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Berkshire Hathaway Inc. reported its first-quarter earnings for 2024, revealing a significant decrease in net earnings compared to the same period in 2023. Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders were $12.7 billion, with investment gains amounting to $1.48 billion and operating earnings at $11.22 billion. Earnings per Class A Share were $8.825, while for Class B Share it was $5.88. The company also highlighted the importance of the 10-Q report for detailed investment judgment.
Reviewing Berkshire Hathaway’s first quarter earnings report for 2024, we see a significant decline in net earnings attributable to shareholders, from $35,504 million in Q1 2023 to $12,702 million in Q1 2024. This change is primarily due to a swing from $27,439 million in investment gains in 2023 to losses of about $9.7 billion in 2024. Notably, the operating earnings show a positive trajectory, increasing from $8,065 million to $11,222 million year-over-year. This suggests that the core businesses are showing resilience and growth, independent of the volatile investment results. Berkshire’s approach to separating operating results from investment gains/losses offers investors a clearer picture of the company’s underlying performance. Additionally, the company’s repurchase of shares indicates a belief that their stock is undervalued, which can be a positive signal to investors. However, the increased insurance-underwriting profit from $911 million to $2,598 million deserves attention, as it could signal improved efficiency or favorable market conditions.
From an investor’s standpoint, it is essential to understand the volatility in earnings reported by Berkshire Hathaway due to investment gains and losses. The disparity between investment results from 2023 to 2024 underscores the impact of market conditions on Berkshire’s portfolio. Long-term investors might take comfort in the company’s solid operating earnings growth, which reflects the underlying strength of their diversified set of businesses. The insurance float of approximately $168 billion is also noteworthy, as it represents significant interest-free capital that Berkshire can invest. It is critical for investors to differentiate between the unpredictability of investment gains/losses and the more stable operating earnings when evaluating Berkshire’s financial health.
The substantial increase in Berkshire’s insurance-underwriting profits is noteworthy. A jump from $911 million to $2,598 million could indicate a period of fewer claims, improved underwriting standards, or rate increases. The insurance float remaining stable at around $168 billion provides considerable capital that Berkshire can use for investments. This is a key competitive advantage in the insurance industry, as it allows Berkshire to generate additional income through investments while the float is not needed to cover claims. Investors should view this float as a strategic asset, pivotal to Berkshire’s value proposition in both the insurance market and its broader investment strategy.
OMAHA, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– (BRK.A; BRK.B) – Berkshire’s operating results for the first quarters of 2024 and 2023 are summarized in the following paragraphs. However, we urge investors and reporters to read our 10-Q, which has been posted at www.berkshirehathaway.com. The limited information that follows in this press release is not adequate for making an informed investment judgment.
Earnings of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries for the first quarters of 2024 and 2023 are summarized below. Earnings are stated on an after-tax basis. (Dollar amounts are in millions, except for per share amounts).
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First Quarter |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders |
$ |
12,702 |
$ |
35,504 |
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Net earnings includes: |
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Investment gains (losses) |
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1,480 |
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27,439 |
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Operating earnings |
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11,222 |
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8,065 |
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Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders |
$ |
12,702 |
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$ |
35,504 |
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Net earnings per average equivalent Class A Share |
$ |
8,825 |
$ |
24,377 |
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Net earnings per average equivalent Class B Share* |
$ |
5.88 |
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$ |
16.25 |
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Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding |
1,439,370 |
1,456,438 |
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Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding |
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2,159,055,134 |
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2,184,657,109 |
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* Per share amounts are 1/1,500th of those shown for Class A. |
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Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) require that we include the changes in unrealized gains/losses of our equity security investments as a component of investment gains (losses) in our earnings statements. In the table above, investment gains (losses) include losses of approximately $9.7 billion in the first quarter of 2024 and gains of approximately $23.4 billion in the first quarter of 2023 due to changes during the first quarters of 2024 and 2023 in the amount of unrealized gains that existed in our equity security investment holdings. Investment gains (losses) also include after-tax realized gains on sales of investments of $11.2 billion in the first quarter of 2024 and $1.7 billion in the first quarter of 2023. In 2023, investment gains also include a net remeasurement gain of approximately $2.4 billion related to Berkshire’s acquisition of an additional 41.4% ownership interest in Pilot Travel Centers.
The amount of investment gains (losses) in any given quarter is usually meaningless and delivers figures for net earnings per share that can be extremely misleading to investors who have little or no knowledge of accounting rules.
An analysis of Berkshire’s operating earnings follows (dollar amounts are in millions).
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First Quarter |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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Insurance-underwriting |
$ |
2,598 |
$ |
911 |
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Insurance-investment income |
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2,598 |
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1,969 |
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BNSF |
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1,143 |
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1,247 |
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Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company |
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717 |
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416 |
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Other controlled businesses |
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3,088 |
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3,065 |
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Non-controlled businesses* |
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405 |
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568 |
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Other |
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673 |
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(111 |
) |
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Operating earnings |
$ |
11,222 |
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$ |
8,065 |
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* Includes certain businesses in which Berkshire had between a 20% and 50% ownership interest. |
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Approximately $2.6 billion was used to purchase shares of Class A and Class B common stock during the first quarter of 2024. On March 31, 2024, there were 1,437,251 Class A equivalent shares outstanding. At March 31, 2024, insurance float (the net liabilities we assume under insurance contracts) was approximately $168 billion.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. The reconciliations of such measures to the most comparable GAAP figures in accordance with Regulation G are included herein.
Berkshire presents its results in the way it believes will be most meaningful and useful, as well as most transparent, to the investing public and others who use Berkshire’s financial information. That presentation includes the use of certain non-GAAP financial measures. In addition to the GAAP presentations of net earnings, Berkshire shows operating earnings defined as net earnings exclusive of investment gains (losses) and impairments of goodwill and intangible assets.
Although the investment of insurance and reinsurance premiums to generate investment income and investment gains or losses is an integral part of Berkshire’s operations, the generation of investment gains or losses is independent of the insurance underwriting process. Moreover, as previously described, under applicable GAAP accounting requirements, we are required to include the changes in unrealized gains (losses) of our equity security investments as a component of investment gains (losses) in our periodic earnings statements. In sum, investment gains (losses) for any particular period are not indicative of quarterly business performance.
About Berkshire
Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries engage in diverse business activities including insurance and reinsurance, freight rail transportation, utilities and energy, manufacturing services and retailing. Common stock of the company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading symbols BRK.A and BRK.B.
Cautionary Statement
Certain statements contained in this press release are “forward looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guaranties of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those forecasted.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240504932623/en/
Marc D. Hamburg
402-346-1400
Source: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
FAQ
What were Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s net earnings for the first quarter of 2024?
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s net earnings for the first quarter of 2024 were $12.7 billion.
What were the investment gains for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in the first quarter of 2024?
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s investment gains for the first quarter of 2024 were $1.48 billion.
What was the average equivalent Class A shares outstanding for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in the first quarter of 2024?
The average equivalent Class A shares outstanding for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in the first quarter of 2024 were 1,439,370.
Where can investors find more detailed information about Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s earnings?
Investors can find more detailed information about Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s earnings in the 10-Q report posted at www.berkshirehathaway.com.
What was the operating earnings for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in the first quarter of 2024?
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s operating earnings in the first quarter of 2024 were $11.22 billion.
