<PAGE> 1
FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2000
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________________ to _____________________
Commission file number 001-14905
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 47-0813844
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification number)
incorporation or organization)
1440 Kiewit Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68131
----------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive office)
(Zip Code)
(402) 346-1400
--------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
----------------------------------------------------
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
YES [X] NO [ ]
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of May 1, 2000:
Class A --1,340,953
Class B --5,395,612
<PAGE> 2
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE NO.
--------
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Balance Sheets -- 2
March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999
Consolidated Statements of Earnings -- 3
First Quarter 2000 and 1999
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- 4
First Quarter 2000 and 1999
Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements 5 - 10
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 11 - 15
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 16
</TABLE>
1
<PAGE> 3
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions except share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, December 31,
2000 1999
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents .................................. $ 2,891 $ 3,835
Investments:
Securities with fixed maturities ......................... 29,949 30,222
Equity securities ........................................ 34,516 37,772
Other .................................................... 2,979 1,736
Receivables ................................................ 8,427 8,558
Inventories ................................................ 1,076 844
Assets of finance and financial products businesses ........ 29,892 24,229
Property, plant and equipment .............................. 2,034 1,903
Goodwill of acquired businesses ............................ 18,409 18,281
Other assets ............................................... 4,028 4,036
-------- --------
$134,201 $131,416
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ........................ $ 26,921 $ 26,802
Unearned premiums .......................................... 3,865 3,718
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities ........... 6,901 7,458
Income taxes, principally deferred ......................... 8,766 9,566
Borrowings under investment agreements and other debt ...... 2,354 2,465
Liabilities of finance and financial products businesses ... 27,781 22,223
-------- --------
76,588 72,232
-------- --------
Minority shareholders' interests ........................... 1,324 1,423
-------- --------
Shareholders' equity:
Common Stock: *
Class A Common Stock, $5 par value and Class B
Common Stock, $0.1667 par value ......................... 8 8
Capital in excess of par value ........................... 25,219 25,209
Accumulated other comprehensive income ................... 14,934 17,223
Retained earnings ........................................ 16,128 15,321
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity .............................. 56,289 57,761
-------- --------
$134,201 $131,416
======== ========
</TABLE>
* Class B Common Stock has economic rights equal to one-thirtieth (1/30) of the
economic rights of Class A Common Stock. Accordingly, on an equivalent Class A
Common Stock basis, there are 1,520,807 shares outstanding at March 31, 2000
and 1,520,562 shares outstanding at December 31, 1999.
See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
2
<PAGE> 4
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(dollars in millions except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
First Quarter
-----------------------------
2000 1999
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Insurance premiums earned ................................ $ 3,220 $ 3,070
Sales and service revenues ............................... 1,602 1,341
Interest, dividend and other investment income ........... 634 573
Income from finance and financial products businesses .... 282 59
Realized investment gain ................................. 736 403
---------- ----------
6,474 5,446
---------- ----------
COST AND EXPENSES:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses ............ 2,677 2,441
Insurance underwriting expenses .......................... 871 769
Cost of products and services sold ....................... 1,088 934
Selling, general and administrative expenses ............. 378 269
Goodwill amortization .................................... 122 118
Interest expense ......................................... 33 33
---------- ----------
5,169 4,564
---------- ----------
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST ......... 1,305 882
Income taxes ............................................. 464 327
Minority interest ........................................ 34 14
---------- ----------
NET EARNINGS ............................................... $ 807 $ 541
========== ==========
Average shares outstanding * ............................. 1,520,680 1,518,897
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE * ................................... $ 531 $ 356
========== ==========
</TABLE>
* Average shares outstanding include average Class A Common shares and average
Class B Common shares determined on an equivalent Class A Common Stock basis.
Net earnings per share shown above represents net earnings per equivalent
Class A Common share. Net earnings per Class B Common share is equal to
one-thirtieth (1/30) of such amount.
See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
3
<PAGE> 5
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
First Quarter
--------------------------
2000 1999
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Net cash flows from operating activities .............................. $ 276 $ (165)
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of investments ........................................... (6,645) (1,323)
Proceeds on sales and maturities of investments .................... 5,608 2,648
Loans and investments originated in finance businesses ............. (249) (149)
Principal collections on loans and investments originated in finance
businesses ....................................................... 360 228
Acquisition of businesses .......................................... (381) --
Other .............................................................. (66) (100)
-------- --------
Net cash flows from investing activities .............................. (1,373) 1,304
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses ..................... 73 94
Proceeds from other borrowings ..................................... 404 563
Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses ..................... (2) (12)
Repayments of other borrowings ..................................... (461) (575)
Other .............................................................. 49 (192)
-------- --------
Net cash flows from financing activities .............................. 63 (122)
-------- --------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ...................... (1,034) 1,017
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year* ....................... 4,458 14,489
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter* .................... $ 3,424 $ 15,506
======== ========
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes ....................................................... $ 13 $ 974
Interest of finance and financial products businesses .............. 213 31
Other interest ..................................................... 46 44
Non-cash investing activity:
Liabilities assumed in connection with acquisition of businesses .... 162 --
Contingent value of Exchange Notes recognized in earnings ........... 57 --
Value of equity securities used to redeem Exchange Notes ............ 145 --
* Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following:
Beginning of year --
Finance and financial products businesses .......................... $ 623 $ 907
Other .............................................................. 3,835 13,582
-------- --------
$ 4,458 $ 14,489
======== ========
End of first quarter --
Finance and financial products businesses .......................... $ 533 $ 1,299
Other .............................................................. 2,891 14,207
-------- --------
$ 3,424 $ 15,506
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
4
<PAGE> 6
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. GENERAL
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Berkshire consolidated with the accounts of all its subsidiaries.
Reference is made to Berkshire's most recently issued Annual Report that
included information necessary or useful to understanding of Berkshire's
businesses and financial statement presentations. In particular, Berkshire's
significant accounting policies and practices were presented as Note 1 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in that Report.
Financial information in this Report reflects any adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of
management, necessary to a fair statement of results for the interim periods in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
For a number of reasons, Berkshire's results for interim periods are not
normally indicative of results to be expected for the year. The timing and
magnitude of catastrophe losses incurred by insurance subsidiaries and the
estimation error inherent to the process of determining liabilities for unpaid
losses of insurance subsidiaries can be relatively more significant to results
of interim periods than to results for a full year. Realized investment
gains/losses are recorded when investments are sold, other-than-temporarily
impaired or in certain situations, as required by GAAP, when investments are
marked-to-market with the corresponding gain or loss included in earnings.
Variations in amount and timing of realized investment gains/losses can cause
significant variations in periodic net earnings.
In June 1999, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Accounting Standards No. 137 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities-Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133"
("SFAS No. 137"). FASB Statement No. 133 was discussed in Note 1 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements in Berkshire's 1999 Annual Report. SFAS No.
137 delays the effective date for implementing SFAS No. 133 and Berkshire will
adopt the requirements of SFAS No. 133 as of the beginning of 2001.
NOTE 2. INVESTMENT IN MIDAMERICAN ENERGY HOLDINGS COMPANY
On October 24, 1999, Berkshire entered into an agreement along with
Walter Scott, Jr. and David L. Sokol, to acquire MidAmerican Energy Holdings
Company ("MidAmerican"). On January 27, 2000, the transaction was approved by
the shareholders of MidAmerican. All regulatory approvals were subsequently
received and the transaction closed March 14, 2000. Pursuant to the terms of the
agreement, Berkshire invested approximately $1.24 billion in common stock and a
non-dividend paying convertible preferred stock of a newly formed entity that
merged with and into MidAmerican, with MidAmerican continuing as the surviving
corporation. Such investment gives Berkshire about a 9.7% voting interest and a
76% economic interest in MidAmerican on a fully-diluted basis. Berkshire
subsidiaries also acquired approximately $455 million of an 11% non-transferable
trust preferred security. Under certain conditions, for a period of up to seven
years subsequent to the transaction, Berkshire may be required to purchase up to
$345 million of additional trust preferred securities. Mr. Scott, a member of
Berkshire's Board of Directors, controls approximately 86% of the voting
interest in MidAmerican. Mr. Sokol is the CEO of MidAmerican.
Through its retail utility subsidiaries, MidAmerican Energy in the U.S.
and Northern Electric in the U.K., MidAmerican provides electric service to
approximately 2.0 million customers and natural gas service to 1.2 million
customers worldwide. MidAmerican manages, owns interests in and has under
contract approximately 9,700 net megawatts of diversified power generation
facilities in operation, construction and development.
Berkshire's investments in MidAmerican common and non-dividend paying
convertible preferred stock are included in the accompanying Consolidated
Balance Sheet as a component of other investments. Berkshire is accounting for
these investments pursuant to the equity method. Accordingly, Berkshire's
proportionate share of MidAmerican's net income is included in the Consolidated
Statement of Earnings as a component of interest, dividend and other investment
income.
The investments in MidAmerican's 11% trust preferred securities are
reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a component of investments in
securities with fixed maturities. Income derived from these investments is
included in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings as a component of interest,
dividend and other investment income.
5
<PAGE> 7
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 3. INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES WITH FIXED MATURITIES
Data with respect to investments in securities with fixed maturities
(other than securities with fixed maturities held by finance and financial
products businesses -- See Note 8) are shown in the tabulation below (in
millions).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, December 31,
2000 1999
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Amortized cost ............... $ 30,896 $ 31,429
Gross unrealized gains ....... 36 51
Gross unrealized losses ...... (983) (1,258)
-------- --------
Estimated fair value ......... $ 29,949 $ 30,222
======== ========
</TABLE>
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY SECURITIES
Data with respect to investments in equity securities are shown in the
tabulation below (in millions).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, December 31,
2000 1999
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Total cost ................... $ 10,162 $ 9,674
Gross unrealized gains ....... 24,487 28,229
Gross unrealized losses ...... (133) (131)
-------- --------
Total fair value ............. $ 34,516 $ 37,772
======== ========
Fair value:
American Express Company ..... $ 7,527 $ 8,402
The Coca-Cola Company ........ 9,388 11,650
The Gillette Company ......... 3,618 3,954
Other equity securities ...... 13,983 13,766
-------- --------
Total ........................ $ 34,516 $ 37,772
======== ========
</TABLE>
NOTE 5. DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITIES
The tax effects of significant items comprising Berkshire's net deferred
tax liabilities as of March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999 are as follows (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, December 31,
2000 1999
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
Relating to unrealized appreciation of investments ......... $ 8,172 $ 9,383
Other ...................................................... 1,417 1,252
-------- --------
9,589 10,635
Deferred tax assets ........................................ (1,087) (1,042)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax liabilities ............................... $ 8,502 $ 9,593
======== ========
</TABLE>
NOTE 6. COMMON STOCK
The following table summarizes Berkshire's common stock activity during
the first quarter of 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock
(1,650,000 shares (55,000,000 shares
authorized) authorized)
Issued and Outstanding Issued and Outstanding
---------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1999 ........... 1,341,663 5,366,955
Conversions of Class A Common Stock
to Class B Common Stock and other ... (665) 27,307
---------- ----------
Balance at March 31, 2000 .............. 1,340,998 5,394,262
========== ==========
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE> 8
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 6. COMMON STOCK (CONTINUED)
Each share of Class A Common Stock is convertible, at the option of the
holder, into thirty shares of Class B Common Stock. Class B Common Stock is not
convertible into Class A Common Stock. Class B Common Stock has economic rights
equal to one-thirtieth (1/30) of the economic rights of Class A Common Stock.
Accordingly, on an equivalent Class A Common Stock basis, there are 1,520,807
shares outstanding at March 31, 2000 and 1,520,562 shares outstanding at
December 31, 1999.
Each Class A Common share is entitled to one vote per share. Each Class
B Common share possesses the voting rights of one-two-hundredth (1/200) of the
voting rights of a Class A share. Class A and Class B Common shares vote
together as a single class.
NOTE 7. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Berkshire's comprehensive income for the first quarter of 2000 and 1999
is shown in the table below (in millions). Other comprehensive income consists
of unrealized gains and losses on investments and foreign currency translation
adjustments associated with foreign-based business operations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Net earnings ............................................... $ 807 $ 541
------- -------
Other comprehensive income:
Decrease in unrealized appreciation of investments ......... (3,536) (106)
Applicable income taxes and minority interests .......... 1,252 45
Foreign currency translation losses ........................ (25) (21)
Applicable income taxes and minority interests .......... 20 5
------- -------
(2,289) (77)
------- -------
Comprehensive income ....................................... $(1,482) $ 464
======= =======
</TABLE>
NOTE 8. FINANCE AND FINANCIAL PRODUCTS BUSINESSES
Assets and liabilities of Berkshire's finance and financial products
businesses are summarized below (in millions).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, December 31,
2000 1999
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents .................................. $ 533 $ 623
Investments in securities with fixed maturities:
Held to maturity, at cost ............................... 1,767 2,002
Trading, at fair value .................................. 15,066 11,277
Available for sale, at fair value ....................... 1,053 999
Trading account assets ..................................... 5,917 5,881
Securities purchased under agreements to resell ............ 2,502 1,171
Other ...................................................... 3,054 2,276
------- -------
$29,892 $24,229
======= =======
LIABILITIES
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ............. $15,052 $10,216
Securities sold but not yet purchased ...................... 1,448 1,174
Trading account liabilities ................................ 6,166 5,930
Notes payable and other borrowings ......................... 1,923 1,998
Annuity reserves and policyholder liabilities .............. 849 843
Other ...................................................... 2,343 2,062
------- -------
$27,781 $22,223
======= =======
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE> 9
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 9. BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
A disaggregation of Berkshire's consolidated data for the first quarter of
each of the two most recent years is as follows. Amounts are in millions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REVENUES
------------------------------
2000 1999
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING SEGMENTS:
Insurance:
GEICO * .................................................. $ 1,308 $ 1,101
General Re * ............................................. 1,680 1,551
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group * ................... 164 367
Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Group * .............. 68 51
Interest, dividend and other investment income ........... 654 603
------- -------
Total insurance revenues ................................... 3,874 3,673
Buffalo News ............................................... 37 37
Flight services ............................................ 508 431
Furniture .................................................. 337 191
International Dairy Queen .................................. 113 101
Jewelry .................................................... 102 86
Scott Fetzer Companies ..................................... 263 253
See's Candies .............................................. 59 65
Shoe group ................................................. 126 125
------- -------
5,419 4,962
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amounts:
Other revenues .......................................... 355 118
Realized investment gain ................................ 736 403
Purchase-accounting-adjustments ......................... (36) (37)
------- -------
$ 6,474 $ 5,446
======= =======
</TABLE>
* Represents insurance premiums earned
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE TAXES
------------------------------
2000 1999
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING SEGMENTS:
Insurance:
GEICO ** ........................................................... $ (86) $ -0-
General Re ** ...................................................... (273) (136)
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group ** ............................ 32 7
Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Group ** ....................... (1) 2
Interest, dividend and other investment income ..................... 651 600
------- -------
Total insurance operating profit ..................................... 323 473
Buffalo News ......................................................... 12 12
Flight services ...................................................... 58 52
Furniture ............................................................ 30 15
International Dairy Queen ............................................ (17) 10
Jewelry .............................................................. 5 2
Scott Fetzer Companies ............................................... 35 32
See's Candies ........................................................ 4 9
Shoe group ........................................................... 3 6
------- -------
453 611
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amounts:
Realized investment gain ........................................... 736 403
Interest expense *** ............................................... (24) (28)
Corporate and other ................................................ 298 61
Goodwill amortization and other purchase-accounting-adjustments .... (158) (165)
------- -------
$ 1,305 $ 882
======= =======
</TABLE>
** Represents underwriting profit (loss)
*** Excludes interest expense allocated to finance businesses and certain
identifiable segments
8
<PAGE> 10
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 10. INFORMATION ABOUT CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of OBH Inc. (formerly Berkshire Hathaway Inc.), which became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Berkshire upon completion of the General Re merger. Condensed
consolidated balance sheets of OBH Inc. are as follows (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 2000 Dec. 31, 1999
-------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents ....................................... $ 1,733 $ 2,661
Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities ............. 44,555 48,635
Assets of finance and financial products businesses ............. 19,820 13,369
Goodwill of acquired businesses ................................. 4,133 3,926
Other assets .................................................... 7,930 7,382
------- -------
$78,171 $75,973
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ............................. $10,540 $10,637
Unearned premiums, accounts payable and other liabilities ....... 4,702 4,743
Income taxes, principally deferred .............................. 8,823 9,689
Borrowings under investment agreements and other debt ........... 2,049 2,156
Liabilities of finance and financial products businesses ........ 18,222 12,094
------- -------
44,336 39,319
------- -------
Total shareholders' equity ...................................... 33,835 36,654
------- -------
$78,171 $75,973
======= =======
</TABLE>
Net earnings of OBH Inc. for the first quarter of 2000 and 1999 are
summarized below (in millions).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues ................................................... $4,259 $3,534
Cost and expenses .......................................... 3,061 2,768
------ ------
Earnings before income taxes and minority interest ......... 1,198 766
Income taxes and minority interest ......................... 432 258
------ ------
Net earnings ............................................... $ 766 $ 508
====== ======
</TABLE>
The summarized financial data of the finance and financial products
businesses (See Note 8) includes the activities conducted by the Scott Fetzer
Financial Group and its subsidiaries ("SFFG"). Assets and liabilities of SFFG
are summarized below (in millions).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 2000 Dec. 31, 1999
-------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents ............................................ $ 7 $ 1
Mortgage-backed securities, installment loans and other receivables* . 195 196
---- ----
$202 $197
==== ====
LIABILITIES
6 3/4% Notes, due 2001 and borrowings under investment agreements .... $138 $137
Other ................................................................ 28 27
---- ----
$166 $164
==== ====
</TABLE>
* Includes receivables from affiliates of $41 at March 31, 2000 and $40 at
December 31, 1999.
9
<PAGE> 11
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 10. INFORMATION ABOUT CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)
Net earnings of SFFG for the first quarter are summarized below (in millions).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues ............................... $ 10 $ 15
Cost and expenses ...................... 6 54
---- ----
Earnings(loss) before income taxes ..... 4 (39)
Income taxes ........................... 1 (14)
---- ----
Net earnings(loss) ..................... $ 3 $(25)
==== ====
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE> 12
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net earnings for the first quarter of 2000 and 1999 are disaggregated in
the table that follows. Amounts are after deducting minority interests and
income taxes. Dollar amounts are in millions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Insurance segments - underwriting .................................... $(212) $ (86)
Insurance segments - investment income ............................... 452 427
Non-insurance business segments ...................................... 79 84
Interest expense ..................................................... (14) (18)
Goodwill amortization and other purchase-accounting-adjustments ...... (142) (149)
Other ................................................................ 191 36
----- -----
Earnings before realized investment gain ........................... 354 294
Realized investment gain ............................................. 453 247
----- -----
Net earnings ....................................................... $ 807 $ 541
===== =====
</TABLE>
INSURANCE SEGMENTS -- UNDERWRITING
A summary follows of underwriting results from Berkshire's insurance
segments for the first quarter of 2000 and 1999. Dollar amounts are in millions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Underwriting gain (loss) attributable to:
GEICO .......................................... $ (86) $ -0-
General Re ..................................... (273) (136)
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group ........... 32 7
Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Group ...... (1) 2
----- -----
Pre-tax underwriting loss ........................ (328) (127)
Income taxes and minority interest ............... (116) (41)
----- -----
Net underwriting loss .......................... $(212) $ (86)
===== =====
</TABLE>
Berkshire engages in both primary insurance and reinsurance of property
and casualty risks. Through General Re, Berkshire also reinsures life and health
risks. In primary insurance activities, Berkshire subsidiaries assume defined
portions of the risks of loss from persons or organizations that are directly
subject to the risks. In reinsurance activities, Berkshire subsidiaries assume
defined portions of similar or dissimilar risks that other insurers or
reinsurers have subjected themselves to in their own insuring activities.
Berkshire's principal insurance businesses are: (1) GEICO, the sixth largest
auto insurer in the United States, (2) General Re, one of the four largest
reinsurers in the world, (3) Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group ("BHRG") and
(4) Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Group.
GEICO CORPORATION
GEICO Corporation through its affiliates ("GEICO") provides private
passenger auto insurance to customers in 48 states and the District of Columbia.
GEICO policies are marketed mainly through direct response methods, in which
insureds apply directly to the company for insurance coverage over the
telephone, through the mail or via the Internet. This is a significant element
in GEICO's strategy to be a low cost insurer and, yet, provide high value to
policyholders.
GEICO's pre-tax underwriting results for the first quarter of 2000 and
1999 are summarized in the table below. Dollar amounts are in millions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Premiums earned ........................ $ 1,308 $ 1,101
Losses and loss expenses ............... 1,131 895
Underwriting expenses ................. 263 206
------- -------
Net underwriting gain (loss) ......... $ (86) $ -0-
======= =======
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE> 13
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
INSURANCE SEGMENTS - UNDERWRITING (CONTINUED)
Premiums earned in the first quarter of 2000 were $1,308 million, an
increase of 18.8% over premiums earned in 1999. The increase in premiums in 2000
primarily reflects a 20.5% increase in voluntary auto policies in-force,
slightly offset by the effects of modest rate reductions taken in 1999 in
certain jurisdictions. Over the past twelve months, preferred auto policies in
force grew 16.2% and standard and non-standard policies in-force grew 38.9%.
In-force policy growth is largely attributed to ongoing marketing efforts and
competitive premium rates. Growth in policies in-force is expected to continue
to be strong during the remainder of the year. However, it is anticipated that
the rate of growth will decline modestly.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred during the first quarter of
2000 exceeded amounts incurred during the first quarter of 1999 by 26.4%. The
loss ratio, which measures the portion of premiums earned that is paid or
reserved for claims and claim handling expenses, was 86.5% in the first quarter
of 2000 compared to 81.3% a year ago. The loss ratio for 2000 reflects higher
frequency and severity of auto physical damage and personal injury protection
losses. The increases in frequency and severity of such losses were greater than
anticipated and contributed, in large part, to the level of net underwriting
losses incurred. In addition, losses incurred from catastrophe events added 1.3
percentage points to the 2000 loss ratio and 0.3 percentage points to the 1999
ratio.
Underwriting expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2000 exceeded
1999 by 27.7%. The ratio of underwriting expenses to premiums earned was 20.1%
in the first quarter of 2000 compared to 18.7% in the prior year. These
increases reflect additional advertising and costs related to new business
growth.
In response to increased losses in 2000, discussed above, GEICO
initiated steps to increase premium rates in certain states and expects to file
for additional rate increases in many other states over the remainder of 2000.
However, it takes six to twelve months for the full effect of a rate increase to
be reflected in premiums earned. GEICO expects to continue to incur high levels
of marketing costs over the remainder of 2000 in order to generate additional
policy growth. However, higher advertising costs and lower closure rates are
expected to produce higher unit costs of acquiring new business. Consequently,
ongoing underwriting losses are anticipated throughout 2000.
GENERAL RE
General Re and its affiliates conduct a global reinsurance business with
operations in the United States and 125 other countries around the world.
General Re's principal reinsurance operations are: (1) North American
property/casualty, (2) International property/casualty, and (3) Global
life/health. The international property/casualty operations are conducted
primarily through Germany-based Cologne Re and its subsidiaries. At March 31,
2000, General Re held an 88% economic ownership interest in Cologne Re.
General Re's consolidated premiums earned during the first quarter
totaled $1,680 million in 2000 and $1,551 million in 1999. General Re produced a
consolidated net underwriting loss for the first quarter of 2000 of $273 million
compared to a consolidated net underwriting loss of $136 million in 1999.
Current underwriting conditions in the reinsurance industry are generally
difficult. General Re's overall underwriting results during the first quarter of
2000 were unsatisfactory and reflected the effects of inadequate rates charged
in recent years, as well as higher international catastrophe and large property
losses. General and Cologne Re management is addressing these matters with the
objective of returning underwriting results to more profitable levels. However,
due to the inherent time lag between when pricing decisions are made and when
the effects of such decisions are evident in the financial statements,
underwriting results are likely to remain unsatisfactory during the remainder of
2000.
Results by General Re business segment follow.
North American property/casualty
General Re's North American property/casualty pre-tax underwriting
results for the first quarter of 2000 and 1999 are shown below. Dollar amounts
are in millions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Premiums earned ............................. $ 669 $ 632
Losses and loss expenses .................... 570 407
Underwriting expenses ....................... 186 254
----- -----
Net underwriting loss ....................... $ (87) $ (29)
===== =====
</TABLE>
North American property/casualty operations underwrite predominantly
excess reinsurance across multiple lines of business. For the first three months
of 2000, North American property/casualty earned premiums grew 5.9%. The most
significant increases occurred in the national and regional multi-line segments
as well as in the excess, surplus and individual risk businesses. These
increases were partially offset by decreases in the health care and small
multi-line segments.
12
<PAGE> 14
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
INSURANCE SEGMENTS - UNDERWRITING (CONTINUED)
North American property/casualty (continued)
First quarter 2000 North American property/casualty underwriting results
deteriorated from first quarter 1999. Underwriting results for the first three
months of 2000 included significantly less favorable development on loss
reserves established for previous years' casualty claims than in 1999. First
quarter 2000 current accident year results, while unsatisfactory, improved over
current accident year results for the first quarter of 1999. This improvement
resulted primarily from lower catastrophe and other large property losses
incurred during the quarter. Losses arising from catastrophic events and other
large property losses added 9.4% points to the loss and loss expense ratio for
the first three months of 2000 as compared to 11.7% points for the same period
of 1999.
International property/casualty
General Re's International property/casualty pre-tax underwriting
results for the first quarter of 2000 and 1999 are shown below. Dollar amounts
are in millions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Premiums earned .............. $ 611 $543
Losses and loss expenses ..... 562 425
Underwriting expenses ........ 215 175
----- ----
Net underwriting loss ........ $(166) $(57)
===== ====
</TABLE>
The international property/casualty operations write quota-share and
excess reinsurance on risks around the world. First quarter 2000 international
property/casualty earned premiums grew 12.5%. Before adjusting for the adverse
impact of foreign exchange rate changes during the first quarter, earned
premiums grew 23.9% in local currencies. The growth in earned premiums was
primarily attributed to premiums due from cedants to reinstate coverage as a
result of the fourth quarter 1999 European winter storm losses and growth in
both proportional and non-proportional casualty businesses at Cologne Re. Three
new contracts involving proportional motor business in Argentina and business
generated by DP Mann also contributed to the growth in earned premiums for the
first quarter of 2000.
Underwriting results of the international property/casualty segment for
the first three months of 2000 were very poor. The loss and loss expense ratio
for the first three months of 2000 was 92.0% compared to 78.3% for the
comparable period in 1999. The increase in the loss ratio during the first
quarter of 2000 was due to adverse development on the fourth quarter 1999
European winter storm losses and non-proportional casualty business in
Australia, higher frequency of large property losses and continued inadequate
premium rates in international property/casualty markets. Losses arising from
catastrophic events and other large property losses, including the
aforementioned adverse development, added 13.3% points to the loss and loss
expense ratio for the first three months of 2000 as compared to 6.6% points for
the same period of 1999.
Global life/health
General Re's Global life/health pre-tax underwriting results for the
first quarter of 2000 and 1999 are shown below. Dollar amounts are in millions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Premiums earned .............. $ 400 $ 376
Losses and loss expenses ..... 320 331
Underwriting expenses ....... 100 95
----- -----
Net underwriting loss ........ $ (20) $ (50)
===== =====
</TABLE>
The global life/health operations reinsure such risks worldwide. First
quarter 2000 global life/health earned premiums grew 6.4%. The growth in
premiums earned was primarily due to premium growth in U.S. and Asian life
businesses and increased health business in France and South Africa. The net
underwriting results for the first three months of 2000 and 1999 were
unsatisfactory primarily due to losses in the U.S. group health business.
13
<PAGE> 15
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
INSURANCE SEGMENTS - UNDERWRITING (CONTINUED)
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY REINSURANCE GROUP
Premiums earned in the first quarter were $164 million in 2000 and $367
million in 1999. In the first quarter of 1999, BHRG earned $284 million from a
single retroactive reinsurance contract. There were no premiums earned in 2000
from retroactive contracts. Otherwise, premiums earned from catastrophe
contracts increased in 2000, partially offset by a decline in other
non-catastrophe excess reinsurance premiums.
Berkshire's catastrophe reinsurance business produced first quarter net
underwriting gains of $23 million in 2000 and $13 million in 1999. The increased
premiums earned in 2000 from catastrophe policies were largely offset by larger
catastrophe losses incurred and higher underwriting expenses, primarily related
to policies that provided for refunds to policyholders based upon favorable loss
experience.
Net underwriting losses attributed to retroactive reinsurance and
structured settlement contracts were $41 million in 2000 and $18 million in
1999. These losses reflect the recurring recognition of time-value-of-money
concepts, the amortization of deferred charges and accretion of discounted
structured settlement liabilities. The increased amortization and accretion
charges in 2000 are attributed to several large retroactive contracts which were
written in 1999. Amortization and accretion charges over the remainder of 2000
are expected to increase considerably over the corresponding charges in 1999
periods.
Other reinsurance assumed business produced net underwriting gains of
$50 million in 2000 compared to $12 million in 1999. The increase in
underwriting gains in 2000 is due primarily to gains associated with the
commutation of certain non-catastrophe contracts during the first quarter of
2000.
INSURANCE SEGMENTS - INVESTMENT INCOME
After-tax net investment income produced by Berkshire's insurance and
reinsurance businesses for the first quarter of 2000 and 1999 is summarized in
the table below. Dollars are in millions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Net investment income before taxes and minority interests ....... $651 $600
Taxes and minority interests ................................... 199 173
---- ----
Net investment income ........................................... $452 $427
==== ====
</TABLE>
Pre-tax net investment income generated by Berkshire's insurance and
reinsurance operations during the first quarter of 2000 exceeded investment
income in 1999 by 8.5%. The increase is primarily attributed to increased levels
of taxable interest income, partially offset by lower amounts of tax-exempt
income.
Berkshire's insurance and reinsurance businesses produce considerable
amounts of investment income derived from shareholder capital as well as large
amounts of policyholder float. "Float" represents an estimate of the net balance
of funds currently available for investment, which are held by Berkshire but do
not belong to the Company. As of March 31,2000, consolidated float totaled
approximately $25.4 billion, up approximately $92 million from year-end 1999.
The annualized cost of "float" during the first quarter of 2000 was 5.2%, down
slightly from 1999's full year cost of 5.8%. Absent a mega-catastrophe, it is
anticipated that the cost will decline further during the remainder of the year.
Income taxes and minority interests as percentages of pre-tax investment
income were 30.6% for the first quarter of 2000 and 28.8% for the first quarter
of 1999. During 2000, the insurance group earned relatively higher amounts of
taxable interest in relation to tax-favored dividends and tax-exempt interest
income.
NON-INSURANCE BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Results of operations of Berkshire's diverse non-insurance business
segments for the first quarter of 2000 and 1999 are shown in the following
table. Dollar amounts are in millions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
------------------- -------------------
Amount % Amount %
------ ----- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues ................................................... $1,545 100.0 $1,289 100.0
Costs and expenses ......................................... 1,415 91.6 1,151 89.3
------ ----- ------ -----
Earnings before income taxes and minority interest ......... 130 8.4 138 10.7
Applicable income taxes and minority interest .............. 51 3.3 54 4.2
------ ----- ------ -----
Net earnings ............................................... $ 79 5.1 $ 84 6.5
====== ===== ====== =====
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE> 16
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
NON-INSURANCE BUSINESS SEGMENTS (CONTINUED)
Revenues from these several and diverse business activities during
2000's first quarter were greater by $256 million (19.9%) than revenues during
the corresponding 1999 periods. Significant increases arose in the Furniture
segment and the Flight Services segment. Furniture segment revenues for the
first quarter of 2000 include revenues from Jordan's Furniture (acquired in
November 1999) and CORT Business Services (acquired in February 2000).
Net earnings of these businesses in the first quarter of 2000 declined
slightly from the first quarter of 1999. Increased earnings in the Flight
Services and Furniture segments were more than offset by a decline in the
earnings of Dairy Queen and See's. Dairy Queen's first quarter 2000 results
include non-recurring pre-tax charges of approximately $27 million associated
with estimated costs to be incurred in connection with the settlement of
litigation (that pre-dated Berkshire's acquisition of Dairy Queen) by certain
franchisees and provisions for losses in connection with the bankruptcy of a
major supplier. See's earnings were lower due to the timing of Easter.
GOODWILL AMORTIZATION AND OTHER PURCHASE-ACCOUNTING-ADJUSTMENTS
Goodwill amortization and other purchase-accounting-adjustments reflect
the after-tax effect on net earnings with respect to the amortization of
goodwill of acquired businesses and the amortization of fair value adjustments
to certain assets and liabilities which were recorded at the acquisition dates
of certain businesses (principally General Re and GEICO).
Other purchase accounting adjustments pertain primarily to the
amortization of the excess of market value over historical cost of General Re's
fixed maturity investments that existed at the date of the merger. Such excess
is included in Berkshire's cost of the investments and is being amortized over
the remaining lives of the investments. The unamortized excess remaining in the
cost of fixed maturity investments totaled $870 million at March 31, 2000.
OTHER
Other activities not identified with business segments include a number
of finance businesses conducted through several subsidiaries. Pre-tax income
from finance and financial products businesses was $282 million in 2000 versus
$59 million in 1999. The increased income of these businesses during 2000 as
compared to 1999 was primarily attributed to net realized and unrealized gains
of investments classified as held for trading purposes. The net realized and
unrealized gains of these securities are included as a component of Income from
finance and financial products businesses in the accompanying Consolidated
Statements of Earnings. Accordingly, the level of income earned in a given
period is subject to considerable volatility.
REALIZED INVESTMENT GAIN/LOSS
Realized investment gain/loss has been a recurring element in
Berkshire's net earnings for many years. Such amounts -- recorded (1) when
investments are sold; (2) other than temporarily impaired; and (3) in certain
situations, as provided under GAAP, when investments are marked-to-market with a
corresponding gain or loss included in earnings -- may fluctuate significantly
from period to period, resulting in a meaningful effect on reported net
earnings. The Consolidated Statements of Earnings include after-tax realized
investment gains of $453 million and $247 million for the first quarter of 2000
and 1999, respectively.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Berkshire's balance sheet continues to reflect significant liquidity and
above average capital strength. Shareholders' equity at March 31, 2000, was
$56.3 billion, or $37,013 per equivalent share of Class A Common Stock.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Investors are cautioned that certain statements contained in this
document as well as some statements in periodic press releases and some oral
statements of Berkshire officials during presentations about Berkshire, are
"forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). Forward-looking statements include
statements which are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future
events or conditions, which include words such as "expects", "anticipates",
"intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions. In
addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including
future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or
prospects, and possible future Berkshire actions, which may be provided by
management are also forward-looking statements as defined by the Act.
Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections
about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions
about Berkshire, economic and market factors and the industries in which
Berkshire does business, among other things. These statements are not guaranties
of future performance and Berkshire has no specific intention to update these
statements.
Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or
forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. The
principal important risk factors that could cause Berkshire's actual performance
and future events and actions to differ materially from such forward-looking
statements, include, but are not limited to, changes in market prices of
Berkshire's significant equity investees, the occurrence of one or more
catastrophic events, such as an earthquake or hurricane that causes losses
insured by Berkshire's insurance subsidiaries, changes in insurance laws or
regulations, changes in Federal income tax laws, and changes in general economic
and market factors that affect the prices of securities or the industries in
which Berkshire and its affiliates do business, especially those affecting the
property and casualty insurance industry.
15
<PAGE> 17
FORM 10-Q
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
Exhibit 27 -- Financial Data Schedule
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
(Registrant)
Date May 15, 2000 /s/ Marc D. Hamburg
-------------------------- ------------------------------------
(Signature)
Marc D. Hamburg, Vice President
and Principal Financial Officer
16
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES CONTAINED IN FORM 10-Q AS
FILED HEREWITH, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-2000
<CASH> 2,891
<SECURITIES> 67,444
<RECEIVABLES> 8,427
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 1,076
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 0
<PP&E> 2,034
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 134,201
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 0
<BONDS> 2,354
0
0
<COMMON> 8
<OTHER-SE> 56,281
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 134,201
<SALES> 1,602
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 5,104
<CGS> 1,088
<TOTAL-COSTS> 4,636
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 33
<INCOME-PRETAX> 1,305
<INCOME-TAX> 464
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 807
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 807
<EPS-BASIC> 531
<EPS-DILUTED> 531
</TABLE>
