Sector: Financials|Industry: Insurance - Diversified|Market Cap: $1.10T|Employees: 392K
Berkshire Hathaway Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the insurance, freight rail transportation, and utility businesses worldwide. The company provides property, casualty, life, accident, and health insurance and reinsurance; and operates railroad systems in North America. It also generates, transmits, stores, and distributes electricity from natural gas, coal, wind, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear, and geothermal sources; operates natural gas distribution and storage facilities, interstate pipelines, liquefied natural gas facilities, and compressor and meter stations; and holds interest in coal mining assets. In addition, the company manufactures boxed chocolates and other confectionery products; specialty chemicals, metal cutting tools, and components for aerospace and power generation applications; flooring products; insulation, roofing, and engineered products; building and engineered components; paints and coatings; and bricks and masonry products, as well as offers manufactured and site-built home construction, and related lending and financial services. Further, it provides recreational vehicles, apparel and footwear products, jewelry, and custom picture framing products, as well as alkaline batteries; castings, forgings, fasteners/fastener systems, aerostructures, and precision components; and cobalt, nickel, and titanium alloys. Additionally, the company distributes televisions and information; franchises and services quick service restaurants; distributes electronic components; and offers logistics services, grocery and foodservice distribution services, and professional aviation training and shared aircraft ownership programs. It also retails automobiles; furniture, bedding, and accessories; household appliances, electronics, and computers; jewelry, watches, crystal, china, stemware, flatware, gifts, and collectibles; kitchenware; and motorcycle clothing and equipment. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders decreased from $(12,767) million in Q3 2023 to $26,251 million in Q3 2024. This represents a significant turnaround, but further analysis is needed to understand the drivers.
GEICO's pre-tax underwriting earnings improved significantly, while Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group's (BHRG) earnings declined due to higher losses and expenses. This indicates varying performance across different segments of the insurance business.
BNSF's railroad operating revenues increased from $5,719 million in Q3 2023 to $5,881 million in Q3 2024. This indicates a stable performance in the railroad segment, but further analysis is needed to understand the drivers of the increase.