were measured when non-collection was considered probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. ~~We elected to not measure an allowance for expected credit losses on accrued interest and instead reverse uncollectible accrued interest through interest income on a timely basis.~~

Upon adoption of ASC 326, we recorded a charge to retained earnings of $388 million representing the cumulative after-tax increase in our allowances for credit losses, which was primarily related to our manufactured housing loans. Expected credit losses for such financial assets are based on the net present value of future principal payments less estimated expenses related to the charge-off and foreclosure of expected uncollectible loans and include provisions for loans that are not in foreclosure. Our principal credit quality indicator is whether the loans are performing. Expected credit loss estimates consider historical default rates, collateral recovery rates, historical runoff rates, interest rates, reductions of future cash flows for modified loans, the historical time elapsed from last payment until foreclosure, among other matters. In addition, our estimates consider current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

Trade receivables, insurance premium receivables and other receivables are primarily short-term in duration with stated collection terms of less than one year from the date of origination. In establishing credit loss allowances for such receivables, we primarily utilize credit loss history. However, credit loss allowances may be adjusted as a result of current conditions and when we expect reasonable and supportable forecasts to deviate from historical experience. In evaluating expected credit losses of reinsurance recoverables, we review the credit quality of the counterparty and consider credit ratings, right-of-offset provisions within reinsurance contracts and other forms of credit enhancement including, collateral, funds held arrangements, guarantees, as well as other publicly available information.

We adopted ASU 2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” as of January 1, 2020. Under ASU 2017-04, the measurement of a goodwill impairment is represented by the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the reporting unit and is limited to the carrying value of goodwill.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12 “Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts.” ASU 2018-12 requires periodic reassessment of actuarial and discount rate assumptions used to value policyholder liabilities and deferred acquisition costs ~~arising from~~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. Currently, the actuarial and discount rate assumptions are set at the contract inception date and not subsequently changed, except under limited circumstances. ASU 2018-12 requires new disclosures and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, ~~2021,~~2022, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investments in fixed maturity securities as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and December 31, ~~2019~~2020 are summarized ~~by type~~ below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
September 30, 2020
March 31, 2021
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,311	$	66	$	—		$	3,377	$	3,236	$	44	$	—		$	3,280
Foreign governments		9,898		82		(11	)		9,969		12,079		78		(9	)		12,148
Corporate bonds		5,125		455		(6	)		5,574		3,741		430		(1	)		4,170
Other		447		70		(2	)		515		371		59		(1	)		429
	$	18,781	$	673	$	(19	)	$	19,435	$	19,427	$	611	$	(11	)	$	20,027
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2020
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,054	$	37	$	(1	)	$	3,090	$	3,348	$	55	$	—		$	3,403
Foreign governments		8,584		63		(9	)		8,638		11,233		110		(5	)		11,338
Corporate bonds		5,896		459		(3	)		6,352		4,729		464		(2	)		5,191
Other		539		67		(1	)		605		414		66		(2	)		478
	$	18,073	$	626	$	(14	)	$	18,685	$	19,724	$	695	$	(9	)	$	20,410

Investments in foreign governments include securities issued by national and provincial government entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of ~~September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, approximately ~~87%~~88% of our foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates (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

9,847

7,885

302

405

342

18,781

9,756

8,705

376

305

285

19,427

Fair value

9,887

8,030

349

764

405

19,435

9,810

8,804

533

543

337

20,027

Investments in equity securities as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and December 31, ~~2019~~2020 are summarized in the tables below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value		Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
September 30, 2020*
March 31, 2021*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	27,145	$	29,065	$	56,210	$	26,730	$	52,081	$	78,811
Consumer products		37,016		98,022		135,038		34,787		101,445		136,232
Commercial, industrial and other		41,468		12,601		54,069		44,934		22,120		67,054
	$	105,629	$	139,688	$	245,317	$	106,451	$	175,646	$	282,097

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value		Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
December 31, 2019*
December 31, 2020*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	40,419	$	61,976	$	102,395	$	26,312	$	40,167	$	66,479
Consumer products		38,887		60,747		99,634		34,747		111,583		146,330
Commercial, industrial and other		31,034		14,964		45,998		47,561		20,800		68,361
	$	110,340	$	137,687	$	248,027	$	108,620	$	172,550	$	281,170

~~On August 8, 2019, Berkshire invested a total of~~Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Our equity security investments include $10 billion in Occidental Corporation (“Occidental”) ~~newly issued Occidental~~ Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation value of $10 billion and warrants to purchase up to 8083.86 million shares of Occidental common stock at an exercise price of $62.50 per share. In accordance with the terms of the warrants, on August 3, 2020, the number of shares of common stock that can be purchased was increased to 83.86 million shares and the exercise price was reduced to $59.62 per share. The preferred stock accrues dividends at 8% per annum and is redeemable at the option of Occidental commencing in 2029 at a redemption price equal to 105% of the liquidation preference plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends or is mandatorily redeemable under ~~certain~~ specified ~~capital return~~ events. Dividends on the preferred stock may be paid in cash or, at Occidental’s option, in shares of Occidental common stock. The warrants are exercisable in whole or in part until one year after the redemption of the preferred stock. ~~Our investments in Occidental are included in the commercial, industrial and other category in the preceding tables.~~

Berkshire and its subsidiaries hold 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 26.6% of the outstanding shares.

We recorded equity method earnings from our investment in Kraft Heinz of $150 million in the first quarter of 2021 and $101 million in 2020. We received dividends on the common stock of $130 million in each of the first quarters of 2021 and 2020, which were recorded as reductions to the carrying value of our investment.

Shares of Kraft Heinz common stock are publicly-traded and the fair value of our investment was approximately ~~$9.7~~$13.0 billion at ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and ~~$10.5~~$11.3 billion at December 31, ~~2019.~~2020. The carrying value of our investment was approximately ~~$13.1~~$13.4 billion at ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and ~~$13.8~~$13.3 billion at December 31, ~~2019.~~

~~Berkshire’s equity method earnings from Kraft Heinz were $159 million in the third quarter of~~ 2020. Equity method losses from Kraft Heinz were $180 million in the first nine months of 2020, which included approximately $850 million for our proportionate share of goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz. As previously disclosed in Berkshire’s Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2019, Kraft Heinz’s financial statements for the first and second quarters of 2019 were not available until August 13, 2019 when Kraft Heinz filed financial statements for those periods with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Thus, Berkshire did not record equity method earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz for each of those periods until the third quarter of 2019. Berkshire’s equity method earnings in the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 included $467 million with respect to Kraft Heinz’s results for the first nine months of 2019, of which $228 million was attributable to Kraft Heinz’s results for the first six months of 2019. Berkshire’s equity method share of the Kraft Heinz goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges for the first nine months of 2019 was $293 million. We received dividends on the common stock of $391 million in each of the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, which were recorded as reductions to the carrying value of our investment.

As of ~~September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, the carrying value of our investment in Kraft Heinz exceeded the fair value based on the quoted market price by ~~$3.4 billion (26%~~$362 million (2.7% of carrying value). In light of that fact, we evaluated our investment in Kraft Heinz for impairment. We utilize no bright-line tests in such evaluations. Based on the available facts and information regarding the operating results of Kraft Heinz, our ability and intent to hold the investment until recovery, the relative amount of the decline, and the length of time that fair value was less than carrying value, we concluded that recognition of an impairment loss in earnings was not required. However, we will continue to monitor this investment and it is possible that an impairment loss will be recorded in earnings in future periods based on changes in facts and circumstances or intentions.

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

September 26,

2020

December 28,

2019

March 27,

2021

December 26,

2020

Assets

98,122

101,450

98,664

99,830

Liabilities

48,783

49,701

48,233

49,587

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months					First Quarter
	2020		2019		2020			2019		2021		2020
Sales	$	6,441	$	6,076	$	19,246		$	18,441	$	6,394	$	6,157
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders*		597		899		(676	)		1,753
Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders											563		378

Other investments accounted for pursuant to the equity method include our investments in Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), Pilot Travel Centers LLC (“Pilot”) and Electric Transmission Texas, LLC (“ETT”). The carrying value of our investments in these entities was approximately ~~$4.1~~$3.1 billion as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and ~~$3.7~~$4.0 billion as of December 31, ~~2019.~~2020. Our equity method earnings from these entities in the first ~~nine months~~quarter were ~~$513~~$101 million in ~~2020~~2021 and ~~$491~~$199 million in ~~2019.~~2020. During the first quarter of 2021, we received distributions from these other investees of $896 million, including a non-recurring distribution received from Pilot of $849 million. Additional information concerning these investments follows.

We own a 50% interest in Berkadia, with Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (“Jefferies”) 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~~was $1.47 billion at March 31, 2021 and limited to $1.5 billion. ~~On September 30, 2020,~~ Berkadia’s ~~commercial paper outstanding was $1.47 billion. The~~ commercial paper is supported by a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Jefferies is obligated to indemnify us for one-half of any losses incurred under the policy.

A Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company subsidiary owns a 50% 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. In 2017, we acquired a 38.6% interest in Pilot, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot is the largest operator of travel centers in North America ~~supplying more than 11 billion gallons of fuel per year via~~through more than 950 retail locations across 44 U.S. states and 6 Canadian provinces and through wholesale distribution. The Haslam family currently owns a 50.1% interest in Pilot and a third party owns the remaining 11.3% interest. We also entered into an agreement to acquire an additional 41.4% interest in Pilot in 2023, with the Haslam family retaining a 20% interest. As a result, Berkshire will become the majority owner of Pilot in 2023.

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses in the ~~third~~first quarter of 2021 and ~~first nine months of~~ 2020 ~~and 2019~~ are summarized as follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months						First Quarter
	2020			2019			2020			2019			2021			2020
Investment gains (losses):
Equity securities:
Unrealized investment gains during the period on securities held at the end of the period	$	30,837		$	10,489		$	16,458		$	39,546
Investment gains/losses on securities sold during the period		1,330			135			(13,901	)		464
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period on securities held at the end of the period													$	4,630		$	(68,482	)
Investment gains (losses) on securities sold during the period														430			(410	)
		32,167			10,624			2,557			40,010			5,060			(68,892	)
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains		12			59			53			71			20			16
Gross realized losses		(2	)		(2	)		(22	)		(18	)		(1	)		(6	)
Other		(552	)		11			(556	)		16			132			—
Investment gains (losses)														5,211			(68,882	)
Derivative contract gains (losses)														489			(1,393	)
	$	31,625		$	10,692		$	2,032		$	40,079		$	5,700		$	(70,275	)

Equity securities gains and losses include unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair values during the period on equity securities we still own, as well as gains and losses on securities we sold during the period. As reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, we received proceeds from sales of equity securities of approximately ~~$28.6~~$6.5 billion in the first ~~nine~~three months of ~~2020~~2021 and ~~$7.1~~$2.2 billion in the first ~~nine~~three months of ~~2019.~~2020. In the preceding table, investment gains/losses on equity securities sold during the period reflect the difference between the sales proceeds and the fair value of the equity securities sold at the beginning of the applicable quarterly ~~or annual~~ period or, if later, the purchase date. Our taxable gains/losses on equity securities sold are generally the difference between the proceeds from sales and original cost. Taxable gains ~~were $3.9 billion~~ in the ~~third~~first quarter of 2021 and ~~$666 million~~2020 were $1.8 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.

The derivative contract gains and losses derive from equity index put option contracts written prior to March 2008 on four major equity indexes. Information related to these contracts follows (dollars in ~~first nine months of 2020. Taxable gains were $609 million~~millions).

Notional value in the ~~third quarter~~preceding table represents the aggregate undiscounted amounts payable assuming the value of each index is zero at each contract’s expiration date. Intrinsic value is the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and ~~$1.96~~foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. Substantially all open contracts as of March 31, 2021 will expire by February 2023. Future payments, if any, under any given contract will be required if the prevailing index value is below the contract strike price at the contract expiration date. We received aggregate premiums of $1.9 billion ~~in first nine months~~on the contract inception dates with respect to unexpired contracts as of ~~2019.~~March 31, 2021 and we have no counterparty credit risk.

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019			March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$	19,832		$	18,199		$	20,800		$	20,436
Allowances for credit losses		(731	)		(167	)
Allowances for uncollectible loans								(725	)		(712	)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points		(517	)		(505	)		(626	)		(523	)
	$	18,584		$	17,527		$	19,449		$	19,201

Loans and finance receivables are principally ~~installment~~manufactured home loans, ~~originated or acquired by our manufactured housing business.~~and to a lesser extent, commercial loans and site-built home loans. Reconciliations of the allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables for each of the first ~~nine~~three months of ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019~~2020 follow (in millions).

	2020			2019			2021			2020
Balance at beginning of year	$	167		$	177		$	712		$	167
Adoption of ASC 326		486			—			—			486
Provision for credit losses		177			109			27			86
Charge-offs, net of recoveries		(99	)		(103	)		(14	)		(37	)
Balance at September 30	$	731		$	183
Balance at March 31							$	725		$	702

As of ~~September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, approximately 99% of ~~manufactured housing~~home loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment. As of ~~September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, we considered approximately ~~97%~~98% of the loan balances to be current as to payment status. A summary of performing and non-performing ~~manufactured housing~~home loans before discounts and allowances by year of loan origination as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 follows (in millions).

	Loans and Financing Receivables by Origination Year														Loans and Financing Receivables by Origination Year
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016		Prior		Total		2021		2020		2019		2018		2017		Prior		Total
Performing	$	3,328	$	2,603	$	1,983	$	1,471	$	1,314	$	6,918	$	17,617	$	1,742	$	3,443	$	2,460	$	1,872	$	1,386	$	7,726	$	18,629
Non-performing		3		4		6		7		8		49		77		2		1		6		7		6		50		72
Total	$	3,331	$	2,607	$	1,989	$	1,478	$	1,322	$	6,967	$	17,694
															$	1,744	$	3,444	$	2,466	$	1,879	$	1,392	$	7,776	$	18,701

We are party to an agreement with Seritage Growth Properties to provide a $2.0 billion term loan facility, which expires on July 31, 2023. The outstanding loan under the facility was approximately $1.6 billion at ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and December 31, ~~2019,~~2020, and is secured by mortgages on real estate properties. In the first quarter of 2020, we provided a loan to Lee Enterprises, Inc. in connection with its acquisition of our newspaper operations and the repayment of its then outstanding credit facilities. The loan balance was $499 million as of March 31, 2021 and $524 million at ~~September 30, 2020 was $538 million.~~December 31, 2020. We are the sole lender to each of these entities and each of these loans is current as to payment status.

Other receivables ~~of insurance and other businesses~~ are comprised of the following (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019			March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020
Insurance and other:
Insurance premiums receivable	$	15,379		$	13,379		$	15,190		$	14,025
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,857			2,855
Reinsurance recoverables								4,933			4,805
Trade receivables		11,840			12,275			12,634			11,521
Other		4,916			4,327			2,905			2,637
Allowances for credit losses		(603	)		(418	)
Allowances for uncollectible accounts								(660	)		(678	)
	$	34,389		$	32,418		$	35,002		$	32,310
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Trade receivables							$	3,527		$	3,235
Other								662			438
Allowances for uncollectible accounts								(139	)		(131	)
							$	4,050		$	3,542

~~Receivables of railroad and utilities and energy businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).~~

Provisions for credit losses ~~on receivables summarized in the preceding tables were $449 million~~ in the first ~~nine~~three months with respect to receivables summarized above were $18 million in 2021 and $211 million in 2020. Charge-offs, net of recoveries in the first three months were $28 million in 2021 and $78 million in 2020.

	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019		March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Raw materials	$	4,705	$	4,492	$	4,914	$	4,821
Work in process and other		2,712		2,700		2,727		2,541
Finished manufactured goods		4,645		4,821		4,528		4,412
Goods acquired for resale		7,299		7,839		6,717		7,434
	$	19,361	$	19,852	$	18,886	$	19,208

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

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019			March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020
Land, buildings and improvements	$	13,555		$	13,259		$	13,851		$	13,799
Machinery and equipment		24,765			24,285			25,474			25,488
Furniture, fixtures and other		4,689			4,666			4,542			4,530
		43,009			42,210			43,867			43,817
Accumulated depreciation		(21,868	)		(20,772	)		(22,877	)		(22,617	)
	$	21,141		$	21,438		$	20,990		$	21,200

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

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019			March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020
Railroad:
Land, track structure and other roadway	$	63,318		$	62,404		$	64,278		$	63,824
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		13,477			13,482			13,596			13,523
Construction in progress		1,075			748			855			916
		77,870			76,634			78,729			78,263
Accumulated depreciation		(12,724	)		(12,101	)		(13,687	)		(13,175	)
		65,146			64,533			65,042			65,088
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems		82,743			81,127			87,898			86,730
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets		8,281			8,165			16,712			16,667
Independent power plants and other assets		8,952			8,817			12,828			12,671
Construction in progress		5,132			3,732			3,309			3,308
		105,108			101,841			120,747			119,376
Accumulated depreciation		(29,856	)		(28,536	)		(33,990	)		(33,248	)
		75,252			73,305			86,757			86,128
	$	140,398		$	137,838		$	151,799		$	151,216

Depreciation expense for the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019~~2020 is summarized below (in millions).

	First Nine Months				First Quarter
	2020		2019		2021		2020
Insurance and other	$	1,725	$	1,660	$	576	$	570
Railroad, utilities and energy		4,105		3,881		1,496		1,398
	$	5,830	$	5,541	$	2,072	$	1,968

Equipment held for lease includes railcars, aircraft, over-the-road trailers, intermodal tank containers, cranes, storage units and furniture. A summary of equipment held for lease follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019			March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020
Railcars	$	9,396		$	9,260		$	9,462		$	9,402
Aircraft		8,061			8,093			8,363			8,204
Other		4,887			4,862			4,868			4,868
		22,344			22,215			22,693			22,474
Accumulated depreciation		(7,630	)		(7,150	)		(8,126	)		(7,873	)
	$	14,714		$	15,065		$	14,567		$	14,601

Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease in the first ~~nine months~~quarter was ~~$900~~$282 million in ~~2020~~2021 and ~~$880~~$292 million in ~~2019. Operating~~2020. Fixed and variableoperating lease revenues ~~by type~~ for the ~~third~~first quarter of 2021 and ~~first nine months of~~ 2020 ~~and 2019 were as follows~~are summarized below (in millions).

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months				First Quarter
	2020		2019		2020		2019		2021		2020
Fixed lease revenue	$	1,047	$	1,097	$	3,205	$	3,289	$	1,062	$	1,096
Variable lease revenue		269		341		700		1,076		262		332
	$	1,316	$	1,438	$	3,905	$	4,365	$	1,324	$	1,428

Reconciliations of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 and for the year ended December 31, ~~2019~~2020 follow (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019			March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020
Balance at beginning of year	$	81,882		$	81,025		$	73,734		$	81,882
Acquisitions of businesses		25			890			7			1,758
Impairment charges		(10,021	)		—			—			(10,033	)
Other, including foreign currency translation		(21	)		(33	)		(46	)		127
Balance at end of period	$	71,865		$	81,882
Balance at end of period*							$	73,695		$	73,734

Other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are summarized as follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019				March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other:
Customer relationships	$	27,344	$	5,548	$	27,943	$	5,025	$	27,353	$	5,927	$	27,374	$	5,756
Trademarks and trade names		5,193		774		5,286		759		5,197		784		5,206		779
Patents and technology		4,720		3,255		4,560		3,032		4,729		3,316		4,766		3,313
Other		3,319		1,347		3,364		1,286		3,322		1,390		3,339		1,375
	$	40,576	$	10,924	$	41,153	$	10,102	$	40,601	$	11,417	$	40,685	$	11,223
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Customer relationships	$	678	$	352	$	678	$	324	$	678	$	370	$	678	$	361
Trademarks, trade names and other		325		91		325		84		1,003		110		1,003		98
	$	1,003	$	443	$	1,003	$	408	$	1,681	$	480	$	1,681	$	459

Intangible asset amortization expense in the first ~~nine months~~quarter was ~~$962~~$319 million in ~~2020~~2021 and ~~$986~~$325 million in ~~2019.~~2020. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were $18.3 billion as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and ~~$19.0 billion as of~~ December 31, ~~2019~~2020 and primarily related to certain customer relationships and trademarks and trade names.

During ~~the second quarter of~~ 2020, we concluded it was necessary to reevaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of certain of our reporting units for impairment due to the disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. ~~We believed that the most significant of these disruptions related to the air travel and commercial aerospace and supporting industries.~~ We recorded pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of approximately $10 billion and pre-tax indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $638 million in the second quarter of 2020. Approximately $10 billion of these charges related to Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”), the largest business within Berkshire's manufacturing segment. The carrying value of PCC-related goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets prior to the impairment charges was approximately $31 billion.

The amounts of the impairment charges were determined based on discounted cash flow methods and reflect our current assessments of the risks and uncertainties associated with the aerospace industry. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of a reporting unit and in performing impairment tests. Due to the inherent uncertainty in forecasting cash flows and earnings, actual results in the future may vary significantly from the forecasts.

Disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic will likely continue to evolve and the effects on our businesses may differ from what we currently estimate. If the effects prove to be worse than is reflected in our current estimates, additional goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges could be required.

We are party to derivative contracts through certain of our subsidiaries. The most significant derivative contracts consist of equity index put option contracts. The liabilities and related notional values of these contracts follow (in millions).

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written prior to March 2008 on four major equity indexes. Notional value in the preceding table represents the aggregate undiscounted amounts payable assuming the value of each index is zero at each contract’s expiration date. Certain contracts are denominated in foreign currencies and the related notional amounts are based on the foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. These contracts produced pre-tax losses of $43 million in the third quarter and $640 million in the first nine months of 2020 and pre-tax gains of $234 million in the third quarter and $1,217 million in the first nine months of 2019.

Substantially all open contracts as of September 30, 2020 will expire by February 2023. The weighted average life of unexpired contracts at September 30, 2020 was approximately 1.25 years. Future payments, if any, under any given contract will be required if the prevailing index value is below the contract strike price at the contract expiration date. We received aggregate premiums of $2.1 billion on the contract inception dates with respect to unexpired contracts as of September 30, 2020 and we have 0 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 $1.2 billion at September 30, 2020 and $397 million at December 31, 2019. These contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the contract expiration dates and the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses will not be determined until the contract expiration dates.

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.

Our liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (also referred to as “claim liabilities”) under property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet date and include estimates for incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) claims. A reconciliation of the changes in claim liabilities, excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note ~~15)~~14), for each of the ~~nine~~three months ending ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2021 and 2020 ~~and 2019~~ follows (in millions).

	2020			2019			2021			2020
Balances at beginning of year:
Gross liabilities	$	73,019		$	68,458		$	79,854		$	73,019
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		(2,855	)		(3,060	)		(2,912	)		(2,855	)
Net liabilities		70,164			65,398			76,942			70,164
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		31,777			31,179			11,363			10,896
Prior accident years’ events		69			(396	)		(646	)		(200	)
Total		31,846			30,783			10,717			10,696
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		(11,691	)		(13,144	)		(3,214	)		(3,175	)
Prior accident years’ events		(15,259	)		(13,967	)		(6,454	)		(6,841	)
Total		(26,950	)		(27,111	)		(9,668	)		(10,016	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		124			(178	)		(94	)		(372	)
Balances at September 30:
Balances at March 31:
Net liabilities		75,184			68,892			77,897			70,472
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,857			3,105			3,064			2,890
Gross liabilities	$	78,041		$	71,997		$	80,961		$	73,362

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses shown in the preceding table were recorded in earnings and related to insured events occurring in the current year (“current accident year”) and events occurring in all prior years (“prior accident years”). We recorded a net ~~increase in~~reductions of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of ~~$69~~$646 million in ~~the first nine months of 2020~~2021 and ~~a net decrease of $396~~$200 million in ~~the first nine months of 2019,~~2020, which produced a corresponding ~~increase and decrease~~decreases in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses. These ~~changes in the ultimate liability estimates~~reductions, as percentages of the net liabilities at the beginning of each year, were ~~relatively insignificant.~~0.8% in 2021 and 0.3% in 2020.

~~In the first nine months of 2020, we reduced estimated~~Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events ~~for~~related to primary insurance were reduced by ~~$273~~$699 million and increased estimates for reinsurance liabilities by $342 million. The net decrease for primary insurance was primarily attributable to lower than anticipated private passenger automobile, medical professional liability and workers’ compensation claims. The net increase related to reinsurance included increased claims estimates for legacy casualty exposures. Inin the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2019, the net decrease~~2021 and $172 million in ~~estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years was~~2020. The decreases in each period were primarily attributable to private passenger automobile and medical professional liability ~~and~~claims. The decrease in 2021 also reflected lower than anticipated workers’ compensation ~~claims, partly offset by increased~~claims. Estimated ultimate liabilities for ~~legacy casualty exposures~~prior years’ loss events related to reinsurance assumed increased $53 million in 2021 and ~~other commercial insurance business.~~decreased $28 million in 2020.

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 ~~inception~~ date or, when 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 each of the ~~nine~~three months ending ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2021 and 2020 ~~and 2019~~ follow (in millions).

	2020						2019						2021						2020
	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 at beginning of year	$	42,441		$	(13,747	)	$	41,834		$	(14,104	)	$	40,966		$	(12,441	)	$	42,441		$	(13,747	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current year contracts		—			—			175			(82	)		—			—			—			—
Prior years’ contracts		131			735			(2	)		827			(5	)		252			24			259
Total		131			735			173			745			(5	)		252			24			259
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		(786	)		—			(643	)		—			(276	)		—			(196	)		—
Balances at September 30	$	41,786		$	(13,012	)	$	41,364		$	(13,359	)
Balances at March 31													$	40,685		$	(12,189	)	$	42,269		$	(13,488	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges	$	866					$	918					$	247					$	283

In the preceding table, classifications of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on the inception dates of the ~~contracts.~~contracts, which reflects when our exposure to losses begins. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first ~~nine months related to contracts written~~quarter were $247 million in ~~prior years were $866~~2021 and $283 million in 2020, ~~and $825 million in 2019. Such losses reflected the~~which consisted of recurring amortization of deferred ~~charges~~changes and the effects of changes in the ~~estimated~~expected timing and amount of future loss payments.

Berkshire’s subsidiary, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), is party to a contract with ~~various~~certain subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”), in which NICO’s ultimate liability is contractually limited to $20 billion. Our estimated ~~ultimate~~ claim liabilities with ~~respect~~regard to the AIG contract were approximately $17.5 billion at ~~both September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and $17.7 billion at December 31, ~~2019 were $18.2 billion.~~2020. Deferred charge assets related to the AIG contract were approximately ~~$5.8~~$5.2 billion at ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and ~~$6.3~~$5.4 billion at December 31, ~~2019.~~2020.

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below ~~(dollars in~~(in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of ~~September 30, 2020.~~March 31, 2021.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019		Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Insurance and other:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2047		3.2	%	$	8,320	$	8,324
Euro denominated due 2021-2035		1.0	%		7,986		7,641
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2021-2047									3.3	%	$	7,311	$	8,308
Euro denominated due 2023-2041									1.0	%		8,033		8,326
Japanese Yen denominated due 2023-2060		0.6	%		5,902		3,938		0.7	%		5,624		6,031
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2049		4.1	%		8,829		8,679
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2022-2051									3.6	%		10,756		10,766
Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059		2.5	%		2,218		2,274		2.5	%		2,367		2,347
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2020-2045		4.2	%		4,676		5,262
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2021-2045									4.2	%		4,676		4,682
Subsidiary short-term borrowings		2.7	%		960		1,472		2.8	%		789		1,062
				$	38,891	$	37,590				$	39,556	$	41,522

In ~~March 2020,~~the first quarter of 2021, Berkshire repaid ~~€1.0~~€550 million and $1.0 billion of maturing senior notes and issued ~~€1.0 billion~~€600 million of ~~0.0%~~0.5% senior notes due in ~~2025. In April 2020, Berkshire issued ¥195.5 billion (approximately $1.8 billion) of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2060 and a weighted average interest rate of 1.07%.~~

2041. Borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, consist of senior unsecured notes used to fund manufactured housing loans originated or acquired and equipment held for lease of certain subsidiaries. BHFC borrowings are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. In ~~the first nine months of 2020,~~January 2021, BHFC repaid ~~$350~~$750 million of maturing senior notes and issued ~~$500~~$750 million of ~~1.85%~~2.5% senior notes due in 2030. In October 2020, BHFC repaid $550 million of maturing senior notes and issued $2.5 billion of senior notes consisting of $750 million of 1.45% senior notes due in 2030 and $1.75 billion of 2.85% senior notes due in 2050.2051.

The carrying values of Berkshire and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar denominated senior notes (€~~6.85~~6.9 billion, £1.75 billion and ¥625.5 billion ~~par)~~par at March 31, 2021) reflect the applicable ~~foreign currency~~ exchange rates as of the balance sheet dates. The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates during the period are recorded in earnings as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Changes in the exchange rates resulted in pre-tax ~~losses~~gains of ~~$549 million in the third quarter and $447~~$720 million in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 and ~~pre-tax gains of $383 million in the third quarter and $447~~$228 million in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2019.~~2020.

In addition to BHFC borrowings, Berkshire guaranteed approximately ~~$1.2~~$1.1 billion of other subsidiary borrowings at ~~September 30, 2020.~~March 31, 2021. 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.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019		Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries:
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2021-2050		4.5	%	$	11,462	$	8,581
Subsidiary and other debt due 2020-2064		4.3	%		31,693		30,772
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2023-2051									4.3	%	$	12,999	$	13,447
Subsidiary and other debt due 2021-2064									4.1	%		36,461		36,420
Short-term borrowings		1.8	%		2,400		3,214		1.4	%		2,699		2,286
Burlington Northern Santa Fe and subsidiaries due 2020-2097		4.6	%		23,245		23,211
Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") and subsidiaries due 2021-2097									4.6	%		22,816		23,220
				$	68,800	$	65,778				$	74,975	$	75,373

BHE subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. Substantially all of the assets of certain BHE subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure such debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants, which pertain to leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and/or debt service coverage ratios. During the first nine months of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries issued new term debt of approximately $5.5 billion with maturity dates ranging from 2025 to 2062 and a weighted average interest rate of 3.4%. In the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020,~~2021, BHE and its subsidiaries repaid ~~$1.9 billion~~$476 million of term debt and ~~reduced~~increased short-term borrowings. ~~On October 29, 2020, BHE issued $500 million of 1.65% senior notes due in 2031 and $1.5 billion of 2.85% senior notes due in 2051.~~

BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. ~~In April 2020, BNSF issued $575 million of 3.05% senior unsecured debentures due in 2051.~~ During the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020,~~2021, BNSF repaid ~~$541~~$407 million of debt. As of ~~September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, 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.

As of ~~September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, our subsidiaries had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately ~~$9.5~~$9.3 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included approximately ~~$7.8~~$7.9 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries.

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and December 31, ~~2019,~~2020, with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, other receivables and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of 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)
September 30, 2020
March 31, 2021
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,377	$	3,377	$	3,331	$	46	$	—	$	3,280	$	3,280	$	3,237	$	43	$	—
Foreign governments		9,969		9,969		6,890		3,079		—		12,148		12,148		10,039		2,109		—
Corporate bonds		5,574		5,574		—		5,574		—		4,170		4,170		—		4,170		—
Other		515		515		—		515		—		429		429		—		429		—
Investments in equity securities		245,317		245,317		236,804		38		8,475		282,097		282,097		271,382		8		10,707
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,101		9,747		9,747		—		—		13,380		13,018		13,018		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		18,584		19,737		—		2,509		17,228		19,449		20,738		—		2,500		18,238
Derivative contract assets ⁽¹⁾		261		261		2		64		195		301		301		1		99		201
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy ⁽¹⁾		109		109		5		93		11		105		105		3		66		36
Equity index put options		1,547		1,547		—		—		1,547		577		577		—		—		577
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		38,891		43,439		—		43,426		13		39,556		42,072		—		42,061		11
Railroad, utilities and energy		68,800		84,315		—		84,315		—		74,975		85,357		—		85,357		—
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2020
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,090	$	3,090	$	3,046	$	44	$	—	$	3,403	$	3,403	$	3,358	$	45	$	—
Foreign governments		8,638		8,638		5,437		3,201		—		11,338		11,338		9,259		2,079		—
Corporate bonds		6,352		6,352		—		6,350		2		5,191		5,191		—		5,191		—
Other		605		605		—		605		—		478		478		—		478		—
Investments in equity securities		248,027		248,027		237,271		46		10,710		281,170		281,170		271,848		38		9,284
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,757		10,456		10,456		—		—		13,336		11,280		11,280		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		17,527		17,861		—		1,809		16,052		19,201		20,554		—		2,692		17,862
Derivative contract assets ⁽¹⁾		145		145		—		23		122		270		270		1		72		197
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy ⁽¹⁾		76		76		6		59		11		121		121		6		96		19
Equity index put options		968		968		—		—		968		1,065		1,065		—		—		1,065
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		37,590		40,589		—		40,569		20		41,522		46,676		—		46,665		11
Railroad, utilities and energy		65,778		76,237		—		76,237		—		75,373		92,593		—		92,593		—

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

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

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

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

Reconciliations of significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2021 and 2020 ~~and 2019~~ follow (in millions).

Gains (losses) included in:

Balance at
beginning
of year

Earnings

Regulatory
assets and
liabilities

Acquisitions,
dispositions
and
settlements

Balance at September 30

Investments in fixed maturity and equity securities:

2020

$
10,407

$
(2,235
)

$
—

$
(2
)

$
8,170

2019

7

499

—

10,002

10,508

Net derivative contract liabilities:

2020

(857
)

(72
)

(36
)

(398
)

(1,363
)
2019

(2,343
)

1,528

(41
)

(282
)

(1,138
)

				Gains (losses) included in:
	Balance at beginning of year			Earnings			Regulatory assets and liabilities		Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements			Balance at March 31
Investments in equity securities:
2021	$	8,978		$	823		$	—	$	600		$	10,401
2020		10,405			(4,861	)		—		—			5,544

Equity index put option contract liabilities:
2021		(1,065	)		489			—		(1	)		(577	)
2020		(968	)		(1,393	)		—		—			(2,361	)

Quantitative information as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 with respect to significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (dollars in millions).

Fair

Value

Principal Valuation

Techniques

Unobservable

Inputs

Weighted

Average

Fair

Value

Principal Valuation

Techniques

Unobservable

Inputs

Weighted

Average

Investments in equity securities:

Preferred stock

8,159

Discounted cash flow

Expected duration

9 years

9,898

Discounted cash flow

Expected duration

8 years

Discount for transferability

restrictions and subordination

375 basis points

Discount for transferability

restrictions and subordination

372 basis points

Common stock warrants

Warrant pricing model

Expected duration

9 years

503

Warrant pricing model

Expected duration

8 years

Volatility

28%

Volatility

37%

Derivative contract liabilities

1,547

Option pricing model

Volatility

20%

Equity index put option contract liabilities

577

Option pricing model

Volatility

19%

Investments in equity securities in the preceding table include our investments in ~~Occidental Preferred~~certain preferred stocks and ~~Occidental~~ common stock ~~warrants. See Note 4 for information regarding these investments.~~warrants that do not have readily determinable market values as defined under GAAP. These investments are subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and may contain provisions that prevent us from economically hedging our investments. ~~In applying~~We applied discounted cash flow techniques in valuing the ~~Occidental Preferred,~~preferred stock and we made assumptions regarding the expected duration of the investment and the effects of subordination in liquidation. In valuing the ~~Occidental~~ common stock warrants, we used a warrant valuation model. While most of the inputs to the model are observable, we made assumptions regarding the expected duration and volatility of the warrants.

Our equity index put option derivative 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. We determine the fair value of the equity index put option contract liabilities based on the Black-Scholes option valuation model.

~~As described in~~ Note 12, we recorded goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges in the second quarter of 2020. These charges reflected our estimates of fair values of the related reporting units for goodwill and of the indefinite-lived intangible assets, and the related measurements are considered Level 3 measurements.

In estimating fair values of reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets, we consider the available facts and circumstances concerning the reporting unit and the industries in which it operates. The key assumptions and inputs we generally use in such determinations include forecasting revenues and expenses, cash flows and capital expenditures, as well as the selection of a discount rate and other inputs. These inputs also include our qualitative assessment of risks and uncertainties. We utilized discounted cash flow/earnings methods to develop our estimates of the fair values and we also considered other publicly available information.

Estimates of the fair value of reporting units can be significantly affected by expectations of the severity, duration or long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reporting unit’s business, which we cannot reliably predict at this time. Consequently, fair value estimates in such instances may be subject to wide variations. We concluded it was appropriate to reflect the increased risks and uncertainties precipitated by the pandemic through a combination of increases in discount rates and reductions to operating and long-term growth assumptions. We also incorporated forecasted operating results that were reduced from what was used in estimating fair value in connection with the 2019 annual impairment test conducted during the fourth quarter.

Changes inin Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 are shown in the table below. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but NaN are issued.

Each Class A common share is entitled to 1 vote per share. Class B common stock possesses dividend and distribution rights equal to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of such rights of Class A common stock. Each Class B common share possesses voting rights equivalent to one-ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of the voting rights of a Class A share. Unless otherwise required under Delaware General Corporation Law, Class A and Class B common shares vote as a single class. Each share of Class A common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into 1,500 shares of Class B common stock. Class B common stock is not convertible into Class A common stock. On an equivalent Class A common stock basis, there were ~~1,570,636~~1,525,655 shares outstanding as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and ~~1,624,958~~1,543,960 shares outstanding as of December 31, ~~2019.~~2020.

Since we have two classes of common stock, we provide earnings per share data on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for average equivalent Class A shares outstanding and average equivalent Class B shares outstanding. Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of a Class A share. Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding represents average Class A shares outstanding plus one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of the average Class B shares outstanding. Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding represents average Class B shares outstanding plus 1,500 times average Class A shares outstanding.

Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, 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.

Our consolidated effective income tax ~~rates were 19.8% for the third quarter and 30.8%~~rate for the first ~~nine months of 2020~~quarter was 18.5% in 2021 and ~~18.7% for the third quarter and 20.2% for the first nine months of 2019.~~21.2% in 2020. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects recurring benefits from dividends-received deductions applicable to investments in equity securities and production tax credits related to wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. Our periodic effective income tax rate will also vary due to the changes in mix of pre-tax earnings, the magnitude of gains or losses with respect to our investments in equity securities, ~~and~~the amount of non-deductible goodwill impairment charges and other expenses and the underlying income tax rates applicable in the various taxing jurisdictions.

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the ~~nine~~three months ending ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2021 and 2020 ~~and 2019~~ follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net		Foreign currency translation			Defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income			Unrealized appreciation of investments, net			Foreign currency translation			Defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
First nine months of 2020
First three months of 2021
Balance at beginning of year	$	481	$	(4,346	)	$	(1,369	)	$	(9	)	$	(5,243	)	$	536		$	(3,082	)	$	(1,645	)	$	(52	)	$	(4,243	)
Other comprehensive income, net		29		(28	)		67			(15	)		53			(67	)		(297	)		40			(3	)		(327	)
Balance at end of period	$	510	$	(4,374	)	$	(1,302	)	$	(24	)	$	(5,190	)	$	469		$	(3,379	)	$	(1,605	)	$	(55	)	$	(4,570	)

First nine months of 2019
First three months of 2020
Balance at beginning of year	$	370	$	(4,603	)	$	(816	)	$	34		$	(5,015	)	$	481		$	(4,346	)	$	(1,369	)	$	(9	)	$	(5,243	)
Other comprehensive income, net		137		(534	)		33			(29	)		(393	)		(139	)		(1,362	)		71			(48	)		(1,478	)
Balance at end of period	$	507	$	(5,137	)	$	(783	)	$	5		$	(5,408	)	$	342		$	(5,708	)	$	(1,298	)	$	(57	)	$	(6,721	)

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

	First Nine Months				First Quarter
	2020		2019		2021		2020
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	2,715	$	4,395	$	256	$	595
Interest:
Insurance and other		892		879		400		409
Railroad, utilities and energy		2,174		2,149		740		742
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Non-cash acquisition of equity securities		430		—

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 July~~On November 1, 2020, Berkshire Hathaway Energy (“BHE”) ~~reached~~acquired a ~~definitive agreement with Dominion Energy, Inc. (“Dominion”) to acquire substantially all~~large portion of ~~Dominion’s~~the natural gas transmission and storage business ~~which includes more than 7,700 miles~~ of ~~natural gas transmission pipelines, about 900 billion cubic feet of operated natural gas storage capacity and~~Dominion Energy, Inc. (“Dominion”) for approximately $2.5 billion. The acquisition included a partial ownership of a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage ~~facility. The agreement provided for an aggregate~~facility (“Cove Point”), consisting of 100% of the general partnership interest and 25% of the limited partnership interests. We treat Cove Point as a consolidated subsidiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect its economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits which could be significant to Cove Point. As of the acquisition ~~price~~date, the preliminary fair value of ~~approximately $4.0~~the assets acquired was $13.4 billion, including residual goodwill of $1.7 billion, and ~~that BHE would also assume approximately $5.7~~the fair value of the liabilities assumed was $6.9 billion, ~~of existing asset-related long-term debt.~~

~~On October 5, 2020, BHE and Dominion agreed, as permitted under~~including the acquisition agreement, to provide for the acquisition of all originally agreed upon businesses, except for certain pipeline assets (the “Excluded Assets”), for approximately $2.7 billion in cash and BHE’s assumption of approximately ~~$5.3~~$5.6 billion of debt. ~~This acquisition was completed on November 1, 2020. In addition, on October 5, 2020,~~We also recorded noncontrolling interests of $3.9 billion attributable to limited partnership interests in Cove Point that are held by third parties. BHE ~~and Dominion entered into a second acquisition agreement providing for BHE’s acquisition~~has also agreed to acquire certain other of ~~the Excluded Assets~~Dominion’s pipeline business for approximately $1.3 ~~billion in cash and BHE’s assumption of approximately $0.4 billion of debt.~~billion. The closing of this second acquisition is subject to receiving necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to occur ~~in early~~during the second quarter of 2021.

We recognize revenue 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.

The following tables summarize customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the ~~third~~first quarter of 2021 and ~~first nine months of~~ 2020 ~~and 2019~~ (in millions). Other revenues included in consolidated revenues were primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and leasing revenues, which are not considered to be revenues from contracts with customers under GAAP.

	Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retail		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and other		Total		Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retailing		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and other		Total
Three months ending September 30, 2020
Three months ending March 31, 2021
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	4,889	$	—	$	54	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	4,943	$	5,363	$	—	$	50	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	5,413
Building products		4,322		—		—		—		—		—		4,322		4,399		—		—		—		—		—		4,399
Consumer products		4,036		—		—		—		—		—		4,036		4,163		—		—		—		—		—		4,163
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		7,905		—		—		—		—		7,905		—		7,442		—		—		—		—		7,442
Food and beverage distribution		—		3,968		—		—		—		—		3,968		—		4,004		—		—		—		—		4,004
Auto sales		—		—		2,195		—		—		—		2,195		—		—		2,312		—		—		—		2,312
Other retail and wholesale distribution		599		—		3,182		—		—		—		3,781		703		—		3,656		—		—		—		4,359
Service		370		144		865		5,135		1,474		—		7,988		329		151		934		5,365		1,040		—		7,819
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		4,356		—		4,356		—		—		—		—		4,712		—		4,712
Total		14,216		12,017		6,296		5,135		5,830		—		43,494		14,957		11,597		6,952		5,365		5,752		—		44,623
Other revenues		929		23		966		14		396		17,202		19,530		923		25		991		13		172		17,852		19,976
	$	15,145	$	12,040	$	7,262	$	5,149	$	6,226	$	17,202	$	63,024	$	15,880	$	11,622	$	7,943	$	5,378	$	5,924	$	17,852	$	64,599

Nine months ending September 30, 2020
Three months ending March 31, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	15,639	$	—	$	143	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	15,782	$	6,119	$	—	$	44	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,163
Building products		11,682		—		—		—		—		—		11,682		3,695		—		—		—		—		—		3,695
Consumer products		10,373		—		—		—		—		—		10,373		3,328		—		—		—		—		—		3,328
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		23,051		—		—		—		—		23,051		—		7,859		—		—		—		—		7,859
Food and beverage distribution		—		11,561		—		—		—		—		11,561		—		3,806		—		—		—		—		3,806
Auto sales		—		—		5,999		—		—		—		5,999		—		—		1,909		—		—		—		1,909
Other retail and wholesale distribution		1,691		—		8,735		—		—		—		10,426		605		—		2,933		—		—		—		3,538
Service		1,105		398		2,460		15,059		3,238		—		22,260		387		132		961		5,366		793		—		7,639
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		11,190		—		11,190		—		—		—		—		3,515		—		3,515
Total		40,490		35,010		17,337		15,059		14,428		—		122,324		14,134		11,797		5,847		5,366		4,308		—		41,452
Other revenues		2,686		69		2,884		42		964		52,160		58,805		880		24		1,091		14		199		17,605		19,813
	$	43,176	$	35,079	$	20,221	$	15,101	$	15,392	$	52,160	$	181,129	$	15,014	$	11,821	$	6,938	$	5,380	$	4,507	$	17,605	$	61,265

Manufacturing

McLane
Company

Service
and
Retail

BNSF

Berkshire
Hathaway
Energy

Insurance,
Corporate
and other

Total

Three months ending September 30, 2019

Manufactured products:

Industrial and commercial products

$
6,346

$
—

$
44

$
—

$
—

$
—

$
6,390

Building products

4,101

—

—

—

—

—

4,101

Consumer products

3,528

—

—

—

—

—

3,528

Grocery and convenience store distribution

—

8,298

—

—

—

—

8,298

Food and beverage distribution

—

4,202

—

—

—

—

4,202

Auto sales

—

—

2,250

—

—

—

2,250

Other retail and wholesale distribution

524

—

2,946

—

—

—

3,470

Service

445

80

1,034

5,967

1,191

—

8,717

Electricity and natural gas

—

—

—

—

4,213

—

4,213

Total

14,944

12,580

6,274

5,967

5,404

—

45,169

Other revenues

937

24

1,080

15

316

17,431

19,803

$
15,881

$
12,604

$
7,354

$
5,982

$
5,720

$
17,431

$
64,972

Nine months ending September 30, 2019

Manufactured products:

Industrial and commercial products

$
19,308

$
—

$
136

$
—

$
—

$
—

$
19,444

Building products

11,796

—

—

—

—

—

11,796

Consumer products

10,487

—

—

—

—

—

10,487

Grocery and convenience store distribution

—

24,375

—

—

—

—

24,375

Food and beverage distribution

—

12,648

—

—

—

—

12,648

Auto sales

—

—

6,312

—

—

—

6,312

Other retail and wholesale distribution

1,602

—

8,959

—

—

—

10,561

Service

1,222

123

3,068

17,517

3,139

—

25,069

Electricity and natural gas

—

—

—

—

11,329

—

11,329

Total

44,415

37,146

18,475

17,517

14,468

—

132,021

Other revenues

2,715

68

3,323

41

894

50,186

57,227

$
47,130

$
37,214

$
21,798

$
17,558

$
15,362

$
50,186

$
189,248

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 ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and the timing of when the performance obligations are expected to be satisfied follows (in millions).

	Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:
	Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total		Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
Electricity and natural gas	$	1,642	$	5,379	$	7,021	$	3,034	$	20,918	$	23,952
Other sales and service contracts		1,206		2,457		3,663		1,324		2,259		3,583

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. We organize our reportable business segments in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses are grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and distribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. Revenues and earnings before income taxes by segment for the ~~third~~first quarter of 2021 and ~~first nine months of~~ 2020 ~~and 2019~~ were as follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter					First Nine Months				First Quarter
	2020			2019		2020		2019		2021			2020
Revenues of Operating Businesses
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	8,540		$	8,996	$	26,689	$	26,487	$	8,923		$	9,109
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		2,490			2,387		7,103		6,825		2,654			2,369
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		4,883			3,940		13,464		11,193		4,847			4,270
Investment income		1,223			1,789		4,486		4,930		1,414			1,648
Total insurance		17,136			17,112		51,742		49,435		17,838			17,396
BNSF		5,176			6,021		15,195		17,676		5,401			5,417
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		6,226			5,720		15,392		15,362		5,924			4,507
Manufacturing		15,170			15,897		43,238		47,173		15,913			15,035
McLane Company		12,040			12,604		35,079		37,214		11,622			11,821
Service and retailing		7,279			7,378		20,272		21,865		7,958			6,956
		63,027			64,732		180,918		188,725		64,656			61,132
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount
Corporate, eliminations and other		(3	)		240		211		523		(57	)		133
	$	63,024		$	64,972	$	181,129	$	189,248	$	64,599		$	61,265

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months						First Quarter
	2020			2019			2020			2019			2021			2020
Earnings Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	276		$	376		$	3,320		$	1,539		$	1,023		$	984
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		(126	)		153			(63	)		290			206			(33	)
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(441	)		52			(2,033	)		(305	)		(263	)		(489	)
Investment income		1,220			1,782			4,480			4,916			1,412			1,647
Total insurance		929			2,363			5,704			6,440			2,378			2,109
BNSF		1,777			1,941			4,855			5,379			1,659			1,584
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		1,122			1,061			2,074			2,194			683			419
Manufacturing		2,255			2,484			5,765			7,205			2,436			2,111
McLane Company		96			50			205			220			103			65
Service and retailing		779			639			1,745			2,005			938			558
		6,958			8,538			20,348			23,443			8,197			6,846
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount
Investment and derivative gains/losses		31,582			10,926			1,392			41,296			5,700			(70,275	)
Interest expense, not allocated to segments		(116	)		(96	)		(363	)		(312	)		(114	)		(136	)
Equity method investments		290			644			333			936			251			300
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments		(25	)		—			(10,659	)		—
Corporate, eliminations and other		(759	)		477			(761	)		532			494			216
	$	37,930		$	20,489		$	10,290		$	65,895		$	14,528		$	(63,049	)

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

Net ~~earnings~~earnings/loss 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).

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~~few centralized or integrated business ~~functions and there is minimal involvement by our corporate headquarters in the day-to-day business activities of the operating businesses.~~functions. Our senior corporate management team participates in and is ultimately responsible for significant capital allocation decisions, investment activities and the selection of the Chief Executive to head each of the operating businesses. The business segment data (Note 2423 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

~~As the~~The COVID-19 pandemic ~~accelerated beginning in the second half of March,~~negatively affected most of our operating businesses ~~were negatively affected,~~beginning in March of 2020, with the effects to date ranging from relatively minor to severe. Revenues and earnings of most of our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses declined considerably, and in certain instances severely, in the second quarter ~~due to closures~~ of ~~facilities where crowds gather, such as retail stores, restaurants~~2020. Over the second half of 2020 and ~~entertainment venues, public travel restrictions and from closures of certain of our businesses. In~~continuing into the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2020, several~~2021, many of these businesses experienced significant ~~increases~~recoveries in revenues and earnings. Consequently, revenues and earnings ~~as compared to~~in the ~~second quarter.~~

~~Our~~first quarter of 2021 for these businesses ~~that are deemed essential have continued to operate through~~were considerably higher than in the ~~pandemic, including our railroad, utilities and energy, insurance and~~first quarter of 2020, although results for certain ~~of our manufacturing, wholesale distribution and service businesses. In response to the effects of the pandemic, our~~ businesses have implemented various business continuity plans to protect our employees and customers. Such plans include a variety of actions, such as temporarily closing certain retail stores, manufacturing facilities and service centers of businesses that were not subject to government mandated closure. Our businesses have also implemented practices to protect employees while at work. Such practices have included work-from-home, staggered or reduced work schedules, increased cleaning and sanitation of work spaces, providing employee health screenings, eliminating non-essential travel and face-to-face meetings and providing general health reminders intended to lower the risk of spreading COVID-19.

~~We have taken actions~~negatively affected by major winter storms in response to the economic losses from reductions in consumer demand for products and services we offer and our inability to produce goods and provide services at certain of our businesses. These actions have included employee furloughs, wage and salary reductions, capital spending reductions and other actions intended to help mitigate the economic losses and preserve capital and liquidity.North America during February 2021. Certain of our other operating businesses ~~are undertaking and will likely~~ continue to ~~undertake restructuring activities that will resize their operations to better fit expected customer demand.~~ suffer adverse effects from the pandemic.

We cannot reliably predict future economic effects of the pandemic or when business activities at our ~~numerous and diverse~~ operations will completely normalize. Nor can we predict how these events will alter the future consumption patterns of consumers and businesses we serve.

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

Insurance underwriting produced after-tax ~~losses of $213 million in the third quarter and after-tax~~ earnings of ~~$956~~$764 million in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2021 and $363 million in 2020. ~~The~~In each year, we generated underwriting earnings from primary insurance and underwriting losses from reinsurance assumed. Underwriting results in 2021 also reflected the effects of the pandemic, including premium ~~rate~~ reductions from the GEICO Giveback program contributed to a significant decline in underwriting earnings in the third quarter of 2020 as compared to the first two quarters of the year. The effects of the rate reductions under the program will continue over the remainder of 2020 and ~~through the first quarter of 2021 as the~~ reduced ~~levels of premiums written are earned and included in our reported revenues. To the extent~~ claims frequencies over this period revert to historical levels, GEICO may incur underwriting losses. Insurance underwriting results in 2020 also included after-tax losses from other primary insurance and from reinsurance activities.for private passenger automobile coverages. After-tax earnings from insurance investment income in ~~2020 were lower in~~ the ~~third~~first quarter ~~and first nine months as~~of 2021 declined $178 million (12.8%) compared to ~~2019, reflecting~~2020, primarily due to lower interest income ~~primarily attributable to declines in interest rates~~earned on ~~our substantial holdings of~~ cash and short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills.

After-tax earnings of our railroad business ~~decreased 8.1% in the third quarter and 9.6%~~increased 5.1% in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020 as~~2021 compared to ~~2019. Earnings in 2020~~2020. The increase reflected overall higher freight volumes and lower ~~railroad operating revenues from lower shipping volumes, attributable~~costs due to ~~the negative effects of COVID-19, partly offset by lower operating costs and the effects of productivity improvements.~~improved productivity. After-tax earnings of our utilities and energy business increased ~~18.4% in the third quarter and 8.3%~~25.3% in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~2019.~~2020. The ~~increases~~increase reflected ~~increased tax benefits from renewable energy and~~ increased earnings from the natural gas pipelines and real estate brokerage ~~business.~~businesses, partially offset by lower earnings from the other energy businesses. Earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses ~~declined 4.4% in the third quarter and 18.3%~~increased 28.5% in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2021 versus 2020. Overall, our businesses generated significantly higher earnings in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020, ~~versus 2019. The economic~~which reflected the initial adverse effects of ~~COVID-19 are varying among our manufacturing businesses.~~the pandemic.

Investment and derivative gains/losses in ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019~~2020 included significant gains and losses on equity securities, including unrealized gains and losses from market price changes. 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.

~~Other earnings in the first nine months~~Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of ~~2020 included after-tax goodwill~~Financial Condition and ~~indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges~~Results of $11.0 billion, including our equity method share of impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz. Substantially all of these charges were recorded in the second quarter. Approximately $9.8 billion of these charges are attributable to impairments of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that were recorded in connection with Berkshire’s acquisition of Precision Castparts in 2016.Operations

Our management views our insurance businesses as possessing two distinct activities – underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, while investing decisions are the responsibility of Berkshire’s Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett and Berkshire’s corporate investment managers. Accordingly, we evaluate performance of underwriting operations without any allocation of investment income or investment gains/losses. We consider investment income as an integral component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized as ~~non-operating, based on our long-held strategy of acquiring securities and holding those securities for long periods.~~non-operating. We believe that such gains and losses are not 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 ~~pre-tax~~incurred losses in excess of $100 million from a current year catastrophic event to be significant.

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 ~~$120~~$121.6 billion as of ~~September 30, 2020.~~March 31, 2021. Our periodic underwriting results may also include significant foreign currency transaction gains and losses arising from the changes in the valuation of non-U.S. Dollar denominated liabilities of our ~~U.S. based~~U.S.-based insurance subsidiaries due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Underwriting results in 2020 of our commercial insurance and reinsurance businesses were negatively affected by estimated losses and costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including estimated provisions for claims and uncollectible premiums and incremental operating costs to maintain customer service levels at certain underwriting units. The potential effects of the pandemic may be further affected by future judicial rulings and regulatory and legislative actions pertaining to insurance coverage and claims that we cannot reasonably estimate at this time. Our underwriting results for the remainder of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 for certain business may be adversely affected from lower premiums attributable to credits granted to policyholders and where premiums are a function of the insured’s payroll.

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

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

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months						First Quarter
	2020			2019			2020			2019			2021			2020
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss):
GEICO	$	276		$	376		$	3,320		$	1,539		$	1,023		$	984
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		(126	)		153			(63	)		290			206			(33	)
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(441	)		52			(2,033	)		(305	)		(263	)		(489	)
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)		(291	)		581			1,224			1,524
Pre-tax underwriting earnings														966			462
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		(78	)		141			268			342			202			99
Net underwriting earnings (loss)	$	(213	)	$	440		$	956		$	1,182
Net underwriting earnings													$	764		$	363
Effective income tax rate		26.6	%		24.1	%		21.9	%		23.0	%		20.9	%		21.5	%

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).

	Third Quarter								First Nine Months								First Quarter
	2020				2019				2020				2019				2021				2020
	Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	8,446			$	9,412			$	26,217			$	27,378			$	10,006			$	9,681
Premiums earned	$	8,540		100.0	$	8,996		100.0	$	26,689		100.0	$	26,487		100.0	$	8,923		100.0	$	9,109		100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		6,858		80.3		7,344		81.6		19,238		72.1		21,176		80.0		6,463		72.4		6,766		74.3
Underwriting expenses		1,406		16.5		1,276		14.2		4,131		15.5		3,772		14.2		1,437		16.1		1,359		14.9
Total losses and expenses		8,264		96.8		8,620		95.8		23,369		87.6		24,948		94.2		7,900		88.5		8,125		89.2
Pre-tax underwriting earnings	$	276			$	376			$	3,320			$	1,539			$	1,023			$	984

GEICO’s pre-tax underwriting earnings infor the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020 reflected significant declines~~2021 continues to reflect decreases in losses and loss adjustment expenses attributable to lower average claims frequencies from the effects of less driving by policyholders during the COVID-19 pandemic. AsThese effects were partially offset by lower premiums earned from the remaining effects of the GEICO Giveback program ~~(see following paragraph) on earned premiums will continue through the fourth quarter, GEICO could experience pre-tax underwriting losses if~~and higher average claims ~~frequencies increase over the same period, offsetting a portion of the pre-tax underwriting earnings generated in the first nine months of 2020.~~severities.

Premiums written decreased 10.3% in the third quarter and 4.2% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The GEICO Giveback program provides for a 15% premium credit to all voluntary auto and motorcycle policies renewing between April 8, 2020 and October 7, 2020, as well as to any new policies written during the same period. The GEICO Giveback program reduced premiums written in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020 by approximately $2.8 billion. Premiums earned decreased 5.1% in the third quarter and were relatively unchanged in the first nine months of 2020~~2021 increased 3.4% compared to ~~2019, which included reductions of approximately $1.0 billion in the third quarter and $1.3 billion in the first nine months~~2020. The premium increase was primarily attributable to ~~the GEICO Giveback program. Premiums earned will very likely decline~~higher average voluntary auto policies-in-force, partially offset by a decrease in ~~the fourth quarter even if policies-in-force and exposures increase.~~

average premiums per auto policy due to coverage changes. Voluntary auto policies-in-force ~~grew 5.4% in~~increased approximately 124,000 during the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2020 compared to 2019. The increase resulted from a 9.1% decrease in lost policies and a 3.4% decrease in new business sales. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, GEICO paused cancellations of insurance policies for non-payment through the end of May 2020. During the third quarter, policy cancellations for non-payment resumed leading to an 18.3% increase in lost policies for the third quarter as compared to 2019.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased $486 million (6.6%) in the third quarter and $1.9 billion (9.2%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. GEICO’s ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums earned (the “loss ratio”) decreased 1.3 percentage points in the third quarter and 7.9 percentage points in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The decreases in the loss ratio reflected declines in claims frequencies, partly offset by increases in claims severities and the impact of lower premiums earned attributable to the GEICO Giveback program.2021.

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

~~Claims frequencies~~The GEICO Giveback program provided a 15% premium credit to all new and renewal voluntary auto and motorcycle policies written between April 8, 2020 and October 7, 2020. Premiums earned in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020 were lower for property damage, bodily injury and personal injury protection coverages (twenty-nine to thirty-one percent range) and collision coverage (twenty-four to twenty-six percent range)~~2021 decreased by 2.0% compared to ~~2019. Average claims severities in~~2020, which included reductions of approximately $400 million attributable to the ~~first nine months~~remaining impact of ~~2020 were higher for property damage coverage (ten to twelve percent range), collision coverage (seven to nine percent range) and bodily injury coverage (ten to twelve percent range). GEICO’s loss~~the GEICO Giveback credit.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2021 decreased $303 million (4.5%) compared to 2020. GEICO’s ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to earnings in the first quarter of 2021 was 72.4%, a decrease of 1.9 percentage points compared to 2020, reflecting declines in claims frequencies, partially offset by increases in claims severities and ~~2019~~the impact of lower premiums earned.

Claims frequencies in the first quarter of 2021 were lower for property damage and bodily injury coverages (fourteen to fifteen percent range), personal injury coverage (ten to eleven percent range) and collision coverage (flat to one percent range). Average claims severities in the first quarter of 2021 were higher for property damage coverage (three to four percent range), collision coverage (ten to eleven percent range) and bodily injury coverage (twelve to thirteen percent range). Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter included ~~relatively insignificant~~ reductions in the ultimate claim loss estimates for prior ~~year’s~~years’ loss ~~events.~~events of $521 million in 2021 and $148 million in 2020.

Underwriting expenses in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020 increased $359~~2021 were $1.4 billion, an increase of $78 million ~~(9.5%~~(5.7%) compared to ~~2019. GEICO’s expense ratio in the first nine months of~~ 2020, (underwriting expenses to premiums earned) increased 1.3 percentage points compared to 2019, of which 0.7 percentage points was attributable to the decline in earned premiums from the GEICO Giveback program. The increase in underwriting expenses reflectedreflecting higher employee-related, advertising and technology costs partly offset by lower premium taxes. GEICO’s expense ratio (underwriting expense to premiums earned) in the first quarter of 2021 was 16.1%, an increase of 1.2 percentage points compared to 2020, attributable to both the increase in expenses and ~~state taxes.~~the decline in earned premiums.

The Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (“BH Primary”) provides 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 are 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, Central States Indemnity Company and MLMIC Insurance Company. A summary of BH Primary underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter									First Nine Months									First Quarter
	2020					2019				2020					2019				2021				2020
	Amount			%		Amount		%		Amount			%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount			%
Premiums written	$	3,003				$	2,824			$	7,607				$	7,535			$	2,908			$	2,455
Premiums earned	$	2,490			100.0	$	2,387		100.0	$	7,103			100.0	$	6,825		100.0	$	2,654		100.0	$	2,369			100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		1,976			79.4		1,583		66.3		5,369			75.6		4,721		69.2		1,849		69.7		1,811			76.4
Underwriting expenses		640			25.7		651		27.3		1,797			25.3		1,814		26.6		599		22.5		591			25.0
Total losses and expenses		2,616			105.1		2,234		93.6		7,166			100.9		6,535		95.8		2,448		92.2		2,402			101.4
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)	$	(126	)			$	153			$	(63	)			$	290			$	206			$	(33	)

Premiums written increased ~~$179~~$453 million ~~(6.3%) in the third quarter and $72 million (1.0%~~(18.5%) in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~the same periods in 2019. The~~2020, driven by increases ~~reflected volume increases from~~at BH Specialty ~~in non-U.S. property~~(40%) and ~~casualty and U.S.~~MedPro Group (24%). The increase at BH Specialty was primarily attributable to increased casualty business and ~~from~~the increase at MedPro Group reflected increases across ~~several~~certain product categories. ~~These increases were partly offset by~~BHHC’s premiums written declined 8% from the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to lower workers’ compensation ~~business (BHHC and GUARD) in the third quarter and first nine months and by lower commercial auto business (BHHC and NICO Primary) over the first half of the year.~~volumes. The declines in workers’ compensation ~~and commercial auto business written~~premiums reflected the effects of ~~reduced exposures and premium refunds related~~overall lower insured payroll levels attributable to the ~~COVID-19~~ pandemic ~~volume reductions attributable to~~and continuing increased price competition in the ~~market~~market.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and ~~the effect~~Analysis of ~~the divestiture~~Financial Condition and Results of ~~Applied Underwriters in 2019.~~Operations

BH Primary’s loss ~~adjustment expenses in 2020 included an increase in estimated losses of approximately $400 million attributable to the pandemic (primarily~~ratio in the first ~~six months) and to Hurricanes Laura and Sally in the third quarter. In addition, losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first nine months were reduced $190 million in~~quarter of 2021 was 69.7%, a decline of 6.7 percentage points versus 2020, ~~and $274 million in 2019 for changes~~which reflected net reductions in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss ~~events.~~

events of $178 million in 2021 and $24 million in 2020. Estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2021 from a major winter storm in North America (“Winter Storm Uri”) in February 2021 were approximately $150 million. There were no significant catastrophe loss events in the first quarter of 2020. Incurred losses attributable to the pandemic were not significant in the first quarter of 2021 and were approximately $170 million in the first quarter of 2020. BH Primary insurers write significant levels of commercial and professional liability ~~insurance~~ and workers’ compensation insurance and the related claim costs ~~are generally~~may be subject to ~~longer~~high severity and long claim-tails. Accordingly, we could experience significant increases in claims liabilities in the future attributable to ~~higher than expected~~higher-than-expected claim settlements, adverse litigation outcomes or judicial rulings ~~regulatory actions~~ and other factors not currently anticipated. Underwriting expenses in the first quarter of 2021 were relatively unchanged compared to 2020. The expense ratio declined 2.5 percentage points, reflecting changes in business mix and the impact of pandemic-related allowances for expected credit losses recorded in the first quarter of 2020.

~~We offer~~The Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”) offers excess-of-loss and quota-share reinsurance coverages on property and casualty risks ~~and life and health reinsurance~~ to insurers and reinsurers worldwide through several subsidiaries, led by National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), General Reinsurance Corporation and General Reinsurance AG. We also offer life and health reinsurance coverages through General Re Life Corporation, General Reinsurance AG and Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company of Nebraska (“BHLN”) ~~and General Reinsurance Corporation, General Reinsurance AG and General Re Life Corporation (“General Re”)~~. We ~~also~~ periodically assume property and casualty risks under retroactive reinsurance contracts written through NICO. In addition, we write periodic payment annuity contracts predominantly through BHLN.

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

Generally, we strive to generate underwriting profits. However, time-value-of-money concepts are important elements in establishing prices for retroactive reinsurance and periodic payment annuity businesses due to the expected long durations of the liabilities. We expect to incur pre-tax underwriting losses from such businesses, primarily through deferred charge amortization and discount accretion charges. We receive premiums at the inception of these contracts, which are then available for investment. A summary of Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group’s premiums and pre-tax underwriting results follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter										First Nine Months										First Quarter
	Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)						Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)						Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)
	2020		2019		2020			2019			2020		2019		2020			2019			2021		2020		2021			2020
Property/casualty	$	3,428	$	2,614	$	99		$	314		$	8,859	$	7,237	$	(706	)	$	472		$	3,394	$	2,723	$	166		$	(162	)
Life/health		1,378		1,093		17			37			4,147		3,199		63			227			1,305		1,351		(172	)		5
Retroactive reinsurance		5		—		(394	)		(190	)		39		94		(896	)		(751	)		—		34		(242	)		(42	)
Periodic payment annuity		68		229		(209	)		(91	)		409		652		(411	)		(336	)		144		159		(136	)		(56	)
Variable annuity		4		4		46			(18	)		10		11		(83	)		83			4		3		121			(234	)
	$	4,883	$	3,940	$	(441	)	$	52		$	13,464	$	11,193	$	(2,033	)	$	(305	)	$	4,847	$	4,270	$	(263	)	$	(489	)

A summary of property/casualty reinsurance underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter								First Nine Months									First Quarter
	2020				2019				2020					2019				2021				2020
	Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount			%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount			%
Premiums written	$	3,960			$	2,435			$	11,011				$	8,304			$	4,383			$	4,056
Premiums earned	$	3,428		100.0	$	2,614		100.0	$	8,859			100.0	$	7,237		100.0	$	3,394		100.0	$	2,723			100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		2,544		74.2		1,659		63.5		7,241			81.7		4,888		67.5		2,407		70.9		2,120			77.9
Underwriting expenses		785		22.9		641		24.5		2,324			26.3		1,877		26.0		821		24.2		765			28.0
Total losses and expenses		3,329		97.1		2,300		88.0		9,565			108.0		6,765		93.5		3,228		95.1		2,885			105.9
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)	$	99			$	314			$	(706	)			$	472			$	166			$	(162	)

~~Property/casualty premiums~~Premiums written ~~increased $1.5 billion (62.6%) in the third quarter and $2.7 billion (32.6%)~~ in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020 as~~2021 increased $327 million (8.1%) compared to ~~the same periods in 2019.~~2020. The ~~increases were primarily attributable to a few new property and liability contracts and increased participations on renewals.~~

Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $885 million (53.3%) in the third quarter and $2.4 billion (48.1%) in the first nine months of 2020 over the same periods in 2019. Losses and loss adjustment expenses in 2020 included estimated losses of $113 million in the third quarter and $688 million in the first nine months attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic and $308 million from Hurricanes Laura and Sally in the third quarter. Losses incurred in the third quarter of 2019 included ~~$281 million from Typhoon Faxai.~~ ~~Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first nine months also included a net~~ increase ~~in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events of~~ ~~$342 million in 2020 compared to a net decrease of $75 million in 2019. The increase in 2020~~ was primarily attributable to ~~legacy environmental, asbestos~~favorable foreign currency translation effects and ~~other latent injury claims. Underwriting expenses~~changes in ~~the first nine months of 2020 increased 23.8% over 2019, primarily due to increased commissions expense on the increased premium volume.~~business mix.

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

Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $287 million (13.5%) in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020 and the loss ratio decreased 7.0 percentage points, reflecting generally lower ratios in most of BHRG’s various product categories. Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter of 2021 included estimated losses from Winter Storm Uri of approximately $310 million and a net increase in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events of $53 million. Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2020 included $230 million attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by a net reduction in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events of $28 million.

Underwriting expenses are primarily commissions and brokerage costs. The expense ratio decreased 3.8 percentage points in the first quarter, attributable to changes in business mix and the impact of pandemic-related charges in the first quarter of 2020.

A summary of our life/health reinsurance underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter								First Nine Months								First Quarter
	2020				2019				2020				2019				2021					2020
	Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount			%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	1,383			$	1,095			$	4,153			$	3,207			$	1,301				$	1,352
Premiums earned	$	1,378		100.0	$	1,093		100.0	$	4,147		100.0	$	3,199		100.0	$	1,305			100.0	$	1,351		100.0
Life and health insurance benefits		1,142		82.9		836		76.5		3,328		80.3		2,345		73.3		1,251			95.9		1,054		78.0
Underwriting expenses		219		15.9		220		20.1		756		18.2		627		19.6		226			17.3		292		21.6
Total benefits and expenses		1,361		98.8		1,056		96.6		4,084		98.5		2,972		92.9		1,477			113.2		1,346		99.6
Pre-tax underwriting earnings	$	17			$	37			$	63			$	227
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)																	$	(172	)			$	5

Life/health premiums written ~~increased $288~~decreased $51 million ~~(26.3%) in the third quarter and $946 million (29.5%~~(3.8%) in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to 2020. The decrease reflected the ~~corresponding 2019 periods. The increases were primarily attributable to~~non-renewal in 2021 of a ~~new reinsurance contract covering~~policy that covered U.S. health insurance risks ~~(approximately $500 million for the first nine months) and from~~($164 million), partially offset by volume growth in the Asian and European life ~~reinsurance markets. The increase~~markets and favorable foreign currency translation effects. Underwriting earnings in the first ~~nine months was~~quarter of 2021 were negatively affected by significant increases in mortality in the U.S., Africa and Latin America, which were partially offset by lower underwriting expenses, due mainly to lower average commission rates in the international life business. Underwriting results in the first quarter of 2020 reflected pre-tax earnings from U.S. and international life business, partially offset by pre-tax losses from the run-off of U.S. long-term care business and unfavorable foreign currency translation effects.

Life/health underwriting results in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 were negatively affected by increased life benefits from COVID-19-related claim estimates ($68 million in the third quarter and $172 million in the first nine months) and increases in liabilities from changes in underlying assumptions in estimating disability benefit liabilities in Australia. Underwriting results in the first nine months of 2019 included a one-time pre-tax gain of $163 million attributable to a yearly-renewable-term life reinsurance contract amendment, partially offset by an increase in estimated disability benefit liabilities in Australia.

There were no significant retroactive reinsurance contracts written in the first ~~nine months~~quarters of ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019.~~2020. Pre-tax underwriting losses in ~~2020 and 2019~~each period derived from deferred charge amortization and changes in the estimated timing and amounts of future claim ~~payments, as well as from~~payments. Underwriting results also include foreign currency ~~gains/~~exchange gains and losses ~~arising~~ from the ~~periodic remeasurement~~effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on non-U.S. Dollar denominated liabilities ~~related to contracts written by~~of our U.S. subsidiaries. InForeign currency exchange effects were insignificant in the first ~~nine months, these contracts had pre-tax~~quarter of 2021. Underwriting results in the first quarter of 2020 included foreign currency ~~remeasurement losses of $22 million in 2020 compared to pre-tax~~exchange gains of ~~$73 million in 2019.~~$205 million. Before foreign currency ~~gains/losses, these contracts produced~~exchange effects, pre-tax underwriting losses ~~of $874 million~~ in the first ~~nine months of 2020 compared to $824~~quarter were $243 million in ~~the first nine months of 2019.~~2021 and $247 million in 2020.

~~Unpaid~~Gross unpaid losses assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts were ~~$41.8~~$40.7 billion ~~as of September 30, 2020~~at March 31, 2021 and ~~$42.4~~$41.0 billion ~~as of~~at December 31, ~~2019.~~2020. Unamortized deferred charge assets related to such reinsurance contracts were ~~$13.0~~$12.2 billion ~~as of September 30, 2020~~at March 31, 2021 and ~~$13.7~~$12.4 billion ~~as of~~at December 31, ~~2019.~~2020. Deferred charge assets will be charged to earnings over the expected remaining claims settlement periods through periodic amortization.

Periodic payment annuity premiums earned ~~decreased $243 million (37.3%)~~ in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 decreased $15 million (9.4%) compared to ~~2019. The periodic~~2020. Periodic payment annuity ~~market~~business is price sensitive. The ~~volume of business~~volumes written can change rapidly due to changes in prices, which are affected by prevailing interest rates, the perceived risks and durations associated with the expected annuity payments, ~~and~~as well as the level of competition.

Periodic payment annuity contracts normally produce pre-tax underwriting losses deriving from the recurring discount accretion on annuity liabilities. Underwriting results also include the effects of mortality and interest rate changes and remeasurement gains and losses related to foreign currency denominated liabilities of certain contracts written by our U.S. subsidiaries. Pre-tax foreign currency remeasurement gains in the first nine months were $38 million in 2020 and $70 million in 2019. Excluding foreign currency remeasurement gains/losses, pre-tax underwriting losses were $449 million in the first nine months of 2020 compared to $406 million in the first nine months of 2019. Discounted periodic payment annuity liabilities were $14.0 billion as of September 30, 2020 and $13.5 billion as of December 31, 2019. The weighted average discount rate of these liabilities was 4.0% as of September 30, 2020.

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

Periodic payment annuity contracts normally produce pre-tax underwriting losses deriving from the recurring discount accretion of annuity liabilities. Underwriting results also include the effects of mortality, interest rate changes that may affect expected settlements under certain contracts and gains or losses from changes in foreign currency exchange rates on non-U.S. Dollar denominated liabilities of our U.S. subsidiaries. Pre-tax underwriting results in the first quarter included foreign currency exchange losses of $10 million in 2021 and gains of $105 million in 2020.

Excluding foreign currency exchange gains/losses, pre-tax underwriting losses in the first quarter were $126 million in 2021 and $161 million in 2020, which primarily derived from the recurring discount accretion of annuity liabilities. Pre-tax losses in the first quarter of 2021 were partially offset by the effects of higher mortality and interest rates. Discounted annuity liabilities were $14.4 billion at March 31, 2021, reflecting a weighted average discount rate of approximately 4.0%.

Variable annuity guarantee ~~reinsurance~~ contracts produced pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of ~~$46~~$121 million in ~~the third quarter~~2021 and pre-tax losses of ~~$83~~$234 million in ~~the first nine months of 2020 and pre-tax losses of $18 million in the third quarter and pre-tax earnings of $83 million in the first nine months of 2019. Periodic underwriting~~2020. The results from ~~this business~~these contracts reflect changes in ~~remaining~~our estimated liabilities for underlying guaranteed benefits, ~~reinsured,~~ which are affected by changes in securities markets and interest rates and from the periodic amortization of expected profit margins. Underwriting results from these contracts ~~can be~~are volatile, reflecting the volatility of securities markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. ~~Our recorded liabilities associated with these contracts~~Underwriting earnings in the first quarter of 2021 were ~~approximately $1.6 billion at September 30, 2020.~~primarily attributable to the effects of interest rate changes, while the losses in 2020 reflected the impact of unfavorable changes in securities markets and interest rates.

A summary of net investment income attributable to our insurance operations follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months						First Quarter						Percentage
	2020			2019			2020			2019			2021			2020			Change
Interest and other investment income	$	196		$	556		$	870		$	1,646		$	159		$	404			(60.6	)%
Dividend income		1,024			1,226			3,610			3,270			1,253			1,243			0.8
Investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		1,220			1,782			4,480			4,916
Pre-tax net investment income														1,412			1,647			(14.3	)
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		205			298			711			829			204			261
Net investment income	$	1,015		$	1,484		$	3,769		$	4,087		$	1,208		$	1,386
Effective income tax rate		16.9	%		16.6	%		15.9	%		16.7	%		14.4	%		15.8	%

Interest and other investment income ~~declined $360 million (64.7%) in the third quarter and $776 million (47.1%)~~ in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 declined $245 million (60.6%) compared to ~~2019. The declines were~~2020, primarily due to lower income from short-term investments. We continue to hold substantial balances of cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. Treasury Bills. Short-term interest rates declined over the second half of 2019 and continued to decline through the first half of 2020. The decline in rates resulted in significantly lower interest income in the third quarter of 2020. We expect ~~such~~short-term interest rates, which are historically low, to remain low, ~~and that~~negatively affecting our earnings from such investments infor the ~~fourth quarter~~remainder of ~~2020 will be substantially lower than in 2019.~~2021. Nevertheless, we believe that maintaining ample liquidity is paramount and we insist on safety over yield with respect to short-term investments.

Dividend income ~~decreased $202 million (16.5%) in the third quarter and increased $340 million (10.4%) in~~was relatively unchanged from the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to 2019. The increase in the first nine months was primarily attributable to the investment in $10 billion liquidation value of 8% cumulative preferred stock of Occidental on August 8, 2019, partly offset by lower dividends from common stock investments.2020.

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~~which are reduced by insurance premiums and reinsurance receivables, deferred charges assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs. Float ~~was approximately $135~~approximated $140 billion ~~on September 30,~~at March 31, 2021 and $138 billion at December 31, 2020. Our combined insurance operations generated pre-tax underwriting earnings in the first quarter of 2021 and 2020, and ~~$129 billion on December 31, 2019. Our~~consequently, the average cost of float for each period was ~~negative for the first nine months of 2020 as our underwriting operations generated pre-tax earnings of $1.2 billion.~~negative.

A summary of cash and investments held in our insurance businesses as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and December 31, ~~2019~~2020 follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019		March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills	$	82,525	$	64,908
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills					$	78,747	$	67,082
Equity securities		228,803		240,126		270,435		269,498
Fixed maturity securities		19,330		18,537		19,952		20,317
Other		2,440		2,481		6,193		6,220
	$	333,098	$	326,052	$	375,327	$	363,117

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

Fixed maturity securities as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 were as follows (in millions).

	Amortized cost		Unrealized gains		Carrying value		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Carrying Value
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,303	$	66	$	3,369	$	3,228	$	43	$	3,271
Foreign governments		9,897		70		9,967		12,078		69		12,147
Corporate bonds		5,064		449		5,513		3,705		430		4,135
Other		412		69		481		342		57		399
	$	18,676	$	654	$	19,330	$	19,353	$	599	$	19,952

U.S. government obligations are rated AA+ or Aaa by the major rating agencies. Approximately ~~87%~~88% of all foreign government obligations were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies. Foreign government securities include obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by national or provincial government entities. ~~Approximately 98% of corporate bond investments were considered investment-grade by the major rating agencies.~~

Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC (“BNSF”) operates one of the largest railroad systems in North America, with approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states. BNSF also operates in three Canadian provinces. BNSF classifies its major railroad business groups by type of product shipped which includes consumer products, ~~coal,~~ industrial products, agricultural products and ~~agricultural products.~~coal. A summary of BNSF’s earnings follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months						First Quarter
	2020			2019			2020			2019			2021			2020
Railroad operating revenues	$	5,001		$	5,822		$	14,698		$	17,081		$	5,221		$	5,244
Railroad operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		1,105			1,318			3,306			4,011			1,164			1,225
Fuel		394			725			1,335			2,211			550			614
Purchased services		479			518			1,429			1,586			505			517
Depreciation and amortization		616			598			1,836			1,778			616			611
Equipment rents, materials and other		393			485			1,219			1,537			491			450
Total		2,987			3,644			9,125			11,123			3,326			3,417
Railroad operating earnings		2,014			2,178			5,573			5,958			1,895			1,827
Other revenues (expenses):
Other revenues		175			199			497			595			180			173
Other expenses, net		(155	)		(165	)		(436	)		(368	)		(158	)		(154	)
Interest expense		(257	)		(271	)		(779	)		(806	)		(258	)		(262	)
Pre-tax earnings		1,777			1,941			4,855			5,379			1,659			1,584
Income taxes		430			475			1,187			1,322			408			394
Net earnings	$	1,347		$	1,466		$	3,668		$	4,057		$	1,251		$	1,190
Effective income tax rate		24.2	%		24.5	%		24.5	%		24.6	%		24.6	%		24.9	%

The following table summarizes BNSF’s railroad freight volumes by business group (cars/units in thousands).

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

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant economic slowdown that adversely affected the demand for our services in 2020. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are ongoing, and the full extent to which it may impact our business and financial results remain uncertain and will depend on future developments.

Railroad operating revenues ~~were $5.0 billion~~decreased 0.4% in ~~the third quarter and $14.7 billion in the first nine months of~~2021 compared to 2020, ~~representing decreases of approximately $0.8 billion (14.1%) and $2.4 billion (14.0%), respectively, versus the corresponding periods in 2019. Railroad operating revenues in 2020 reflected lower~~reflecting increased volumes of ~~8.3% in the third quarter and 10.5% in the first nine months, as well as~~4.8%, offset by a ~~4.0% year-to-date~~5.1% decrease in average revenue per car/unit resulting from business mix changes and lower fuel surcharge revenue driven by lower fuel prices. ~~Volume~~Pre-tax earnings were $1.7 billion in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020 was 6.88 million cars/units~~2021, an increase of 4.7% compared to ~~7.68 million cars/units in 2019.~~2020. The overall volume decrease was primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted volumes through the first half of the year. While monthly volumes improved sequentially in the third quarter of 2020, volumes continued to be negatively affected by the pandemic.

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

~~Pre-tax earnings were $1.8 billion and $4.9 billion in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively, decreases of 8.4% and 9.7%, respectively, compared to 2019. The decreases~~increase principally resulted from ~~the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes. In addition, pre-tax earnings in the first nine months of 2019 included an~~increased volume and lower operating ~~revenue increase related~~expenses due to the favorable outcome of an arbitration hearing and a retirement plan curtailment gain that is included in other expenses, net in the preceding table. These effects were partially offset by significant improvements in 2020 in service, velocity and cost performance compared to 2019, along with lower costs related to severe winter weather and flooding on parts of the network which negatively affected expenses and service levels in 2019.overall improved productivity.

Operating revenues from consumer products were $1.9 billion in the ~~third~~first quarter ~~and $5.2 billion in the first nine months~~ of ~~2020, decreases~~2021, an increase of ~~4.5% and 11.2%~~7.1% from 2020. The increase reflected higher volumes of 15.4%, ~~respectively, from 2019. The decreases reflected~~partially offset by lower average revenue per car/~~unit for~~unit. The volume increase is the result of growth in both ~~periods. Volumes~~international and domestic intermodal shipments driven by increased ~~0.5% in the third quarter and decreased 6.2% in the first nine months of 2020. Increased~~ retail sales and inventory replenishments by retailers, along with increased e-commerce ~~activity in the third quarter resulted in higher domestic intermodal volumes for the first nine months of 2020. International intermodal volumes and automotive~~activity. Automotive shipments ~~remained low~~declined primarily attributable to ~~the COVID-19 pandemic.~~production impacts from a global microchip shortage.

Operating revenues from industrial products were $1.2 billion in the ~~third~~first quarter ~~and $3.8 billion in the first nine months~~ of ~~2020, decreases~~2021, a decrease of ~~25.1% and 17.7%, respectively,~~16.3% from ~~2019.~~2020. The ~~decreases were~~decrease was attributable to lower volumes of ~~23.0% in the third quarter~~13.3% and ~~17.4% in the first nine months of 2020, along with~~ lower average revenue per car/~~unit in both periods.~~unit. The volume ~~decreases were~~decrease was primarily driven by ~~a decline in U.S. industrial~~reduced production ~~due to the COVID-19 pandemic~~ and ~~reduced~~ demand in the energy sector, which ~~drove~~contributed to lower ~~sand and~~ petroleum products and sand volume. In addition, we experienced lower shipments of chemicals, plastics and aggregates due to the impact of winter storms in Texas and the U.S. Gulf Coast regions.

Operating revenues from agricultural products were ~~$1.2 billion in the third quarter and $3.4~~$1.3 billion in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020,~~2021, an increase of ~~1.7% and decrease of 2.8%, respectively,~~14.3% from ~~2019.~~2020. The revenue ~~changes~~increase reflected a volume increase of ~~3.9%~~11.6% in ~~the third quarter and about equal volume in the first nine months of 2020~~2021 as compared to ~~2019,~~2020, along with ~~lower~~higher revenue per car/~~unit for both periods. The adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes,~~unit. Volumes increased primarily ~~for ethanol and sweeteners shipments, along with lower soybean exports, were substantially offset by~~due to higher grain ~~and meal~~ exports.

Operating revenues from coal were ~~$651~~$686 million in the ~~third~~first quarter ~~and $2.0 billion in the first nine months~~ of ~~2020, decreases~~2021, a decrease of ~~34.6% and 28.7%, respectively,~~10.4% compared to ~~2019.~~2020. The ~~decreases~~decrease reflected lower volume of 11.7%, partially offset by higher average revenue per car/~~unit and lower volume of 25.3% in the third quarter and 22.6% in the first nine months.~~unit. The volume ~~declines were~~decline was primarily attributable to lower ~~electricity~~utility demand ~~driven by impacts~~in the early part of the ~~COVID-19 pandemic and mild~~quarter, along with severe winter ~~weather in the first quarter, low natural gas prices and utility coal plant retirements.~~storms, which impacted deliveries.

Railroad operating expenses in the ~~third~~first quarter ~~and first nine months~~ of ~~2020~~2021 were ~~$3.0~~$3.3 billion, ~~and $9.1 billion, respectively, decreases~~a decrease of ~~$0.7 billion (18.0%~~$91 million (2.7%) ~~and $2.0 billion (18.0%), respectively,~~ compared to ~~the same periods in 2019.~~2020. The ratio of railroad operating expenses to railroad operating revenues decreased ~~2.9~~1.5 percentage points to ~~59.7%~~63.7% in ~~the third quarter and 3.0 percentage points to 62.1% in the first nine months of 2020~~2021 versus ~~the 2019 periods.~~2020. Railroad operating expenses in ~~2020~~2021 reflected ~~lower volume-related costs,~~ productivity improvements ~~the effects of cost control initiatives~~ and ~~the effects of improved weather conditions compared to 2019.~~lower average fuel prices.

Compensation and benefits expenses decreased ~~$213~~$61 million ~~(16.2%) in the third quarter and $705 million (17.6%~~(5.0%) in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~2019.~~2020. The ~~decreases were~~decrease was primarily due to ~~lower employee counts associated with lower volume and~~fewer employees as a result of improved ~~workforce~~ productivity. Fuel expenses decreased ~~$331~~$64 million ~~(45.7%) in the third quarter and $876 million (39.6%~~(10.4%) in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~2019.~~2020. The ~~decreases were~~decrease was primarily due to lower average fuel prices, lower gross ton mile volumes and ~~improved~~higher fuel efficiency. Purchased service expenses decreased $39 million (7.5%) in the third quarter and $157 million (9.9%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to lower volume, improved productivity and insurance recoveries in the first half of 2020 related to the network flooding in 2019. Equipment rents, materials and other expenses ~~decreased $92~~increased $41 million ~~(19.0%) in the third quarter and $318 million (20.7%~~(9.1%) in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~2019, as a result of lower volume-related costs, the effects of cost controls~~2020, resulting from higher miscellaneous taxes and ~~lower personal injury expense.~~

BNSF is an important component of the national and global supply chain and, as an essential business, has continued to operate throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant economic disruptions that adversely affected the demand for transportation services. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and the full extent to which it may impact BNSF's business, operating results, financial condition, or liquidity will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence. We believe BNSF's fundamental business remains strong and it has ample liquidity to continue business operations during this volatile period.

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

We currently own 91.1% 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~~BHE’s natural gas pipelines consist of five domestic regulated interstate natural gas pipeline ~~companies.~~systems and a 25% interest in a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility in which BHE operates and consolidates for financial reporting purposes. Three of these systems were acquired on November 1, 2020 from Dominion Energy, Inc. (“BHE GT&S acquisition”). 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. BHE also operates the largest residential real estate brokerage firm and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States. ~~On November 1, 2020, BHE acquired certain natural gas transmission~~

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and ~~storage businesses~~Analysis of ~~Dominion~~Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Utilities and Energy ~~Inc. See Note 22 to accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.~~(“Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company”) (Continued)

The rates our regulated businesses charge customers for energy and services are based in large part on the costs of business operations, including income taxes and a return on capital, and are subject to regulatory approval. To the extent such costs are not allowed in the approved rates, operating results will be adversely affected. A summary of BHE’s net earnings follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months						First Quarter
	2020			2019			2020			2019			2021			2020
Revenues:
Energy operating revenue	$	4,451		$	4,337		$	11,504		$	11,729		$	4,849		$	3,634
Real estate operating revenue		1,742			1,307			3,828			3,419			1,232			893
Other income (loss)		33			76			60			214			(157	)		(20	)
Total revenue		6,226			5,720			15,392			15,362			5,924			4,507
Costs and expense:
Energy cost of sales		1,169			1,230			3,095			3,471			1,569			1,038
Energy operating expense		1,952			1,783			5,301			5,115			2,036			1,711
Real estate operating costs and expense		1,503			1,194			3,492			3,210			1,120			873
Interest expense		480			452			1,430			1,372			516			466
Total costs and expense		5,104			4,659			13,318			13,168			5,241			4,088
Pre-tax earnings		1,122			1,061			2,074			2,194			683			419
Income tax expense (benefit)*		(412	)		(241	)		(778	)		(451	)		(232	)		(201	)
Net earnings after income taxes		1,534			1,302			2,852			2,645			915			620
Noncontrolling interests		4			8			11			15			106			3
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy		1,530			1,294			2,841			2,630
Noncontrolling interests		135			116			252			240
Net earnings attributable to BHE														809			617
Noncontrolling interests and preferred stock dividends														106			56
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	1,395		$	1,178		$	2,589		$	2,390		$	703		$	561
Effective income tax rate		(36.7	)%		(22.7	)%		(37.5	)%		(20.6	)%		(34.0	)%		(48.0	)%

The discussion of BHE’s operating results that follows is based on after-tax earnings, reflecting how the energy businesses are managed and evaluated. A summary of net earnings attributable to BHE follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months						First Quarter						Percentage
	2020		2019		2020			2019			2021			2020			Change
PacifiCorp	$	286	$	278	$	629		$	626		$	169		$	176			(4.0	)%
MidAmerican Energy Company		337		279		695			622			144			150			(4.0	)
NV Energy		249		206		367			316			34			20			70.0
Northern Powergrid		26		37		172			181			104			87			19.5
Natural gas pipelines		78		66		321			295			383			179			114.0
Other energy businesses		207		219		527			468			62			136			(54.4	)
Real estate brokerage		177		82		246			150			84			10			740.0
Corporate interest and other		170		127		(116	)		(28	)		(171	)		(141	)		21.3
	$	1,530	$	1,294	$	2,841		$	2,630		$	809		$	617			31.1

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

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

PacifiCorp operates a regulated electric utility in portions of several Western states, including Utah, Oregon and Wyoming. ~~After-tax~~PacifiCorp after-tax earnings ~~increased $8~~decreased $7 million ~~(2.9%) in the third quarter and $3 million (0.5%)~~ in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 as compared to ~~the same periods in 2019.~~2020. The ~~increases~~decrease reflected higher depreciation and amortization expense, lower allowances for equity and borrowed funds used during construction and higher property taxes, partially offset by higher utility margin (operating revenue less cost of sales), and increased income tax benefits from the impacts of ratemaking and higher production tax ~~credit benefits driven by repowered wind projects~~credits recognized on new wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service and higher allowances for equity and borrowed funds used during construction, partially offset by higher operating expenses and interest expense. The increases in operating expenses were largely due to costs associated with a settlement agreement and wildfires.in-service.

~~Utility~~PacifiCorp utility margin was ~~$980~~$818 million in the ~~third~~first quarter ~~and $2.5 billion in the first nine months~~ of ~~2020, increases~~2021, an increase of ~~$77~~$29 million ~~and $50 million, respectively,~~ compared to ~~2019.~~2020. The ~~increases~~increase reflected higher retail revenue derived from a 0.3% increase in customer volumes, higher wholesale revenue and lower ~~coal-fueled and natural gas-fueled generation~~purchased power costs, partially offset by ~~lower retail revenue derived from a 1.8% year-to-date decline in~~higher natural gas-fueled and coal-fueled generation costs. Retail customer volumes increased due to ~~the impacts of COVID-19, partly offset by~~ an increase in the average number of customers and the favorable impacts of ~~weather.~~

MEC operates a regulated electric and natural gas utility primarily in Iowa and Illinois. After-tax earnings increased $58 million (20.8%) in the third quarter and $73 million (11.7%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The increases reflected increased income tax benefits, primarily from production tax credits driven primarily by repowered and new wind projects placed in-service, and from higher electric utility margin, partially offset by higher operating expenses, excluding energy efficiency program costs (substantially offset in revenues), and lower allowances for equity and borrowed funds used during construction. The increases in operating expenses were largely due to increased storm restoration costs in 2020 and wind projects placed in-service in 2019.

Electric utility margin, excluding energy efficiency program revenue, increased $11 million to $603 million in the third quarter and $7 million to $1.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The year-to-date electric utility margin increase was attributable to higher operating revenue from a 1.1% increase in retail customer volumes and lower generation and purchased power costs,weather, partially offset by lower ~~wholesale revenue and price impacts from changes in sales mix. The increase in year-to-date electric retail~~ customer ~~volumes was primarily due to increased usage by certain industrial customers, partially offset by the impacts of COVID-19.~~

NV Energy operates regulated electric and natural gas utilities in Nevada. After-tax earnings increased $43 million (20.9%) in the third quarter and $51 million (16.1%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the corresponding 2019 periods. The increases reflected higher electric utility margin, higher other income (year-to-date only) and lower income tax expense from the favorable impacts of ratemaking, partially offset by higher operating expenses. The increases in operating expenses were mainly due to higher earnings sharing accruals at Nevada Power Company and higher depreciation expense from additional plant placed in-service.

Electric utility margin increased $68 million to $660 million in the third quarter and $80 million to $1.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. These increases were primarily due to higher operating revenue from a 0.4% year-to-date increase in electric retail customer volumes, including distribution-only service customers, and price impacts from changes in sales mix. The increase in year-to-date electric retail customer volumes was primarily due to the favorable impacts of weather, partially offset by the impacts of COVID-19.

After-tax earnings decreased $11 million (29.7%) in the third quarter and $9 million (5.0%) in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to 2019. The earnings decreases reflected higher income tax expense, in large part from a change in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate, and higher distribution-related operating expenses, partially offset by higher other income. The year-to-date decrease was also partially offset by lower interest expense.

After-tax earnings increased $12 million (18.2%) in the third quarter and $26 million (8.8%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. These increases were primarily due to higher transportation revenue and the favorable impact of a rate case settlement at Northern Natural Gas, partially offset by higher operating expenses. The increase in the first nine months was further offset by increased depreciation, lower storage revenue and higher interest expense.usage.

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

MEC operates a regulated electric and natural gas utility primarily in Iowa and Illinois. After-tax earnings decreased $6 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020. The decrease reflected higher operating expenses, partially offset by increased income tax benefits and other income. The increase in operating expenses included costs associated with additional wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service, as well as higher electric and natural gas distribution costs. The income tax benefit increase was mainly due to higher production tax credits recognized from higher wind-powered generation, driven primarily by new wind projects placed in-service, partially offset by the impacts of ratemaking.

MEC electric utility margin increased slightly to $394 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020. The increase was attributable to higher operating revenue from wholesale and retail customer volumes, largely offset by higher generation and purchased power costs. Electric retail customer volumes in the first quarter increased 4.9%, primarily due to the favorable impacts of weather and increased usage by certain industrial customers.

NV Energy operates regulated electric and natural gas utilities in Nevada. After-tax earnings increased $14 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020. The increase reflected lower operating expenses, higher other income, lower interest expense and lower income tax expense from the impacts of ratemaking, partially offset by lower electric utility margin. The decrease in operating expenses was mainly due to lower plant operations and maintenance costs, partially offset by higher depreciation expense from additional plant placed in-service.

NV Energy electric utility margin decreased $18 million to $305 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020. The decrease was primarily due to lower operating revenue from lower base tariff general rates at Nevada Power Company, a 3.2% decrease in electric retail customer volumes, including distribution-only service customers, and price impacts from changes in sales mix. The decrease in electric retail customer volumes was primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by the favorable impacts of weather.

Northern Powergrid after-tax earnings increased $17 million in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to 2020. The earnings increase reflected higher distribution revenue, mainly from increased tariff rates, and favorable foreign currency exchange rate movements in 2021.

Natural gas pipelines after-tax earnings increased $204 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020. The increase included earnings of $107 million from BHE GT&S, the effects of higher margins on natural gas sales and higher transportation revenue at Northern Natural Gas. The higher margins on natural gas sales and higher transportation revenue at Northern Natural Gas were largely due to the favorable impacts on demand from the February 2021 winter storms.

~~After-tax~~business after-tax earnings in the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2020 declined $12~~2021 decreased $74 million ~~(5.5%)~~ compared to ~~2019. The decrease reflected the effects~~2020, due to lower wind tax equity investment earnings of ~~favorable regulatory decisions received in 2019 at AltaLink, L.P. as well as lower operating revenue and~~$93 million, partially offset by higher operating ~~expenses~~revenue from renewable energy ~~projects in 2020. The decreases were~~projects. Wind tax equity investment earnings decreased due to increased losses from existing tax equity investments of $138 million, primarily due to the February 2021 winter storms, partially offset by increased income tax benefits from ~~renewable wind tax equity investments, largely from~~ projects reaching commercial operation.

After-tax earnings in the first nine months of 2020 increased $59 million (12.6%) compared to 2019. The increase was primarily due to the aforementioned income tax benefits from renewable wind tax equity investments, partially offset by lower operating revenue and higher operating expenses from renewable energy projects.

~~After-tax~~ after-tax earnings increased ~~$95 million in the third quarter and $96~~$74 million in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~2019. The increases reflected~~2020, attributable to significantly higher earnings from mortgage ~~services~~ and brokerage ~~services in the third quarter of 2020 as compared to 2019.~~services. The increase in earnings from mortgage services was attributable to higher refinance activity ~~from the favorable interest rate environment~~ and the earnings increase from brokerage services was due to a comparative increase in closed ~~units~~transaction volumes of ~~12.9% in the third quarter. The year-to-date earnings increase was partially offset by an unfavorable contingent earn-out remeasurement on a previous business acquisition.~~35%.

~~After-tax earnings~~ after-tax losses increased ~~$43~~$30 million ~~(33.9%)~~ in the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~2019,~~2020, primarily due to higher ~~federal income tax credits recognized, partially offset by~~interest expense from corporate debt issued in 2020 and higher operating ~~expenses~~expenses.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and ~~interest expense. After-tax earnings decreased $88 million in the first nine months~~Analysis of ~~2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to state income tax benefits recognized in 2019, higher interest expense, higher operating expenses~~Financial Condition and ~~lower cash surrender value~~Results of ~~corporate-owned life insurance policies, partially offset by higher federal income tax credits recognized.~~Operations

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

	Third Quarter										First Nine Months										First Quarter						Percentage
	Revenues				Earnings *						Revenues				Earnings *						2021			2020			Change
	2020		2019		2020			2019			2020		2019		2020			2019
Revenues
Manufacturing	$	15,170	$	15,897	$	2,255		$	2,484		$	43,238	$	47,173	$	5,765		$	7,205		$	15,913		$	15,035			5.8	%
Service and retailing		19,319		19,982		875			689			55,351		59,079		1,950			2,225			19,580			18,777			4.3
	$	34,489	$	35,879							$	98,589	$	106,252							$	35,493		$	33,812
Pre-tax earnings						3,130			3,173							7,715			9,430
Pre-tax earnings*
Manufacturing																					$	2,436		$	2,111			15.4	%
Service and retailing																						1,041			623			67.1
																						3,477			2,734
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests						784			718							1,882			2,288			858			696
					$	2,346		$	2,455						$	5,833		$	7,142		$	2,619		$	2,038
Effective income tax rate						24.4	%		22.1	%						24.0	%		23.7	%		24.2	%		25.1	%
Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues																						9.8	%		8.1	%

Our manufacturing group includes a variety of industrial, building and consumer products businesses. A summary of revenues and pre-tax earnings of our manufacturing operations follows (dollars in millions).

The industrial products group includes 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 industrial products for diverse markets (Marmon, Scott Fetzer and LiquidPower Specialty Products (“LSPI”)). Marmon ~~includes UTLX Company (“UTLX”), which provides various products~~consists of more than 100 autonomous manufacturing and ~~services (including~~service businesses, including equipment ~~leasing)~~leasing for the rail, intermodal tank container and mobile crane ~~industries.~~industries, which are internally aggregated into sectors (or “groups”).

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

Revenues of the industrial products group in the first quarter of 2021 declined $686 million (9.3%) from the first quarter of 2020, while pre-tax earnings declined $164 million (12.6%). Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues for the group were 17.1% in 2021 compared to 17.7% in 2020. Results in 2020 were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PCC’s revenues were $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of $884 million (36.2%) compared to 2020. Historically, PCC derives significant revenues and earnings from aerospace products. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to material declines in commercial air travel and aircraft production in 2020. While air travel in the U.S. is increasing, we do not expect significant increases in aircraft production to occur in the near term. Consequently, we anticipate PCC’s revenues and earnings will remain relatively low in 2021.

PCC’s pre-tax earnings decreased 33.5% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020. The earnings decrease reflected the decline in sales of aerospace products, partially offset by the effects of aggressive actions taken by management to resize and restructure operations to improve profitability.

Lubrizol’s revenues were $1.7 billion in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 5.1% compared to 2020, reflecting higher volumes and favorable sales mix. Lubrizol’s consolidated volume in the first quarter of 2021 increased 4.8% from 2020, primarily due to volume increases in Engineered Materials and Additives product lines. Despite an increase in sales and volume compared to the prior year, the Additives product line was affected by severe winter storms in February 2021 which caused the temporary shut-down of several U.S. facilities and negatively impacted sales in the quarter.

Lubrizol’s pre-tax earnings decreased 13.4% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020. Earnings in the first quarter of 2021 were negatively impacted by the weather-related temporary shut-down of Additives facilities in the U.S. Pre-tax earnings were reduced due to manufacturing inefficiencies, various incremental and non-recurring operating costs and lost sales margins. This was partially offset by increased pre-tax earnings from Life Sciences and Engineered Materials.

Marmon’s revenues were $2.1 billion in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of $90 million (4.5%) over 2020. The increase reflected higher revenues in the Electrical and the Plumbing & Refrigeration business groups, primarily due to the impact of higher metals prices and higher volumes. Partially offsetting these increases were lower revenues from the Rail & Leasing group, attributable to lower leased fleet utilization and lease renewal rates and to lower railcar sales and repair services.

Marmon’s pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2021 decreased $17 million (5.8%) compared to 2020. Earnings in the first quarter of 2021 reflected lower earnings from the Rail & Leasing and Water Technologies groups, partly offset by higher earnings in nearly all other groups, led by Medical, Retail Solutions, Electrical and Industrial Products, as well as from lower restructuring costs.

IMC’s revenues were $885 million in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 5.1% compared to 2020. Revenues in the first quarter of 2021 reflected favorable foreign currency translation effects and improving business conditions in many geographic regions. IMC’s pre-tax earnings increased 25.3% in the first quarter of 2021 versus 2020, primarily attributable to the favorable effects of improved manufacturing efficiencies, other operating cost savings initiatives and foreign currency translation.

The building products group includes ~~homebuilding~~manufactured and ~~manufactured housing finance~~site-built construction and related lending and financial services (Clayton Homes), 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).

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

Revenues of the building products group increased $771 million (15.9%) in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020 and pre-tax earnings increased $203 million (35.8%) over 2020. Pre-tax earnings as percentages of revenues were 13.7% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 11.7% in 2020. Residential housing construction demand in the U.S. was strong during 2020 and continued through the first quarter of 2021. These conditions, along with supply chain disruptions, contributed to significant cost increases for key materials and products used by our businesses, including lumber, steel, copper and fixtures, necessitating higher sales prices.

Clayton Homes’ revenues were approximately $2.3 billion in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of $544 million (30.9%) over 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in revenues from home sales of $468 million (36%), reflecting a net increase in units sold, increased revenue per home sold and changes in sales mix. Unit sales of site-built homes increased 45% in the first quarter of 2021, while factory-built manufactured home unit sales increased 2%. Financial services revenues, which include mortgage origination and services, insurance and interest income from lending activities increased 17% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020. Loan balances, net of allowances for credit losses, were approximately $17.4 billion as of March 31, 2021 compared to $17.1 billion as of December 31, 2020.

Pre-tax earnings of Clayton Homes were $391 million in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of $190 million (94.5%) compared to 2020. Earnings in 2021 reflected higher earnings from home sales, mortgage originations, net interest income and a decline of $60 million in provisions for expected credit losses. The provisions for expected credit losses in the first quarter of 2020 were unusually high and included provisions for the expected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aggregate revenues of our other building products businesses were approximately $3.3 billion in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 7.3% versus 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher volumes for paint and coatings, residential flooring, roofing and other building systems and favorable foreign currency translation effects.

Pre-tax earnings of the other building products businesses were $379 million in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 3.4% over 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in revenues and operating cost control efforts, partly offset by rising costs and availability of certain materials and freight services from the adverse effects of supply chain disruptions and severe storms in 2021.

The consumer products group includes leisure vehicles (Forest River), several apparel and footwear operations (including Fruit of the Loom, Garan, Fechheimer, H.H. Brown Shoe Group and Brooks Sports) and high-performance alkaline batteries (Duracell). This group also includes custom picture framing products (Larson Juhl) and jewelry products (Richline). ~~A summary of~~

Consumer products revenues ~~and pre-tax earnings of our manufacturing operations follows (in millions).~~

~~Revenues of the industrial products group were $6.2 billion in the third quarter and $19.3 billion~~increased $793 million (28.1%) in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2020, decreases of 20.0% in the third quarter and 17.0% in the first nine months from comparable 2019 periods. Pre-tax earnings of the group were $940 million in the third quarter and $2.8 billion in the first nine months of 2020, declines of 35.6% in the third quarter and 37.4% in the first nine months2021 compared to ~~2019.~~2020, while pre-tax earnings increased $286 million (120.2%). Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues ~~for the group were 14.4%~~increased 6.1 percentage points to 14.5%. Revenues in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2021 increased significantly over 2020 ~~compared to 19.1% in 2019.~~at nearly all of our businesses. Revenues and earnings ~~were generally lower across each of our industrial products businesses.~~

~~PCC’s revenues were $1.5 billion in the third quarter and $5.7 billion~~ in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2020 ~~decreases of 41.4% from~~were negatively affected by the ~~third quarter and 26.7% from~~pandemic.

In the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2019. Since March of~~2021, revenues from Forest River increased 39.7% over 2020, ~~the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to material declines in commercial air travel~~driven by increased unit sales for recreational vehicles. Apparel and aircraft production. Airlines responded to the pandemic by delaying delivery of aircraft orders or, in some cases, cancelling aircraft orders, resulting in significant reductions in build rates by aircraft manufacturers and significant inventory reduction initiatives being implemented by PCC’s customers. Further, Boeing’s ongoing 737 MAX aircraft production issues have contributed to the declines in aerospace productfootwear sales ~~in 2020. These factors resulted in significant declines in demand for PCC’s aerospace products in 2020.~~

~~PCC’s pre-tax earnings in 2020 declined 80% in the third quarter and 70%~~increased 21.7% in the first ~~nine months as~~quarter of 2021 compared to 2019. These decreases reflected the declines in aerospace products sales, which contributed to reduced manufacturing efficiencies. PCC management continues to undertake aggressive restructuring actions to resize operations in response to reduced expected volumes in aerospace markets. During the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2020, ~~PCC significantly reduced its worldwide workforce~~reflecting strong sales growth from Brooks Sports (41.6%) and ~~expects that~~increased apparel volumes attributable in part to inventory restocking by ~~the end of 2020, its workforce will be about 40% lower than at the end of 2019. PCC recorded charges for restructuring and inventory and fixed asset write-downs of approximately $300 million~~certain customers. Duracell’s revenues in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2021 increased 16.9% over 2020. ~~Although~~The increase in pre-tax earnings was primarily attributable to revenue increases from Forest River, Brooks Sports, Duracell, and the apparel businesses, as ~~a percentage~~well as the impact of revenues are expected to continue to be negatively impacted through 2020 due to inefficiencies associated with aligning operations to reduced aircraft build rates, management expects the actions being taken will ultimately improve operations and increase operating margins from the current depressed levels.

~~Lubrizol’s revenues~~inventory obsolescence allowances that were ~~$1.5 billion in the third quarter and $4.4 billion~~recorded in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 8.7% from the third quarter and 12.5% from the first nine months of 2019. The declines were primarily attributable to lower volumes resulting from the worldwide economic impacts of COVID-19 and the effects of a fire at an additives manufacturing, blending and storage facility in Rouen, France at the end of the third quarter of 2019. While the Rouen operations were well below historical levels through the first nine months of 2020, production capacities are now substantially restored. Lubrizol’s consolidated volume declined 8.3% in the third quarter and 13.0% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019, reflecting declines in the Additives and Engineered Materials product lines, partly offset by higher volumes in Life Science products.2020.

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

Lubrizol’s pre-tax earnings increased 11.2% in the third quarter and decreased 14.7% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. The comparative increase in the third quarter reflected the effects of lower raw material costs and operating expenses more than offsetting lower sales volumes and average selling prices, as the negative effects from the Rouen fire were largely offset by insurance recoveries. The decline for the first nine months was primarily attributable to lower sales volumes, the impact of the Rouen fire, lower average selling prices and effects from foreign currency translation. These negative impacts were partially offset by lower average raw material costs and lower operating expenses.

Marmon’s revenues were $2.0 billion in the third quarter and $5.7 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 6.2% from the third quarter and 9.4% from the first nine months of 2019. In the third quarter of 2020, excluding acquisitions, revenues decreased in almost all of Marmon’s sectors due to lower volumes, primarily attributable to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the largest effects experienced in the Transportation Products and Foodservice Technologies sectors. Additionally, revenues in the first nine months of 2020 decreased due to lower metal prices in the Electrical, Metals Services and Plumbing & Refrigeration sectors and the effect of 2019 divestitures. The drastic declines in oil prices in 2020 also adversely affected volumes and revenues in the Crane, Electrical, Water and Rail & Leasing sectors.

Marmon’s pre-tax earnings decreased 19.3% in the third quarter and 18.1% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. The decreases reflected the declines in revenues, increased restructuring charges and lower interest income. We expect additional restructuring initiatives through the end of 2020 in response to the lower product demand, particularly in the sectors most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

IMC’s revenues were $699 million in the third quarter and $2.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 17.8% from the third quarter and 16.3% from the first nine months of 2019. The revenue declines were attributable to the negative economic effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and unfavorable foreign currency translation effects in the first half of 2020, partly offset by the effects of business acquisitions over the past year. IMC’s pre-tax earnings declined 32.3% in the third quarter and 35.9% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. The earnings declines were primarily due to the declines in sales and changes in sales mix.

Revenues of the building products group were $5.7 billion in the third quarter and $15.5 billion in the first nine months of 2020, increases of $391 million (7.4%) from the third quarter and $285 million (1.9%) from the first nine months of 2019. Pre-tax earnings of the group were $825 million in the third quarter and $2.1 billion in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 18.5% from the third quarter and 9.7% from the first nine months of 2019. Pre-tax earnings as percentages of revenues were 13.5% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 12.5% in the first nine months of 2019.

Clayton Homes’ revenues were $2.3 billion in the third quarter and $6.1 billion in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 22.4% over the third quarter and 14.7% over the first nine months of 2019. The comparative increases were primarily due to increases in home sales of 24.6% in the third quarter and 15.5% in the first nine months, reflecting a net increase in units sold and changes in sales mix. Unit sales of site-built homes increased 29% in the first nine months of 2020, while manufactured home unit sales increased 1%. Financial services revenues, which include mortgage services, insurance and interest income from lending activities, increased 15.7% in the third quarter and 12.5% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. Loan balances, net of allowances for credit losses, were $16.4 billion as of September 30, 2020 compared to $15.9 billion as of December 31, 2019.

Pre-tax earnings of Clayton Homes were $339 million in the third quarter and $859 million in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 24.7% in the third quarter and 11.7% in the first nine months compared to the same periods in 2019. The earnings increases reflected higher earnings from home building, increased interest income, lower interest expense and higher earnings from mortgage services, partly offset by increased provisions for credit losses and insurance losses. Although loan delinquency rates at the end of September 2020 were below those at the end of September 2019, the credit loss provisions in 2020 reflect expected credit losses, including the estimated impacts on the economy and unemployment rates arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aggregate revenues of our other building products businesses were $3.4 billion in the third quarter and $9.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 1.0% in the third quarter and 5.1% in the first nine months compared to the same periods in 2019. The revenue decreases reflected lower volumes in certain commercial and industrial markets attributable to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, partly offset by increased paint and coatings volumes from a new agreement with Ace Hardware Stores and increased volumes in the residential markets.

Pre-tax earnings of the other building products businesses were $486 million in the third quarter and $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 14.8% from the third quarter and 8.3% from the first nine months of 2019. The earnings increases reflected the effects of lower average input costs, operating cost containment efforts and lower facilities closure costs.

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

Consumer products revenues were $3.3 billion in the third quarter and $8.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020, an increase of 14.7% in the third quarter and a decrease of 3.0% in the first nine months compared to the same periods in 2019. Forest River sales increased 38.5% in the third quarter and 2.4% in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019. The increase in the third quarter was attributable to a significant increase in recreational vehicle unit sales and changes in sales mix.

Apparel and footwear sales in the third quarter of 2020 were relatively unchanged from the third quarter of 2019 and decreased 10.9% in the first nine months as compared to 2019. Sales volumes in the first half of 2020, particularly in the second quarter, reflected the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which included retail store closures, reduced or cancelled orders and pandemic-related disruptions at certain of our manufacturing facilities. Apparel and footwear sales in the third quarter of 2020 exceeded the second quarter of 2020 by 59%, attributable to a higher consumer demand and from retail customers restocking their inventories. Brooks Sports year-to-date revenues in 2020 were higher, partly attributable to the effect of lower sales in the first nine months of 2019 caused by product shipping delays at a new distribution facility. Revenues from Duracell in the first nine months of 2020 also increased over 2019.

Consumer products pre-tax earnings were $490 million in the third quarter and $896 million in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 48.5% in the third quarter and 4.2% in the first nine months compared to 2019. Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues for the first nine months were 10.6% in 2020 and 9.9% in 2019. The increase in pre-tax earnings for the third quarter was primarily attributable to Forest River and Duracell, and to a lesser extent from apparel and footwear. Earnings in the first nine months of 2020 included lower earnings from apparel and footwear products and increased earnings from Duracell. Earnings from Forest River were relatively unchanged in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019.

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

	Third Quarter								First Nine Months								First Quarter						Percentage
	Revenues				Pre-tax earnings				Revenues				Pre-tax earnings				2021			2020			Change
	2020		2019		2020		2019		2020		2019		2020		2019
Revenues
Service	$	3,068	$	3,341	$	470	$	451	$	9,093	$	10,195	$	1,155	$	1,425	$	3,605		$	3,358			7.4	%
Retailing		4,211		4,037		309		188		11,179		11,670		590		580		4,353			3,598			21.0
McLane Company		12,040		12,604		96		50		35,079		37,214		205		220		11,622			11,821			(1.7	)
	$	19,319	$	19,982	$	875	$	689	$	55,351	$	59,079	$	1,950	$	2,225	$	19,580		$	18,777
Pre-tax earnings
Service																	$	590		$	425			38.8	%
Retailing																		348			133			161.7
McLane Company																		103			65			58.5
																	$	1,041		$	623
Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues
Service																		16.4	%		12.7	%
Retailing																		8.0	%		3.7	%
McLane Company																		0.9	%		0.5	%

Our service business group offers ~~fractional~~shared ownership programs for general aviation aircraft (NetJets) and ~~professional aviation~~high technology training products and services ~~and flight simulation products~~to operators of aircraft (FlightSafety). We also distribute electronic components (TTI), franchise and service a network of quick service restaurants (Dairy Queen) and offer third party logistics services that primarily serve the petroleum and chemical industries (Charter Brokerage). Other service businesses include transportation equipment leasing (XTRA) and furniture leasing (CORT), electronic news distribution, multimedia and regulatory filings (Business Wire), and the operation of a television station in Miami, Florida (WPLG) ~~and until the time of their sale on March 16, 2020, the publishing of newspapers.~~.

Service group revenues ~~were $3.1 billion in the third quarter and $9.1 billion~~increased 7.4% in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020 ~~decreases of 8.2% in the third quarter~~ and 10.8% in the first nine months as compared to 2019. The aggregate revenues of NetJets and FlightSafety declined 10.8% in the third quarter and 14.3% for the first nine months of 2020, reflecting lower demand for aviation services as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, TTI’s revenuespre-tax earnings increased 2.4% in the third quarter and decreased 1.2% in the first nine months of 2020 as compared with 2019. The comparative revenue declines in 2020 also included a year-to-date decline of 29.2% at CORT, as well as the effects of the disposition of the newspaper operations in March.

$165 million (38.8%) versus 2020. Pre-tax earnings of the service group were $470 million in the third quarter and $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020, an increase of $19 million (4.2%) in the third quarter and a decrease of $270 million (18.9%) in the first nine months compared to 2019. Pre-tax earnings of the group as a percentage of revenues were ~~12.7%~~16.4% in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021, an increase of 3.7 percentage points compared to ~~14.0%~~2020.

Revenues of TTI increased 26.4% in ~~2019.~~ the first quarter of 2021 versus 2020, reflecting higher demand across all significant markets within the electronic components industry as customers were restocking inventories in response to supply chain disruptions and international trade disputes. Revenues from aviation services (NetJets and FlightSafety) declined 1.3%, primarily due to lower commercial and corporate training hours at FlightSafety. Aggregate flight hours at NetJets were relatively unchanged.

The ~~decline~~comparative increase in earnings ~~for~~reflected increased earnings at several of the ~~first nine months of 2020~~service businesses, with the most significant increases from TTI and the aviation services businesses. The increase in earnings from NetJets and FlightSafety was primarily attributable to ~~FlightSafety, NetJets, TTI~~improved operating margins from changes in business mix, lower fuel and ~~CORT.~~travel costs, increased operating efficiencies and the effects of past restructuring efforts. TTI’s earnings ~~decline reflected lower average gross margin rates,~~increase was attributable to ~~sluggish~~the increase in sales ~~volumes in certain markets~~ and sales price pressures deriving from ample inventory availability within the industry. The declines at NetJets, FlightSafety and CORT were due to lower customer demand for services and increased asset impairment and restructuring charges in the aviation services businesses.

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

~~Manufacturing, Service and Retailing~~ ~~(Continued)~~improved operating cost leverage.

Our largest retailing business is Berkshire Hathaway Automotive (“BHA”), which consists of over 80 auto dealerships that sell new and pre-owned automobiles and offer repair services and related ~~products, and~~products. BHA represented about ~~65%~~63% of our combined retailing revenues in ~~2020.~~2021. BHA also operates two insurance businesses, two auto auctions and an automotive fluid maintenance products distributor. ~~Other~~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 and represented about ~~20%~~21% of the combined retailing revenues in ~~2020.~~2021. Other retailing businesses also include three jewelry 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.

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

Retailing group revenues ~~were $4.2 billion in the third quarter and $11.2 billion~~increased $755 million (21.0%) in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020 ~~an increase~~and pre-tax earnings increased $215 million (161.7%). Operating results of ~~4.3%~~nearly all of our retailing businesses were severely impacted by the pandemic beginning in March of 2020 and continuing through the ~~third~~second quarter of 2020. Over the second half of 2020 and ~~a decrease~~continuing through the first quarter of ~~4.2%~~2021, revenues and pre-tax earnings of these businesses increased, and in certain instances to levels exceeding those in pre-pandemic periods, despite ongoing supply chain disruptions.

BHA’s revenues in the first ~~nine months compared~~quarter of 2021 increased 17.4% from 2020, primarily due to 2019. The spread of COVID-19 throughout the U.S. resulted in the temporary closures or restricted operations at some of our retail store operations during 2020 and significantly lower sales in the first half of the year. The severity and duration of the effects on our operations from the pandemic have varied widely. Sales volumes increased and operating results improved beginning in the latter part of the second quarter as our operations slowly reopened.

~~BHA’s revenues decreased 2.5% in the third quarter and 4.9% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. BHA’s revenues in 2020 reflected decreases~~a 21% increase in new and pre-owned vehicle sales, ~~of 2.4% in the third quarter and 5.0% in the first nine months as well as lower vehicle service and repair revenues.~~

mainly attributable to higher volumes. Home furnishings group revenues ~~in 2020~~ increased ~~8.5% in the third quarter versus 2019, reflecting stronger consumer demand. Home furnishings revenues decreased 4.9%~~$157 million (21.0%) in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2021 over 2020, ~~as compared to 2019.~~while aggregate revenues of our other retailing operations increased 36.9%.

Pre-tax earnings of the retail group were $309 million in the third quarter and $590 million in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 64.4% in the third quarter and 1.7% in the first nine months from 2019. BHA’s pre-tax earnings increased ~~50.3% in the third quarter and 30.8% in the first nine months of~~$67 million over 2020, primarily due to ~~lower selling, general~~increases in vehicle gross sales margins and ~~administrative expenses,~~earnings from finance and service contract activities as well as from lower floorplan interest expense and ~~from higher gross margin rates.~~

operating cost control efforts. Aggregate pre-tax earnings for the remainder of our retailing group increased ~~$66~~$148 million ~~in the third quarter and decreased $82 million in~~compared to the first ~~nine months~~quarter of 2020 as compared to 2019. Certain of our smaller operations, including Pampered Chef and Louis experienced significant earnings increases in 2020, while others, including See’s Candy and Oriental Trading Company, experienced significant declines. Also, we incurred charges in the first nine months of 2020 attributable to asset impairments, restructurings and credit losses.2020.

McLane operates a wholesale distribution business that provides grocery and non-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 businesses generate high sales and very low profit margins. These businesses have several significant customers, including Walmart, 7-Eleven, Yum! Brands and others. Grocery sales ~~comprised~~typically comprise about ~~2/3~~two-thirds of McLane’s consolidated sales ~~in the first nine months of 2020~~ with foodservice comprising ~~most~~much of the remainder. A curtailment of purchasing by any of its significant customers could have an adverse impact on periodic revenues and earnings.

~~Revenues were $12.0 billion~~ The grocery and foodservice businesses, in the third quarter and $35.1 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 4.5% in the third quarter and 5.7% in the first nine months compared to 2019. Revenues in the third quarter of 2020 decreased 4.7% in the grocery business (5.4% year-to-date) and 5.2% in the foodservice business (7.7% year-to-date) as compared to 2019. The declines were attributable to COVID-19 related restaurant closures (particularly in the casual dining category) in the foodservice business and lower sales in certain product categories within the grocery business.

Pre-tax earnings increased $46 million (92.0%) in the third quarter and decreased $15 million (6.8%) in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to 2019. The earnings increase in the third quarter reflected ongoing operating expense management efforts and a slight increase in the overall gross margin rate, partly offset by the effects of lower sales. The earnings decrease in the first nine months of 2020 included charges of $23 million for credit and inventory losses in the foodservice operations and the impact of lower sales. McLane continues toparticular, operate in an intensely competitive business ~~environment, which is negatively affecting its current operating results.~~environment.

~~Item 2. Management’s Discussion~~Revenues decreased $199 million (1.7%) in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020. Revenues from the grocery business declined 5.3%, while revenues from the foodservice and ~~Analysis~~beverage businesses increased 4.4% and 20.2%, respectively, compared to 2020. Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of ~~Financial Condition~~2021 increased $38 million (58.5%) versus 2020. The increase in earnings was primarily due to increased earnings from the beverage business, ongoing cost management efforts and ~~Results~~the effects of ~~Operations~~expected credit losses and inventory losses of $17 million recorded in the first quarter of 2020 attributable to the pandemic.

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

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months						First Quarter
	2020			2019			2020			2019			2021			2020
Investment gains/losses	$	31,625		$	10,692		$	2,032		$	40,079		$	5,211		$	(68,882	)
Derivative gains/losses		(43	)		234			(640	)		1,217			489			(1,393	)
Gains/losses before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		31,582			10,926			1,392			41,296			5,700			(70,275	)
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		6,845			2,260			627			8,590			1,007			(14,658	)
Net gains/losses	$	24,737		$	8,666		$	765		$	32,706		$	4,693		$	(55,617	)
Effective income tax rate		21.3	%		20.8	%		35.1	%		20.8	%		18.8	%		20.8	%

We are required to include the unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in market prices of investments in equity securities in our reported earnings, which significantly increases the volatility of our periodic net earnings due to the magnitude of our equity securities portfolio and the inherent volatility of equity securities prices. Pre-tax investment gains/losses in ~~2020~~the first quarter included net unrealized gains of ~~$30.8~~$4.6 billion in ~~the third quarter~~2021 and ~~$16.5~~net unrealized losses of $68.5 billion in ~~the first nine months~~2020 on securities we ~~owned on September 30. Net unrealized gains in 2019 on securities owned on September 30, 2019 were $10.5 billion in~~held at the ~~third quarter and $39.5 billion in~~end of the ~~first nine months. Investment losses from market value changes in the first nine months of 2020 on equity securities sold in 2020 were $13.9 billion. In 2020, taxable~~applicable period. Taxable investment gains on equity securities sold in the first quarter, which is generally the difference between sales proceeds and the original cost basis of the securities sold, were ~~$3.9~~$1.8 billion in ~~the third quarter~~2021 and ~~$0.7~~$1.2 billion in ~~the first nine months. In 2019, taxable investment gains on equity securities sold were $0.6 billion in the third quarter~~2020.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and ~~$2.0 billion in the first nine months.~~Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Investment gains/losses ~~from periodic changes in securities prices will continue to cause significant volatility in our consolidated earnings.~~ (Continued)

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 consolidated earnings or evaluating our periodic economic performance. We continue to believe ~~that~~ the ~~amount of~~ investment gains/losses ~~included~~recorded in earnings in any given period has little analytical or predictive value.

Derivative contract gains/losses include the changes in fair value of our equity index put option contract liabilities, which relate to contracts that were originated prior to March 2008. ~~Substantially all remaining contracts will expire by February 2023.~~ The periodic changes in the fair values of these liabilities are recorded in earnings and can be significant due to the volatility of market prices in the underlying equity markets. As of ~~September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, the intrinsic value of our equity index put option contracts was ~~approximately $1.2 billion~~$211 million and our recorded liability at fair value was ~~$1.5 billion.~~$577 million. Our ultimate payment obligations, if any, under ~~our~~these contracts will be determined as of the contract expiration dates based on the intrinsic value as defined under the contracts.

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

After-tax equity method earnings include ~~Berkshire’s~~our proportionate share of earnings attributable to our investments in Kraft Heinz, Pilot, Berkadia and Electric Transmission of Texas. Our ~~Kraft Heinz investment produced~~ after-tax earnings of $142 million for the third quarter and an after-tax loss of $56 million for the first nine months of 2020. The after-tax loss in the first nine months included $611 million attributable to goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz (primarily in the second quarter). As discussed in Note 5 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, financial results offrom Kraft Heinz for the first quarter were $135 million in 2021 and second quarters of 2019 were not available to us until the third quarter. Accordingly, our consolidated statements of earnings for the third quarter of 2019 included our share of Kraft Heinz’s earnings for the first nine months, or $377$99 million ~~which included $214 million attributable to goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz.~~in 2020.

After-tax acquisition accounting expenses include charges arising from the application of the acquisition method in connection with certain of Berkshire’s past business acquisitions. Such charges arise primarily from the amortization of intangible assets recorded in connection with those business acquisitions. Goodwill and intangible asset impairments in the first nine months of 2020 included charges of $9.8 billion attributable to impairments of goodwill and certain identifiable intangible assets that were recorded in connection with our acquisition of PCC in 2016. See Critical Accounting Policies on page 46 for additional details.

Foreign currency exchange rate gains and losses pertain to ~~non-U.S. Dollar~~Berkshire’s outstanding Euro and Japanese Yen denominated debt ~~issued by Berkshire~~ and ~~BHFC. As of September 30, 2020, outstanding borrowings included senior notes of €6.85 billion par, ¥625.5 billion par and £1.75 billion par.~~BHFC’s Great Britain Pound denominated debt. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates produce non-cash unrealized gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of these liabilities into U.S. Dollars. The gains and losses recorded in any given period can be significant due the magnitude of the borrowings and the inherent volatility in foreign currency exchange rates.

The income tax expense adjustments relate to investments that we made between 2015 and 2018 in certain tax equity investment funds, which aggregated approximately $340 million. In December 2018 and during the first quarter of 2019, we learned of allegations by federal authorities of fraudulent income conduct by the sponsor of these funds and in January 2020, the principals involved in creating the investment funds plead guilty to criminal charges related to the sale of the investments. In the first quarter of 2019, we concluded it was more likely than not that the income tax benefits that we recognized prior to 2019 were not valid.

Our consolidated balance sheet continues to reflect very significant liquidity and a very strong capital base. Consolidated shareholders’ equity at ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 was ~~$415.2~~$448 billion, ~~a decrease~~an increase of ~~$9.6~~$4.8 billion since December 31, ~~2019 and an increase of $21.7 billion since June 30,~~ 2020. Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders were ~~$30.1 billion in the third quarter and $6.7~~$11.7 billion in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020. Earnings~~2021 and included after-tax gains on our investments of approximately ~~$24.8 billion in the third quarter and $1.3 billion in the first nine months of 2020.~~$4.3 billion. Changes in the market prices ~~for~~of our investments in equity securities ~~since December 31, 2019 have produced exceptional~~can produce volatility in our earnings. ~~Our results in 2020 also included after-tax goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges of $11.0 billion.~~

At ~~September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, our insurance and other businesses held cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills ~~(net~~ of ~~amounts payable as of September 30 for purchases that were settled in October) of $135.2~~$138.1 billion, which included ~~$114.1~~$115.3 billion in U.S. Treasury ~~Bills.~~Bills, and is net of payables for unsettled purchases as of March 31. Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities (excluding our investment in Kraft Heinz) were ~~$264.8~~$302.1 billion.

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

Berkshire parent company debt outstanding at ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 was ~~$22.2~~$21.0 billion, ~~an increase~~a decrease of ~~$2.3~~$1.7 billion since December 31, ~~2019.~~2020. In the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020,~~2021, Berkshire repaid €550 million and $1.0 billion of maturing senior notes ~~of €1.0 billion~~ and issued ~~€1.0 billion~~€600 million of ~~0.0%~~0.5% senior notes due in ~~2025 and ¥195.5~~2041. In April 2021, Berkshire issued ¥160 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) of senior notes ~~(approximately $1.8 billion), which has~~with maturity dates ranging from 2026 to 2041 and a weighted average interest rate of ~~1.07% and maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2060. In~~0.5%. Berkshire parent company debt maturities over the ~~first quarter of 2021, senior notes of $1.6 billion will mature.~~next twelve months are approximately $1.1 billion.

Berkshire’s insurance and other subsidiary outstanding borrowings were ~~$16.7~~$18.6 billion at ~~September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, which included senior note borrowings of BHFC, a wholly-owned financing subsidiary, of approximately ~~$11.0~~$13.1 billion. BHFC’s borrowings are used to fund a portion of loans originated and acquired by Clayton Homes and equipment held for lease by our ~~UTLX~~ railcar leasing business. In ~~the first nine months of 2020,~~January 2021, BHFC repaid ~~$350~~$750 million of maturing senior notes and issued ~~$500~~$750 million of ~~1.85%~~2.5% senior notes due in 2030. In October 2020, BHFC repaid $550 million of maturing senior notes and issued $2.5 billion of senior notes, consisting of $750 million of 1.45% senior notes due in 2030 and $1.75 billion of 2.85% senior notes due in 2050.2051. Berkshire guarantees the full and timely payment of principal and interest with respect to BHFC’s senior notes. ~~In the first quarter of 2021, approximately $750 million of BHFC senior notes will mature.~~

Our railroad, utilities and energy businesses (conducted by BNSF and BHE) maintain very large investments in capital assets (property, plant and equipment) and will regularly make significant capital expenditures in the normal course of business. Capital expenditures of these two operations in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020~~2021 were ~~$7.1~~$1.9 billion and we currently forecast additional capital expenditures of approximately $3$8.5 billion over the remainder of ~~2020.~~2021.

BNSF’s outstanding debt was $23.2 billion as of September 30, 2020, relatively unchanged from December 31, 2019. In April 2020, BNSF issued $575 million of 3.05% senior unsecured debentures due in 2051. Outstanding borrowings of BHE and its subsidiaries were $45.6 billion at September 30, 2020, an increase of approximately $3.0 billion since December 31, 2019. In the first nine months of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries issued new term debt aggregating $5.5 billion with maturity dates ranging from 2025 to 2062, repaid approximately $1.9 billion of debt and reduced short-term borrowings. Over the remainder of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries will repay debt of approximately $640 million. On October 29, 2020, BHE issued $500 million of 1.65% senior notes due in 2031 and $1.5 billion of 2.85% senior notes due in 2051. 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.

BNSF’s outstanding debt was $22.8 billion as of March 31, 2021, a decrease of $404 million from December 31, 2020. In ~~July 2020,~~April 2021, BNSF issued $925 million of 3.3% debentures due in 2051. Outstanding borrowings of BHE ~~reached~~and its subsidiaries were $52.2 billion at March 31, 2021, essentially unchanged since December 31, 2020. In April 2021, a ~~definitive agreement with Dominion Energy, Inc. (“Dominion”) to acquire substantially all~~BHE subsidiary issued $550 million of ~~Dominion’s natural gas transmission~~3.4% term debt due in 2051. Aggregate debt maturities for BHE and ~~storage businesses. As discussed in Note 22 to~~BNSF over the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, on November 1, 2020, BHE acquired certain of the Dominion businesses for $2.7 billion in cash and assumed $5.3 billion of Dominion debt. The acquisition of the remainder of the Dominion businesses is expected to close in early 2021.next twelve months approximate $3.0 billion.

Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program ~~was~~as amended, ~~on July 17, 2018, permitting~~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, 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 ~~Bill~~Bills holdings below $20 billion. Financial strength and redundant liquidity will always be of paramount importance at Berkshire. In the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2020,~~2021, Berkshire paid ~~$15.7~~$6.6 billion ~~including $9.0 billion in the third quarter,~~ to repurchase shares of its Class A and B common stock.

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 pertaining to the acquisition of goods or services in the future are not currently reflected in the financial statements, which 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. Actual~~events and the actual payments will likely vary, perhaps materially, from the estimated liabilities currently recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In the first ~~nine months of 2020,~~quarter 2021, Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries issued ~~new~~ term debt. Such debt, in U.S. Dollars, approximated $1.5 billion in the aggregate. Principal and interest payments associated with these ~~new term~~ borrowings are expected as follows: in ~~2020~~2021 – ~~$82~~$9.4 million; in ~~2021 and~~ 2022 through 2025 – ~~$472 million; in 2023 and 2024 – $1.0 billion;~~$22.3 million per annum; and thereafter – ~~$12.2~~$2.0 billion. In ~~October 2020,~~April 2021, Berkshire and certain subsidiaries issued ~~new~~ term debt, ~~aggregating $4.5 billion with maturities ranging~~which in U.S. Dollars aggregated $2.9 billion. Maturities for these issuances range from ~~2030~~2026 to ~~2051.~~

~~Item 2. Management’s Discussion~~2051 and ~~Analysis~~the debt has a weighted average interest rate of ~~Financial Condition and Results of Operations~~

Except as otherwise disclosed in this Quarterly Report, our contractual obligations as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 were, in the aggregate, not materially different from those disclosed in the “Contractual Obligations” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2019.~~2020.

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

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 recorded in the financial statements will likely be adjusted in the future based on new available information and changes in other facts and circumstances. Reference is made to “Critical Accounting Policies” discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2019.~~2020.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 includes estimated liabilities of $121.6 billion for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance ~~contracts of $119.8 billion.~~contracts. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the processes of establishing these liabilities, the actual ultimate claim amounts will likely differ from the currently recorded amounts. A very small percentage change in estimates of this magnitude can result in a material effect on periodic earnings. The effects from changes in these estimates are recorded as a component of insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses in the period of the change.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of ~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 included goodwill of acquired businesses of ~~$71.9~~$73.7 billion and indefinite-lived intangible assets of $18.3 billion. We evaluate these assets for impairment at least annually and we conducted our most recent annual review during the fourth quarter of ~~2019.~~2020.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment reviews include determining the estimated fair values of our reporting units and assets. The key assumptions and inputs used in such determinations may include forecasting revenues and expenses, cash flows and capital expenditures, as well as an appropriate discount rate and other inputs. Significant judgment by management is required in estimating the fair value of a reporting unit and in performing impairment tests. Due to the inherent subjectivity and uncertainty in forecasting future cash flows and earnings over long periods of time, actual results may vary materially from the forecasts.

~~In response to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we considered whether goodwill needed to be reevaluated for impairment.~~ As of June 30, 2020, we determined it was necessary to quantitively reevaluate goodwill for impairment for certain reporting units, and most significantly for PCC. As a result of our reviews, we recorded pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of $10.0 billion and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $638 million in the second quarter of 2020, of which approximately $10 billion related to PCC.

Prior to the reevaluation, the carrying value of our goodwill in PCC was approximately $17 billion. Additionally, the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets in PCC was approximately $14 billion. Substantially all of these amounts were recorded in connection with Berkshire’s acquisition of PCC in 2016. We believe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on commercial airlines and aircraft manufacturers is particularly severe. We considered a number of factors in our reevaluation, including but not limited to the announcements by airlines concerning potential future demand, employment levels and aircraft orders, announcements by manufactures on reduced aircraft production, and the actions we are taking or may take to restructure our operations to fit lower expected demand. In our judgment, the timing and extent of the recovery in the commercial airline and aerospace industries may be dependent on the development and wide-scale distribution of medicines or vaccines that effectively treat the virus. Consequently, we deemed it prudent under the prevailing circumstances to increase the discount rates and reduce our prior long-term forecasts of future cash flows for purposes of reviewing for impairments. The amounts of these adjustments were based on qualitative assessments by Berkshire.

~~As of September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, we concluded it is more likely than not that goodwill recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet was not impaired. The long-term adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on certain of our reporting units may prove to be worse than we currently estimate and we may need to record additional goodwill or indefinite-lived asset impairment charges in future periods. Making estimates of the fair value of reporting units and judgments on goodwill impairments at this time are and will likely be significantly affected by assumptions on the severity, duration or long-term effects of the pandemic on ~~the~~a reporting unit’s business, which we cannot reliably predict. Consequently, any fair value estimates in such instances can be subject to wide variations. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could prove to be worse than we currently estimate for our reporting units, including reporting units where we recorded impairment charges during the first nine months of 2020, and could lead us to record additional goodwill or indefinite-lived asset impairment charges in the fourth quarter of 2020.

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

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

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

Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. The principal risk factors that could cause our actual performance and future events and actions to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in market prices of our investments in fixed maturity and equity securities, losses realized from derivative contracts, the occurrence of one or more catastrophic events, such as an earthquake, hurricane, act of terrorism or cyber attack that causes losses insured by our insurance subsidiaries and/or losses to our business operations, the frequency and severity of epidemics, pandemics or other outbreaks, including COVID-19, that negatively affect our operating results and restrict our access to borrowed funds through the capital markets at reasonable rates, changes in laws or regulations affecting our insurance, railroad, utilities and energy and finance subsidiaries, changes in federal income tax laws, and changes in general economic and market factors that affect the prices of securities or the industries in which we do business.

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 ~~September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, there were no material changes in the market risks described in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2019.~~2020.

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

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 consolidated 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.

Our significant business risks are described in Item 1A to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2019~~2020 to which reference is made herein. T~~hese risk factors are supplemented for the items described below~~. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business or operations. Any adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results could result in a decline in the value of our securities and the loss of all or part of your investment.

~~Epidemics, pandemics or other outbreaks, including COVID-19, could hurt our operating businesses.~~Part II Other Information

The outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely affected, and in the future it or other epidemics, pandemics or outbreaks may adversely affect, our operations, including our equity securities portfolio. This is or may be due to closures or restrictions requested or mandated by governmental authorities, disruption to supply chains and workforce, reduction of demand for our products and services, credit losses when customers and other counterparties fail to satisfy their obligations to us, and volatility in global equity securities markets, among other factors. We share most of these risks with all businesses.

~~Unfavorable general economic conditions may significantly reduce our operating earnings and impair our ability to access capital markets at a reasonable cost.~~

Our operating businesses are subject to economic conditions affecting the general economy or the specific industries in which they operate. To the extent that economic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide are depressed by the effects of COVID-19 or otherwise, one or more of our significant operations could be materially harmed. In addition, our utilities and energy businesses and our railroad business regularly utilize debt as a component of their capital structures, and depend on having access to borrowed funds through the capital markets at reasonable rates. To the extent that access to the capital markets is restricted or the cost of funding increases, these operations could be adversely affected.

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

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	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
July
January
Class A common stock		1,965	$	280,778.84		1,965	*		1,534	$	348,488.65		1,534	*
Class B common stock		10,521,719	$	187.93		10,521,719	*		10,661,127	$	231.68		10,661,127	*

August
February
Class A common stock		2,531	$	316,766.16		2,531	*		1,959	$	362,748.29		1,959	*
Class B common stock		10,846,595	$	209.96		10,846,595	*		5,341,489	$	237.06		5,341,489	*

September
March
Class A common stock		3,670	$	325,251.28		3,670	*		1,113	$	396,162.91		1,113	*
Class B common stock		11,387,889	$	215.80		11,387,889	*		4,545,124	$	251.40		4,545,124	*

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

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.


Delaware	47-0813844
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

Class A —	~~649,184~~637,990
Class B —	~~1,370,951,744~~1,326,572,128

		Page No.

Part I – Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets—~~September 30, 2020~~March 31, 2021 and December 31, ~~2019~~2020	2-3
	Consolidated Statements of Earnings—~~Third~~First Quarter 2021 and ~~First Nine Months~~ 2020 ~~and 2019~~	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—~~Third~~First Quarter 2021 and ~~First Nine Months~~ 2020 ~~and 2019~~	5
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—~~Third~~First Quarter 2021 and ~~First Nine Months~~ 2020 ~~and 2019~~	65
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—First ~~Nine Months~~Quarter 2021 and 2020 ~~and 2019~~	76
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	~~8-26~~7-22
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	~~27-47~~23-40
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	4741
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	4741

Part II – Other Information		4741

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	4741
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	4841
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities	4842
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	4942
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	4942
Item 5.	Other Information	4942
Item 6.	Exhibits	4943

Signature		4943

	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
Balances at December 31, 2019		719,307			(17,337	)		701,970			1,408,183,852		(23,702,319	)		1,384,481,533
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock		(39,694	)		—			(39,694	)		59,541,000		—			59,541,000
Treasury stock acquired		—			(11,330	)		(11,330	)		—		(64,487,462	)		(64,487,462	)
Balances at September 30, 2020		679,613			(28,667	)		650,946			1,467,724,852		(88,189,781	)		1,379,535,071

	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
Balances at December 31, 2020		678,523			(34,592	)		643,931			1,469,359,852		(119,316,381	)		1,350,043,471
Conversions of Class A to Class B common stock		(896	)		—			(896	)		1,344,000		—			1,344,000
Treasury stock acquired		—			(4,606	)		(4,606	)		—		(20,547,740	)		(20,547,740	)
Balances at March 31, 2021		677,627			(39,198	)		638,429			1,470,703,852		(139,864,121	)		1,330,839,731


Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☐

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Balance sheet liabilities - at fair value	$	577	$	1,065
Notional value		9,721		10,991
Intrinsic value		211		727
Weighted average remaining life (in years)		1.0		1.2

	Cars/Units
	First Quarter				Percentage
	2021		2020		Change
Consumer products		1,393		1,207		15.4	%
Industrial products		399		460		(13.3	)
Agricultural products		318		285		11.6
Coal		339		384		(11.7	)
		2,449		2,336		4.8


	a. Exhibits

3(i)	Restated Certificate of Incorporation Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2015.

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

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

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

32.1	Section 1350 Certifications

32.2	Section 1350 Certifications

95	Mine Safety Disclosures

101	The following financial information from Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended ~~September 30, 2020,~~March 31, 2021, formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Cover Page (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (vi) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vii) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.

104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

		BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
		(Registrant)

Date: ~~November 7, 2020~~May 1, 2021		/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG
		(Signature)
		Marc D. Hamburg,
		Senior Vice President and
		Principal Financial Officer