8-KOther EventsExhibits & Filings

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Jan 12, 2010)

Filed January 12, 2010For Securities:BRK-BBRK-A

Summary

This 8-K filing from Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) on January 12, 2010, reports on a significant debt issuance by its subsidiary, Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (BHFC). BHFC successfully completed an underwritten public offering of $1 billion in senior notes. This issuance comprises $750 million of 5.750% Senior Notes due 2040 and $250 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2012. Notably, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. itself fully and unconditionally guarantees these notes, providing a strong credit backing for investors. This event signals Berkshire Hathaway's strategy to raise capital through its financing arm, likely to support its diverse operations or to maintain liquidity. The issuance of both fixed and floating rate notes suggests a strategic approach to managing interest rate risk and funding needs across different maturities. Investors in these notes benefit from the robust financial strength and reputation of Berkshire Hathaway.

Key Highlights

  • 1Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (BHFC) issued $1 billion in senior notes.
  • 2The offering included $750 million of 5.750% Senior Notes due 2040.
  • 3The offering also included $250 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2012.
  • 4Berkshire Hathaway Inc. provided a full and unconditional guarantee for all issued notes.
  • 5The issuance was an underwritten public offering managed by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.
  • 6The notes were registered under a Form S-3 registration statement.
  • 7This action indicates Berkshire's proactive capital management and financing strategy through its subsidiaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation issued an aggregate principal amount of $1 billion in senior notes.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) provided a full and unconditional guarantee for all the notes issued by BHFC, meaning Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is fully responsible for the repayment of this debt.

The notes consist of two tranches: $750 million of 5.750% Senior Notes due 2040 (fixed rate) and $250 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2012 (floating rate).

This issuance demonstrates Berkshire Hathaway's ability to access capital markets efficiently through its financing subsidiary to fund its operations or strategic initiatives. The guarantee by the parent company underscores its financial strength and commitment to its obligations.