10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2013

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2013

Filed May 3, 2013For Securities:BRK-BBRK-A

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
Beta

Revenue

$43.87B

Net Income

$4.89B

11.2% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$2977.00

Total Assets

$442.30B

Cash & Equivalents

$49.09B

Free Cash Flow

$3.85B

Financial Statements
Beta
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The significant increase in net earnings to $4.89 billion was driven by a combination of factors, including a strong turnaround in insurance underwriting results, particularly at the Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group, robust earnings from the BNSF railroad, and substantial gains from investment and derivative activities, notably from equity index put options.

Berkshire Hathaway committed to invest $12.12 billion in the acquisition of H.J. Heinz Company, which is expected to close in the latter half of 2013, pending regulatory approvals. Additionally, the company is contractually obligated to acquire the remaining noncontrolling interests of Marmon Holdings, Inc. by March 31, 2014.

The insurance segment showed a strong performance. Underwriting results improved dramatically, with a pre-tax underwriting gain of $1.39 billion, a significant improvement from $85 million in the prior year's quarter. This was largely due to the absence of significant catastrophe losses and a notable gain from a life reinsurance contract amendment at BHRG, alongside solid results from GEICO.

Berkshire Hathaway maintained a strong liquidity position with $44.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2013. The company prioritizes financial strength and redundant liquidity, with repurchases of its own stock being contingent on maintaining at least $20 billion in cash equivalents.