8-KOther EventsExhibits & Filings

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Mar 13, 2020)

Filed March 13, 2020For Securities:BRK-BBRK-A

Summary

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) has filed an 8-K report detailing the issuance of new debt securities. On March 12, 2020, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. successfully issued €1,000,000,000 of 0.000% Senior Notes due 2025. This issuance was conducted under an existing shelf registration statement. Furthermore, on the same date, Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (BHFC), a subsidiary, issued $500,000,000 of 1.850% Senior Notes due 2030, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. These BHFC notes were also issued under the existing registration statement. The report also lists various exhibits, including underwriting agreements and legal opinions related to these debt issuances.

Key Highlights

  • 1Issuance of €1 billion in 0.000% Senior Notes due 2025 by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
  • 2Issuance of $500 million in 1.850% Senior Notes due 2030 by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (BHFC).
  • 3BHFC Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
  • 4Both issuances were made under a pre-existing registration statement on Form S-3.
  • 5The debt was issued under an Indenture dated January 26, 2016.
  • 6Significant underwriting syndicates, including major investment banks, were involved in the sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. issued €1,000,000,000 (approximately $1.1 billion at the time) of its own notes and its subsidiary BHFC issued $500,000,000 of notes, for a combined total of approximately $1.6 billion.

The filing does not explicitly state the reason for the debt issuance. However, companies typically issue debt to fund operations, acquisitions, capital expenditures, or to refinance existing debt. Given the timing in early March 2020, it could have been part of ongoing capital management or to ensure liquidity in a potentially volatile market.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. issued 0.000% Senior Notes due 2025 with a principal amount of €1,000,000,000. Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation issued 1.850% Senior Notes due 2030 with a principal amount of $500,000,000.

Yes, the $500,000,000 Senior Notes due 2030 issued by BHFC are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.