BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC annual report, FY2016

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Business Context and Reporting Period

Company: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
Filing Type: Form 10-K (Annual Report)
Period Ended: December 31, 2016
Overview: Berkshire Hathaway is a holding company with diverse operations including insurance (GEICO, General Re, BHRG), freight rail (BNSF), utilities and energy (Berkshire Hathaway Energy), manufacturing, service, retailing, and finance. The company operates on a decentralized basis with minimal corporate involvement in day-to-day activities.

Key Financial Metrics

Metric 2016 2015
Total Revenues $223.6 billion $210.9 billion
Net Earnings (Attributable to Berkshire) $24.1 billion $24.1 billion
Net Earnings Per Share (Class A equiv.) $14,645 $14,656
Total Assets $620.9 billion $552.3 billion
Shareholders' Equity $283.0 billion $255.6 billion
Cash, Cash Equivalents & U.S. Treasury Bills $70.9 billion $61.2 billion
Notes Payable & Other Borrowings $101.6 billion $84.3 billion
Operating Cash Flows $32.5 billion $31.5 billion

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

  • Revenue Growth: Total revenues increased 6.0% to $223.6 billion, driven primarily by the inclusion of Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) and Duracell, and growth in manufacturing and service segments.
  • Earnings Stability: Net earnings remained flat at $24.1 billion. This stability was achieved despite a decline in railroad earnings and lower investment gains, offset by higher earnings from manufacturing (due to PCC) and insurance underwriting.
  • Insurance Underwriting: Pre-tax underwriting gains increased to $2.1 billion (from $1.8 billion in 2015), driven by strong performance from BHRG and General Re, partially offset by lower gains from primary insurance.
  • Railroad Performance: BNSF revenues declined 9.7% to $19.8 billion, and net earnings fell 16.0% to $3.6 billion due to a 5.0% decline in unit volume, particularly in coal and crude oil shipments.
  • Investment Gains: After-tax investment and derivative gains were $6.5 billion, down from $6.7 billion in 2015. This included significant non-cash gains from the P&G/Duracell exchange and the conversion of Dow preferred stock.
  • Acquisitions: Major 2016 acquisitions included Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) for approximately $32.7 billion and Duracell for approximately $4.2 billion (via stock exchange).

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

  • Capital Allocation: Management maintains a stock repurchase program allowing purchases up to a 20% premium over book value, provided cash holdings remain above $20 billion. No repurchases were made in 2016.
  • Capital Expenditures: Forecasted capital expenditures for BNSF and Berkshire Hathaway Energy are $8.6 billion for 2017, funded by operating cash flows and debt issuances.
  • Key Risks:
    • Key Personnel: Heavy reliance on Warren Buffett and Charles Munger for investment and capital allocation decisions.
    • Insurance Reserves: Significant uncertainty in estimating unpaid losses ($76.9 billion), particularly for long-tail casualty and retroactive reinsurance contracts.
    • Derivatives: Exposure to equity index put option contracts with a recorded liability of $2.9 billion; potential for significant cash settlement if equity markets decline prior to expiration (starting 2018).
    • Regulatory: Extensive regulation of insurance, railroad, and utility operations, including environmental mandates (e.g., Clean Power Plan) and safety regulations.
  • Subsequent Event: In January 2017, Berkshire entered a retroactive reinsurance agreement with AIG for a $10 billion premium, indemnifying AIG for up to $25 billion of losses.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Insurance Reserve Adequacy: Verify the development of the $76.9 billion in unpaid loss reserves, specifically the impact of retroactive reinsurance and long-tail casualty claims.
  • Investment Portfolio Concentration: Review the concentration of equity investments (approx. 60% in five issuers) and the potential volatility from unrealized gains/losses.
  • Derivative Liability Exposure: Assess the potential cash outflow from equity index put options if market indices fall below strike prices upon expiration.
  • Railroad Volume Trends: Monitor BNSF's freight volumes, particularly in coal and crude oil, which showed significant declines in 2016.
  • Acquisition Integration: Evaluate the financial integration and performance of PCC and Duracell in the 2017 reporting period.
  • Succession Planning: Consider the long-term implications of the advanced ages of key leadership (Buffett age 86, Munger age 93).