(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).

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of ~~April 22,~~October 27, 2021:

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020		September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Insurance and Other:
Cash and cash equivalents*	$	56,826	$	44,714	$	65,156	$	44,714
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills		85,385		90,300		79,209		90,300
Investments in fixed maturity securities		20,027		20,410		18,125		20,410
Investments in equity securities		282,097		281,170		310,739		281,170
Equity method investments		16,533		17,303		16,658		17,303
Loans and finance receivables		19,449		19,201		20,397		19,201
Other receivables		35,002		32,310		37,277		32,310
Inventories		18,886		19,208		20,191		19,208
Property, plant and equipment		20,990		21,200		20,722		21,200
Equipment held for lease		14,567		14,601		14,752		14,601
Goodwill		47,054		47,121		47,090		47,121
Other intangible assets		29,184		29,462		28,643		29,462
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		12,189		12,441		11,732		12,441
Other		15,447		14,580		16,301		14,580
		673,636		664,021		706,992		664,021
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Cash and cash equivalents*		3,228		3,276		4,833		3,276
Receivables		4,050		3,542		4,324		3,542
Property, plant and equipment		151,799		151,216		153,401		151,216
Goodwill		26,641		26,613		26,680		26,613
Regulatory assets		3,492		3,440		3,842		3,440
Other		21,547		21,621		20,686		21,621
		210,757		209,708		213,766		209,708
	$	884,393	$	873,729	$	920,758	$	873,729

	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020			September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Insurance and Other:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	80,961		$	79,854		$	85,754		$	79,854
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		40,685			40,966			39,721			40,966
Unearned premiums		23,756			21,395			25,239			21,395
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		21,709			21,616			22,409			21,616
Other policyholder liabilities		8,486			8,670			8,863			8,670
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		28,486			29,279			31,154			29,279
Payable for purchase of short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills		4,084			—
Derivative contract liabilities		577			1,065			286			1,065
Aircraft repurchase liabilities and unearned lease revenues		5,717			5,856			5,840			5,856
Notes payable and other borrowings		39,556			41,522			39,645			41,522
		254,017			250,223			258,911			250,223
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		15,207			15,224			15,978			15,224
Regulatory liabilities		7,626			7,475			7,226			7,475
Notes payable and other borrowings		74,975			75,373			75,320			75,373
		97,808			98,072			98,524			98,072
Income taxes, principally deferred		76,392			74,098			82,248			74,098
Total liabilities		428,217			422,393			439,683			422,393
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		8			8			8			8
Capital in excess of par value		35,630			35,626			35,603			35,626
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(4,570	)		(4,243	)		(4,834	)		(4,243	)
Retained earnings		456,337			444,626			494,775			444,626
Treasury stock, at cost		(39,418	)		(32,853	)		(53,072	)		(32,853	)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity		447,987			443,164			472,480			443,164
Noncontrolling interests		8,189			8,172			8,595			8,172
Total shareholders’ equity		456,176			451,336			481,075			451,336
	$	884,393		$	873,729		$	920,758		$	873,729

	First Quarter
	2021		2020			Third Quarter				First Nine Months
	(Unaudited)					2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenues:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance premiums earned	$	16,424	$	15,748		$	17,727	$	15,913	$	51,314	$	47,256
Sales and service revenues		33,698		31,926			36,722		32,703		107,163		93,332
Leasing revenues		1,324		1,428			1,565		1,316		4,336		3,905
Interest, dividend and other investment income		1,851		2,276			1,795		1,717		5,544		6,143
		53,297		51,378			57,809		51,649		168,357		150,636
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Freight rail transportation revenues		5,378		5,380			5,761		5,148		16,917		15,101
Energy operating revenues		4,848		3,634			5,225		4,451		14,375		11,504
Service revenues and other income		1,076		873			1,788		1,776		4,647		3,888
		11,302		9,887			12,774		11,375		35,939		30,493
Total revenues		64,599		61,265			70,583		63,024		204,296		181,129

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses		5,700		(70,275	)
Investment and derivative contract gains							4,921		31,582		38,015		1,392

Costs and expenses:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses		10,964		10,979			13,939		11,667		37,078		32,712
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,480		1,383			1,568		1,311		4,507		4,101
Insurance underwriting expenses		3,014		2,924			3,239		3,228		9,318		9,219
Cost of sales and services		26,530		25,392			28,984		25,957		84,275		74,565
Cost of leasing		882		1,002			1,116		854		2,980		2,605
Selling, general and administrative expenses		3,910		4,471			4,889		5,181		13,844		14,304
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments							—		25		—		10,659
Interest expense		276		296			286		263		860		817
		47,056		46,447			54,021		48,486		152,862		148,982
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Freight rail transportation expenses		3,510		3,593			3,527		3,161		10,625		9,625
Utilities and energy cost of sales and other expenses		3,589		2,722			3,497		3,101		10,306		8,326
Other expenses		1,093		849			1,582		1,481		4,238		3,422
Interest expense		774		728			770		737		2,322		2,209
		8,966		7,892			9,376		8,480		27,491		23,582
Total costs and expenses		56,022		54,339			63,397		56,966		180,353		172,564
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity method earnings		14,277		(63,349	)
Earnings before income taxes and equity method earnings							12,107		37,640		61,958		9,957
Equity method earnings		251		300			377		290		775		333
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 before income taxes							12,484		37,930		62,733		10,290
Income tax expense							1,840		7,517		11,824		3,167
Net earnings							10,644		30,413		50,909		7,123
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		129		49			300		276		760		437
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	)
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders						$	10,344	$	30,137	$	50,149	$	6,686
Net earnings per average equivalent Class A share						$	6,882	$	18,994	$	33,025	$	4,160
Net earnings per average equivalent Class B share*						$	4.59	$	12.66	$	22.02	$	2.77
Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding		1,533,284		1,622,889			1,503,013		1,586,698		1,518,513		1,607,041
Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding		2,299,925,502		2,434,333,367			2,254,518,838		2,380,046,304		2,277,769,582		2,410,561,550

	First Quarter						Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
	(Unaudited)
Net earnings (loss)	$	11,840		$	(49,697	)
Net earnings							$	10,644		$	30,413		$	50,909		$	7,123
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation of investments		(87	)		(180	)		(89	)		19			(164	)		42
Applicable income taxes		20			41			20			(4	)		38			(13	)
Foreign currency translation		(285	)		(1,454	)		(643	)		791			(616	)		(77	)
Applicable income taxes		(3	)		47			6			(3	)		(8	)		34
Defined benefit pension plans		61			95			54			(24	)		158			86
Applicable income taxes		(20	)		(21	)		(13	)		8			(42	)		(14	)
Other, net		(6	)		(59	)		38			16			45			(19	)
Other comprehensive income, net		(320	)		(1,531	)		(627	)		803			(589	)		39
Comprehensive income		11,520			(51,228	)		10,017			31,216			50,320			7,162
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		136			(4	)		288			302			762			423
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	11,384		$	(51,224	)	$	9,729		$	30,914		$	49,558		$	6,739

	Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity																		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			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
For the third quarter and first nine months of 2021
Balance at December 31, 2020																			$	35,634		$	(4,243	)	$	444,626		$	(32,853	)	$	8,172		$	451,336
Net earnings																				—			—			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
Net earnings																				—			—			28,094			—			331			28,425
Other comprehensive income, net																				—			351			—			—			7			358
Acquisition of common stock																				—			—			—			(6,028	)		—			(6,028	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests																				5			—			—			—			(136	)		(131	)
Balance at June 30, 2021																			$	35,643		$	(4,219	)	$	484,431		$	(45,446	)	$	8,391		$	478,800
Net earnings																				—			—			10,344			—			300			10,644
Other comprehensive income, net																				—			(615	)		—			—			(12	)		(627	)
Acquisition of common stock																				—			—			—			(7,626	)		—			(7,626	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests																				(32	)		—			—			—			(84	)		(116	)
Balance at September 30, 2021																			$	35,611		$	(4,834	)	$	494,775		$	(53,072	)	$	8,595		$	481,075

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		$	35,666		$	(5,243	)	$	402,493		$	(8,125	)	$	3,772		$	428,563
Net earnings (loss)		—			—			(49,746	)		—			49			(49,697	)		—			—			(49,746	)		—			49			(49,697	)
Adoption of new accounting pronouncement		—			—			(388	)		—			—			(388	)		—			—			(388	)		—			—			(388	)
Other comprehensive income, net		—			(1,478	)		—			—			(53	)		(1,531	)		—			(1,478	)		—			—			(53	)		(1,531	)
Acquisition of common stock		—			—			—			(1,575	)		—			(1,575	)		—			—			—			(1,575	)		—			(1,575	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		(39	)		—			—			—			(98	)		(137	)		(39	)		—			—			—			(98	)		(137	)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	35,627		$	(6,721	)	$	352,359		$	(9,700	)	$	3,670		$	375,235		$	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
Net earnings																				—			—			26,295			—			112			26,407
Other comprehensive income, net		—			(327	)		—			—			7			(320	)		—			754			—			—			13			767
Acquisition of common stock		—			—			—			(6,565	)		—			(6,565	)		—			—			—			(5,115	)		—			(5,115	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		4			—			—			—			(119	)		(115	)		(4	)		—			—			—			(37	)		(41	)
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	35,638		$	(4,570	)	$	456,337		$	(39,418	)	$	8,189		$	456,176
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
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

	First Quarter
	2021			2020			First Nine Months
	(Unaudited)						2021			2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$	11,840		$	(49,697	)
Net earnings							$	50,909		$	7,123
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses		(5,211	)		68,882			(37,235	)		(2,032	)
Depreciation and amortization		2,673			2,585			8,013			7,692
Other		(225	)		(566	)
Other, including asset impairment charges								(717	)		10,934
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		961			583			4,809			4,480
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed		252			260			709			735
Unearned premiums		2,390			2,006			3,958			2,544
Receivables and originated loans		(3,440	)		(2,083	)		(6,810	)		(3,223	)
Other assets		(397	)		(1,140	)		(1,558	)		(1,673	)
Other liabilities		(1,861	)		17			1,928			2,446
Income taxes		2,324			(14,049	)		7,620			201
Net cash flows from operating activities		9,306			6,798			31,626			29,227
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of equity securities		(2,572	)		(4,003	)		(5,004	)		(22,406	)
Sales of equity securities		6,451			2,166			11,975			28,564
Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		(32,313	)		(31,551	)		(106,399	)		(153,897	)
Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		4,090			5,328			15,945			23,744
Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		37,559			3,694			103,294			81,252
Purchases of loans and finance receivables		(11	)		(595	)		(70	)		(619	)
Collections of loans and finance receivables		109			70			283			268
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired		(47	)		(26	)		(204	)		(111	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and equipment held for lease		(2,519	)		(2,968	)		(9,244	)		(9,516	)
Other		449			81			1,505			(1,685	)
Net cash flows from investing activities		11,196			(27,804	)		12,081			(54,406	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses		1,442			1,613			2,952			3,435
Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses		(2,425	)		(1,502	)		(3,010	)		(2,116	)
Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		—			4,324			2,939			6,424
Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		(883	)		(1,748	)		(2,609	)		(2,449	)
Changes in short term borrowings, net		229			(1,133	)		(689	)		(1,062	)
Acquisition of treasury stock		(6,580	)		(1,741	)		(20,192	)		(15,712	)
Other		(132	)		(159	)		(755	)		(196	)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(8,349	)		(346	)		(21,364	)		(11,676	)
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes		(61	)		(184	)		(98	)		(340	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		12,092			(21,536	)		22,245			(37,195	)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year*		48,396			64,632			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 at end of third quarter*							$	70,641		$	27,437
*Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are comprised of the following:
Beginning of year—
Insurance and Other	$	44,714		$	61,151		$	44,714		$	61,151
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		3,276			3,024			3,276			3,024
Restricted cash included in other assets		406			457			406			457
	$	48,396		$	64,632		$	48,396		$	64,632
End of first quarter—
End of third quarter—
Insurance and Other	$	56,826		$	38,717		$	65,156		$	23,078
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		3,228			3,923			4,833			3,739
Restricted cash included in other assets		434			456			652			620
	$	60,488		$	43,096		$	70,641		$	27,437

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

Financial information in this Quarterly Report reflects 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 and losses 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 of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic ~~has since~~ adversely affected nearly all of our operations during 2020 and in particular during the second quarter, although the effects ~~are varying~~varied significantly. Beginning in the third quarter of 2020, many of our businesses experienced significantly higher sales and earnings relative to the second quarter, reflecting higher customer demand. The extent of the effects over longer terms cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. ~~The risks~~Risks and uncertainties resulting from the pandemic that may affect our future earnings, cash flows and financial condition include the ~~time~~ability to vaccinate a significant number of people in the U.S. and throughout the world, 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.

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. 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.

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 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~~established 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, 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 ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized ~~below~~as follows (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2021
September 30, 2021
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,236	$	44	$	—		$	3,280	$	3,358	$	30	$	—		$	3,388
Foreign governments		12,079		78		(9	)		12,148		12,407		38		(27	)		12,418
Corporate bonds		3,741		430		(1	)		4,170		1,510		431		—			1,941
Other		371		59		(1	)		429		327		52		(1	)		378
	$	19,427	$	611	$	(11	)	$	20,027	$	17,602	$	551	$	(28	)	$	18,125
December 31, 2020
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,348	$	55	$	—		$	3,403	$	3,348	$	55	$	—		$	3,403
Foreign governments		11,233		110		(5	)		11,338		11,233		110		(5	)		11,338
Corporate bonds		4,729		464		(2	)		5,191		4,729		464		(2	)		5,191
Other		414		66		(2	)		478		414		66		(2	)		478
	$	19,724	$	695	$	(9	)	$	20,410	$	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 ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021, approximately ~~88%~~90% 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 ~~March 31,~~September 30, 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

9,756

8,705

376

305

285

19,427

9,433

7,225

487

206

251

17,602

Fair value

9,810

8,804

533

543

337

20,027

9,436

7,283

758

350

298

18,125

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

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value		Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
March 31, 2021*
September 30, 2021*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	26,730	$	52,081	$	78,811	$	26,809	$	60,931	$	87,740
Consumer products		34,787		101,445		136,232		34,973		119,421		154,394
Commercial, industrial and other		44,934		22,120		67,054		42,406		26,199		68,605
	$	106,451	$	175,646	$	282,097	$	104,188	$	206,551	$	310,739

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value		Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
December 31, 2020*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	26,312	$	40,167	$	66,479	$	26,312	$	40,167	$	66,479
Consumer products		34,747		111,583		146,330		34,747		111,583		146,330
Commercial, industrial and other		47,561		20,800		68,361		47,561		20,800		68,361
	$	108,620	$	172,550	$	281,170	$	108,620	$	172,550	$	281,170

Our equity security investments also include ~~$10 billion in~~ Occidental Corporation (“Occidental”) Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation value of $10 billion and warrants to purchase up to 83.86 million shares of Occidental common stock at an exercise price of $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 specified events. Dividends on the preferred stock ~~may be paid~~are payable 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.

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%~~26.5% of the outstanding shares.

~~We recorded equity method earnings from our~~Our investment in Kraft Heinz produced equity method earnings of ~~$150~~$194 million in the third quarter and $337 million in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of ~~2021 and $101~~2021. In 2020, our Kraft Heinz investment generated equity method earnings of $159 million in ~~2020.~~the third quarter and losses of $180 million in the first nine months. Our earnings in the first nine months of 2020 included charges of approximately $850 million for our proportionate share of the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz. We received dividends on the common stock of ~~$130~~$391 million in each of the first ~~quarters~~nine months 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 ~~$13.0~~$12.0 billion at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and $11.3 billion at December 31, 2020. The carrying value of our investment was approximately ~~$13.4~~$13.3 billion at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and ~~$13.3 billion at~~ December 31, 2020. As of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021, the carrying value of our investment ~~in Kraft Heinz~~ exceeded the fair value based on the quoted market price by ~~$362 million (2.7%~~approximately 10%. We evaluated our investment in Kraft Heinz for impairment. Based on the prevailing facts and circumstances, we concluded recognition of ~~carrying value).~~an impairment loss in earnings was not required as of September 30, 2021.

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

March 27,

2021

December 26,

2020

September 25,

2021

December 26,

2020

Assets

98,664

99,830

94,897

99,830

Liabilities

48,233

49,587

44,659

49,587

	First Quarter				Third Quarter				First Nine Months
	2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020
Sales	$	6,394	$	6,157	$	6,324	$	6,441	$	19,333	$	19,246
Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders		563		378
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders						733		597		1,269		(676	)	*

Other investments ~~accounted~~that we account 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 aggregate carrying value of ~~our~~these investments ~~in these entities~~ was approximately ~~$3.1~~$3.4 billion as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and $4.0 billion as of December 31, 2020. Our equity method earnings from these entities in the first ~~quarter~~nine months were ~~$101~~$438 million in 2021 and ~~$199~~$513 million in 2020. During the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, we received distributions of $1.0 billion from these other investees, ~~of $896 million,~~ including a non-recurring distribution received from Pilot of $849 ~~million.~~million in the first quarter. 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~~provides capital solutions, investments sales advisory and mortgage servicing for multifamily and 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.estate. A source of funding for Berkadia’s operations is through commercial paper, which was $1.47 billion at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and is limited to $1.5 billion. Berkadia’s 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~~We own a 38.6% interest in Pilot, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot is the largest operator of travel centers in North America through more than ~~950~~1,000 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 quarter and first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter						Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
Investment gains (losses):
Equity securities:
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period on securities held at the end of the period	$	4,630		$	(68,482	)	$	4,759		$	30,837		$	36,163		$	16,458
Investment gains (losses) on securities sold during the period		430			(410	)		75			1,330			889			(13,901	)
		5,060			(68,892	)		4,834			32,167			37,052			2,557
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains		20			16			24			12			59			53
Gross realized losses		(1	)		(6	)		(7	)		(2	)		(20	)		(22	)
Other		132			—			—			(552	)		144			(556	)
Investment gains (losses)		5,211			(68,882	)		4,851			31,625			37,235			2,032
Derivative contract gains (losses)		489			(1,393	)		70			(43	)		780			(640	)
	$	5,700		$	(70,275	)	$	4,921		$	31,582		$	38,015		$	1,392

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 ~~$6.5~~$12.0 billion in the first ~~three~~nine months of 2021 and ~~$2.2~~$28.6 billion in the first ~~three~~nine months of 2020. In the preceding table, investment ~~gains/~~gains and losses on equity securities sold during the period ~~reflect~~represent the difference between the sales proceeds and the fair value of the equity securities sold at the beginning of the applicable ~~quarterly~~ 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 in the third quarter and first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 were $941 million and ~~2020~~$2.9 billion, respectively, and were ~~$1.8~~$3.9 billion and ~~$1.2 billion,~~$666 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, 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 millions).

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020		September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Balance sheet liabilities - at fair value	$	577	$	1,065	$	286	$	1,065
Notional value		9,721		10,991		8,251		10,991
Intrinsic value		211		727		83		727
Weighted average remaining life (in years)		1.0		1.2		0.6		1.2

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. Intrinsic value is the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. Substantially all open contracts as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 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~~ on the contract inception dates of $1.5 billion with respect to unexpired contracts as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and we have no counterparty credit risk.

	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020			September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$	20,800		$	20,436		$	21,685		$	20,436
Allowances for uncollectible loans		(725	)		(712	)		(744	)		(712	)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points		(626	)		(523	)		(544	)		(523	)
	$	19,449		$	19,201		$	20,397		$	19,201

Loans and finance receivables are principally manufactured home loans, 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 ~~three~~nine months of 2021 and 2020 follow (in millions).

	2021			2020			2021			2020
Balance at beginning of year	$	712		$	167		$	712		$	167
Adoption of ASC 326		—			486			—			486
Provision for credit losses		27			86			65			177
Charge-offs, net of recoveries		(14	)		(37	)		(33	)		(99	)
Balance at March 31	$	725		$	702
Balance at September 30							$	744		$	731

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

	Loans and Financing Receivables by Origination Year														Origination Year
	2021		2020		2019		2018		2017		Prior		Total		2021		2020		2019		2018		2017		Prior		Total
Performing	$	1,742	$	3,443	$	2,460	$	1,872	$	1,386	$	7,726	$	18,629	$	3,794	$	3,264	$	2,308	$	1,748	$	1,300	$	7,126	$	19,540
Non-performing		2		1		6		7		6		50		72		2		3		6		6		5		40		62
	$	1,744	$	3,444	$	2,466	$	1,879	$	1,392	$	7,776	$	18,701	$	3,796	$	3,267	$	2,314	$	1,754	$	1,305	$	7,166	$	19,602

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 ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and December 31, 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~~$483 million as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and $524 million at December 31, 2020. We are the sole lender to each of these entities and each of these loans is current as to payment status.

	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020			September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Insurance and other:
Insurance premiums receivable	$	15,190		$	14,025		$	16,151		$	14,025
Reinsurance recoverables		4,933			4,805			4,892			4,805
Trade receivables		12,634			11,521			13,579			11,521
Other		2,905			2,637			3,344			2,637
Allowances for uncollectible accounts		(660	)		(678	)		(689	)		(678	)
	$	35,002		$	32,310		$	37,277		$	32,310
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Trade receivables	$	3,527		$	3,235		$	3,780		$	3,235
Other		662			438			720			438
Allowances for uncollectible accounts		(139	)		(131	)		(176	)		(131	)
	$	4,050		$	3,542		$	4,324		$	3,542

Provisions for credit losses in the first 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.

Provisions for credit losses in the first nine months with respect to receivables summarized above were $335 million in 2021 and $449 million in 2020. Charge-offs, net of recoveries, in the first nine months were $279 million in 2021 and $238 million in 2020.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020		September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Raw materials	$	4,914	$	4,821	$	5,389	$	4,821
Work in process and other		2,727		2,541		3,290		2,541
Finished manufactured goods		4,528		4,412		4,446		4,412
Goods acquired for resale		6,717		7,434		7,066		7,434
	$	18,886	$	19,208	$	20,191	$	19,208

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

	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020			September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Land, buildings and improvements	$	13,851		$	13,799		$	13,846		$	13,799
Machinery and equipment		25,474			25,488			25,849			25,488
Furniture, fixtures and other		4,542			4,530			4,670			4,530
		43,867			43,817			44,365			43,817
Accumulated depreciation		(22,877	)		(22,617	)		(23,643	)		(22,617	)
	$	20,990		$	21,200		$	20,722		$	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.

	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020			September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Railroad:
Land, track structure and other roadway	$	64,278		$	63,824		$	65,167		$	63,824
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		13,596			13,523			13,784			13,523
Construction in progress		855			916			1,030			916
		78,729			78,263			79,981			78,263
Accumulated depreciation		(13,687	)		(13,175	)		(14,641	)		(13,175	)
		65,042			65,088			65,340			65,088
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems		87,898			86,730			89,026			86,730
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets		16,712			16,667			17,044			16,667
Independent power plants and other assets		12,828			12,671			13,009			12,671
Construction in progress		3,309			3,308			4,343			3,308
		120,747			119,376			123,422			119,376
Accumulated depreciation		(33,990	)		(33,248	)		(35,361	)		(33,248	)
		86,757			86,128			88,061			86,128
	$	151,799		$	151,216		$	153,401		$	151,216

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

	First Quarter				First Nine Months
	2021		2020		2021			2020
Insurance and other	$	576	$	570	$	1,725	��	$	1,725
Railroad, utilities and energy		1,496		1,398		4,485			4,105
	$	2,072	$	1,968	$	6,210		$	5,830

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).

	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020			September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Railcars	$	9,462		$	9,402		$	9,482		$	9,402
Aircraft		8,363			8,204			8,852			8,204
Other		4,868			4,868			5,031			4,868
		22,693			22,474			23,365			22,474
Accumulated depreciation		(8,126	)		(7,873	)		(8,613	)		(7,873	)
	$	14,567		$	14,601		$	14,752		$	14,601

Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease in the first ~~quarter~~nine months was ~~$282~~$861 million in 2021 and ~~$292~~$900 million in 2020. Fixed and variable operating lease revenues for the third quarter and first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 and 2020 are summarized below (in millions).

	First Quarter				Third Quarter				First Nine Months
	2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020
Fixed lease revenue	$	1,062	$	1,096	$	1,151	$	1,047	$	3,318	$	3,205
Variable lease revenue		262		332		414		269		1,018		700
	$	1,324	$	1,428	$	1,565	$	1,316	$	4,336	$	3,905

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

	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020			September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Balance at beginning of year	$	73,734		$	81,882		$	73,734		$	81,882
Acquisitions of businesses		7			1,758			182			1,758
Impairment charges		—			(10,033	)		—			(10,033	)
Other, including foreign currency translation		(46	)		127			(146	)		127
Balance at end of period*	$	73,695		$	73,734		$	73,770		$	73,734

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

	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020				September 30, 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	$	27,353	$	5,927	$	27,374	$	5,756	$	27,331	$	6,281	$	27,374	$	5,756
Trademarks and trade names		5,197		784		5,206		779		5,178		797		5,206		779
Patents and technology		4,729		3,316		4,766		3,313		4,763		3,442		4,766		3,313
Other		3,322		1,390		3,339		1,375		3,317		1,426		3,339		1,375
	$	40,601	$	11,417	$	40,685	$	11,223	$	40,589	$	11,946	$	40,685	$	11,223
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Customer relationships	$	678	$	370	$	678	$	361	$	678	$	388	$	678	$	361
Trademarks, trade names and other		1,003		110		1,003		98		1,005		133		1,003		98
	$	1,681	$	480	$	1,681	$	459	$	1,683	$	521	$	1,681	$	459

Intangible asset amortization expense in the first ~~quarter~~nine months was ~~$319~~$942 million in 2021 and ~~$325~~$962 million in 2020. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were $18.3 billion as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and primarily related to certain customer relationships and trademarks and trade names.

During 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 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.

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 14), for each of the ~~three months~~nine-month periods ending ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and 2020 follows (in millions).

	2021			2020			2021			2020
Balances at beginning of year:
Gross liabilities	$	79,854		$	73,019		$	79,854		$	73,019
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		(2,912	)		(2,855	)		(2,912	)		(2,855	)
Net liabilities		76,942			70,164			76,942			70,164
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		11,363			10,896			38,447			31,777
Prior accident years’ events		(646	)		(200	)		(2,151	)		69
Total		10,717			10,696			36,296			31,846
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		(3,214	)		(3,175	)		(15,277	)		(11,691	)
Prior accident years’ events		(6,454	)		(6,841	)		(15,076	)		(15,259	)
Total		(9,668	)		(10,016	)		(30,353	)		(26,950	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(94	)		(372	)		(119	)		124
Balances at March 31:
Balances at September 30:
Net liabilities		77,897			70,472			82,766			75,184
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		3,064			2,890			2,988			2,857
Gross liabilities	$	80,961		$	73,362		$	85,754		$	78,041

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”). Current accident year incurred losses in 2021 included approximately $2.7 billion from significant catastrophe events (losses in excess of $100 million per event) in the U.S. and Europe, including approximately $2.2 billion in the third quarter, primarily from Hurricane Ida and floods in Europe.

We recorded a net ~~reductions~~reduction of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of ~~$646 million~~$2.2 billion in the first nine months of 2021 ~~and $200~~compared to a net increase of $69 million in 2020, which produced a corresponding ~~decreases~~decrease in 2021 and an increase in 2020 in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses. These ~~reductions, as percentages~~amounts represented 2.8% in 2021 and 0.1% in 2020 of the net liabilities at the beginning of each ~~year, were 0.8% in 2021 and 0.3% in 2020.~~year.

Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events ~~related~~with respect to primary insurance were reduced ~~by $699 million~~$1.6 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~and $172~~compared to $273 million in 2020. The ~~decreases~~reduction in ~~each period were~~2021 derived primarily ~~attributable to~~from private passenger automobile claims, and to a lesser extent medical professional liability ~~claims. The decrease in 2021 also reflected lower than anticipated~~and workers’ compensation claims. Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events related to reinsurance assumed ~~increased $53~~in the first nine months decreased $564 million in 2021 and ~~decreased $28~~increased $342 million in ~~2020.~~2020, which included increased provisions for legacy casualty exposures.

Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses of short-duration insurance contracts with respect to underlying loss events that occurred prior to the contract inception date. Claims payments may commence immediately after the contract date or, 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~~charges reinsurance assumed ~~assets~~ for each of the ~~three months~~nine-month periods ending ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and 2020 follow (in millions).

	2021						2020						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	$	40,966		$	(12,441	)	$	42,441		$	(13,747	)	$	40,966		$	(12,441	)	$	42,441		$	(13,747	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current year contracts		—			—			—			—			82			—			—			—
Prior years’ contracts		(5	)		252			24			259			(9	)		709			131			735
Total		(5	)		252			24			259			73			709			131			735
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		(276	)		—			(196	)		—			(1,318	)		—			(786	)		—
Balances at March 31	$	40,685		$	(12,189	)	$	42,269		$	(13,488	)
Balances at September 30													$	39,721		$	(11,732	)	$	41,786		$	(13,012	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges	$	247					$	283					$	782					$	866

In the preceding table, classifications of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on the inception dates of the contracts, which ~~reflects~~reflect when our exposure to losses begins. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses ~~in the first quarter~~for prior years’ contracts were ~~$247~~$700 million in 2021 and ~~$283~~$866 million in 2020, which consisted of recurring amortization of deferred ~~changes~~charges and the effects of changes in the expected timing and amount of future loss payments. Berkshire’s subsidiary, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), is party to a contract with certain subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”), in which NICO’s ultimate liability is contractually limited to $20 billion. Claim payments to AIG commenced in 2021. Our estimated unpaid claim liabilities with regard to the AIG contract were approximately ~~$17.5~~$16.8 billion at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021, reflecting paid claims of $837 million during the first nine months of 2021, and $17.7 billion at December 31, 2020. Deferred ~~charge assets~~charges related to the AIG contract were approximately ~~$5.2~~$5.0 billion at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and $5.4 billion at December 31, 2020.

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

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020		Weighted Average Interest Rate			September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Insurance and other:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2021-2047		3.3	%	$	7,311	$	8,308
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2022-2047									3.3	%	$	6,817	$	8,308
Euro denominated due 2023-2041		1.0	%		8,033		8,326		1.0	%		7,934		8,326
Japanese Yen denominated due 2023-2060		0.7	%		5,624		6,031		0.6	%		7,028		6,031
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2022-2051		3.6	%		10,756		10,766		3.6	%		10,757		10,766
Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059		2.5	%		2,367		2,347		2.5	%		2,315		2,347
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2021-2045		4.2	%		4,676		4,682		4.1	%		4,497		4,682
Subsidiary short-term borrowings		2.8	%		789		1,062		2.8	%		297		1,062
				$	39,556	$	41,522				$	39,645	$	41,522

In the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, Berkshire repaid €550 million and ~~$1.0~~$1.5 billion of maturing senior ~~notes and~~notes. In January 2021, Berkshire issued €600 million of 0.5% senior notes due in 2041. In April 2021, Berkshire issued ¥160 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2026 to 2041 and a weighted average interest rate of 0.5%.

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 January 2021, BHFC repaid $750 million of maturing senior notes and issued $750 million of 2.5% senior notes due in 2051.

The carrying values of Berkshire and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar denominated senior notes (€6.9 billion, £1.75 billion and ~~¥625.5~~¥785.5 billion par at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021) reflect the applicable 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 gains of ~~$720~~$264 million in the third quarter and $939 million in the first nine months of 2021. In 2020, exchange rate changes produced pre-tax losses of $549 million in the third quarter ~~of 2021~~ and ~~$228~~$447 million in the first ~~quarter of 2020.~~nine months.

In addition to BHFC borrowings, Berkshire guaranteed approximately ~~$1.1~~$3.9 billion of other subsidiary borrowings at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 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			March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020		Weighted Average Interest Rate				September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries:
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2023-2051		4.3	%	$	12,999	$	13,447			4.3	%		$	13,001		$	13,447
Subsidiary and other debt due 2021-2064		4.1	%		36,461		36,420		4.1	%			37,096			36,420
Short-term borrowings		1.4	%		2,699		2,286		1.6	%			1,968			2,286
Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") and subsidiaries due 2021-2097		4.6	%		22,816		23,220		4.5	%			23,255			23,220
				$	74,975	$	75,373					$	75,320		$	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. In the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, BHE and its subsidiaries repaid ~~$476 million~~$1.7 billion of term debt and ~~increased short-term borrowings.~~ issued $2.1 billion of term debt with a weighted average interest rate of 3.0% and maturities ranging from 2051 to 2052.

BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. During the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, BNSF repaid ~~$407~~$888 million of ~~debt.~~debt and issued $925 million of 3.3% term debt due in 2051. As of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 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 ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021, our subsidiaries had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately ~~$9.3~~$10.5 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included approximately ~~$7.9~~$8.8 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries.

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and December 31, 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)
March 31, 2021
September 30, 2021
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,280	$	3,280	$	3,237	$	43	$	—	$	3,388	$	3,388	$	3,345	$	43	$	—
Foreign governments		12,148		12,148		10,039		2,109		—		12,418		12,418		11,074		1,344		—
Corporate bonds		4,170		4,170		—		4,170		—		1,941		1,941		—		1,941		—
Other		429		429		—		429		—		378		378		—		378		—
Investments in equity securities		282,097		282,097		271,382		8		10,707		310,739		310,739		298,633		8		12,098
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,380		13,018		13,018		—		—		13,290		11,983		11,983		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		19,449		20,738		—		2,500		18,238		20,397		21,743		—		2,391		19,352
Derivative contract assets ⁽¹⁾		301		301		1		99		201		540		540		15		407		118
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy ⁽¹⁾		105		105		3		66		36		130		130		3		69		58
Equity index put options		577		577		—		—		577		286		286		—		—		286
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		39,556		42,072		—		42,061		11		39,645		42,851		—		42,810		41
Railroad, utilities and energy		74,975		85,357		—		85,357		—		75,320		87,965		—		87,965		—
December 31, 2020
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,403	$	3,403	$	3,358	$	45	$	—	$	3,403	$	3,403	$	3,358	$	45	$	—
Foreign governments		11,338		11,338		9,259		2,079		—		11,338		11,338		9,259		2,079		—
Corporate bonds		5,191		5,191		—		5,191		—		5,191		5,191		—		5,191		—
Other		478		478		—		478		—		478		478		—		478		—
Investments in equity securities		281,170		281,170		271,848		38		9,284		281,170		281,170		271,848		38		9,284
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,336		11,280		11,280		—		—		13,336		11,280		11,280		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		19,201		20,554		—		2,692		17,862		19,201		20,554		—		2,692		17,862
Derivative contract assets ⁽¹⁾		270		270		1		72		197		270		270		1		72		197
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy ⁽¹⁾		121		121		6		96		19		121		121		6		96		19
Equity index put options		1,065		1,065		—		—		1,065		1,065		1,065		—		—		1,065
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		41,522		46,676		—		46,665		11		41,522		46,676		—		46,665		11
Railroad, utilities and energy		75,373		92,593		—		92,593		—		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 ~~three~~nine months ended ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and 2020 follow (in millions).

				Gains (losses) included in:
	Balance at beginning of year			Earnings			Regulatory assets and liabilities		Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements			Balance at March 31			Balance at beginning of year			Gains (losses) included in earnings			Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements			Balance at September 30
Investments in equity securities:
2021	$	8,978		$	823		$	—	$	600		$	10,401		$	8,978		$	1,713		$	1,100		$	11,791
2020		10,405			(4,861	)		—		—			5,544			10,405			(2,235	)		(1	)		8,169

Equity index put option contract liabilities:
2021		(1,065	)		489			—		(1	)		(577	)		(1,065	)		780			(1	)		(286	)
2020		(968	)		(1,393	)		—		—			(2,361	)		(968	)		(640	)		61			(1,547	)

Quantitative information as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 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

9,898

Discounted cash flow

Expected duration

8 years

11,179

Discounted cash flow

Expected duration

7 years

Discount for transferability

restrictions and subordination

372 basis points

Discount for transferability

restrictions and subordination

355 basis points

Common stock warrants

503

Warrant pricing model

Expected duration

8 years

612

Warrant pricing model

Expected duration

8 years

Volatility

37%

Volatility

37%

Equity index put option contract liabilities

577

Option pricing model

Volatility

19%

286

Option pricing model

Volatility

18%

Investments in equity securities in the preceding table include our investments in certain preferred stocks and common stock 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. We applied discounted cash flow techniques in valuing the preferred stock and we made assumptions regarding the expected duration of the investment and the effects of subordination in liquidation. In valuing the 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.

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 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.

	Class A, $5 Par Value (1,650,000 shares authorized)									Class B, $0.0033 Par Value (3,225,000,000 shares authorized)								Class A, $5 Par Value (1,650,000 shares authorized)									Class B, $0.0033 Par Value (3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
	Issued			Treasury			Outstanding			Issued		Treasury			Outstanding			Issued			Treasury			Outstanding			Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
Balances at December 31, 2020		678,523			(34,592	)		643,931			1,469,359,852		(119,316,381	)		1,350,043,471			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			(11,849	)		—			(11,849	)		17,773,500		—			17,773,500
Treasury stock acquired		—			(4,606	)		(4,606	)		—		(20,547,740	)		(20,547,740	)		—			(11,285	)		(11,285	)		—		(59,366,771	)		(59,366,771	)
Balances at March 31, 2021		677,627			(39,198	)		638,429			1,470,703,852		(139,864,121	)		1,330,839,731
Balances at September 30, 2021																			666,674			(45,877	)		620,797			1,487,133,352		(178,683,152	)		1,308,450,200

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~~equal 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 ~~1,525,655~~1,493,097 shares outstanding as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and 1,543,960 shares outstanding as of December 31, 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 the 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~~$30 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 ~~rate~~rates were 14.7% for the third quarter and 18.8% for the first nine months of 2021 compared to 19.8% for the third quarter ~~was 18.5% in 2021~~ and ~~21.2% in~~30.8% for the first nine months of 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, 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 ~~three~~nine months ending ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and 2020 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 three months of 2021
First nine months of 2021
Balance at beginning of year	$	536		$	(3,082	)	$	(1,645	)	$	(52	)	$	(4,243	)	$	536		$	(3,082	)	$	(1,645	)	$	(52	)	$	(4,243	)
Other comprehensive income, net		(67	)		(297	)		40			(3	)		(327	)		(126	)		(619	)		112			42			(591	)
Balance at end of period	$	469		$	(3,379	)	$	(1,605	)	$	(55	)	$	(4,570	)	$	410		$	(3,701	)	$	(1,533	)	$	(10	)	$	(4,834	)

First three months of 2020
First nine months of 2020
Balance at beginning of year	$	481		$	(4,346	)	$	(1,369	)	$	(9	)	$	(5,243	)	$	481		$	(4,346	)	$	(1,369	)	$	(9	)	$	(5,243	)
Other comprehensive income, net		(139	)		(1,362	)		71			(48	)		(1,478	)		29			(28	)		67			(15	)		53
Balance at end of period	$	342		$	(5,708	)	$	(1,298	)	$	(57	)	$	(6,721	)	$	510		$	(4,374	)	$	(1,302	)	$	(24	)	$	(5,190	)

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

	First Quarter				First Nine Months
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	256	$	595	$	4,002	$	2,715
Interest:
Insurance and other		400		409		1,040		892
Railroad, utilities and energy		740		742		2,335		2,174

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.

On November 1, 2020, Berkshire Hathaway Energy (“BHE”) acquired a large portion of the natural gas transmission and storage business of 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 (“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 date, the preliminary~~The fair value of the assets acquired was $13.4 billion, including residual goodwill of $1.7 billion, and the fair value of the liabilities assumed was ~~$6.9~~$7.0 billion, including the assumption of approximately $5.6 billion of debt. We also recorded noncontrolling interests of $3.9 billion attributable to limited partnership interests in Cove Point that are held by third parties. In addition, BHE ~~has also~~previously agreed to acquire certain other of Dominion’s pipeline business for approximately $1.3 billion. ~~The closing of~~Effective July 9, 2021, BHE and Dominion agreed to terminate this ~~second acquisition is subject~~planned transaction due to ~~receiving~~ongoing uncertainty in obtaining the necessary regulatory ~~approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to occur during the second quarter of 2021.~~approvals.

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 quarter and first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 and 2020 (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 Retailing		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 March 31, 2021
Three months ending September 30, 2021
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	5,363	$	—	$	50	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	5,413	$	5,600	$	—	$	43	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	5,643
Building products		4,399		—		—		—		—		—		4,399		5,005		—		—		—		—		—		5,005
Consumer products		4,163		—		—		—		—		—		4,163		4,758		—		—		—		—		—		4,758
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		7,442		—		—		—		—		7,442		—		7,933		—		—		—		—		7,933
Food and beverage distribution		—		4,004		—		—		—		—		4,004		—		4,478		—		—		—		—		4,478
Auto sales		—		—		2,312		—		—		—		2,312		—		—		2,423		—		—		—		2,423
Other retail and wholesale distribution		703		—		3,656		—		—		—		4,359		742		—		3,913		—		—		—		4,655
Service		329		151		934		5,365		1,040		—		7,819		400		175		1,073		5,747		1,586		—		8,981
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		4,712		—		4,712		—		—		—		—		5,138		—		5,138
Total		14,957		11,597		6,952		5,365		5,752		—		44,623		16,505		12,586		7,452		5,747		6,724		—		49,014
Other revenues		923		25		991		13		172		17,852		19,976		951		26		1,202		14		289		19,087		21,569
	$	15,880	$	11,622	$	7,943	$	5,378	$	5,924	$	17,852	$	64,599	$	17,456	$	12,612	$	8,654	$	5,761	$	7,013	$	19,087	$	70,583

Three months ending March 31, 2020
Nine months ending September 30, 2021
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	6,119	$	—	$	44	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,163	$	16,549	$	—	$	142	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	16,691
Building products		3,695		—		—		—		—		—		3,695		14,518		—		—		—		—		—		14,518
Consumer products		3,328		—		—		—		—		—		3,328		13,525		—		—		—		—		—		13,525
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		7,859		—		—		—		—		7,859		—		23,104		—		—		—		—		23,104
Food and beverage distribution		—		3,806		—		—		—		—		3,806		—		12,838		—		—		—		—		12,838
Auto sales		—		—		1,909		—		—		—		1,909		—		—		7,485		—		—		—		7,485
Other retail and wholesale distribution		605		—		2,933		—		—		—		3,538		2,199		—		11,577		—		—		—		13,776
Service		387		132		961		5,366		793		—		7,639		1,099		509		3,060		16,875		4,219		—		25,762
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		3,515		—		3,515		—		—		—		—		14,048		—		14,048
Total		14,134		11,797		5,847		5,366		4,308		—		41,452		47,890		36,451		22,264		16,875		18,267		—		141,747
Other revenues		880		24		1,091		14		199		17,605		19,813		2,821		78		3,287		42		755		55,566		62,549
	$	15,014	$	11,821	$	6,938	$	5,380	$	4,507	$	17,605	$	61,265	$	50,711	$	36,529	$	25,551	$	16,917	$	19,022	$	55,566	$	204,296

	Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retailing		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and Other		Total
Three months ending September 30, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	4,889	$	—	$	54	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	4,943
Building products		4,322		—		—		—		—		—		4,322
Consumer products		4,036		—		—		—		—		—		4,036
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		7,905		—		—		—		—		7,905
Food and beverage distribution		—		3,968		—		—		—		—		3,968
Auto sales		—		—		2,195		—		—		—		2,195
Other retail and wholesale distribution		599		—		3,182		—		—		—		3,781
Service		370		144		865		5,135		1,474		—		7,988
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		4,356		—		4,356
Total		14,216		12,017		6,296		5,135		5,830		—		43,494
Other revenues		929		23		966		14		396		17,202		19,530
	$	15,145	$	12,040	$	7,262	$	5,149	$	6,226	$	17,202	$	63,024

Nine months ending September 30, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	15,639	$	—	$	143	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	15,782
Building products		11,682		—		—		—		—		—		11,682
Consumer products		10,373		—		—		—		—		—		10,373
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		23,051		—		—		—		—		23,051
Food and beverage distribution		—		11,561		—		—		—		—		11,561
Auto sales		—		—		5,999		—		—		—		5,999
Other retail and wholesale distribution		1,691		—		8,735		—		—		—		10,426
Service		1,105		398		2,460		15,059		3,238		—		22,260
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		11,190		—		11,190
Total		40,490		35,010		17,337		15,059		14,428		—		122,324
Other revenues		2,686		69		2,884		42		964		52,160		58,805
	$	43,176	$	35,079	$	20,221	$	15,101	$	15,392	$	52,160	$	181,129

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

Less than

12 months

Greater than

12 months

Total

Less than

12 months

Greater than

12 months

Total

Electricity and natural gas

3,034

20,918

23,952

2,761

21,377

24,138

Other sales and service contracts

1,324

2,259

3,583

1,402

2,203

3,605

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 and 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 quarter and first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter					Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021			2020		2021			2020			2021			2020
Revenues of Operating Businesses
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	8,923		$	9,109	$	9,604		$	8,540		$	28,073		$	26,689
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		2,654			2,369		2,964			2,490			8,373			7,103
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		4,847			4,270		5,159			4,883			14,868			13,464
Investment income		1,414			1,648		1,339			1,223			4,212			4,486
Total insurance		17,838			17,396		19,066			17,136			55,526			51,742
BNSF		5,401			5,417		5,790			5,176			17,000			15,195
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		5,924			4,507		7,013			6,226			19,022			15,392
Manufacturing		15,913			15,035		17,496			15,170			50,821			43,238
McLane Company		11,622			11,821		12,612			12,040			36,529			35,079
Service and retailing		7,958			6,956		8,679			7,279			25,614			20,272
		64,656			61,132		70,656			63,027			204,512			180,918
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount
Corporate, eliminations and other		(57	)		133		(73	)		(3	)		(216	)		211
	$	64,599		$	61,265	$	70,583		$	63,024		$	204,296		$	181,129

	First Quarter						Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses
Earnings Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	1,023		$	984		$	(289	)	$	276		$	1,360		$	3,320
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		206			(33	)		(23	)		(126	)		349			(63	)
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(263	)		(489	)		(708	)		(441	)		(1,298	)		(2,033	)
Investment income		1,412			1,647			1,337			1,220			4,205			4,480
Total insurance		2,378			2,109			317			929			4,616			5,704
BNSF		1,659			1,584			2,029			1,777			5,667			4,855
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		683			419			1,375			1,122			2,797			2,074
Manufacturing		2,436			2,111			2,445			2,255			7,595			5,765
McLane Company		103			65			(8	)		96			179			205
Service and retailing		938			558			1,110			779			3,234			1,745
		8,197			6,846			7,268			6,958			24,088			20,348
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount
Investment and derivative gains/losses		5,700			(70,275	)
Investment and derivative gains								4,921			31,582			38,015			1,392
Interest expense, not allocated to segments		(114	)		(136	)		(128	)		(116	)		(386	)		(363	)
Equity method investments		251			300			377			290			775			333
Goodwill and intangible impairments								—			(25	)		—			(10,659	)
Corporate, eliminations and other		494			216			46			(759	)		241			(761	)
	$	14,528		$	(63,049	)	$	12,484		$	37,930		$	62,733		$	10,290

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

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

	First Quarter					Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021		2020			2021			2020			2021		2020
Insurance – underwriting	$	764	$	363		$	(784	)	$	(213	)	$	356	$	956
Insurance – investment income		1,208		1,386			1,161			1,015			3,588		3,769
Railroad		1,251		1,190			1,538			1,347			4,305		3,668
Utilities and energy		703		561			1,496			1,395			2,939		2,589
Manufacturing, service and retailing		2,619		2,038			2,706			2,346			8,329		5,833
Investment and derivative gains/losses		4,693		(55,617	)
Other		473		333
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	11,711	$	(49,746	)
Investment and derivative contract gains/losses							3,878			24,737			29,979		765		��
Other*							349			(490	)		653		(10,894	)
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders						$	10,344		$	30,137		$	50,149	$	6,686

Through our subsidiaries, we engage in ~~a number of~~numerous diverse business activities. We manage our operating businesses on an unusually decentralized basis. There are few centralized or integrated business 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 23 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected most of our operating businesses beginning in March of 2020, with the effects to date ranging from relatively minor to severe. ~~Revenues and earnings~~Earnings of most of our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses declined considerably, and in certain instances severely, in the second quarter of 2020. Over the second half of 2020 and continuing ~~into the first quarter of~~in 2021, many of these businesses experienced significant recoveries in revenues and ~~earnings. Consequently, revenues and~~ earnings, in ~~the first quarter~~some instances exceeding pre-pandemic levels. However, many of ~~2021 for these businesses were considerably higher than in the first quarter of 2020, although results for certain~~our businesses were negatively affected by ongoing global supply chain disruptions, including those attributable to major winter storms and a hurricane in North America, ~~during February 2021. Certain of our other operating businesses continue~~which contributed to ~~suffer adverse effects from the pandemic.~~

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

Insurance underwriting produced after-tax losses of $784 million in the third quarter and earnings of ~~$764~~$356 million in the first nine months of 2021. After-tax incurred losses from significant catastrophe events were approximately $1.7 billion in the third quarter and $2.2 billion in the first nine months of 2021, ~~and $363 million~~which were partly offset by reductions in ~~2020. In each year, we generated underwriting earnings from primary insurance and underwriting~~incurred losses ~~from reinsurance assumed.~~for prior accident years’ loss events. Underwriting results in 2021 also reflected ~~the effects of the pandemic, including~~earned premium reductions from the GEICO Giveback program, ~~and reduced~~higher private passenger auto claims frequencies ~~for private passenger automobile coverages.~~and higher losses in the life reinsurance business. After-tax earnings from insurance investment income increased 14.4% in the third quarter and decreased 4.8% in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~declined $178 million (12.8%)~~as compared to 2020, ~~primarily due to~~reflecting lower interest income ~~earned on cash~~ and ~~short-term investments~~higher dividend income in ~~U.S. Treasury Bills.~~both periods.

After-tax earnings of our railroad business increased ~~5.1%~~14.2% in the third quarter and 17.4% in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. The ~~increase~~increases reflected overall higher freight volumes and lower costs due to improved ~~productivity.~~productivity, partly offset by higher average fuel costs. After-tax earnings of our utilities and energy business increased ~~25.3%~~7.2% in the third quarter and 13.5% in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. The year-to-date increase reflected increased earnings from the utilities and natural gas pipelines businesses, including the effects of a business acquisition, and from the real estate brokerage ~~businesses, partially offset by lower earnings from the other energy businesses.~~business. Earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses increased ~~28.5%~~15.3% in the third quarter and 42.8% in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 versus 2020. ~~Overall,~~Many of our businesses generated significantly higher earnings inover the first ~~quarter~~half of 2021 compared to 2020, which ~~reflected the initial~~included significant adverse effects offrom the pandemic. While customer demand for products remained relatively high, earnings in the third quarter of 2021 were sequentially lower than the second quarter. Several of our businesses experienced higher materials, freight and other input costs attributable to ongoing disruptions in global supply chains.

Investment and derivative ~~gains/~~gains and losses in 2021 and 2020 ~~included significant gains and losses on~~predominantly derived from our investments in equity securities ~~including~~and included significant 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.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 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/~~gains and 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. We believe that such gains and losses are not meaningful in understanding the operating results of our insurance businesses.

The timing and ~~amount~~magnitude of catastrophe losses can produce significant volatility in our periodic underwriting results, particularly with respect to our reinsurance businesses. Generally, we consider incurred losses in excess of $100 million from a current year catastrophic event to be significant. The significant catastrophe events in 2021 included Hurricane Ida and floods in Europe in the third quarter, as well as Winter Storm Uri in the first quarter.

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 ~~$121.6~~$125.5 billion as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 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 insurance subsidiaries due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Underwriting results for certain of our commercial insurance and reinsurance businesses were negatively affected in 2021 and 2020 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. The effects of the pandemic in future periods may be affected by judicial rulings and regulatory and legislative actions pertaining to insurance coverage and claims and by its effects on general economic activity, which we cannot reasonably estimate at this time.

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

	First Quarter						Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss):
GEICO	$	1,023		$	984		$	(289	)	$	276		$	1,360		$	3,320
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		206			(33	)		(23	)		(126	)		349			(63	)
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(263	)		(489	)		(708	)		(441	)		(1,298	)		(2,033	)
Pre-tax underwriting earnings		966			462			(1,020	)		(291	)		411			1,224
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		202			99			(236	)		(78	)		55			268
Net underwriting earnings	$	764		$	363
Net underwriting earnings (loss)							$	(784	)	$	(213	)	$	356		$	956
Effective income tax rate		20.9	%		21.5	%		23.0	%		26.6	%		13.6	%		21.9	%

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).

	First Quarter								Third Quarter									First Nine Months
	2021				2020				2021					2020				2021				2020
	Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount			%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	10,006			$	9,681			$	10,097				$	8,446			$	29,333			$	26,217
Premiums earned	$	8,923		100.0	$	9,109		100.0	$	9,604			100.0	$	8,540		100.0	$	28,073		100.0	$	26,689		100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		6,463		72.4		6,766		74.3		8,486			88.4		6,858		80.3		22,566		80.4		19,238		72.1
Underwriting expenses		1,437		16.1		1,359		14.9		1,407			14.6		1,406		16.5		4,147		14.8		4,131		15.5
Total losses and expenses		7,900		88.5		8,125		89.2		9,893			103.0		8,264		96.8		26,713		95.2		23,369		87.6
Pre-tax underwriting earnings	$	1,023			$	984
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)									$	(289	)			$	276			$	1,360			$	3,320

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

GEICO’s pre-tax underwriting earnings ~~for~~in 2021 and 2020 were significantly affected by changes in average claims frequencies. Beginning in the first quarter of 2020 and continuing through the first quarter of 2021, ~~continues to reflect decreases in losses and loss adjustment expenses attributable to lower~~ average claims frequencies were significantly below historical levels from the effects of less driving by policyholders during the COVID-19 pandemic. These effects were partially offset by lower premiums earned from the ~~remaining effects of the~~ GEICO Giveback program and higher average claims severities. Starting in the second quarter of 2021, average claims frequencies began to increase as driving by policyholders increased. In addition, average property claims severities increased due to the increase in the valuation of used vehicles.

Premiums written increased $1.7 billion (19.5%) in the third quarter and $3.1 billion (11.9%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~increased 3.4%~~ compared to 2020. The ~~premium increase was primarily attributable to higher average voluntary auto policies-in-force, partially offset by a decrease~~comparative increases reflected the effects of the GEICO Giveback Program, which reduced premiums written $1.5 billion in ~~average premiums per auto policy due to coverage changes. Voluntary auto policies-in-force increased approximately 124,000 during~~the third quarter and $2.8 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of ~~2021.~~

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

2020. 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.~~ 2020, and reduced premiums written by approximately $2.9 billion over that six-month period. Voluntary auto policies-in-force increased approximately 159,000 during the first nine months of 2021.

Premiums earned increased $1.1 billion (12.5%) in the third quarter and $1.4 billion (5.2%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~decreased by 2.0%~~ compared to ~~2020, which included reductions of approximately $400 million attributable to the remaining impact of the~~2020. The GEICO Giveback ~~credit.~~premium credit reduced premiums earned approximately $475 million in 2021 (mostly in the first quarter) and $1.3 billion in the first nine months of 2020, including $1.0 billion in the third quarter.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $1.6 billion (23.7%) in the third quarter and $3.3 billion (17.3%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~decreased $303 million (4.5%)~~ compared to 2020. GEICO’s ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to ~~earnings~~premiums earned increased 8.1 percentage points in the third quarter and 8.3 percentage points in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~was 72.4%, a decrease of 1.9 percentage points~~ compared to ~~2020, reflecting declines~~the same periods in 2020. The increases reflected overall increases in average claims frequencies and severities and approximately $400 million in pre-tax losses attributable to Hurricane Ida, partially offset by ~~increases in claims severities and the impact~~increased reductions of ~~lower premiums earned.~~claim loss estimates for prior years’ loss events.

Claims frequencies in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 were ~~lower~~higher for all coverages, including property damage ~~and~~(twelve to thirteen percent range), bodily injury ~~coverages (fourteen~~(thirteen to ~~fifteen~~fourteen percent range), personal injury ~~coverage (ten~~(sixteen to ~~eleven~~seventeen percent range) and collision ~~coverage (flat~~(twenty-one to ~~one~~twenty-two percent range). Average claims severities in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 were higher for property damage coverage ~~(three~~(four to ~~four~~five percent range), collision coverage ~~(ten~~(thirteen to ~~eleven~~fourteen percent range) and bodily injury coverage ~~(twelve~~(ten to ~~thirteen~~twelve percent range). ~~Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter included reductions in the ultimate~~Ultimate claim loss estimates for prior years’ loss events were reduced approximately $1.2 billion in the first nine months of ~~$521 million~~2021, which produced corresponding reductions in ~~2021~~losses and ~~$148 million~~loss adjustment expenses. The effects of changes in estimates for prior years’ loss events were relatively insignificant in the first nine months of 2020.

Underwriting expenses were relatively flat in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~were $1.4 billion, an increase of $78 million (5.7%)~~ compared to 2020, reflecting higher ~~employee-related, advertising and~~ technology costs, ~~partly~~ offset by lower ~~premium taxes.~~advertising and employee-related expenses. GEICO’s expense ratio (underwriting expense to premiums earned) decreased 0.7 percentage points in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~was 16.1%, an increase of 1.2 percentage points~~ compared to 2020, ~~attributable to both~~reflecting the increase in ~~expenses and the decline in earned premiums.~~premiums earned.

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~~BH Primary insurers ~~are~~include Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (“BH Specialty”), Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (“BHHC”), MedPro Group, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies (“GUARD”) ~~and~~, National Indemnity Company (“NICO Primary”)~~. Other BH Primary insurers include~~, U.S. Liability Insurance Company (“USLI”), Central States Indemnity Company and MLMIC Insurance Company. A summary of BH Primary underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter									Third Quarter										First Nine Months
	2021				2020					2021					2020					2021				2020
	Amount		%		Amount			%		Amount			%		Amount			%		Amount		%		Amount			%
Premiums written	$	2,908			$	2,455				$	3,506				$	3,003				$	9,357			$	7,607
Premiums earned	$	2,654		100.0	$	2,369			100.0	$	2,964			100.0	$	2,490			100.0	$	8,373		100.0	$	7,103			100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		1,849		69.7		1,811			76.4		2,240			75.6		1,976			79.4		6,044		72.2		5,369			75.6
Underwriting expenses		599		22.5		591			25.0		747			25.2		640			25.7		1,980		23.6		1,797			25.3
Total losses and expenses		2,448		92.2		2,402			101.4		2,987			100.8		2,616			105.1		8,024		95.8		7,166			100.9
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)	$	206			$	(33	)			$	(23	)			$	(126	)			$	349			$	(63	)

Premiums written increased $453 million (18.5%) in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020, driven by increases at BH Specialty (40%) and MedPro Group (24%). The increase at BH Specialty was primarily attributable to increased casualty business and the increase at MedPro Group reflected increases across certain product categories. BHHC’s premiums written declined 8% from the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to lower workers’ compensation volumes. The declines in workers’ compensation premiums reflected the effects of overall lower insured payroll levels attributable to the pandemic and continuing increased price competition in the market.

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

Premiums written increased $503 million (16.7%) in the third quarter and $1.8 billion (23.0%) in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020, primarily attributable to a 42% year-to-date increase from BH Specialty in professional liability, casualty and property lines of business. In addition, several of our other underwriting units experienced year-to-date premiums written increases, including MedPro Group (19%), NICO Primary (32%), GUARD (8%) and USLI (20%) in various coverages and markets, partly offset by lower volumes for workers’ compensation business.

BH Primary’s loss ratio declined 3.8 percentage points in the third quarter and 3.4 percentage points in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~was 69.7%, a~~versus 2020. The year-to-date decline ~~of 6.7 percentage points versus 2020, which~~ reflected ~~net~~increased reductions in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events of ~~$178~~$420 million in 2021 ~~and $24~~compared to $190 million in 2020. ~~Estimated losses~~Losses and loss adjustment expenses ~~incurred~~in 2021 from significant catastrophe events were approximately $260 million in the third quarter and $420 million in the first nine months, arising primarily from Hurricane Ida in the third quarter ~~of 2021 from a major winter storm in North America (“~~and Winter Storm ~~Uri”) in February 2021 were approximately $150 million. There were no significant catastrophe loss events~~Uri in the first ~~quarter~~quarter. Incurred losses in the first nine months of ~~2020. Incurred losses~~2020 included approximately $400 million attributable to the pandemic ~~were not significant~~and Hurricanes Laura and Sally in the ~~first quarter of 2021 and were approximately $170 million in the first quarter of 2020.~~third quarter. BH Primary insurers also write significant levels of commercial and professional liability and workers’ compensation ~~insurance~~business and the related claim costs may be subject to high severity and long claim-tails. Accordingly, we could experience significant increases in claims liabilities in the future, attributable to higher-than-expected claim settlements, adverse litigation outcomes or judicial rulings and other factors not currently anticipated.

Underwriting expenses in the third quarter and first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~were relatively unchanged~~increased $107 million (16.7%) and $183 million (10.2%), respectively, compared to 2020. The expense ratio ~~declined 2.5~~decreased 1.7 percentage points in the first nine months of 2021, reflecting changes in business ~~mix and the impact of pandemic-related allowances for expected credit losses recorded in the first quarter of 2020.~~mix.

The Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”) offers excess-of-loss and quota-share reinsurance coverages on property and casualty risks 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”). We periodically assume property and casualty risks under retroactive reinsurance contracts written through NICO. In addition, we write periodic payment annuity contracts ~~predominantly~~ through BHLN.

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).

	First Quarter										Third Quarter										First Nine Months
	Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)						Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)						Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)
	2021		2020		2021			2020			2021		2020		2021			2020			2021		2020		2021			2020
Property/casualty	$	3,394	$	2,723	$	166		$	(162	)	$	3,637	$	3,428	$	(247	)	$	99		$	10,385	$	8,859	$	121		$	(706	)
Life/health		1,305		1,351		(172	)		5			1,328		1,378		(181	)		17			3,932		4,147		(522	)		63
Retroactive reinsurance		—		34		(242	)		(42	)		—		5		(158	)		(394	)		82		39		(620	)		(896	)
Periodic payment annuity		144		159		(136	)		(56	)		191		68		(94	)		(209	)		458		409		(374	)		(411	)
Variable annuity		4		3		121			(234	)		3		4		(28	)		46			11		10		97			(83	)
	$	4,847	$	4,270	$	(263	)	$	(489	)	$	5,159	$	4,883	$	(708	)	$	(441	)	$	14,868	$	13,464	$	(1,298	)	$	(2,033	)

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

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

	First Quarter									Third Quarter									First Nine Months
	2021				2020					2021					2020				2021				2020
	Amount		%		Amount			%		Amount			%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount			%
Premiums written	$	4,383			$	4,056				$	4,115				$	3,960			$	11,924			$	11,011
Premiums earned	$	3,394		100.0	$	2,723			100.0	$	3,637			100.0	$	3,428		100.0	$	10,385		100.0	$	8,859			100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		2,407		70.9		2,120			77.9		2,986			82.1		2,544		74.2		7,689		74.0		7,241			81.7
Underwriting expenses		821		24.2		765			28.0		898			24.7		785		22.9		2,575		24.8		2,324			26.3
Total losses and expenses		3,228		95.1		2,885			105.9		3,884			106.8		3,329		97.1		10,264		98.8		9,565			108.0
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)	$	166			$	(162	)			$	(247	)			$	99			$	121			$	(706	)

Premiums written increased $155 million (3.9%) in the third quarter and $913 million (8.3%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~increased $327 million (8.1%)~~ compared to the same periods in 2020. The ~~increase was primarily attributable to~~increases reflected net new business, increased participations on renewals, improved prices and favorable foreign currency translation ~~effects and changes in business mix.~~

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

Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased ~~$287~~$442 million ~~(13.5%~~(17.4%) in the third quarter and $448 million (6.2%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to ~~2020 and the~~2020. The loss ratio ~~decreased 7.0~~increased 7.9 percentage points ~~reflecting generally lower ratios~~ in ~~most~~the third quarter and decreased 7.7 percentage points in the first nine months of ~~BHRG’s various product categories.~~2021 compared to 2020. Losses and loss adjustment expenses in 2021 included provisions for estimated liabilities arising from significant catastrophe events of approximately $1.5 billion in the third quarter and $1.9 billion in the first nine months. These provisions were attributable to Hurricane Ida and flooding in Europe in the third quarter ~~of 2021 included estimated losses from~~and Winter Storm Uri ofin the first quarter. Estimated losses attributable to significant catastrophes in 2020 were approximately ~~$310~~$300 million and derived from Hurricanes Laura and Sally in the third quarter.

Losses incurred in the first nine months of 2021 also included $564 million from a net decrease in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events. Losses and loss adjustment expenses in 2020 included a year-to-date net increase in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events of ~~$53 million. Losses~~$342 million and ~~loss adjustment expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2020 included $230 million~~losses attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic ~~partially offset by a net reduction~~of $113 million in ~~estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events of $28 million.~~the third quarter and $688 million in the first nine months.

Underwriting expenses are primarily commissions and brokerage costs. The expense ratio in 2021 increased 1.8 percentage points in the third quarter and decreased ~~3.8~~1.5 percentage points in the first ~~quarter,~~nine months compared to the same periods in 2020, attributable to changes in business ~~mix and the impact of pandemic-related charges in the first quarter of 2020.~~mix.

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

	First Quarter									Third Quarter									First Nine Months
	2021					2020				2021					2020				2021					2020
	Amount			%		Amount		%		Amount			%		Amount		%		Amount			%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	1,301				$	1,352			$	1,332				$	1,383			$	3,929				$	4,153
Premiums earned	$	1,305			100.0	$	1,351		100.0	$	1,328			100.0	$	1,378		100.0	$	3,932			100.0	$	4,147		100.0
Life and health insurance benefits		1,251			95.9		1,054		78.0		1,247			93.9		1,142		82.9		3,733			94.9		3,328		80.3
Underwriting expenses		226			17.3		292		21.6		262			19.7		219		15.9		721			18.4		756		18.2
Total benefits and expenses		1,477			113.2		1,346		99.6		1,509			113.6		1,361		98.8		4,454			113.3		4,084		98.5
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)	$	(172	)			$	5			$	(181	)			$	17			$	(522	)			$	63

Life/health premiums written decreased ~~$51 million (3.8%)~~3.7% in the third quarter and 5.4% in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. ~~The decrease reflected~~Premiums written in 2020 included $131 million in the ~~non-renewal~~third quarter and $497 million in ~~2021 of~~the first nine months from a policy that covered U.S. health insurance risks ~~($164 million), partially offset by volume growth~~that did not renew in 2021. Otherwise, premiums written in the ~~Asian and European life markets and~~first nine months of 2021 increased 7.7% versus 2020, primarily due to favorable foreign currency translation effects. Underwriting ~~earnings~~results in the third quarter and first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 were negatively affected by significant increases in mortality in the U.S., South Africa, India and Latin America ~~which were partially offset by lower underwriting expenses,~~ due ~~mainly~~ to ~~lower average commission rates in~~ the ~~international life business.~~pandemic. Underwriting results in 2020 reflected COVID-19-related claim estimates of $68 million in the third quarter and $172 million in the first ~~quarter~~nine months, as well as from increased liabilities from changes in underlying assumptions in estimating disability benefit liabilities in Australia.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of ~~2020 reflected pre-tax earnings from U.S.~~Financial Condition and ~~international life business, partially offset by pre-tax losses from the run-off~~Results of ~~U.S. long-term care business and unfavorable foreign currency translation effects.~~ Operations

~~There were no significant retroactive reinsurance contracts written in the first quarters of 2021 and 2020.~~ Pre-tax underwriting losses in each period derived from the amortization of deferred ~~charge amortization~~charges and changes in the estimated timing and amounts of future claim payments. Underwriting results also include foreign currency exchange gains and losses from the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on non-U.S. Dollar denominated liabilities of our U.S. subsidiaries. ~~Foreign currency exchange effects were insignificant in the first quarter of 2021. Underwriting results in the first quarter of 2020 included foreign currency exchange gains of $205 million.~~ Before foreign currency exchange effects, pre-tax underwriting losses were $227 million in the third quarter and $690 million in the first ~~quarter were $243~~nine months of 2021 compared to $282 million in ~~2021~~the third quarter and ~~$247~~$874 million in the first nine months of 2020. Foreign currency exchange gains were $69 million in the third quarter and $70 million in the first nine months of 2021 compared to losses of $112 million in the third quarter and $22 million in the first nine months of 2020.

Gross unpaid losses assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts were ~~$40.7~~$39.7 billion at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021, ~~and $41.0~~declining $1.2 billion atsince December 31, ~~2020.~~2020, primarily due to loss payments. Unamortized deferred ~~charge assets~~charges related to such reinsurance contracts were ~~$12.2~~$11.7 billion at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021, ~~and $12.4 billion at~~a decline of $709 million since December 31, ~~2020.~~2020, primarily attributable to amortization. Deferred charge ~~assets~~amortization will be charged to earnings over the expected remaining claims settlement ~~periods through periodic amortization.~~periods.

Periodic payment annuity premiums earned increased $123 million (180.9%) in the third quarter and $49 million (12.0%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~decreased $15 million (9.4%)~~ compared to 2020. Periodic payment annuity business is both price and demand sensitive. Our premium volumes in 2021 and 2020 were constrained, attributable in part to pandemic related delays in underlying claim settlements, which reduced the supply of available business. The volumes written ~~can~~may also 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, as well as the level of competition.

~~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 gains of $45 million in the third quarter and $25 million in the first nine months of 2021 compared to losses of ~~$10~~$73 million in ~~2021~~the third quarter and gains of ~~$105~~$38 million in the first nine months of 2020.

Excluding foreign currency exchange gains/losses, pre-tax underwriting losses were $139 million in the third quarter and $399 million in the first ~~quarter were $126~~nine months of 2021 compared to $136 million in ~~2021~~the third quarter and ~~$161~~$449 million in the first nine months of 2020, which primarily derived from the recurring discount accretion of annuity liabilities. Pre-tax losses in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 were partially offset by the effects of higher mortality and the effects of higher interest ~~rates.~~rates applicable to settlements under certain contracts. Discounted annuity liabilities were ~~$14.4~~$14.8 billion at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021, ~~reflecting~~having a weighted average discount rate of approximately ~~4.0%~~3.9%.

Variable annuity guarantee contracts produced pre-tax losses of $28 million in the third quarter and earnings of $97 million in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of ~~$121~~2021 compared to earnings of $46 million in ~~2021~~the third quarter and ~~pre-tax~~ losses of ~~$234~~$83 million in the first nine months of 2020. The results from these contracts reflect changes in our estimated liabilities for underlying guaranteed benefits, 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 are volatile, reflecting the volatility of securities markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. ~~Underwriting~~The change in underwriting earnings in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~were primarily~~compared to 2020 was attributable to the net effects of interest rate changes ~~while the losses in 2020 reflected the impact of unfavorable~~and, to a lesser extent, changes in securities markets, partly offset by lower underlying lapse rate assumptions.

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

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

	First Quarter						Percentage			Third Quarter						First Nine Months						Percentage Change
	2021			2020			Change			2021			2020			2021			2020			Third Quarter			First Nine Months
Interest and other investment income	$	159		$	404			(60.6	)%	$	141		$	196		$	458		$	870			(28.1	)%		(47.4	)%
Dividend income		1,253			1,243			0.8			1,196			1,024			3,747			3,610			16.8			3.8
Pre-tax net investment income		1,412			1,647			(14.3	)		1,337			1,220			4,205			4,480			9.6			(6.1	)
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		204			261						176			205			617			711
Net investment income	$	1,208		$	1,386					$	1,161		$	1,015		$	3,588		$	3,769
Effective income tax rate		14.4	%		15.8	%					13.1	%		16.9	%		14.7	%		15.9	%

Interest and other investment income declined $55 million (28.1%) in the third quarter and $412 million (47.4%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~declined $245 million (60.6%)~~ compared to same periods in 2020, primarily due to lower income from short-term ~~investments.~~investments and fixed maturity securities. We continue to hold substantial balances of cash, cash equivalents and ~~short-term~~ U.S. Treasury Bills. We expect ~~short-term~~that prevailing low interest rates ~~which are historically low,~~will continue to ~~remain low,~~ negatively ~~affecting~~affect our earnings from such investments and from fixed maturity securities for at least the remainder of 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 ~~was relatively unchanged from~~in 2021 included $26 million in the third quarter and $101 million in the first ~~quarter~~nine months from investments in preferred stock of ~~2021 compared~~Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Such amounts are deducted from earnings of the utilities and energy segment. Dividend income may vary from period to ~~2020.~~period due to changes in the investment portfolio and the frequency and timing of dividends from certain investees.

Invested assets of our insurance businesses derive from shareholder capital 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 benefit liabilities, unearned premiums and other liabilities due to policyholders, which are reduced by insurance premiums ~~and~~receivable, reinsurance receivables, deferred charges assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs. Float approximated ~~$140~~$145 billion at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and $138 billion at December 31, 2020. Our combined insurance operations generated pre-tax underwriting earnings in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 and 2020, and consequently, the average cost of float for each period was negative.

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

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020		September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills	$	78,747	$	67,082	$	89,098	$	67,082
Equity securities		270,435		269,498		296,038		269,498
Fixed maturity securities		19,952		20,317		18,069		20,317
Other		6,193		6,220		5,119		6,220
	$	375,327	$	363,117	$	408,324	$	363,117

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

Fixed maturity securities as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 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	$	3,228	$	43	$	3,271	$	3,349	$	30	$	3,379
Foreign governments		12,078		69		12,147		12,406		11		12,417
Corporate bonds		3,705		430		4,135		1,488		430		1,918
Other		342		57		399		304		51		355
	$	19,353	$	599	$	19,952	$	17,547	$	522	$	18,069

U.S. government obligations are rated AA+ or Aaa by the major rating agencies. Approximately ~~88%~~90% 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.

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

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, industrial products, agricultural products and coal. A summary of BNSF’s earnings follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter						Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
Railroad operating revenues	$	5,221		$	5,244		$	5,591		$	5,001		$	16,421		$	14,698
Railroad operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		1,164			1,225			1,168			1,105			3,477			3,306
Fuel		550			614			705			394			1,948			1,335
Purchased services		505			517			510			479			1,525			1,429
Depreciation and amortization		616			611			608			616			1,832			1,836
Equipment rents, materials and other		491			450			338			393			1,262			1,219
Total		3,326			3,417			3,329			2,987			10,044			9,125
Railroad operating earnings		1,895			1,827			2,262			2,014			6,377			5,573
Other revenues (expenses):
Other revenues		180			173			199			175			579			497
Other expenses, net		(158	)		(154	)		(176	)		(155	)		(514	)		(436	)
Interest expense		(258	)		(262	)		(256	)		(257	)		(775	)		(779	)
Pre-tax earnings		1,659			1,584			2,029			1,777			5,667			4,855
Income taxes		408			394			491			430			1,362			1,187
Net earnings	$	1,251		$	1,190		$	1,538		$	1,347		$	4,305		$	3,668
Effective income tax rate		24.6	%		24.9	%		24.2	%		24.2	%		24.0	%		24.5	%

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

	Cars/Units							Cars/Units
	First Quarter				Percentage			Third Quarter				First Nine Months				Percentage Change
	2021		2020		Change			2021		2020		2021		2020		Third Quarter			First Nine Months
Consumer products		1,393		1,207		15.4	%		1,425		1,390		4,307		3,766		2.5	%		14.4	%
Industrial products		399		460		(13.3	)		443		388		1,280		1,218		14.2			5.1
Agricultural products		318		285		11.6			265		293		896		855		(9.6	)		4.8
Coal		339		384		(11.7	)		404		360		1,127		1,036		12.2			8.8
		2,449		2,336		4.8			2,537		2,431		7,610		6,875		4.4			10.7

Railroad operating revenues increased 11.8% in the third quarter and 11.7% in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. Railroad operating revenues in 2021 reflected higher volumes of 4.4% in the third quarter and 10.7% in the first nine months, as well as a 5.3% quarter-to-date and a 0.3% year-to-date increase in average revenue per car/unit. Higher rates per car/unit and increased fuel surcharges, principally from higher fuel prices, were offset by business mix changes. Pre-tax earnings were $2.0 billion and $5.7 billion in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021, respectively, increases of 14.2% and 16.7%, respectively, compared to the corresponding 2020 periods. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant economic slowdown that adversely affected our volumes in 2020. Revenue changes were driven by continued improvements from the 2020 effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by the ongoing disruptions in the global supply chain.

Operating revenues from consumer products were $2.1 billion in the third quarter and $6.1 billion in the first nine months of 2021, increases of 11.2% and 16.3%, respectively, from 2020. Volumes increased 2.5% in the third quarter and 14.4% in the first nine months of 2021, with a higher average revenue per car/unit in both periods. The volume increases for the first nine months of 2021 resulted from growth in intermodal in both international and domestic shipments driven by increased retail sales, inventory replenishments by retailers and increased e-commerce activity, as well as from growth in automotive shipments.

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 decreased 0.4% in 2021 compared to 2020, reflecting increased volumes of 4.8%, offset by a 5.1% decrease in average revenue per car/unit resulting from business mix changes and lower fuel surcharge revenue driven by lower fuel prices. Pre-tax earnings were $1.7 billion in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 4.7% compared to 2020. The increase principally resulted from increased volume and lower operating expenses due to overall improved productivity.

Operating revenues from consumer products were $1.9 billion in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 7.1% from 2020. The increase reflected higher volumes of 15.4%, partially offset by lower average revenue per car/unit. The volume increase is the result of growth in both international and domestic intermodal shipments driven by increased retail sales and inventory replenishments by retailers, along with increased e-commerce activity. Automotive shipments declined primarily attributable to production impacts from a global microchip shortage.

Operating revenues from industrial products were ~~$1.2~~$1.4 billion in the third quarter and $3.9 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, ~~a decrease~~increases of ~~16.3%~~15.2% and 3.5%, respectively, from 2020. Volumes increased 14.2% in the third quarter and 5.1% in the first nine months, with a higher average revenue per car/unit in the third quarter and a lower average revenue per car/unit in the first nine months of 2021. The ~~decrease was attributable~~volume increases were primarily due to improvement in the U.S. industrial economy, driving higher volumes in the construction and building sectors, partially offset by lower petroleum volumes due to unfavorable market conditions in the energy sector.

Operating revenues from agricultural products decreased 10.4% in the third quarter to $1.1 billion and increased 7.1% to $3.6 billion in the first nine months of 2021, compared to the same periods in 2020. The revenue changes reflected volume decreases of 9.6% in the third quarter due to lower ~~volumes of 13.3%~~grain exports and lower average revenue per car/unit. The volume decrease was primarily driven by reduced production and demand in the energy sector, which contributed to lower 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 $1.3 billion~~Volumes increased 4.8% in the first ~~quarter~~nine months due to higher domestic and export grain shipments, higher volumes of ~~2021, an increase of 14.3% from 2020. The revenue increase reflected a volume increase of 11.6% in 2021 as compared to 2020, along with~~ethanol and related commodities and higher revenue per car/unit. ~~Volumes increased primarily due to higher grain exports.~~

Operating revenues from coal were ~~$686~~$867 million in the third quarter and $2.3 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, ~~a decrease~~increases of ~~10.4% compared~~33.2% and 18.5%, respectively, from 2020, attributable to ~~2020. The decrease reflected lower volume~~higher volumes of ~~11.7%, partially offset by~~12.2% in the third quarter and 8.8% in the first nine months, as well as from higher average revenue per car/unit. ~~The volume decline was primarily~~Volume increases in 2021 were attributable to ~~lower utility demand in the early part of the quarter, along with severe winter storms, which impacted deliveries.~~increased electricity generation, higher natural gas prices and improved export demand.

Railroad operating expenses were $3.3 billion in the third quarter and $10.0 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, ~~were $3.3 billion, a decrease~~increases of ~~$91~~$342 million ~~(2.7%~~(11.4%) and $919 million (10.1%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020. The ratio of railroad operating expenses to railroad operating revenues decreased ~~1.5~~0.2 percentage points to ~~63.7%~~59.5% in the third quarter and 0.9 percentage points to 61.2% in the first nine months of 2021 versus ~~2020. Railroad~~the 2020 periods. The increases in railroad operating expenses ~~in 2021~~ reflected ~~productivity improvements~~higher volumes and ~~lower~~higher average fuel ~~prices.~~prices, partially offset by productivity improvements.

Compensation and benefits expenses ~~decreased $61~~increased $63 million ~~(5.0%~~(5.7%) in the third quarter and $171 million (5.2%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. The ~~decrease was~~increases were primarily due to ~~fewer employees as a result of improved productivity.~~increased volumes, partially offset by productivity improvements. Fuel expenses ~~decreased $64~~increased $311 million ~~(10.4%~~(78.9%) in the third quarter and $613 million (45.9%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to ~~2020. The decrease was~~2020, primarily due to ~~lower~~higher average fuel ~~prices, lower gross ton mile~~prices. Purchased service expenses increased $31 million (6.5%) in the third quarter and $96 million (6.7%) in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to higher volumes and ~~higher fuel efficiency.~~the effects of insurance recoveries in 2020 related to 2019 flooding, partially offset by improved productivity. Equipment rents, materials and other expenses decreased $55 million (14.0%) in the third quarter, primarily due to a gain on land sale, and increased ~~$41~~$43 million ~~(9.1%~~(3.5%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020 ~~resulting from~~due to higher ~~miscellaneous taxes and property taxes.~~volume-related costs.

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’s natural gas pipelines consist of five domestic regulated interstate natural gas pipeline systems and a 25% interest in a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility in(“LNG interest”), which BHE operates and consolidates for financial reporting purposes. Three of ~~these~~the natural gas pipeline systems and the LNG interest were acquired on November 1, 2020 from Dominion Energy, Inc. (“BHE GT~~&S acquisition”~~&S”). 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.~~projects and investments. 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.

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

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).

	First Quarter						Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
Revenues:
Energy operating revenue	$	4,849		$	3,634		$	5,225		$	4,451		$	14,375		$	11,504
Real estate operating revenue		1,232			893			1,743			1,742			4,738			3,828
Other income (loss)		(157	)		(20	)		45			33			(91	)		60
Total revenue		5,924			4,507			7,013			6,226			19,022			15,392
Costs and expense:
Energy cost of sales		1,569			1,038			1,385			1,169			4,064			3,095
Energy operating expense		2,036			1,711			2,132			1,952			6,302			5,301
Real estate operating costs and expense		1,120			873			1,608			1,503			4,312			3,492
Interest expense		516			466			513			480			1,547			1,430
Total costs and expense		5,241			4,088			5,638			5,104			16,225			13,318
Pre-tax earnings		683			419			1,375			1,122			2,797			2,074
Income tax expense (benefit)*		(232	)		(201	)		(398	)		(412	)		(842	)		(778	)
Net earnings after income taxes		915			620			1,773			1,534			3,639			2,852
Noncontrolling interests		106			3
Noncontrolling interests of BHE subsidiaries								103			4			311			11
Net earnings attributable to BHE		809			617			1,670			1,530			3,328			2,841
Noncontrolling interests and preferred stock dividends		106			56			174			135			389			252
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	703		$	561		$	1,496		$	1,395		$	2,939		$	2,589
Effective income tax rate		(34.0	)%		(48.0	)%		(28.9	)%		(36.7	)%		(30.1	)%		(37.5	)%

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).

	First Quarter						Percentage			Third Quarter				First Nine Months						Percentage Change
	2021			2020			Change			2021		2020		2021			2020			Third Quarter			First Nine Months
PacifiCorp	$	169		$	176			(4.0	)%	$	333	$	286	$	728		$	629			16.4	%		15.7	%
MidAmerican Energy Company		144			150			(4.0	)		373		337		728			695			10.7			4.7
NV Energy		34			20			70.0			282		249		416			367			13.3			13.4
Northern Powergrid		104			87			19.5			83		26		162			172			219.2			(5.8	)
Natural gas pipelines		383			179			114.0			144		78		627			321			84.6			95.3
Other energy businesses		62			136			(54.4	)		230		207		521			527			11.1			(1.1	)
Real estate brokerage		84			10			740.0			102		177		321			246			(42.4	)		30.5
Corporate interest and other		(171	)		(141	)		21.3			123		170		(175	)		(116	)		(27.6	)		50.9
	$	809		$	617			31.1		$	1,670	$	1,530	$	3,328		$	2,841			9.2			17.1

PacifiCorp operates a regulated electric utility in portions of several Western states, including Utah, Oregon and Wyoming. ~~PacifiCorp after-tax~~After-tax earnings ~~decreased $7~~increased $47 million in the third quarter and $99 million in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 as compared to 2020. ~~The decrease~~These increases 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), lower operating expenses in the third quarter and increased income tax benefits from the impacts of ratemaking ~~and~~as well as higher production tax credits recognized on new wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service.

~~PacifiCorp utility margin was $818 million in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of $29 million compared to 2020.~~ The ~~increase reflected higher retail revenue derived from a 0.3% increase in customer volumes, higher wholesale revenue and lower purchased power costs,~~earnings increases were partially offset by higher ~~natural gas-fueled~~year-to-date operating expenses and ~~coal-fueled generation costs. Retail customer volumes~~lower allowances for equity and borrowed funds used during construction. The comparative changes in operating expenses reflected increased ~~due to an increase~~depreciation expense from the impacts of a deprecation study effective January 1, 2021, and additional assets placed in-service, offset by costs recognized in the ~~average number~~third quarter of ~~customers~~2020 associated with a settlement agreement and ~~the favorable impacts of weather, partially offset by lower customer usage.~~wildfires.

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

PacifiCorp’s utility margin was approximately $1.0 billion in the third quarter and $2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2021, increases of $6 million and $131 million, respectively, from the comparable periods in 2020. These increases reflected higher retail revenue from increases in customer volumes and higher wholesale and other revenue, partially offset by higher thermal generation and purchased power costs. Retail customer volumes increased 2.1% in the third quarter and 4.4% in the first nine months of 2021 as compared to 2020, primarily due to higher customer usage, a favorable impact of weather and an increase in the average number of customers.

MEC operates a regulated electric and natural gas utility primarily in Iowa and Illinois. After-tax earnings ~~decreased $6~~increased $36 million in the third quarter and $33 million in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. ~~The decrease~~These increases reflected higher ~~operating expenses, partially offset by~~electric utility margin and increased income tax benefits, ~~and other income.~~partly offset by higher operating expenses. The ~~increase~~increases in operating expenses included incremental costs associated with additional wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service ~~as well as~~and higher ~~electric and~~ natural gas distribution ~~costs.~~costs, partially offset by storm restoration costs recognized in the third quarter of 2020. The income tax benefit ~~increase was~~increases were mainly due to higher production tax credits recognized ~~from higher~~on new wind-powered ~~generation, driven primarily by new wind projects~~generating facilities placed in-service, partially offset by the impacts of ratemaking.

~~MEC~~MEC’s electric utility margin ~~increased slightly to $394~~was $691 million in the third quarter and $1.6 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, ~~compared to~~increases of 13% and 8%, respectively, versus 2020. ~~The increase was~~These increases were attributable to higher operating revenue from wholesale and retail customer volumes, ~~largely~~partially offset by higher thermal generation and purchased power costs. Electric retail customer volumes increased 5.6% in the third quarter and 6.5% in the first ~~quarter increased 4.9%,~~nine months of 2021 as compared to 2020, primarily due to ~~the favorable impacts of weather and~~ increased usage by certain industrial ~~customers.~~customers and the favorable impacts of weather.

NV Energy operates regulated electric and natural gas utilities in Nevada. After-tax earnings increased ~~$14~~$33 million in the third quarter and $49 million in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. ~~The increase~~These increases 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~~decreases in operating expenses ~~was~~were mainly due to lower ~~plant operations and maintenance costs,~~comparative accruals for earnings sharing, partially offset by higher depreciation expense from additional ~~plant~~assets placed in-service.

NV ~~Energy~~Energy’s electric utility margin ~~decreased $18 million to $305~~was $621 million in the third quarter and $1.3 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, decreases of 6% and 4%, respectively, compared to 2020. ~~The decrease was~~These decreases were primarily due to ~~lower operating~~ revenue reductions from lower base tariff general rates ~~at Nevada Power Company,~~and a ~~3.2% decrease~~favorable regulatory decision in 2020, partially offset by a 4.2% increase in electric retail customer volumes ~~including distribution-only service customers, and~~for the first nine months of 2021, price impacts from changes in sales ~~mix.~~mix and an increase in the average number of customers. The ~~decrease~~increase in electric retail customer volumes was primarily due to ~~the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by~~higher customer usage and the favorable impacts of weather.

Northern ~~Powergrid~~Powergrid’s after-tax earnings increased ~~$17~~$57 million in the third quarter and decreased $10 million in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 as compared to 2020. ~~The earnings increase~~These changes reflected the impacts of changes in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate, higher distribution revenue, mainly from increased tariff rates and units distributed, and from favorable foreign currency exchange rate movements in 2021. Earnings in the first nine months of 2021 included deferred income tax expense of $109 million related to the enactment in June 2021 of an increase in the income tax rate from 19% to 25%, effective April 1, 2023, while earnings in each period of 2020 included deferred income tax expense of $35 million related to the enactment in July 2020 of an increase in the income tax rate from 17% to 19%, effective April 1, 2020.

Natural gas ~~pipelines~~pipelines’ after-tax earnings increased ~~$204~~$66 million in the third quarter and $306 million in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. ~~The increase included earnings of $107 million~~Earnings in 2021 from BHE GT&S were $74 million in the third quarter and $247 million in the first nine months. In addition, year-to-date earnings increased from 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~~increased demand from the February 2021 winter storms.

Other energy ~~business~~businesses’ after-tax earnings increased $23 million in the third quarter and decreased $6 million in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~decreased $74 million~~ compared to ~~2020,~~2020. The third quarter earnings increase was mainly due to ~~lower~~higher operating revenue from a transmission investment. The decrease in year-to-date earnings was primarily due to a decline in wind tax equity investment earnings of ~~$93~~$48 million, partially offset by higher operating revenue from owned renewable energy projects. ~~Wind~~The decrease in wind tax equity investment earnings ~~decreased~~was primarily due to increased losses from ~~existing~~preexisting tax equity investments of ~~$138~~$123 million, ~~primarily due~~largely attributable to the February 2021 winter storms, partially offset by increased income tax benefits from projects reaching commercial ~~operation.~~

~~Real estate brokerage after-tax earnings increased $74 million in~~operation over the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020, attributable to significantly higher earnings from mortgage and brokerage services. The increase in earnings from mortgage services was attributable to higher refinance activity and the earnings increase from brokerage services was due to a comparative increase in closed transaction volumes of 35%.

Corporate interest and other after-tax losses increased $30 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to higher interest expense from corporate debt issued in 2020 and higher operating expenses.past twelve months.

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

Real estate brokerage after-tax earnings decreased $75 million in the third quarter and increased $75 million in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. The decrease in the third quarter reflected lower earnings from mortgage services due to a decrease in funded volume largely attributable to a decrease in refinance activity. The earnings increase during the first nine months was due to a comparative increase in closed brokerage transaction volumes in 2021.

Corporate interest and other after-tax earnings decreased $47 million in the third quarter and $59 million in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020, reflecting lower federal income tax credits recognized, changes in operating expenses (lower in the third quarter and higher in the first nine months) and higher interest expense from corporate debt issued in 2020, as well as higher earnings from non-regulated energy services.

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

	First Quarter						Percentage			Third Quarter						First Nine Months						Percentage Change
	2021			2020			Change			2021			2020			2021			2020			Third Quarter			First Nine Months
Revenues
Manufacturing	$	15,913		$	15,035			5.8	%	$	17,496		$	15,170		$	50,821		$	43,238			15.3	%		17.5	%
Service and retailing		19,580			18,777			4.3			21,291			19,319			62,143			55,351			10.2			12.3
	$	35,493		$	33,812					$	38,787		$	34,489		$	112,964		$	98,589
Pre-tax earnings*
Pre-tax earnings
Manufacturing	$	2,436		$	2,111			15.4	%	$	2,445		$	2,255		$	7,595		$	5,765			8.4	%		31.7	%
Service and retailing		1,041			623			67.1			1,102			875			3,413			1,950			25.9			75.0
		3,477			2,734						3,547			3,130			11,008			7,715
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		858			696						841			784			2,679			1,882
	$	2,619		$	2,038
Net earnings*										$	2,706		$	2,346		$	8,329		$	5,833
Effective income tax rate		24.2	%		25.1	%					22.9	%		24.4	%		23.7	%		24.0	%
Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues		9.8	%		8.1	%					9.1	%		9.1	%		9.7	%		7.8	%

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

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).

	First Quarter						Percentage			Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021			2020			Change			2021			2020			2021			2020
Revenues
Industrial products	$	6,672		$	7,358			(9.3	)%	$	7,192		$	6,173		$	21,050		$	19,320
Building products		5,628			4,857			15.9			6,374			5,672			18,404			15,497
Consumer products		3,613			2,820			28.1			3,930			3,325			11,367			8,421
	$	15,913		$	15,035					$	17,496		$	15,170		$	50,821		$	43,238
Pre-tax earnings
Industrial products	$	1,142		$	1,306			(12.6	)%	$	1,124		$	940		$	3,508		$	2,781
Building products		770			567			35.8			833			825			2,576			2,088
Consumer products		524			238			120.2			488			490			1,511			896
	$	2,436		$	2,111					$	2,445		$	2,255		$	7,595		$	5,765
Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues
Industrial products		17.1	%		17.7	%					15.6	%		15.2	%		16.7	%		14.4	%
Building products		13.7	%		11.7	%					13.1	%		14.5	%		14.0	%		13.5	%
Consumer products		14.5	%		8.4	%					12.4	%		14.7	%		13.3	%		10.6	%

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”)), specialty chemicals (The Lubrizol Corporation (“Lubrizol”)), complex 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, which consists of more than 100 autonomous manufacturing and service businesses, including equipment leasing for the rail, intermodal tank container and mobile crane industries, which are internally aggregated into ~~sectors (or “groups”~~eleven groups. The industrial products group also includes equipment and systems for the livestock and agricultural industries (CTB International) and a variety of industrial products for diverse markets (Scott Fetzer and LiquidPower Specialty Products).

Revenues of the industrial products group in 2021 increased $1.0 billion (16.5%). in the third quarter and $1.7 billion (9.0%) in the first nine months compared to 2020. Pre-tax earnings in 2021 increased $184 million (19.6%) in the third quarter and $727 million (26.1%) in the first nine months compared to 2020. Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues for the group were 16.7% for the first nine months of 2021, an increase of 2.3 percentage points compared to 2020.

PCC’s revenues were $1.6 billion in the third quarter of 2021, an increase of 6.6% over 2020, while revenues in the first nine months decreased 16.4% compared to 2020. Historically, PCC has derived significant revenues and earnings from aerospace products. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to material declines in commercial air travel and original equipment manufacturing (“OEM”) aircraft production in 2020. While commercial air travel in the U.S. increased in 2021, global demand remains below pre-pandemic levels, as efforts to manage the pandemic continue.

PCC’s pre-tax earnings increased $217 million in the third quarter and $445 million in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. The increases reflect the aggressive actions previously taken by management to resize and restructure operations. We do not expect significant increases in PCC’s aerospace revenues or earnings to occur in the near term attributable to relatively low aircraft build rates, inventory levels currently within the industry supply chain and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on commercial air travel.

Lubrizol’s revenues were approximately $1.6 billion in the third quarter and $5.0 billion in the first nine months of 2021, increases of 9.6% and 13.4%, respectively, over the same periods in 2020. The increases reflected higher average selling prices, driven by significant increases in materials and other manufacturing costs, as well as higher volumes in the first nine months. Sales volumes in the Additives product lines were negatively affected by severe winter storms in February 2021, which caused the temporary shut-down of several U.S. facilities, as well as other temporary production shut-downs in the third quarter of 2021.

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%~~76.9% in the third quarter and 39.0% in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. Earnings in ~~the first quarter of~~ 2021 were negatively impacted by significant losses related to a fire in June 2021 at a facility of Chemtool Incorporated, a Lubrizol subsidiary, located in Rockton, Illinois and impairment charges in the ~~weather-related~~third quarter related to an underperforming business in the Advanced Materials product lines. These losses and charges aggregated $73 million in the third quarter and $229 million in the first nine months of 2021. Earnings in 2021 were also negatively impacted by the effects of accelerating raw material costs and the previously mentioned temporary shut-down of Additives ~~facilities~~production, which resulted 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.~~incremental manufacturing costs.

Marmon’s revenues were ~~$2.1~~$2.6 billion in the third quarter and $7.2 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, ~~an increase~~increases of ~~$90 million (4.5%) over~~30.0% and 26.3%, respectively, compared to 2020. The ~~increase reflected~~revenue increases were primarily due to higher ~~revenues~~metal prices in the Electrical, Metal Services and ~~the~~ Plumbing & Refrigeration groups and higher volumes in most of Marmon’s other business groups, ~~primarily due to~~particularly those serving the construction, automotive, heavy-duty truck and restaurant markets. These increases were partially offset by the impact of ~~higher metals prices~~divestitures and ~~higher volumes. Partially offsetting these increases were lower revenues from~~business closures in the Water Technologies and Retail Solutions groups and a year-to-date decline in Rail & Leasing group ~~attributable to lower leased fleet utilization and lease renewal rates and to lower railcar sales and repair services.~~revenues.

Marmon’s pre-tax earnings in 2021 increased $106 million (38.3%) in the third quarter and $268 million (33.5%) in the first ~~quarter of 2021 decreased $17 million (5.8%)~~nine months compared to 2020. Earnings in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 reflected higher earnings across several business groups, partially offset by 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.~~groups.

IMC’s revenues were ~~$885~~$862 million in the third quarter and $2.7 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, ~~an increase~~increases of ~~5.1%~~23.4% in the third quarter and 22.2% in the first nine months compared to 2020. Revenues in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 reflected improving business conditions in most geographic regions and favorable foreign currency translation ~~effects and improving business conditions in many geographic regions.~~effects. IMC’s pre-tax earnings increased ~~25.3%~~59.4% in the third quarter and 63.6% in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 versus 2020, primarily attributable to ~~the favorable effects of~~higher customer demand, improved manufacturing efficiencies, ~~other~~ operating cost ~~savings~~management saving initiatives and favorable foreign currency ~~translation.~~translation effects.

The building products group includes manufactured and site-built home 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).

Revenues of the building products group increased $702 million (12.4%) in the third quarter and $2.9 billion (18.8%) in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. Residential housing construction in the U.S. was strong during 2020 and through the first nine months of 2021. However, the effects of persistent supply chain disruptions limited our sales and contributed to production delays and significant cost increases for key materials and inputs, including lumber, steel, petrochemical-based materials, energy, freight, labor and fixtures. These effects necessitated sales price increases.

Clayton Homes’ revenues were approximately $2.6 billion in the third quarter and $7.6 billion in the first nine months of 2021, increases of $317 million (13.7%) and $1.5 billion (24.5%), respectively, compared to 2020. Revenues from home sales increased $297 million (16.6%) in the third quarter and $1.4 billion (29.4%) in the first nine months of 2021, reflecting a net increase in units sold, increased revenue per home sold and changes in sales mix. Unit sales of site-built homes increased 22.7% in the first nine months of 2021, while factory-built manufactured home unit sales increased 4.5%. Unit sales of site-built homes declined in the third quarter of 2021 versus 2020, attributable to longer construction periods arising from supply chain constraints and labor shortages. Financial services revenues, which include mortgage origination and services, insurance and interest income from lending activities, increased 9.6% in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. Loan balances, net of allowances for credit losses, were approximately $18.3 billion as of September 30, 2021, an increase of approximately $1.2 billion compared to December 31, 2020.

Aggregate revenues of our other building products businesses were approximately $3.7 billion in the third quarter and $10.8 billion in the first nine months of 2021, increases of $385 million (11.5%) and $1.4 billion (15.0%), respectively, versus 2020. The increases were primarily due to higher average selling prices driven by higher input and supply chain costs, as well as higher unit volumes for paint and coatings and certain residential flooring, insulation and engineered products.

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

~~Revenues~~Pre-tax earnings of ~~the~~our building products group were relatively unchanged in the third quarter of 2021 versus 2020, while earnings increased ~~$771~~$488 million ~~(15.9%~~(23.4%) 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.

nine months. Pre-tax earnings of Clayton Homes were $391 million in the third quarter and $1.2 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, ~~an increase~~increases of ~~$190~~$52 million ~~(94.5%~~(15.3%) and $380 million (44.2%), respectively, compared to 2020. Earnings in the first nine months of 2021 reflected higher earnings from home sales, mortgage originations, net interest income and a decline of ~~$60~~$116 million in ~~provisions~~the provision for expected credit ~~losses.~~losses, partially offset by the impact of rising manufacturing and supply chain costs. The ~~provisions~~provision for expected credit losses in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2020 were unusually high and included provisions for the expected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The comparative decline in the provision for expected credit losses is due to fewer actual and anticipated loan foreclosures.

~~Aggregate revenues~~Pre-tax earnings of our other building products businesses ~~were approximately $3.3 billion~~declined $45 million (9.2%) in the third quarter and increased $108 million (8.8%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~an increase~~compared to the same periods in 2020. Earnings as a percentage of ~~7.3% versus 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher volumes for paint~~revenues decreased 2.7 percentage points in the third quarter 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~~0.7 percentage points in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~an increase~~versus 2020. While customer demand was generally strong, reduced availability of ~~3.4% over 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in revenues~~materials and other product inputs from supply chain disruptions negatively affected sales and operating ~~cost control efforts, partly offset by rising~~results. Higher materials costs, ~~and~~reduced availability of certain materials and freight services ~~from the adverse effects of supply chain disruptions~~ and ~~severe storms~~higher restructuring and impairment charges reduced our pre-tax margin rates 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)~~(Larson-Juhl) and jewelry products (Richline).

Consumer products revenues increased ~~$793~~approximately $605 million ~~(28.1%~~(18.2%) in the third quarter and $2.9 billion (35.0%) in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. Revenues from Forest River increased 24.7% in the third quarter and 45.3% in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020, ~~while pre-tax earnings increased $286 million (120.2%). Pre-tax earnings as~~driven by a ~~percentage~~year-to-date unit sales increase of ~~revenues increased 6.1 percentage points to 14.5%.~~37.5% in recreational vehicles. Revenues in 2021 were, in general, significantly higher at several of our other businesses that were severely impacted by the pandemic in the first half of 2020. Apparel and footwear revenues increased 18.5% in the third quarter ~~of 2021 increased significantly over 2020 at nearly all of our businesses. Revenues~~ and ~~earnings~~35.4% in the first ~~quarter of 2020 were negatively affected by the pandemic.~~

In the first quarter of 2021, revenues from Forest River increased 39.7% over 2020, driven by increased unit sales for recreational vehicles. Apparel and footwear sales increased 21.7% in the first quarternine months of 2021 compared to ~~the first quarter of~~ 2020, reflecting ~~strong~~significant comparative increases in unit sales, ~~growth from Brooks Sports (41.6%) and increased apparel volumes~~ attributable in part to inventory restocking by certain ~~customers. Duracell’s revenues~~customers and increased consumer demand.

Pre-tax earnings of our consumer products group were substantially unchanged in the third quarter and increased $615 million (68.6%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 versus 2020. Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues decreased 2.3 percentage points in the third quarter and increased ~~16.9% over~~2.7 percentage points in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. Earnings in the third quarter reflected higher earnings at Forest River offset by lower earnings from Duracell and the apparel and footwear businesses. The comparative increase in pre-tax earnings ~~was primarily~~for the first nine months reflected significant earnings increases at all of our businesses, driven by Forest River, the apparel and footwear businesses and Duracell. Our consumer products businesses are also experiencing cost increases attributable to ~~revenue increases from Forest River, Brooks Sports, Duracell, and the apparel businesses, as well as the impact of inventory obsolescence allowances that were recorded in the first quarter of 2020.~~supply chain disruptions.

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

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

	First Quarter						Percentage			Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021			2020			Change			2021			2020			2021			2020
Revenues
Service	$	3,605		$	3,358			7.4	%	$	4,131		$	3,068		$	11,718		$	9,093
Retailing		4,353			3,598			21.0			4,548			4,211			13,896			11,179
McLane Company		11,622			11,821			(1.7	)		12,612			12,040			36,529			35,079
	$	19,580		$	18,777					$	21,291		$	19,319		$	62,143		$	55,351
Pre-tax earnings
Pre-tax earnings (loss)
Service	$	590		$	425			38.8	%	$	696		$	470		$	2,013		$	1,155
Retailing		348			133			161.7			414			309			1,221			590
McLane Company		103			65			58.5			(8	)		96			179			205
	$	1,041		$	623					$	1,102		$	875		$	3,413		$	1,950
Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues
Pre-tax earnings (loss) as a percentage of revenues
Service		16.4	%		12.7	%					16.8	%		15.3	%		17.2	%		12.7	%
Retailing		8.0	%		3.7	%					9.1	%		7.3	%		8.8	%		5.3	%
McLane Company		0.9	%		0.5	%					(0.1	)%		0.8	%		0.5	%		0.6	%

Our service business group offers shared ownership programs for general aviation aircraft (NetJets) and high technology training products and services 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).

Service group revenues increased ~~7.4%~~$1.1 billion (34.6%) in the third quarter and $2.6 billion (28.9%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. Revenues from TTI increased 45.3% in the third quarter and 40.9% in the first nine months of 2021 versus 2020. The increases reflected accelerating demand across all significant markets, as customers attempt to maintain adequate inventories in response to high demand for components in end products and supply chain disruptions. Revenues from aviation services (NetJets and FlightSafety) increased 31.0% in the third quarter and 25.4% in the first nine months of 2021 over low 2020 levels, primarily due to higher training hours and ~~pre-tax~~significantly higher customer flight hours.

Pre-tax earnings of the group increased ~~$165~~$226 million ~~(38.8%~~(48.1%) in the third quarter and $858 million (74.3%) in the first nine months of 2021 versus 2020. Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues ~~were 16.4%~~increased 1.5 percentage points in the third quarter and 4.5 percentage points in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~an increase of 3.7 percentage points~~ compared to 2020.

~~Revenues~~ The increase in earnings for the third quarter was primarily due to TTI. Earnings at most of ~~TTI~~our service businesses increased ~~26.4%~~significantly in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~versus~~compared to 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 comparative increase in earnings reflected increased earnings at several of the service businesses,~~ with the ~~most significant~~largest increases from TTI and the aviation services businesses. The ~~increase~~increases in year-to-date earnings from NetJets and FlightSafety ~~was~~were primarily attributable to improved operating margins from higher volume, changes in business mix, ~~lower fuel and travel costs,~~ increased operating efficiencies and the effects of past restructuring efforts. TTI’s earnings ~~increase was~~increases were primarily attributable to the ~~increase~~increases in sales and 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. BHA ~~represented~~represents about ~~63%~~64% of our combined retailing revenues in the first nine months of 2021. BHA also operates two insurance businesses, two auto auctions and an automotive fluid maintenance products distributor. Our retailing businesses ~~also~~ include four home furnishings retailing businesses (Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey, Star Furniture and Jordan’s), which sell furniture, appliances, flooring and electronics and ~~represented~~represent about 21% of the combined retailing revenues in the first nine months of 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 increased ~~$755~~approximately $337 million ~~(21.0%~~(8.0%) in the third quarter and $2.7 billion (24.3%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. BHA’s revenues in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 increased 9.8% and 22.2%, respectively, over 2020, primarily due to increases in pre-owned vehicle unit sales, higher volumes of new auto sales in the first six months, and higher average selling prices. New auto unit sales declined significantly in the third quarter of 2021, reflecting inventory shortages caused by supply chain disruption at OEMs. Home furnishings group revenues increased 11.7% in the third quarter and 27.5% in the first nine months of 2021 as compared to 2020 attributable to higher consumer demand and ~~pre-tax~~higher average selling prices.

Pre-tax earnings increased ~~$215~~$105 million ~~(161.7%~~(34.0%). in the third quarter and $631 million (106.9%) in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. Operating results ~~of nearly all~~ of our retailing businesses were severely impacted by the pandemic beginning in March of 2020 and ~~continuing~~continued through the second quarter of 2020. Over the second half of 2020 and ~~continuing~~ through the first ~~quarter~~six months of 2021, revenues and pre-tax earnings of these businesses increased, and in certain instances increased to levels exceeding those in pre-pandemic ~~periods, despite ongoing supply chain disruptions.~~

~~BHA’s revenues~~periods. Results in the ~~first~~third quarter of 2021 ~~increased 17.4% from 2020, primarily due~~moderated somewhat relative to ~~a 21% increase in new and pre-owned vehicle sales, mainly attributable to higher volumes. Home furnishings group revenues increased $157 million (21.0%) in~~ the first ~~quarter~~six months reflecting the effects of ~~2021 over 2020, while aggregate revenues of our other retailing operations increased 36.9%.~~supply chain disruptions, which, in particular, worsened with respect to new automobiles.

BHA’s pre-tax earnings increased ~~$67 million over~~26.2% in the third quarter and 47.3% in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to increases in vehicle ~~gross~~ sales margins and earnings from finance and service contract activities, as well as from lower floorplan interest expense, primarily attributable to significant declines in inventory levels, and from operating cost control efforts. Aggregate pre-tax earnings for the remainder of our retailing group increased ~~$148~~$63 million in the third quarter and $447 million in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. The initial effects of the pandemic in 2020 were severe for most of our other retailers due to the restricted operations at many of those businesses during the first ~~quarter~~half of 2020. Results in 2021 also benefitted from relatively strong consumer demand and the effects of restructuring efforts in 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 typically comprise about two-thirds of McLane’s consolidated sales with foodservice comprising much of the remainder. A curtailment of purchasing by any of its significant customers could have an adverse impact on periodic revenues and earnings. The grocery and foodservice businesses ~~in particular,~~continue to operate in an intensely competitive business environment.

Revenues ~~decreased $199~~increased $572 million ~~(1.7%~~(4.8%) in the third quarter and $1.45 billion (4.1%) in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to ~~the first quarter of~~ 2020. Revenues from the grocery business ~~declined 5.3%,~~were relatively unchanged over the first nine months of 2021, while revenues from the foodservice and beverage businesses increased ~~4.4%~~10.9% and ~~20.2%~~21.1%, respectively, compared to the first nine months of 2020. The foodservice business was significantly impacted by pandemic-related restaurant closures in 2020.

Pre-tax earnings decreased $104 million in the third quarter and $26 million in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 compared to 2020. The decreases were primarily attributable to higher personnel costs and fuel expense. McLane’s operations have been adversely affected by supply chain disruptions, including shortages of truck drivers, affecting inventory and customer deliveries. There is increased ~~$38 million (58.5%) versus 2020.~~competition for drivers within the trucking industry. The increase in ~~earnings~~fuel expense was primarily due to increased earnings from the beverage business, ongoing cost management efforts and the effects of expected credit losses and inventory losses of $17 million recorded in the first quarter of 2020 attributable to ~~the pandemic.~~significant increases in petroleum prices.

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

	First Quarter						Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
Investment gains/losses	$	5,211		$	(68,882	)	$	4,851		$	31,625		$	37,235		$	2,032
Derivative gains/losses		489			(1,393	)
Derivative contract gains/losses								70			(43	)		780			(640	)
Gains/losses before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		5,700			(70,275	)		4,921			31,582			38,015			1,392
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		1,007			(14,658	)		1,043			6,845			8,036			627
Net gains/losses	$	4,693		$	(55,617	)
Net earnings							$	3,878		$	24,737		$	29,979		$	765
Effective income tax rate		18.8	%		20.8	%		20.7	%		21.3	%		20.9	%		35.1	%

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

~~We are required to include the unrealized~~Unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in market prices of investments in equity securities are included 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 the first quarter~~ included net unrealized gains of ~~$4.6~~$4.8 billion in the third quarter and $36.2 billion in the first nine months of 2021 ~~and~~compared to net unrealized ~~losses~~gains of ~~$68.5~~$30.8 billion in the third quarter and $16.5 billion in the first nine months of 2020 on securities we held at the end of the applicable period. Investment losses from market value changes in the first nine months of 2020 on equity securities sold in 2020 were $13.9 billion.

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 ~~$1.8~~$0.9 billion in ~~2021~~the third quarter and ~~$1.2~~$2.9 billion in ~~2020.~~

~~Item 2. Management’s Discussion~~the first nine months of 2021. Taxable investment gains on equity securities were $3.9 billion in the third quarter and ~~Analysis~~$0.7 billion in the first nine months of ~~Financial Condition and Results of Operations~~

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 the investment gains/losses 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. 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 ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021, the intrinsic value of our equity index put option contracts was ~~$211~~$83 million and our recorded liability at fair value was ~~$577~~$286 million. Our ultimate payment obligations, if any, under these contracts will be determined as of the contract expiration dates based on the intrinsic value as defined under the contracts.

	First Quarter						Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021			2020
Equity method earnings	$	214		$	256		$	310		$	244		$	665		$	346
Acquisition accounting expenses		(180	)		(202	)		(169	)		(195	)		(532	)		(593	)
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments								—			(19	)		—			(10,369	)
Corporate interest expense, before foreign currency effects		(80	)		(96	)		(75	)		(80	)		(232	)		(252	)
Foreign currency exchange rate gains on Berkshire and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar senior notes		525			175
Foreign currency exchange rate gains (losses) on Berkshire and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar senior notes								196			(412	)		676			(329	)
Income tax expense adjustments								—			(60	)		—			(60	)
Other		(6	)		200			87			32			76			363
	$	473		$	333		$	349		$	(490	)	$	653		$	(10,894	)

After-tax equity method earnings include our proportionate share of earnings attributable to our investments in Kraft Heinz, Pilot, Berkadia and Electric Transmission of Texas. Our after-tax earnings from Kraft Heinz were $168 million for the third quarter and $323 million for the first nine months of 2021. Our Kraft Heinz investment produced after-tax earnings of $142 million for the third quarter ~~were $135~~and an after-tax loss of $56 million for the first nine months of 2020, which included after-tax losses of $59 million in ~~2021~~the third quarter and ~~$99~~$611 million in ~~2020.~~the first nine months associated with goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz.

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 $9.8 billion attributable to impairments of goodwill and certain identifiable intangible assets recorded in connection with our acquisition of PCC in 2016.

Foreign currency exchange rate gains and losses pertain to Berkshire’s ~~outstanding~~ Euro and Japanese Yen denominated debt and 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 to the magnitude of the borrowings and the inherent volatility in foreign currency exchange rates.

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

Our consolidated balance sheet continues to reflect very significant liquidity and a very strong capital base. Consolidated shareholders’ equity at ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 was ~~$448~~$472 billion, an increase of ~~$4.8~~$29.3 billion since December 31, 2020. Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders were ~~$11.7~~$50.1 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 and included after-tax gains on our investments of approximately ~~$4.3~~$29.4 billion. Changes in the market prices of our investments in equity securities can produce significant volatility in our earnings.

At March 31, 2021, our insurance and other businesses held cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills of $138.1 billion, which included $115.3 billion in U.S. Treasury 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 $302.1 billion.

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

Berkshire parent company debt outstanding at March 31, 2021 was $21.0 billion, a decrease of $1.7 billion since December 31, 2020. In the first quarter of 2021, Berkshire repaid €550 million and $1.0 billion of maturing senior notes and issued €600 million of 0.5% senior notes due in 2041. In April 2021, Berkshire issued ¥160 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2026 to 2041 and a weighted average interest rate of 0.5%. Berkshire parent company debt maturities over the next twelve months are approximately $1.1 billion.

Berkshire’s insurance and other subsidiary outstanding borrowings were $18.6 billion at March 31, 2021, which included senior note borrowings of BHFC, a wholly-owned financing subsidiary, of approximately $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 railcar leasing business. In January 2021, BHFC repaid $750 million of maturing senior notes and issued $750 million of 2.5% senior notes due in 2051. Berkshire guarantees the full and timely payment of principal and interest with respect to BHFC’s senior notes.

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 quarter of 2021 were $1.9 billion and we currently forecast additional capital expenditures of approximately $8.5 billion over the remainder of 2021.

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 April 2021, BNSF issued $925 million of 3.3% debentures due in 2051. Outstanding borrowings of BHE and its subsidiaries were $52.2 billion at March 31, 2021, essentially unchanged since December 31, 2020. In April 2021, a BHE subsidiary issued $550 million of 3.4% term debt due in 2051. Aggregate debt maturities for BHE and BNSF over the next twelve months approximate $3.0 billion.

Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program, as amended, 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 Bills holdings below ~~$20~~$30 billion. Financial strength and redundant liquidity will always be of paramount importance at Berkshire. InBerkshire paid $20.2 billion in the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021 ~~Berkshire paid $6.6 billion~~ to repurchase shares of its Class A and B common stock.

At September 30, 2021, our insurance and other businesses held cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills of $144.4 billion, which included $116.6 billion in U.S. Treasury Bills. Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities (excluding our investment in Kraft Heinz) were $328.9 billion.

Berkshire parent company outstanding debt at September 30, 2021 was $21.8 billion, a decrease of $886 million since December 31, 2020, which was primarily due to the effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes on Euro and Japanese Yen denominated debt. In the first nine months of 2021, Berkshire repaid €550 million and $1.5 billion of maturing senior notes. In the first nine months of 2021, Berkshire issued €600 million of 0.5% senior notes due in 2041 and ¥160 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2026 to 2041 and a weighted average interest rate of 0.5%. Berkshire parent company debt maturing over the next twelve months is $600 million.

Berkshire’s insurance and other subsidiary outstanding borrowings were $17.9 billion at September 30, 2021, which included senior note borrowings of BHFC, a wholly-owned financing subsidiary, of approximately $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 railcar leasing business. In January 2021, BHFC repaid $750 million of maturing senior notes and issued $750 million of 2.5% senior notes due in 2051. BHFC debt maturing over the next twelve months is $775 million. Berkshire guarantees BHFC’s senior notes for the full and timely payment of principal and interest.

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 of 2021 were $6.7 billion and we currently forecast additional capital expenditures of approximately $3.1 billion over the remainder of 2021.

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 $23.3 billion as of September 30, 2021, relatively unchanged from December 31, 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, BNSF repaid $888 million of debt and issued $925 million of 3.3% debentures due in 2051. Outstanding borrowings of BHE and its subsidiaries were $52.1 billion at September 30, 2021, relatively unchanged from December 31, 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, BHE and its subsidiaries repaid $1.7 billion of term debt and issued $2.1 billion of term debt with a weighted average interest rate of 3.0% with due dates in 2051 and 2052, and short-term borrowings decreased by $318 million. Aggregate debt maturities for BHE and BNSF over the next twelve months approximate $2.4 billion.

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~~and will be recognized in future periods as the goods are delivered or services are provided. The timing and amount of the payments under certain contracts, such as insurance and reinsurance contracts, are contingent upon the outcome of future events and the actual payments will likely vary, perhaps materially, from the estimated liabilities currently recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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

In the first ~~quarter~~nine months of 2021, Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries issued term ~~debt. Such~~ debt ~~in U.S. Dollars, approximated $1.5~~of approximately $5.9 billion in the aggregate. Principal and interest payments associated with these borrowings are expected as follows: in 2021 – ~~$9.4~~$27 million; in 2022 through 2025 – ~~$22.3~~$121 million per annum; and thereafter – ~~$2.0~~$8.8 billion. In April 2021, Berkshire and certain subsidiaries issued term debt, which in U.S. Dollars aggregated $2.9 billion. Maturities for these issuances range from 2026 to 2051 and the debt has a weighted average interest rate of 1.925%.

Except as otherwise disclosed in this Quarterly Report, our contractual obligations as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 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, 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, 2020.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 includes estimated liabilities of ~~$121.6~~$125.5 billion for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance 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 ~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 included goodwill of acquired businesses of ~~$73.7~~$73.8 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 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.

As of ~~March 31,~~September 30, 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~~anticipate, 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 a reporting unit’s business, which we cannot reliably predict. Consequently, any fair value estimates in such instances can be subject to wide variations.

As of the most recent annual goodwill impairment review, the estimated fair values of certain reporting units did not exceed our carrying values by at least 20%. The most significant of these reporting units was Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”). The estimated fair value of PCC was approximately $35.5 billion, exceeding our carrying value of approximately $32.1 billion by 10.6%. Our carrying value of PCC included goodwill of approximately $7.5 billion. For the four other reporting units where estimated fair value did not exceed carrying value by at least 20%, their aggregate estimated fair value of approximately $1.5 billion exceeded our aggregate carrying value of approximately $1.4 billion by 10.0%. Our carrying value of these units included goodwill of approximately $600 million.

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

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

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, or 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,~~securities; losses realized from derivative ~~contracts,~~contracts; the occurrence of one or more catastrophic events, such as an earthquake, hurricane, act of terrorism or ~~cyber attack~~cyber-attack that causes losses insured by our insurance subsidiaries and/or losses to our business ~~operations,~~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,~~rates; changes in laws or regulations affecting our insurance, railroad, utilities and energy and finance ~~subsidiaries,~~subsidiaries; changes in federal income tax ~~laws,~~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 ~~March 31,~~September 30, 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, 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, 2020, to which reference is made herein. 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.

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
January
July
Class A common stock		1,534	$	348,488.65		1,534	*		938	$	420,100.50		938	*
Class B common stock		10,661,127	$	231.68		10,661,127	*		6,387,847	$	278.13		6,387,847	*

February
August
Class A common stock		1,959	$	362,748.29		1,959	*		868	$	430,704.66		868	*
Class B common stock		5,341,489	$	237.06		5,341,489	*		6,535,695	$	285.41		6,535,695	*

March
September
Class A common stock		1,113	$	396,162.91		1,113	*		1,323	$	419,236.93		1,323	*
Class B common stock		4,545,124	$	251.40		4,545,124	*		9,580,995	$	277.74		9,580,995	*

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 —	~~637,990~~619,938
Class B —	~~1,326,572,128~~1,303,476,707

		Page No.

Part I – Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets—~~March 31,~~September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020	2-3
	Consolidated Statements of Earnings—Third Quarter and First ~~Quarter~~Nine Months 2021 and 2020	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—Third Quarter and First ~~Quarter~~Nine Months 2021 and 2020	5
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—Third Quarter and First ~~Quarter~~Nine Months 2021 and 2020	56
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—First ~~Quarter~~Nine Months 2021 and 2020	67
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	~~7-22~~8-24
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	~~23-40~~25-45
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	4145
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	4145

Part II – Other Information		41

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	4145
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	4145
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities	4246
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	4246
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	4246
Item 5.	Other Information	4246
Item 6.	Exhibits	4347

Signature		4347


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


	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 ~~March 31,~~September 30, 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: ~~May 1,~~November 6, 2021		/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG
		(Signature)
		Marc D. Hamburg,
		Senior Vice President and
		Principal Financial Officer