ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

Quantitative strategies, Wall Street-caliber research, and insightful market analysis since 1998.


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release

Berkshire’s operating results for the first quarters of 2025 and 2024 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 2025 and 2024 are summarized below. Earnings are stated on an after-tax basis. (Dollar amounts are in millions, except for per share amounts).

 

First Quarter

 

 

2025

 

 

2024

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders

$

4,603

 

$

12,702

Net earnings includes:

Investment gains (losses)

 

(5,038

)

 

1,480

Operating earnings

 

9,641

 

 

11,222

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders

$

4,603

 

$

12,702

Net earnings per average equivalent Class A Share

$

3,200

$

8,825

Net earnings per average equivalent Class B Share*

$

2.13

$

5.88

Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding

1,438,223

1,439,370

Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding

2,157,335,139

2,159,055,134

* Per share amounts for the Class B shares are 1/1,500th of those shown for Class A.

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 $7.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and $9.7 billion in the first quarter of 2024 due to changes during the first quarters of 2025 and 2024 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 $2.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and $11.2 billion in the first quarter of 2024.

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).

 

First Quarter

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

 

Insurance-underwriting

$

1,336

$

2,598

Insurance-investment income

 

2,893

 

2,598

BNSF

 

1,214

 

1,143

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company

 

1,097

 

717

Manufacturing, service and retailing businesses

 

3,060

 

3,088

Other*

 

41

 

1,078

Operating earnings

$

9,641

$

11,222

* Includes foreign currency exchange losses of approximately $713 million in 2025 and foreign currency exchange gains of approximately $597 million in 2024 related to non-U.S. Dollar denominated debt. Also includes interest and dividend income related to U.S. Treasury Bills and other investments not directly owned by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary or certain non-insurance operating companies of $869 million in 2025 and $303 million in 2024.

On March 31, 2025, there were 1,438,223 Class A equivalent shares outstanding. At March 31, 2025, insurance float (the net liabilities we assume under insurance contracts) was approximately $173 billion, an increase of $2 billion since yearend 2024.

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).

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.

— END —

Contacts

Marc D. Hamburg

402-346-1400

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.


 

IntelligentValue Home
Close Window

DISCLAIMER

All content herein is issued solely for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor should it be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell (short or otherwise) any security.  All opinions, analyses, and information included herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made including but not limited to any representation or warranty concerning accuracy, completeness, correctness, timeliness or appropriateness. We undertake no obligation to update such opinions, analysis or information. You should independently verify all information contained on this website. Some information is based on analysis of past performance or hypothetical performance results, which have inherent limitations. We make no representation that any particular equity or strategy will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. Shareholders, employees, writers, contractors, and affiliates associated with ETFOptimize.com may have ownership positions in the securities that are mentioned. If you are not sure if ETFs, algorithmic investing, or a particular investment is right for you, you are urged to consult with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Neither this website nor anyone associated with producing its content are Registered Investment Advisors, and no attempt is made herein to substitute for personalized, professional investment advice. Neither ETFOptimize.com, Global Alpha Investments, Inc., nor its employees, service providers, associates, or affiliates are responsible for any investment losses you may incur as a result of using the information provided herein. Remember that past investment returns may not be indicative of future returns.

Copyright © 1998-2017 ETFOptimize.com, a publication of Optimized Investments, Inc. All rights reserved.