8-KOther EventsExhibits & Filings

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Apr 17, 2025)

Filed April 17, 2025For Securities:BRK-BBRK-A

Summary

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) has filed an 8-K report detailing the issuance of a significant aggregate principal amount of Japanese Yen-denominated senior notes on April 17, 2025. This issuance includes six tranches of notes with varying maturities ranging from 2028 to 2055 and coupon rates from 1.352% to 3.117%. The total principal amount raised across these notes is ¥80,400,000,000. These notes were issued under a previously filed registration statement (Form S-3) and pursuant to an underwriting agreement with Merrill Lynch International and Mizuho Securities USA LLC. The issuance indicates Berkshire's ongoing strategy to diversify its funding sources and potentially hedge against currency fluctuations, given the denomination in Japanese Yen. Investors should note the varying interest rates and maturity dates, which reflect different market conditions and capital needs across the maturity spectrum.

Key Highlights

  • 1Issued ¥80.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of Japanese Yen-denominated senior notes.
  • 2Notes have staggered maturity dates from 2028 to 2055.
  • 3Coupon rates on the notes range from 1.352% to 3.117%.
  • 4Debt issuance occurred under a previously filed Form S-3 registration statement.
  • 5Underwriting was facilitated by Merrill Lynch International and Mizuho Securities USA LLC.
  • 6The issuance was made under an Indenture dated January 31, 2025.
  • 7This move suggests a proactive approach to capital management and potentially currency risk mitigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. issued a total of ¥80,400,000,000 (approximately $660 million USD, based on an approximate exchange rate of 120 JPY/USD) in aggregate principal amount of senior notes.

The company issued six tranches of senior notes: ¥48.6 billion due 2028 at 1.352% interest, ¥19.5 billion due 2030 at 1.593% interest, ¥3.5 billion due 2032 at 1.797% interest, ¥9.1 billion due 2035 at 2.090% interest, ¥6 billion due 2040 at 2.492% interest, and ¥3.3 billion due 2055 at 3.117% interest.

While the filing does not explicitly state the reason, issuing debt in foreign currencies like Japanese Yen can be a strategy to access diverse capital markets, potentially secure more favorable interest rates, or hedge against currency risks related to existing or future investments and operations in Japan.

The notes were issued on April 17, 2025. The underlying registration statement was filed on January 31, 2025, and the underwriting agreement was entered into on April 11, 2025, indicating planning and preparation leading up to the issuance date.