8-KOther Events

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC 8-K Report (Mar 12, 2004)

Filed March 12, 2004For Securities:BRK-BBRK-A

Summary

This Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) on March 12, 2004, primarily serves to furnish its 2003 Annual Report to Shareholders. The report was posted to the company's website on March 6, 2004, and includes key financial information as required by Item 12 of Form 8-K. Investors can access detailed financial data for the past five years, consolidated financial statements, and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for 2003 through this annual report. While this 8-K filing itself does not introduce new material events or immediate financial performance updates beyond referencing the annual report, it directs investors to a comprehensive overview of Berkshire Hathaway's financial health and operational performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. The company emphasizes that the information furnished in this report, including Exhibit 99.1 (the 2003 Annual Report), is not considered "filed" for certain regulatory purposes, meaning it doesn't automatically trigger liabilities under Section 18 of the Exchange Act or get incorporated into other filings without specific reference.

Key Highlights

  • 1Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has officially filed its 2003 Annual Report to Shareholders as an exhibit to this 8-K filing.
  • 2The 2003 Annual Report, posted online on March 6, 2004, contains crucial financial information for investors.
  • 3Key sections available through the annual report include 'Selected Financial Data for the Past Five Years,' 'Consolidated Financial Statements,' and 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.'
  • 4This filing serves as a notification to investors to consult the 2003 Annual Report for a thorough understanding of the company's financial performance and condition.
  • 5The company's Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Marc D. Hamburg, signed the report, indicating official corporate review.
  • 6Information furnished in this 8-K and the attached annual report is not deemed 'filed' for specific regulatory liabilities, such as under Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to formally furnish Berkshire Hathaway's 2003 Annual Report to Shareholders, which contains detailed financial statements and management's discussion on the company's performance and financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2003. The annual report was made available on the company's website prior to this filing.

You can find the detailed financial information for 2003 within the 2003 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this 8-K filing. Specifically, look for the sections titled 'Selected Financial Data for the Past Five Years,' 'Consolidated Financial Statements,' and 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.'

No, this 8-K filing does not report any new material events or business developments. Its primary function is to direct investors to the already-published 2003 Annual Report for financial and operational review. The company is essentially using this 8-K to satisfy regulatory requirements for providing access to this comprehensive annual disclosure.

When information is 'not deemed filed' under certain sections of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (like Section 18), it means that the company is not subject to the strict liability provisions associated with making false or misleading statements in those specific "filed" documents. This is a common disclosure practice for materials like annual reports furnished under an 8-K, distinguishing them from documents that are formally "filed" and carry greater regulatory implications for the issuer.