Summary
Berkshire Hathaway's first quarter 2013 report shows robust growth and a strengthened financial position. Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders surged to $4.89 billion, a significant increase from $3.25 billion in the prior year's quarter, driven by strong performance across its diverse business segments. This growth was propelled by substantial gains in insurance underwriting, particularly from the Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group, and continued solid earnings from BNSF railroad and the utilities and energy segment (MidAmerican). The company's balance sheet remains exceptionally strong, with consolidated shareholders' equity increasing to $198.1 billion. Berkshire Hathaway maintained significant liquidity, with $44.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents. Investment income, though slightly down year-over-year due to low yields on cash reserves, was supported by a substantial increase in realized investment and derivative gains, largely from equity index put options and equity securities. The company also made significant strategic moves, including committing to invest $12.12 billion in the acquisition of H.J. Heinz Company, underscoring its ongoing pursuit of value-adding acquisitions.
Financial Highlights
30 data points| Revenue | $43.87B |
| Operating Expenses | $36.57B |
| Operating Income | $5.88B |
| Net Income | $4.89B |
| EPS (Basic) | $2977.00 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 1.64M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders increased significantly to $4.89 billion for Q1 2013, up from $3.25 billion in Q1 2012.
- 2Shareholders' equity grew to $198.1 billion as of March 31, 2013, from $187.6 billion at the end of 2012.
- 3The company committed to invest $12.12 billion in the acquisition of H.J. Heinz Company, a major strategic move.
- 4Insurance underwriting businesses, particularly Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group, showed a substantial turnaround with a significant pre-tax underwriting gain of $1.39 billion, compared to $85 million in the prior year.
- 5BNSF railroad reported strong pre-tax earnings of $1.29 billion, up from $1.115 billion, driven by increased revenues from industrial and consumer products.
- 6Cash and cash equivalents remained robust at $44.0 billion, highlighting strong liquidity.
- 7Realized investment and derivative gains significantly boosted net earnings, largely from equity index put options and equity securities.