Berkshire Hathaway Inc. News Release

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A; BRK.B):

Berkshire’s operating results for the second quarter and first six months of 2016 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 second quarter and first six months of 2016 and 2015 are summarized below. Earnings are stated on an after-tax basis. (Dollar amounts are in millions, except for per share amounts).

			Second Quarter							First Six Months
			2016			2015				2016				2015
Operating earnings			$4,607			$3,890				$8,344				$8,134
Investment and derivative gains/losses –
Investments			380			236				2,759				299
Derivatives			14			(113	)			(513	)			744
			394			123				2,246				1,043
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders			$5,001			$4,013				$10,590				$9,177
Operating earnings per Class A equivalent share			$2,803			$2,367				$5,077				$4,951
Investment and derivative gains/losses per Class A equivalent share			239			75				1,366				634
Net earnings per Class A equivalent share attributable to Berkshire shareholders			$3,042			$2,442				$6,443				$5,585
Average Class A equivalent shares outstanding			1,643,745			1,643,084				1,643,616				1,643,018
Note: Per share amounts for the Class B shares are 1/1,500th those shown for the Class A.

An analysis of Berkshire’s operating earnings follows (dollar amounts are in millions).
			Second Quarter							First Six Months
			2016			2015				2016				2015
Insurance-underwriting			$337			$(38	)			$550				$442
Insurance-investment income			978			977				1,897				1,852
Railroad, utilities and energy			1,254			1,465				2,479				2,931
Other businesses			1,889			1,679				3,466				3,091
Other			149			(193	)			(48	)			(182	)
Operating earnings			$4,607			$3,890				$8,344				$8,134

In the table at the top of the page (which, as noted, reports after-tax results), we give investment and derivative gains (losses) lines of their own because the amount of these in any given quarter or year is often meaningless.

Since the beginning of the year, Berkshire’s shareholders’ equity has increased $7.5 billion and our book value per Class A equivalent share has increased by 2.9% to $160,009. Insurance float (the net liabilities we assume under insurance contracts) at June 30, 2016 was approximately $90 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 and derivative gains/losses.

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, under applicable GAAP accounting requirements, losses can be created as the result of other-than-temporary declines in value without actual realization or when certain types of investments are marked-to-market through earnings. In sum, investment and derivative 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, utilities and energy, freight rail transportation, finance, manufacturing, retailing and services. 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: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160805005731/en/

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
Marc D. Hamburg, 402-346-1400

Source: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

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