e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
|
|
|
þ |
|
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For
the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006
OR
|
|
|
o |
|
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
(Registrants 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 þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Act).
Yes o No þ
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 27, 2006:
Class A 1,124,908
Class B 12,525,653
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page No. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2-3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6-19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20-32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33-37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37-38 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 31 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications |
|
|
39-40 |
|
Exhibit 32 Section 1350 Certifications |
|
|
41-42 |
|
1
Part I Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(Audited) |
|
|
(Pro Forma)* |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance and Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
36,905 |
|
|
$ |
40,471 |
|
|
$ |
40,471 |
|
Investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturity securities |
|
|
24,283 |
|
|
|
27,420 |
|
|
|
27,420 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
55,564 |
|
|
|
46,721 |
|
|
|
46,721 |
|
Other |
|
|
925 |
|
|
|
1,003 |
|
|
|
1,003 |
|
Receivables |
|
|
13,621 |
|
|
|
12,397 |
|
|
|
12,372 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
5,386 |
|
|
|
4,143 |
|
|
|
4,143 |
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
8,993 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
25,748 |
|
|
|
22,693 |
|
|
|
22,693 |
|
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed |
|
|
2,092 |
|
|
|
2,388 |
|
|
|
2,388 |
|
Other |
|
|
6,175 |
|
|
|
4,937 |
|
|
|
4,937 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
179,692 |
|
|
|
169,673 |
|
|
|
169,648 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utilities and Energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
433 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
358 |
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
23,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,915 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
5,517 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,156 |
|
Other |
|
|
6,801 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,764 |
|
Investments in MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,075 |
|
|
|
4,125 |
|
|
|
20,193 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance and Financial Products: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
4,911 |
|
|
|
4,189 |
|
|
|
4,189 |
|
Investments in fixed maturity securities |
|
|
3,108 |
|
|
|
3,435 |
|
|
|
3,435 |
|
Loans and finance receivables |
|
|
11,308 |
|
|
|
11,087 |
|
|
|
11,087 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
951 |
|
|
|
951 |
|
|
|
951 |
|
Other |
|
|
3,957 |
|
|
|
4,865 |
|
|
|
4,865 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,235 |
|
|
|
24,527 |
|
|
|
24,527 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
240,002 |
|
|
$ |
198,325 |
|
|
$ |
214,368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
The Pro Forma Balance Sheet gives effect to the conversion on February 9, 2006 of MidAmerican
Energy Holdings Company (MidAmerican) non-voting cumulative convertible preferred stock into
MidAmerican voting common stock as if such conversion had occurred on December 31, 2005. See
Note 2 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. |
See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
2
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(Audited) |
|
|
(Pro Forma)* |
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance and Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
$ |
46,924 |
|
|
$ |
48,034 |
|
|
$ |
48,034 |
|
Unearned premiums |
|
|
7,793 |
|
|
|
6,206 |
|
|
|
6,206 |
|
Life and health insurance benefits |
|
|
3,399 |
|
|
|
3,202 |
|
|
|
3,202 |
|
Other policyholder liabilities |
|
|
4,020 |
|
|
|
3,769 |
|
|
|
3,769 |
|
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities |
|
|
9,820 |
|
|
|
8,699 |
|
|
|
8,699 |
|
Income taxes, principally deferred |
|
|
17,176 |
|
|
|
12,252 |
|
|
|
13,649 |
|
Notes payable and other borrowings |
|
|
3,690 |
|
|
|
3,583 |
|
|
|
3,583 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,822 |
|
|
|
85,745 |
|
|
|
87,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utilities and Energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities |
|
|
7,175 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,780 |
|
Notes payable and other borrowings |
|
|
16,485 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,296 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,076 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance and Financial Products: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative contract liabilities |
|
|
4,615 |
|
|
|
5,061 |
|
|
|
5,061 |
|
Notes payable and other borrowings |
|
|
10,795 |
|
|
|
10,868 |
|
|
|
10,868 |
|
Other |
|
|
3,730 |
|
|
|
4,351 |
|
|
|
4,351 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,140 |
|
|
|
20,280 |
|
|
|
20,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
135,622 |
|
|
|
106,025 |
|
|
|
121,498 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority shareholders interests |
|
|
2,136 |
|
|
|
816 |
|
|
|
1,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock Class A, $5 par value; Class B, $0.1667 par value |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Capital in excess of par value |
|
|
26,498 |
|
|
|
26,399 |
|
|
|
26,399 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
20,409 |
|
|
|
17,360 |
|
|
|
17,360 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
55,329 |
|
|
|
47,717 |
|
|
|
47,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity |
|
|
102,244 |
|
|
|
91,484 |
|
|
|
91,484 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
240,002 |
|
|
$ |
198,325 |
|
|
$ |
214,368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
The Pro Forma Balance Sheet gives effect to the conversion on February 9, 2006 of MidAmerican
Energy Holdings Company (MidAmerican) non-voting cumulative convertible preferred stock into
MidAmerican voting common stock as if such conversion had occurred on December 31, 2005. See
Note 2 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. |
See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
3
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(dollars in millions except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance and Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance premiums earned |
|
$ |
6,359 |
|
|
$ |
5,779 |
|
|
$ |
17,717 |
|
|
$ |
16,306 |
|
Sales and service revenues |
|
|
13,514 |
|
|
|
11,947 |
|
|
|
38,242 |
|
|
|
33,793 |
|
Interest, dividend and other investment income |
|
|
1,117 |
|
|
|
903 |
|
|
|
3,272 |
|
|
|
2,539 |
|
Investment gains/losses |
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
269 |
|
|
|
887 |
|
|
|
667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,268 |
|
|
|
18,898 |
|
|
|
60,118 |
|
|
|
53,305 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utilities and Energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
|
2,780 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,452 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other revenues |
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,849 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance and Financial Products: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
376 |
|
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
|
1,144 |
|
Investment gains/losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
325 |
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
480 |
|
Derivative gains/losses |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
534 |
|
|
|
(838 |
) |
Other |
|
|
854 |
|
|
|
821 |
|
|
|
2,618 |
|
|
|
2,204 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,243 |
|
|
|
1,635 |
|
|
|
4,460 |
|
|
|
2,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,360 |
|
|
|
20,533 |
|
|
|
72,308 |
|
|
|
56,295 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance and Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses |
|
|
3,204 |
|
|
|
6,017 |
|
|
|
10,071 |
|
|
|
12,210 |
|
Life and health insurance benefits |
|
|
356 |
|
|
|
427 |
|
|
|
1,152 |
|
|
|
1,249 |
|
Insurance underwriting expenses |
|
|
1,372 |
|
|
|
1,132 |
|
|
|
3,979 |
|
|
|
3,574 |
|
Cost of sales and services |
|
|
11,110 |
|
|
|
9,973 |
|
|
|
31,530 |
|
|
|
28,086 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
1,560 |
|
|
|
1,289 |
|
|
|
4,378 |
|
|
|
3,822 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
150 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,662 |
|
|
|
18,877 |
|
|
|
51,260 |
|
|
|
49,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utilities and Energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales and operating expenses |
|
|
2,167 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,908 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
710 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,433 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,618 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance and Financial Products: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
411 |
|
|
|
445 |
|
Other |
|
|
827 |
|
|
|
808 |
|
|
|
2,503 |
|
|
|
2,220 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
964 |
|
|
|
962 |
|
|
|
2,914 |
|
|
|
2,665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,059 |
|
|
|
19,839 |
|
|
|
60,792 |
|
|
|
51,715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company |
|
|
4,301 |
|
|
|
694 |
|
|
|
11,516 |
|
|
|
4,580 |
|
Equity in earnings of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
382 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before income taxes and minority interests |
|
|
4,301 |
|
|
|
835 |
|
|
|
11,516 |
|
|
|
4,962 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
1,451 |
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
3,901 |
|
|
|
1,523 |
|
Minority shareholders interests |
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
2,772 |
|
|
$ |
586 |
|
|
$ |
7,432 |
|
|
$ |
3,398 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average common shares outstanding * |
|
|
1,542,173 |
|
|
|
1,539,898 |
|
|
|
1,541,581 |
|
|
|
1,539,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings per common share * |
|
$ |
1,797 |
|
|
$ |
381 |
|
|
$ |
4,821 |
|
|
$ |
2,207 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
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
4
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
Net cash flows from operating activities |
|
$ |
7,882 |
|
|
$ |
5,653 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of securities with fixed maturities |
|
|
(6,341 |
) |
|
|
(6,354 |
) |
Purchases of equity securities |
|
|
(6,430 |
) |
|
|
(6,303 |
) |
Sales of securities with fixed maturities |
|
|
1,886 |
|
|
|
2,146 |
|
Redemptions and maturities of securities with fixed maturities |
|
|
8,577 |
|
|
|
3,897 |
|
Sales of equity securities |
|
|
2,527 |
|
|
|
1,112 |
|
Purchases of loans and finance receivables |
|
|
(246 |
) |
|
|
(1,971 |
) |
Principal collections on loans and finance receivables |
|
|
801 |
|
|
|
1,382 |
|
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired |
|
|
(10,137 |
) |
|
|
(1,822 |
) |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
(3,141 |
) |
|
|
(1,052 |
) |
Other |
|
|
742 |
|
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
(11,762 |
) |
|
|
(8,373 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses |
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
5,246 |
|
Proceeds from borrowings of utilities and energy businesses |
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from other borrowings |
|
|
203 |
|
|
|
469 |
|
Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses |
|
|
(268 |
) |
|
|
(74 |
) |
Repayments of borrowings of utilities and energy businesses |
|
|
(257 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Repayments of other borrowings |
|
|
(954 |
) |
|
|
(572 |
) |
Change in short term borrowings |
|
|
245 |
|
|
|
212 |
|
Other |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
1,111 |
|
|
|
5,325 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(2,769 |
) |
|
|
2,605 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year * |
|
|
45,018 |
|
|
|
43,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first nine months * |
|
$ |
42,249 |
|
|
$ |
46,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
$ |
3,600 |
|
|
$ |
2,595 |
|
Interest of finance and financial products businesses |
|
|
397 |
|
|
|
379 |
|
Interest of utilities and energy businesses |
|
|
633 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest of insurance and other businesses |
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance and Other |
|
$ |
40,471 |
|
|
$ |
40,020 |
|
Utilities and Energy |
|
|
358 |
|
|
|
|
|
Finance and Financial Products |
|
|
4,189 |
|
|
|
3,407 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
45,018 |
|
|
$ |
43,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of first nine months |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance and Other |
|
$ |
36,905 |
|
|
$ |
41,143 |
|
Utilities and Energy |
|
|
433 |
|
|
|
|
|
Finance and Financial Products |
|
|
4,911 |
|
|
|
4,889 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
42,249 |
|
|
$ |
46,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
5
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2006
Note 1. General
The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Berkshire
Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire or Company) consolidated with the accounts of all its subsidiaries and
affiliates in which Berkshire holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement
date. Reference is made to Berkshires most recently issued Annual Report on Form 10-K (Annual
Report) that included information necessary or useful to understanding Berkshires businesses and
financial statement presentations. In particular, Berkshires significant accounting policies and
practices were presented as Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual
Report. Certain amounts in 2005 have been reclassified to conform with the current year
presentation. 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
(GAAP).
For a number of reasons, Berkshires 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. Investment gains/losses are recorded when
investments are sold, other-than-temporarily impaired or in instances as required under GAAP, when
investments are marked-to-market. Variations in the amounts and timing of investment gains/losses
can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.
On February 9, 2006, Berkshire converted its investment in MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company
(MidAmerican) non-voting convertible preferred stock into MidAmerican common stock and upon
conversion, owned approximately 83.4% (80.5% diluted) of both the voting and economic interest of
MidAmerican. Although Berkshires economic interests in MidAmerican were unaffected by the
conversion, Berkshire now controls MidAmerican for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2006 and the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and
Cash Flows for the first nine months of 2006 reflect the consolidation of MidAmerican as of January
1, 2006. For periods prior to 2006, Berkshire accounted for its investments in MidAmerican pursuant
to the equity method. Berkshires share of MidAmericans earnings under consolidated financial
reporting does not differ from its share of MidAmericans earnings under the equity method. Due to
the significance of this change on Berkshires Consolidated Financial Statement presentations, an
unaudited pro forma balance sheet as of December 31, 2005 has been included on the face of the
accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets reflecting the consolidation of MidAmerican. Berkshire
management believes that such unaudited pro forma information is meaningful and relevant to
investors, creditors and other financial statement users.
Note 2. MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company
MidAmerican owns a combined regulated electric and natural gas utility company in the United
States (MidAmerican Energy Company), a regulated electric utility company in the United States
(PacifiCorp which was acquired March 21, 2006 see Note 3 to these Interim Consolidated Financial
Statements), two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States (Kern River and
Northern Natural Gas), two electricity distribution companies in the United Kingdom (Northern
Electric and Yorkshire Electricity), a diversified portfolio of domestic and international electric
power projects and the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States
(HomeServices). Collectively this group of businesses is referred to as Berkshires utilities and
energy businesses.
During 2005, Berkshire possessed the ability to exercise significant influence on the
operations of MidAmerican through its investments in common and convertible preferred stock of
MidAmerican. The convertible preferred stock, although generally non-voting, was substantially an
identical subordinate interest to a share of common stock and economically equivalent to common
stock. Therefore, during this period, Berkshire accounted for its investments in MidAmerican
pursuant to the equity method. Reference is made to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for the year ending December 31, 2005 included in Berkshires Annual Report on Form 10-K
for additional information regarding this investment.
6
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 2. MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (Continued)
As indicated in Note 1 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, Berkshire commenced
consolidation of MidAmerican in 2006 as a result of converting its non-voting preferred stock of
MidAmerican into voting common stock of MidAmerican on February 9, 2006. However, no changes in
MidAmericans operations, management or capital structure occurred as a result of the conversion.
In addition, Berkshire purchased newly issued common shares of MidAmerican for $3.4 billion in
March 2006 and increased its voting and economic interests in MidAmerican to 88.2% (86.6% on a
diluted basis). MidAmericans debt is not guaranteed by Berkshire. However, Berkshire has made a
commitment that allows MidAmerican to request up to $3.5 billion of capital from Berkshire to pay
its debt obligations or make investments in its regulated subsidiaries. The commitment expires in
2011.
A condensed consolidated balance sheet of MidAmerican as of December 31, 2005 follows (in
millions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and shareholders equity |
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
$ |
11,915 |
|
|
Debt, except debt owed to Berkshire |
|
$ |
10,296 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
4,156 |
|
|
Debt owed to Berkshire |
|
|
1,289 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
4,122 |
|
|
Other liabilities and minority interests |
|
|
5,223 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
20,193 |
|
|
|
|
|
16,808 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity |
|
|
3,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
20,193 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A condensed consolidated statement of earnings of MidAmerican for the third quarter and first
nine months of 2005 follows (in millions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
Operating revenues and other income |
|
$ |
1,787 |
|
|
$ |
5,274 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales and operating expenses |
|
|
1,357 |
|
|
|
4,010 |
|
Interest expense debt held by Berkshire |
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
Other interest expense |
|
|
178 |
|
|
|
544 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,574 |
|
|
|
4,674 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before taxes |
|
|
213 |
|
|
|
600 |
|
Income taxes and minority interests |
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
193 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
155 |
|
|
$ |
407 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 3. Business acquisitions
Berkshires long-held acquisition strategy is to purchase businesses with consistent earnings,
good returns on equity, able and honest management and at sensible prices. On February 28, 2006,
the acquisition of Business Wire, a leading global distributor of corporate news, multimedia and
regulatory filings, was completed. On March 21, 2006, the acquisition of PacifiCorp, a regulated
electric utility providing service to customers in six Western states, was completed for
approximately $5.1 billion in cash. On May 19, 2006, the acquisition of 85% of Applied
Underwriters (Applied), an industry leader in integrated
workers compensation solutions, was
completed. Under certain conditions, existing minority shareholders of Applied may acquire up to
an additional 4% interest in Applied from Berkshire.
On July 5, 2006, Berkshire acquired 80% of the Iscar Metalworking Companies (IMC) for cash
in a transaction that valued IMC at $5 billion. IMC, headquartered in Israel, is an industry
leader in the metal cutting tools business through its Iscar, TaeguTec, Ingersoll and other IMC
companies. IMC provides a comprehensive range of tools for the full scope of metalworking
applications. IMCs products are manufactured through a global network of world-class,
technologically advanced manufacturing facilities located in Israel, Korea, the United States,
Brazil, China, Germany, India, Italy and Japan, and are sold through subsidiary offices and agents
located in 61 major industrial countries worldwide. On August 2, 2006, Berkshire acquired Russell
Corporation, a leading branded athletic apparel and sporting goods company for cash totaling
approximately $600 million.
The results of operations for each of these businesses are included in Berkshires
consolidated results from the effective date of each acquisition. The following table sets forth
certain unaudited pro forma consolidated earnings data for the first nine months of 2006 and 2005,
as if each acquisition that was completed during 2005 and 2006 was consummated on the same terms at
the beginning of each year. The earnings data for the first nine months of 2005 also reflect the
pro forma consolidation of MidAmerican. Amounts are in millions, except per share amounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
Total revenues |
|
$ |
74,765 |
|
|
$ |
66,729 |
|
Net earnings |
|
|
7,499 |
|
|
|
3,396 |
|
Earnings per equivalent Class A common share |
|
|
4,864 |
|
|
|
2,206 |
|
7
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities
Data with respect to investments in fixed maturity securities, which are classified as
available-for-sale, are shown in the tabulation below (in millions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance and other |
|
|
Finance and financial products |
|
|
|
Sept. 30, 2006 |
|
|
Dec. 31, 2005 |
|
|
Sept. 30, 2006 |
|
|
Dec. 31, 2005 |
|
Amortized cost |
|
$ |
22,789 |
|
|
$ |
25,751 |
|
|
$ |
1,552 |
|
|
$ |
1,887 |
|
Gross unrealized gains |
|
|
1,603 |
|
|
|
1,759 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
106 |
|
Gross unrealized losses |
|
|
(109 |
) |
|
|
(90 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value |
|
$ |
24,283 |
|
|
$ |
27,420 |
|
|
$ |
1,642 |
|
|
$ |
1,991 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certain other fixed maturity investments of finance businesses are classified as
held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost. The carrying value and fair value of these
investments totaled $1,466 million and $1,626 million at September 30, 2006, respectively. At
December 31, 2005, the carrying value and fair value of held-to-maturity securities totaled $1,444
million and $1,624 million, respectively.
Note 5. Investments in equity securities
Data with respect to investments in equity securities are shown in the tabulation below (in
millions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Cost |
|
$ |
25,901 |
|
|
$ |
21,339 |
|
Gross unrealized gains |
|
|
29,719 |
|
|
|
25,892 |
|
Gross unrealized losses |
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
(510 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value |
|
$ |
55,564 |
|
|
$ |
46,721 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 6. Loans and Receivables
Receivables of insurance and other businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Insurance premiums receivable |
|
$ |
4,848 |
|
|
$ |
4,406 |
|
Reinsurance recoverables |
|
|
2,760 |
|
|
|
2,990 |
|
Trade and other receivables |
|
|
6,362 |
|
|
|
5,340 |
|
Allowances for uncollectible accounts |
|
|
(349 |
) |
|
|
(339 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
13,621 |
|
|
$ |
12,397 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans and finance receivables of finance and financial products businesses are comprised of
the following (in millions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables |
|
$ |
10,132 |
|
|
$ |
9,792 |
|
Commercial loans and finance receivables |
|
|
1,344 |
|
|
|
1,481 |
|
Allowances for uncollectible loans |
|
|
(168 |
) |
|
|
(186 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,308 |
|
|
$ |
11,087 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 7. Utilities and energy businesses
Certain matters unique to the utilities and energy businesses include the nature and amount of
property, plant and equipment, environmental matters and regulatory matters. Property, plant and
equipment of the utilities and energy businesses follow (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ranges of |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
estimated useful life |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Pro Forma) |
|
Cost: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utility generation and distribution system |
|
5-85 years |
|
$ |
26,968 |
|
|
$ |
10,499 |
|
Interstate pipeline assets |
|
3-67 years |
|
|
5,281 |
|
|
|
5,322 |
|
Independent power plants and other assets |
|
3-30 years |
|
|
1,729 |
|
|
|
1,861 |
|
Construction in progress |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,861 |
|
|
|
847 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,839 |
|
|
|
18,529 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,515 |
) |
|
|
(6,614 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
23,324 |
|
|
$ |
11,915 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost. All construction related
material and direct labor costs as well as indirect construction costs are capitalized. Indirect
construction costs include general engineering, taxes and costs of funds used during construction.
The cost of major additions and betterments are capitalized, while replacements, maintenance, and
repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed.
Depreciation is generally computed using the straight-line method based on economic lives or
regulatorily mandated recovery periods.
The utility generation and distribution system and interstate pipeline assets are the
regulated assets of public utility and natural gas pipeline subsidiaries. At September 30, 2006
and December 31, 2005, accumulated depreciation and amortization related to regulated assets
totaled $11.7 billion and $5.7 billion, respectively. Substantially all of the construction in
progress at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 relates to the construction of regulated
assets.
When
regulated properties are retired, the original cost is charged to
accumulated depreciation and the cost of retirement, less salvage
value, is charged to the cost of removal accrued regulatory liability, a component of other
liabilities of the utilities and energy businesses in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.
When regulated assets are sold, or non-regulated assets are sold or retired, the cost is removed
from the property accounts and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization accounts are
reduced. Any gain or loss is recorded as income unless otherwise required by the applicable
regulatory body.
Environmental Matters
MidAmerican Energy Company and PacifiCorp are subject to numerous environmental laws,
including the federal Clean Air Act and various state air quality laws; the Endangered Species Act,
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, and similar state laws
relating to environmental cleanups; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and similar state
laws relating to the storage and handling of hazardous materials; and the Clean Water Act, and
similar state laws relating to water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued
numerous rules regarding air quality. These laws and rules will likely impact the operation of
their generating facilities and will require them to either reduce emissions from those facilities
through the installation of emission controls or purchase additional emission allowances, or some
combination thereof.
While the United States did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol, the ratification and implementation
of its requirements in other countries has resulted in increased attention to the climate change
issue in the United States. In 2005, the Senate adopted a resolution supporting an effective
national program of mandatory, market-based limits and incentives on emissions of greenhouse gases
that slow, stop, and reverse the growth of such emissions at a rate and in a manner that will not
significantly harm the United States economy; and will encourage comparable action by other nations
that are major trading partners and key contributors to global emissions. It is anticipated that
the resolution may be further addressed by Congress. While debate continues at the national level
over the direction of domestic climate policy, several states are developing state-specific or
regional legislative initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The outcome of federal and
state climate change initiatives cannot be determined at this time; however, adoption of stringent
limits on greenhouse gas emissions could significantly impact MidAmericans fossil-fueled
facilities and, therefore, its results of operations.
9
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 7. Utilities and energy businesses (Continued)
Regulatory Matters
MidAmerican Energy Company and PacifiCorp are subject to the jurisdiction of public utility
regulatory authorities in each of the states in which they conduct
retail electric or gas operations.
These authorities regulate various matters, including customer rates, services, accounting policies
and practices, allocation of costs by state, issuances of securities and other matters. In
addition, both MidAmerican Energy Company and PacifiCorp are a licensee and a public utility as
those terms are used in the Federal Power Act and therefore subject to regulation by the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as to accounting policies and practices, certain prices and
other matters, including the terms and conditions of transmission service.
Northern Natural Gas and Kern River are subject to regulation by various federal and state
agencies. As owners of interstate natural gas pipelines, Northern Natural Gas and Kern Rivers
rates, services and operations are subject to regulation by the FERC. The FERC administers, among
other things, the Natural Gas Act and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 giving them jurisdiction
over the construction and operation of pipelines and related facilities used in the transportation,
storage and sale of natural gas in interstate commerce, including the modification or abandonment
of such facilities. The FERC also has jurisdiction over the rates and charges and terms and
conditions of service for the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce.
Additionally, interstate pipeline companies are subject to regulation by the United States
Department of Transportation pursuant to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, which
establishes safety requirements in the design, construction, operations and maintenance of
interstate natural gas transmission facilities, and the Pipeline Safety Integrity Act of 2002,
which implemented additional safety and pipeline integrity regulations for high consequence areas.
The fees charged by Northern Electric and Yorkshire Electricity for use of their distribution
systems are controlled by a formula prescribed by the British electricity regulatory body, the
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, and was last reset on April 1, 2005. The distribution price
control formula is generally reviewed and reset at five-year intervals.
MidAmericans domestic energy subsidiaries (MidAmerican Energy Company, PacifiCorp, Northern
Natural Gas and Kern River) prepare financial statements in accordance with the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of
Regulation (SFAS 71), which differs in certain respects from the application of generally
accepted accounting principles by non-regulated businesses. In general, SFAS 71 recognizes that
accounting for rate-regulated enterprises should reflect the economic effects of regulation. As a
result, a regulated entity is required to defer the recognition of costs (a regulatory asset) or
the recognition of obligations (a regulatory liability) if it is probable that, through the
rate-making process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future rates.
Accordingly, these subsidiaries have deferred certain costs and accrued certain obligations, which
will be amortized over various future periods. MidAmerican periodically evaluates the
applicability of SFAS 71 and considers factors such as regulatory changes and the impact of
competition. If cost-based regulation ends or competition increases, these subsidiaries may have
to reduce their asset balances to reflect a market basis less than cost and write-off the
associated regulatory assets and liabilities. At September 30, 2006, MidAmerican had $1,878
million in regulatory assets and $1,647 million in regulatory liabilities, which are components of
other assets and other liabilities of utilities and energy businesses, respectively.
Management continually assesses whether the regulatory assets are probable of future recovery
by considering factors such as applicable regulatory environmental changes, recent rate orders
received by other regulated entities, and the status of any pending or potential deregulation
legislation. Based upon this continual assessment, management believes the existing regulatory
assets are probable of recovery. If future recovery of costs ceases to be probable, the asset and
liability write-offs would be required to be charged to earnings.
Note 8. Income taxes, principally deferred
A summary of income tax liabilities follows. Amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Payable currently |
|
$ |
394 |
|
|
$ |
258 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
16,782 |
|
|
|
11,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
17,176 |
|
|
$ |
12,252 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 9. Notes payable and other borrowings
Notes payable and other borrowings of Berkshire and its subsidiaries are summarized below.
Amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Insurance and other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued by Berkshire due 2007-2033 |
|
$ |
896 |
|
|
$ |
992 |
|
Issued by subsidiaries and guaranteed by Berkshire due 2006-2035 |
|
|
1,785 |
|
|
|
1,696 |
|
Issued by subsidiaries and not guaranteed by Berkshire due 2006-2041 |
|
|
1,009 |
|
|
|
895 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,690 |
|
|
$ |
3,583 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance and financial products: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation and guaranteed by Berkshire: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes due 2007 |
|
$ |
700 |
|
|
$ |
700 |
|
Notes due 2008 |
|
|
3,098 |
|
|
|
3,095 |
|
Notes due 2010 |
|
|
1,993 |
|
|
|
1,992 |
|
Notes due 2012-2015 |
|
|
3,039 |
|
|
|
3,038 |
|
Issued by other subsidiaries and guaranteed by Berkshire due 2006-2027 |
|
|
485 |
|
|
|
417 |
|
Issued by other subsidiaries and not guaranteed by Berkshire due 2006-2030 |
|
|
1,480 |
|
|
|
1,626 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
10,795 |
|
|
$ |
10,868 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Pro Forma) |
|
Utilities and energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued by MidAmerican and its subsidiaries and not guaranteed by Berkshire: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MidAmerican senior unsecured debt due 2007-2036 |
|
$ |
4,478 |
|
|
$ |
2,776 |
|
Operating subsidiary and project debt due 2006-2036 |
|
|
11,410 |
|
|
|
7,150 |
|
Other |
|
|
597 |
|
|
|
370 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
16,485 |
|
|
$ |
10,296 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating subsidiary and project debt of utilities and energy businesses represents amounts
issued by subsidiaries of MidAmerican or otherwise pursuant to separate project financing
agreements. All or substantially all of the assets of certain utility subsidiaries are or may be
pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise provide the security for project or subsidiary debt.
Like all Berkshire subsidiaries, utility and energy subsidiaries are organized as legal entities
separate and apart from Berkshire and its other subsidiaries. It should not be assumed that any
asset of any such subsidiary will be available to satisfy the obligations of Berkshire or any of
its other subsidiaries; provided, however, that unrestricted cash or other assets which are
available for distribution may, subject to applicable law and the terms of financing arrangements
of such parties, be advanced, loaned, paid as dividends or otherwise distributed or contributed to
Berkshire and the minority shareholders. The restrictions on distributions at these separate legal
entities include various covenants including, but not limited to, leverage ratios, interest
coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios. As of September 30, 2006, all of the separate
legal entities were in compliance with all applicable covenants.
In March 2006, MidAmerican issued $1.7 billion par amount of senior unsecured debt due
2036. Notes payable and other borrowings at September 30, 2006 includes approximately $4.4 billion
of debt of PacifiCorp. Estimated repayments of the debt of the utilities and energy businesses for
each of the five years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions): 2006 $820; 2007 $1,091;
2008 $1,981; 2009 $424; and 2010 $135.
11
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 10. Common stock
The following table summarizes Berkshires common stock activity during the first nine months
of 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock |
|
Class B common stock |
|
|
(1,650,000 shares authorized) |
|
(55,000,000 shares authorized) |
|
|
Issued and Outstanding |
|
Issued and Outstanding |
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
1,260,920 |
|
|
|
8,394,083 |
|
Conversions of Class A common stock
to Class B common stock and other |
|
|
(135,467 |
) |
|
|
4,112,360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at September 30, 2006 |
|
|
1,125,453 |
|
|
|
12,506,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
1,542,334 shares outstanding at September 30, 2006 and 1,540,723 shares outstanding at December 31,
2005. On July 6, 2006, Berkshires Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett converted 124,998 shares of
Class A common stock into 3,749,940 shares of Class B common stock. 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 11. Comprehensive income
Berkshires comprehensive income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 and 2005
is shown in the table below (in millions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
2,772 |
|
|
$ |
586 |
|
|
$ |
7,432 |
|
|
$ |
3,398 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase/decrease in unrealized appreciation of investments |
|
|
2,740 |
|
|
|
1,230 |
|
|
|
4,106 |
|
|
|
658 |
|
Applicable income taxes and minority interests |
|
|
(973 |
) |
|
|
(436 |
) |
|
|
(1,451 |
) |
|
|
(242 |
) |
Other |
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
478 |
|
|
|
(246 |
) |
Applicable income taxes and minority interests |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(84 |
) |
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,837 |
|
|
|
824 |
|
|
|
3,049 |
|
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
$ |
4,609 |
|
|
$ |
1,410 |
|
|
$ |
10,481 |
|
|
$ |
3,524 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 12. Pension plans
The components of net periodic pension expense for the third quarter and first nine months of
2006 and 2005 are as follows (in millions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
65 |
|
|
$ |
31 |
|
|
$ |
151 |
|
|
$ |
83 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
281 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(46 |
) |
|
|
(286 |
) |
|
|
(137 |
) |
Net amortization, deferral and other |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
88 |
|
|
$ |
33 |
|
|
$ |
200 |
|
|
$ |
92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The increase in net periodic pension expense in 2006 over 2005 is primarily attributable to
the consolidation of MidAmerican. Contributions to defined benefit pension plans for the year
ending December 31, 2006 are expected to total $217 million, which includes $151 million related to
utilities and energy businesses.
Note 13. Life settlement contracts
In March 2006, FASB Staff Position No. FTB 85-4-1, Accounting for Life Settlement Contracts
by Third-Party Investors (FTB 85-4-1) was issued. This pronouncement provides guidance on the
initial and subsequent measurement, financial statement presentation and disclosures for
third-party investors in life settlement contracts. Under FTB 85-4-1, the investor may value such
contracts under the investment method or at fair value based upon an irrevocable election made on
an investment by investment basis. Under the investment method, the initial transaction price plus
all initial and subsequent direct external costs paid by the investor to keep the policy in force
are capitalized. Death benefits received by
12
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 13. Life settlement contracts (Continued)
the investor are applied against the capitalized costs and the excess is recorded as a gain. Under
the fair value method, the investments in the contracts are measured at fair value each reporting
period and the changes in fair value are reported in earnings. Previously, life settlement
contracts were valued at the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policy. Berkshire
adopted FTB 85-4-1 effective January 1, 2006 and elected to use the investment method. The after-tax
cumulative effect of adopting FTB 85-4-1 of $180 million is reflected as an increase in retained
earnings as of the beginning of 2006. During the second quarter, certain life settlement contracts
were disposed for proceeds of approximately $330 million. Investments in life settlement contracts
as of September 30, 2006 totaled $76 million.
Note 14. Accounting pronouncements to be adopted
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assetsan
amendment of FASB Statement No. 140 (SFAS 156). SFAS 156 requires an entity to recognize a
servicing asset or liability each time it undertakes an obligation to service a financial asset by
entering into a servicing contract in specified situations. Such servicing assets or liabilities
would be initially measured at fair value, if practicable, and subsequently measured at amortized
value or fair value based upon an election of the reporting entity. SFAS 156 also specifies
certain financial statement presentations and disclosures in connection with servicing assets and
liabilities. SFAS 156 is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006 and may be
adopted earlier but only if the adoption is in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Berkshire
does not expect that the adoption of SFAS 156 will have a material effect on its Consolidated
Financial Statements.
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes (FIN 48). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for
financial statement recognition of positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns.
Only tax positions meeting a more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained are recognized
under FIN 48. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification of interest and
penalties and accounting and disclosures for annual and interim financial statements. FIN 48 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The cumulative effect of the changes
arising from the initial application of FIN 48 is required to be reported as an adjustment to the
opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Berkshire is currently evaluating
the impact, if any, the adoption of FIN 48 will have on its financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. AUG AIR-1, Accounting for Planned
Major Maintenance Activities (AUG AIR-1). AUG AIR-1 prohibits the use of the accrue-in-advance
method of accounting for planned major maintenance activities in which such maintenance costs are
ratably recognized by accruing a liability in periods before the maintenance is performed. This
pronouncement also retains three alternative methods for accounting for planned major maintenance
activities including the direct expensing method, the built-in overhaul method and the deferral
method. AUG AIR-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and may be
adopted earlier but only if the adoption is in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Berkshire is
currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of AUG AIR-1 will have on its financial
statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS
157 defines fair value as the price received to transfer an asset or paid to transfer a liability
in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date reflecting the
highest and best use valuation concepts. SFAS 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value
in GAAP by creating a hierarchy of fair value measurements that distinguishes market data between
observable independent market inputs and unobservable market assumptions by the reporting entity.
SFAS 157 further expands disclosures about such fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies broadly
to most existing accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements
(including both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities) but does not require any new
fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007
and may be adopted earlier but only if the adoption is in the first quarter of the fiscal year.
With limited exception, SFAS 157 is to be applied prospectively. Berkshire is currently evaluating
the impact that the adoption of SFAS 157 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and
132(R) (SFAS 158). Effective for years ending after December 15, 2006, SFAS 158 requires
recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit pension and other
postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the balance sheet and to recognize changes in
funded status which are not recognized through earnings pursuant to SFAS No. 87 or SFAS No. 106 as
a component of other comprehensive income. Effective for years ending after December 15, 2008,
SFAS 158 also requires measurement of plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the
employers fiscal year-end. Berkshire is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of
SFAS 158 will have on its financial statements.
13
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 15. Contingencies
Berkshire and its subsidiaries are parties in a variety of legal actions arising out of the
normal course of business. In particular, such legal actions affect Berkshires insurance and
reinsurance businesses. Such litigation generally seeks to establish liability directly through
insurance contracts or indirectly through reinsurance contracts issued by Berkshire subsidiaries.
Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. Berkshire does not believe that such
normal and routine litigation will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of
operations. Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal
actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and penalties in
substantial amounts and are described below.
a) Governmental Investigations
On October 17, 2006, counsel for General Reinsurance Corporation (General Reinsurance), a
wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire, received a letter from the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern
District of Virginia, Richmond Division (the EDVA U.S. Attorney), stating that the EDVA U.S.
Attorney does not currently view General Reinsurance as a target or subject in connection with the
EDVA U.S. Attorneys pending investigation of Reciprocal of America (ROA). ROA was a
Virginia-based reciprocal insurer of physician, hospital and lawyer professional liability risks.
As previously disclosed, General Reinsurance and four of its current or former employees, including
a former president, had received subpoenas for documents from the EDVA U.S. Attorney in connection
with the EDVA U.S. Attorneys investigation of ROA, and a number of current and former employees of
General Reinsurance had been interviewed by the EDVA U.S. Attorney and the U.S. Department of
Justice (DOJ) in connection with this investigation. It was previously disclosed that one of the
individuals originally subpoenaed had been informed by the EDVA U.S. Attorney that this individual
was a target of the EDVA U.S. Attorneys investigation. The EDVA U.S. Attorney also confirmed that
neither this individual, nor any current or former employee of General Reinsurance, is currently a
target of the EDVA U.S. Attorneys investigation. General Reinsurance will continue to cooperate fully with the
EDVA U.S. Attorney in its pending investigation of ROA. General Reinsurance has been sued in a
number of civil actions related to ROA, as described below.
General
Re Corporation (General Re), Berkshire, and certain of Berkshires other insurance subsidiaries, including
National Indemnity Company (NICO) have been continuing to cooperate fully with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the DOJ and the New York State Attorney General
(NYAG) in their ongoing investigations of non-traditional products. The EDVA U.S. Attorney and
the DOJ have also been working with the SEC in connection with these investigations.
General Re originally received subpoenas from the SEC and NYAG in January 2005. General Re,
Berkshire and NICO have been providing information to the government relating to transactions
between General Reinsurance or NICO (or their respective subsidiaries or affiliates) and other
insurers in response to the January 2005 subpoenas and related requests and, in the case of General
Reinsurance (or its subsidiaries or affiliates), in response to subpoenas from other U.S. Attorneys
conducting investigations relating to certain of these transactions. In particular, General Re and
Berkshire have been responding to requests from the government for information relating to certain
transactions that may have been accounted for incorrectly by counterparties of General Reinsurance
(or its subsidiaries or affiliates). Berkshire understands that the government is evaluating the
actions of General Re and its subsidiaries, as well as those of their counterparties, to determine
whether General Re or its subsidiaries conspired with others to misstate counterparty financial
statements or aided and abetted such misstatements by the counterparties. The SEC, NYAG, DOJ and
the EDVA U.S. Attorney have interviewed a number of current and former officers and employees of
General Re and General Reinsurance as well as Berkshires
Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett.
In one case, a transaction initially effected with American International Group (AIG) in
late 2000 (the AIG Transaction), AIG has corrected its prior accounting for the transaction on
the grounds, as stated in AIGs 2004 10-K, that the transaction was done to accomplish a desired
accounting result and did not entail sufficient qualifying risk transfer to support reinsurance
accounting. General Reinsurance has been named in related civil actions brought against AIG, as
described below. As part of their ongoing investigations, governmental authorities have also
inquired about the accounting by certain of Berkshires insurance subsidiaries for certain assumed
and ceded finite transactions.
In May 2005, General Re terminated the consulting services of its former Chief Executive
Officer, Ronald Ferguson, after Mr. Ferguson invoked the Fifth Amendment in response to questions
from the SEC relating to its investigation. In June 2005, John Houldsworth, the former Chief
Executive Officer of Cologne Reinsurance Company (Dublin) Limited (CRD), a subsidiary of General
Re, pleaded guilty to a federal criminal charge of conspiring with others to misstate certain AIG
financial statements and entered into a partial settlement agreement with the SEC with respect to
such matters. Mr. Houldsworth, who had been on administrative leave, was terminated following this
announcement. In June 2005, Richard Napier, a former Senior Vice President of General Re who had
served as an account representative for the AIG account, also pleaded guilty to a federal criminal
charge of conspiring with others to misstate certain AIG financial statements and entered into a
partial settlement agreement with the SEC with respect to such matters. General Re terminated Mr.
Napier following the announcement of these actions.
14
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 15. Contingencies (Continued)
In September 2005, Ronald Ferguson, Joseph Brandon, the Chief Executive Officer of General Re,
Christopher Garand, a former Senior Vice President of General Reinsurance, and Robert Graham, a
former Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of General Reinsurance, each received a
Wells notice from the SEC. Elizabeth Monrad, the former Chief Financial Officer of General Re,
also received a Wells notice from the SEC in May 2005 in connection with its investigation. The
SEC announced on February 2, 2006 that it had filed an enforcement action against Mr. Ferguson, Ms.
Monrad, Mr. Graham, Mr. Garand and a former AIG officer for aiding and abetting AIGs violations of
the antifraud provisions and other provisions of the federal securities laws in connection with the
AIG Transaction. The SEC complaint seeks permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement of any
ill-gotten gains, civil penalties and orders barring each defendant from acting as an officer or
director of a public company. This case is presently stayed.
On February 1, 2006, Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Monrad and Mr. Graham, along with the same former
officer of AIG, were indicted by a grand jury in the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Virginia. On September 20, 2006, the DOJ announced a superseding indictment that
includes charges against Mr. Garand and charges similar to those in the original indictment against
Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Monrad, Mr. Graham and the former
officer of AIG. Each of Mr. Ferguson, Ms.
Monrad and Mr. Graham is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate securities laws and to
commit mail fraud, seven counts of securities fraud, five counts of making false statements to the
SEC, and three counts of mail fraud in connection with the AIG Transaction. Mr. Garand is charged
with one count of conspiracy to violate securities laws and to commit mail fraud, three counts of
securities fraud, three counts of making false statements to the SEC, and three counts of mail
fraud in connection with the AIG Transaction. Each of these individuals has pleaded not guilty to
all charges. The action has been transferred to the United States District Court for the District
of Connecticut and trial is set for March 1, 2007.
On February 9, 2006, AIG announced that it had reached a resolution of claims and matters
under investigation with the DOJ, the SEC, the NYAG and the New York State Department of Insurance
in connection with the accounting, financial reporting and insurance brokerage practices of AIG and
its subsidiaries, including claims and matters under investigation relating to the AIG Transaction,
as well as claims relating to the underpayment of certain workers compensation premium taxes and
other assessments. AIG announced that it would make payments totaling approximately $1.64 billion
as a result of these settlements.
Various state insurance departments have issued subpoenas or otherwise requested that General
Reinsurance, NICO and their affiliates provide documents and information relating to
non-traditional products. The Office of the Connecticut Attorney General has also issued a subpoena
to General Reinsurance for information relating to non-traditional products. General Reinsurance,
NICO and their affiliates have been cooperating fully with these subpoenas and requests.
In December 2004, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) advised General Reinsurances
affiliate Faraday Group (Faraday) that it was investigating Milan Vukelic, the then Chief
Executive Officer of Faraday, with respect to transactions entered
into between General Reinsurance Australia Limited (GRA) and companies
affiliated with FAI Insurance Limited in 1998. Mr. Vukelic previously served as the head of General
Res international finite business unit. In April 2005, the FSA advised General Reinsurance that it
was investigating Mr. Vukelic and John Byrne, former Chief Executive Officer of CRD, with respect
to certain finite risk reinsurance transactions, including transactions between CRD and several
other insurers. In May 2005, Mr. Vukelic was placed on administrative leave and in July 2005 his
employment was terminated. In addition, the FSA has requested that General Reinsurance affiliates
based in the United Kingdom provide information relating to the transactions involved in their
investigations. In July 2006, the FSA issued an agreed-upon prohibition order to Mr. Byrne (the
Byrne Order), prohibiting him from performing in the UK any controlled function in relation to
any regulated activity of the FSA. The Byrne Order states, among other things, that Mr. Byrne was
involved in arranging and structuring transactions that allowed certain counterparties of General
Res non-U.S. subsidiaries to misrepresent their financial position to regulators, auditors, tax
authorities and others, including investors, and that Mr. Byrne knew the counterparties would be
likely to engage in such misrepresentations. Berkshire understands that the FSA continues to
investigate the role of certain of General Res non-U.S. subsidiaries and of individuals in these
transactions. In connection with the Byrne Order, CRD entered into a related settlement agreement
with the FSA in which it agreed not to make any public statement inconsistent with the facts and
matters set out in the FSAs final notice related to the Byrne Order. General Re and its
affiliates are cooperating fully with the FSA in these matters.
On April 14, 2005, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) announced an
investigation involving financial or finite reinsurance transactions
by GRA. An inspector was appointed by APRA
under section 52 of the Insurance Act 1973 to conduct an investigation of GRAs financial or finite
reinsurance business. The inspector examined four directors of GRA in June 2006. GRA has been
cooperating fully with this investigation. The inspector has submitted its final investigative
report to APRA. On or about the date of the Byrne Order,
APRA accepted an enforceable undertaking from Mr. Byrne, prohibiting him from being or acting as a
director or senior manager of a general insurer, non-operating holding company or agent of a
foreign insurer in Australia for a five year period.
15
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 15. Contingencies (Continued)
CRD is also providing information to and cooperating fully with the Irish Financial Services
Regulatory Authority in its inquiries regarding the activities of CRD. The Office of the Director
of Corporate Enforcement in Ireland is conducting a preliminary evaluation in relation to CRD
concerning, in particular, transactions between CRD and AIG. CRD is cooperating fully with this
preliminary evaluation.
General Reinsurances subsidiary, Kolnische Ruckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG (Cologne Re),
is also cooperating fully with requests for information and orders to produce documents from the
German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (the BaFin) regarding the activities of Cologne Re
relating to finite reinsurance and regarding transactions between Cologne Re or its subsidiaries,
including CRD, and certain counterparties. In particular, Cologne Re is cooperating fully with a
BaFin order to produce documents received on October 24, 2006. The order states that it is part of
the BaFins continuing investigation into financial reinsurance agreements and that Cologne Re, and
possibly one or more of its senior executives, is suspected of violating legal provisions in regard
to such agreements.
General Reinsurance is also providing information to and cooperating fully with the Office of
the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada in its inquiries regarding the activities of
General Re and its affiliates relating to finite reinsurance.
Berkshire cannot at this time predict the outcome of these matters, is unable to estimate a
range of possible loss and cannot predict whether or not the outcomes will have a material adverse
effect on Berkshires business or results of operations for at least the quarterly period when
these matters are completed or otherwise resolved.
b) Civil Litigation
Litigation Related to ROA
General Reinsurance and four of its current and former employees, along with numerous other
defendants, have been sued in a number of civil actions related to ROA. Plaintiffs assert various
claims in these civil actions, including breach of contract, unjust enrichment, fraud and
conspiracy, against General Reinsurance and others, arising from various reinsurance coverages
General Reinsurance provided to ROA and related entities.
There are currently thirteen federal lawsuits involving ROA and related entities. Nine are
putative class actions initiated by doctors, hospitals and lawyers that purchased insurance through
ROA or certain of its Tennessee-based risk retention groups. These complaints seek compensatory,
treble and punitive damages in an amount plaintiffs contend is just and reasonable. General
Reinsurance is also subject to actions brought by the Virginia Commissioner of Insurance, as Deputy
Receiver of ROA, the Tennessee Commissioner of Insurance, as Liquidator for three Tennessee risk
retention groups, a federal lawsuit filed by a Missouri-based hospital group and a state lawsuit
filed by an Alabama doctor that was removed to federal court. The first of these actions was filed
in March 2003 and additional actions were filed in April 2003 through June 2006. In the action
filed by the Virginia Commissioner of Insurance, the Commissioner asserts in several of its claims
that the alleged damages being sought exceed $200 million in the aggregate as against all
defendants. All of these cases are collectively assigned to the U.S. District Court for the
Western District of Tennessee for pretrial proceedings. General Reinsurance filed motions to
dismiss all of the claims against it in these cases and, on June 12, 2006, the court granted
General Reinsurances motion to dismiss the complaints of the Virginia and Tennessee receivers.
The court granted the Tennessee receiver leave to amend her complaint, and the Tennessee receiver
filed her amended complaint on August 7, 2006. General Reinsurance has filed a motion to dismiss
the amended complaint in its entirety and awaits a ruling by the court. The Virginia receiver has
moved for reconsideration of the dismissal and for leave to amend his complaint. General
Reinsurance has filed its opposition to that motion and awaits a ruling by the court. The court
has also not yet ruled on General Reinsurances motions to dismiss the complaints of the other
plaintiffs. The parties have now commenced discovery.
General Reinsurance is also a defendant in two lawsuits filed in Alabama state courts. The
first suit was filed in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County by a group of Alabama hospitals that
are former members of the Alabama Hospital Association Trust (AHAT). This suit (the AHA Action)
alleged violations of the Alabama Securities Act, conspiracy, fraud, suppression, unjust enrichment
and breach of contract against General Reinsurance and virtually all of the defendants in the
federal suits based on an alleged business combination between AHAT and ROA in 2001 and subsequent
capital contributions to ROA in 2002 by the Alabama hospitals. The allegations of the AHA Action
are largely identical to those set forth in the complaint filed by the Virginia receiver for ROA.
General Reinsurance previously filed a motion to dismiss all of the claims in the AHA Action. The
motion was granted in part by an order in March 2005, which dismissed the Alabama Securities Act
claim against General Reinsurance and ordered plaintiffs to amend their allegations of fraud and
suppression. Plaintiffs in the AHA Action filed their Amended and Restated Complaint in April 2005,
alleging claims of conspiracy, fraud, suppression and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty
against General Reinsurance. General Reinsurance filed a motion to dismiss all counts of the
Amended and Restated Complaint in May 2005. On July 22, 2005,
16
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 15. Contingencies (Continued)
the Court denied General Reinsurances motion to dismiss. General Reinsurance filed and served its
answer and affirmative defenses to the Amended and Restated Complaint on September 1, 2005. The
second suit, also filed in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, was initiated by Baptist Health
Systems, Inc. (BHS), a former member of AHAT, and alleged claims identical to those in the
initial AHA Action, plus claims for breach of fiduciary duty and wantonness. These cases have been
consolidated for pretrial purposes. BHS filed its First Amended Complaint in April 2005, alleging
violations of the Alabama Securities Act, conspiracy, fraud, suppression, breach of fiduciary duty,
wantonness and unjust enrichment against General Reinsurance. General Reinsurance filed a motion to
dismiss all counts of the Amended and Restated Complaint in May 2005. On July 22, 2005, the Court
granted General Reinsurances motion to dismiss the Alabama Securities Act claim but denied General
Reinsurances motion to dismiss all other counts. General Reinsurance filed and served its answer
and affirmative defenses to the Amended and Restated Complaint on September 1, 2005. Coordinated
discovery has begun in both the AHA Action and the BHS action. The AHA Action and the BHS action
claim damages in excess of $60 million in the aggregate as against all defendants. These matters
are scheduled for trial on January 8, 2007.
Actions Related to AIG
General Reinsurance received a Summons and a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint on
April 29, 2005, in the matter captioned In re American International Group Securities Litigation,
Case No. 04-CV-8141-(LTS), United States District Court, Southern District of New York. This is a
putative class action asserted on behalf of investors who purchased publicly-traded securities of
AIG between October 1999 and March 2005. On June 7, 2005, General Reinsurance received a second
Summons and Class Action Complaint in a putative class action asserted on behalf of investors who
purchased AIG securities between October 1999 and March 2005, captioned San Francisco Employees
Retirement System, et al. vs. American International Group, Inc., et al., Case No. 05-CV-4270
(LTS), United States District Court, Southern District of New York. At a July 2005 conference, the
court ruled that the plaintiffs in case no. 04-CV-8141 would be lead plaintiffs. On September 27,
2005, the plaintiffs in case no. 04-CV-8141 filed a Consolidated Second Amended Complaint (the
Complaint). The Complaint asserts various claims against AIG, and various of its officers,
directors, investment banks and other parties. Included among the defendants are General
Reinsurance and Messrs. Ferguson, Napier and Houldsworth (whom the Complaint defines as the
General Re Defendants). The Complaint alleges that the General Re Defendants violated Section
10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under that Act through their
activities in connection with the AIG transaction described in Governmental Investigations,
above. The Complaint seeks damages and other relief in unspecified amounts. The General Re
Defendants moved to dismiss the Complaint on the grounds that it failed to state a claim on which
relief can be granted against these defendants. The motion was heard on April 20, 2006, and was
denied by the Court. General Reinsurance has answered the Complaint, denying liability and
asserting various affirmative defenses. Document production has begun, but no other discovery has
taken place. No trial date has been scheduled.
A member of the putative class in the litigation described in the preceding paragraph has
indicated its desire to opt out of the class and has asserted similar claims against General Re and
Mr. Ferguson in a separate complaint, Florida State Board of Administration v. General Re
Corporation, et al., Case No. 06-CV-3967, United States District Court, Southern District of New
York. The claims against General Re and Mr. Ferguson closely resemble those asserted in the class
action. The complaint does not specify the amount of damages sought. General Re has answered the
Complaint, denying liability and asserting various affirmative defenses. No discovery has taken
place, and no trial date has been established. The parties have agreed to coordinate discovery and
other proceedings among this action, a similar action filed by the same plaintiff against AIG and
others, and the class action described in the preceding paragraph.
On July 27, 2005, General Reinsurance received a Summons and a Verified and Amended
Shareholder Derivative Complaint in In re American International Group, Inc. Derivative Litigation,
Case No. 04-CV-08406, United States District Court, Southern District of New York, naming Gen Re
Corporation as a defendant. It is unclear whether the plaintiffs are asserting claims against
General Reinsurance or its parent, General Re. This case is assigned to the same judge as the class
actions described above. The complaint, brought by several alleged shareholders of AIG, seeks
damages, injunctive and declaratory relief against various officers and directors of AIG as well as
a variety of individuals and entities with whom AIG did business, relating to a wide variety of
allegedly wrongful practices by AIG. The allegations against Gen Re Corporation focus on the late
2000 transaction with AIG described above, and the complaint purports to assert causes of action
against Gen Re Corporation for aiding and abetting other defendants breaches of fiduciary duty
and for unjust enrichment. The complaint does not specify the amount of damages or the nature of
any other relief sought against Gen Re Corporation. In August 2005, General Reinsurance received
a Summons and First Amended Consolidated Shareholders Derivative Complaint in In re American
International Group, Inc. Consolidated Derivative Litigation, Case No. 769-N, Delaware Chancery
Court. The claims asserted in the Delaware complaint are substantially similar to those asserted
in the
17
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 15. Contingencies (Continued)
New York derivative complaint described earlier in this paragraph, except that the Delaware
complaint makes clear that the plaintiffs are asserting claims against both General Reinsurance and
General Re. Proceedings in both the New York derivative suit and the Delaware derivative suit are
stayed until November 30, 2006.
FAI/HIH Matter
In December 2003, the Liquidators of both FAI Insurance Limited (FAI) and HIH Insurance
Limited (HIH) advised GRA and Cologne Re that they intended to assert claims arising from
insurance transactions GRA entered into with FAI in May and June 1998. In August 2004, the
Liquidators filed claims in the Supreme Court of New South Wales in order to avoid the expiration
of a statute of limitations for certain plaintiffs. The focus of the Liquidators allegations
against GRA and Cologne Re are the 1998 transactions GRA entered into with FAI (which was acquired
by HIH in 1999). The Liquidators contend, among other things, that GRA and Cologne Re engaged in
deceptive conduct that assisted FAI in improperly accounting for such transactions as reinsurance,
and that such deception led to HIHs acquisition of FAI and caused various losses to FAI and HIH.
The Liquidator of HIH served its Complaint on GRA and Cologne Re in June 2006. The FAI Liquidator
has until December 15, 2006 to serve his complaint on GRA and Cologne Re. The Court in the HIH
litigation has set a status conference for November 9, 2006, to set a pretrial schedule.
Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation
Berkshire, General Re and General Reinsurance are defendants in this multi-district
litigation, In Re: Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 1663 (D.N.J.). In February
2005, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred several different cases to the
District of New Jersey for coordination and consolidation. Each consolidated case concerned
allegations of an industry-wide scheme on the part of commercial insurance brokers and insurance
companies to defraud a purported class of insurance purchasers through bid-rigging and contingent
commission arrangements. Berkshire, General Re and General Reinsurance were not parties to the
original, transferred cases. On August 1, 2005, the named plaintiffsfourteen businesses, two
municipalities, and three individualsfiled their First Consolidated Amended Commercial Class
Action Complaint, and Berkshire, General Re and General Reinsurance (along with a large number of
insurance companies and insurance brokers) were named as defendants in the Amended Complaint. The
plaintiffs claim that all defendants engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity, in violation of
RICO, and that they conspired to restrain trade. They further allege that the broker defendants
breached fiduciary duties to the plaintiffs, that the insurer defendants aided and abetted that
breach, and that all defendants were unjustly enriched in the process. Plaintiffs seek treble
damages in an unspecified amount, together with interest and attorneys fees and expenses. They
also seek a declaratory judgment of wrongdoing as well as an injunction against future
anticompetitive practices. On November 29, 2005, General Re, General Reinsurance and Berkshire,
together with the other defendants, filed motions to dismiss the complaint. The Court issued an
order and opinion on October 3, 2006. The Court reserved judgment on the RICO issues pending the
filing of an Amended RICO Case Statement. On the antitrust claims, the Court rejected defendants
argument that the McCarran-Ferguson Act precluded plaintiffs antitrust claims. However, the Court
also found that plaintiffs allegations had insufficient particularity to demonstrate concerted
action under the Sherman Act. The Court ordered plaintiffs to file a supplemental statement of
particularity, which plaintiffs have now filed, and the Court set a case management conference for
November 6, 2006, where the Court intends to hear whether defendants will move to dismiss the
remaining claims, move for judgment on the pleadings, or move for summary judgment. On February 1,
2006, plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to file a Second Consolidated Amended Complaint. Among
other things, plaintiffs sought leave to add numerous new defendants, including several additional
Berkshire subsidiaries including, among others, NICO. Berkshire opposed the motion for leave to
amend, and the Court has denied the motion without prejudice to plaintiffs renewing it following a
ruling on defendants motion to dismiss the First Consolidated Amended Complaint. The Court has
set a hearing on a motion by plaintiffs for class certification for January 9, 2007.
Berkshire cannot at this time predict the outcome of these matters, is unable to estimate a
range of possible loss, if any, and cannot predict whether or not the outcomes will have a material
adverse effect on Berkshires business or results of operations for at least the quarterly period
when these matters are completed or otherwise resolved.
18
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 16. Business segment data
A disaggregation of Berkshires consolidated data for the third quarter and first nine months
of 2006 and 2005 is as follows. Amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Operating Businesses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GEICO |
|
$ |
2,816 |
|
|
$ |
2,575 |
|
|
$ |
8,191 |
|
|
$ |
7,453 |
|
General Re |
|
|
1,493 |
|
|
|
1,566 |
|
|
|
4,414 |
|
|
|
4,839 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group |
|
|
1,570 |
|
|
|
1,195 |
|
|
|
3,735 |
|
|
|
2,962 |
|
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group |
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
443 |
|
|
|
1,377 |
|
|
|
1,052 |
|
Investment income |
|
|
1,107 |
|
|
|
905 |
|
|
|
3,240 |
|
|
|
2,553 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total insurance group |
|
|
7,466 |
|
|
|
6,684 |
|
|
|
20,957 |
|
|
|
18,859 |
|
Apparel |
|
|
863 |
|
|
|
596 |
|
|
|
1,987 |
|
|
|
1,752 |
|
Building products |
|
|
1,326 |
|
|
|
1,264 |
|
|
|
3,856 |
|
|
|
3,618 |
|
Finance and financial products |
|
|
1,256 |
|
|
|
1,180 |
|
|
|
3,823 |
|
|
|
3,305 |
|
Flight services |
|
|
1,125 |
|
|
|
854 |
|
|
|
3,182 |
|
|
|
2,538 |
|
McLane Company |
|
|
6,671 |
|
|
|
6,388 |
|
|
|
19,069 |
|
|
|
17,909 |
|
Retail |
|
|
706 |
|
|
|
641 |
|
|
|
2,052 |
|
|
|
1,881 |
|
Shaw Industries |
|
|
1,515 |
|
|
|
1,512 |
|
|
|
4,493 |
|
|
|
4,238 |
|
Utilities and energy * |
|
|
2,849 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other businesses |
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
|
808 |
|
|
|
4,131 |
|
|
|
2,271 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,288 |
|
|
|
19,927 |
|
|
|
71,280 |
|
|
|
56,371 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment and derivative gains/losses |
|
|
267 |
|
|
|
727 |
|
|
|
1,531 |
|
|
|
361 |
|
Eliminations and other |
|
|
(195 |
) |
|
|
(121 |
) |
|
|
(503 |
) |
|
|
(437 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
25,360 |
|
|
$ |
20,533 |
|
|
$ |
72,308 |
|
|
$ |
56,295 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before taxes and minority interests |
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Operating Businesses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting gain/loss: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GEICO |
|
$ |
407 |
|
|
$ |
237 |
|
|
$ |
1,006 |
|
|
$ |
907 |
|
General Re |
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
(389 |
) |
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
(327 |
) |
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group |
|
|
735 |
|
|
|
(1,635 |
) |
|
|
966 |
|
|
|
(1,352 |
) |
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group |
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
186 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
Net investment income |
|
|
1,103 |
|
|
|
900 |
|
|
|
3,223 |
|
|
|
2,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total insurance group |
|
|
2,530 |
|
|
|
(897 |
) |
|
|
5,738 |
|
|
|
1,811 |
|
Apparel |
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
185 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
Building products |
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
214 |
|
|
|
684 |
|
|
|
608 |
|
Finance and financial products |
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
876 |
|
|
|
605 |
|
Flight services |
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
234 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
McLane Company |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
181 |
|
Retail |
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
105 |
|
Shaw Industries |
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
462 |
|
|
|
372 |
|
Utilities and energy * |
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
1,112 |
|
|
|
382 |
|
Other businesses |
|
|
222 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,102 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
10,136 |
|
|
|
4,715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment and derivative gains/losses |
|
|
267 |
|
|
|
741 |
|
|
|
1,531 |
|
|
|
376 |
|
Interest expense, excluding interest allocated to business segments |
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
|
(63 |
) |
Eliminations and other |
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
(66 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,301 |
|
|
$ |
835 |
|
|
$ |
11,516 |
|
|
$ |
4,962 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Pre-tax earnings for 2005 of the utilities and energy businesses represents Berkshires
equity in net earnings of MidAmerican, which was accounted for under the equity method during this
period (see Notes 1 and 2). |
19
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Results of Operations
Net earnings for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 and 2005 are disaggregated in
the table that follows. Amounts are after deducting minority interests and income taxes. Amounts
are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Insurance underwriting |
|
$ |
917 |
|
|
$ |
(1,170 |
) |
|
$ |
1,618 |
|
|
$ |
(475 |
) |
Insurance investment income |
|
|
759 |
|
|
|
601 |
|
|
|
2,244 |
|
|
|
1,740 |
|
Utilities and energy |
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
652 |
|
|
|
382 |
|
Manufacturing, services and retailing |
|
|
534 |
|
|
|
428 |
|
|
|
1,466 |
|
|
|
1,205 |
|
Finance and financial products |
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
127 |
|
|
|
555 |
|
|
|
375 |
|
Other |
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
(97 |
) |
|
|
(72 |
) |
Investment and derivative gains/losses |
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
994 |
|
|
|
243 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
2,772 |
|
|
$ |
586 |
|
|
$ |
7,432 |
|
|
$ |
3,398 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Berkshires operating businesses are managed on an unusually decentralized basis. There are
essentially no centralized or integrated business functions (such as sales, marketing, purchasing,
legal or human resources) and there is minimal involvement by Berkshires corporate headquarters in
the day-to-day business activities of the operating businesses. Berkshires corporate office
management participates in and is ultimately responsible for significant capital allocation
decisions, investment activities and the selection of the Chief Executive to head each of the
operating businesses.
Accordingly, Berkshires reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects
how Berkshires top management views those business activities. Certain businesses have been
grouped based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and distribution
characteristics even though those businesses are operated by separate local management. There are
over 40 separate reporting units. The business segment data (Note 16 to the Interim Consolidated
Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion. Utilities and energy
results include MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company and its subsidiaries (MidAmerican). See
Notes 1, 2, 3 and 7 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
Insurance Underwriting
A summary follows of underwriting results from Berkshires insurance businesses for the third
quarter and first nine months of 2006 and 2005. Amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Underwriting gain/loss attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GEICO |
|
$ |
407 |
|
|
$ |
237 |
|
|
$ |
1,006 |
|
|
$ |
907 |
|
General Re |
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
(389 |
) |
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
(327 |
) |
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group |
|
|
735 |
|
|
|
(1,635 |
) |
|
|
966 |
|
|
|
(1,352 |
) |
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group |
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
186 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting gain/loss pre-tax |
|
|
1,427 |
|
|
|
(1,797 |
) |
|
|
2,515 |
|
|
|
(727 |
) |
Income taxes and minority interests |
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
(627 |
) |
|
|
897 |
|
|
|
(252 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net underwriting gain/loss |
|
$ |
917 |
|
|
$ |
(1,170 |
) |
|
$ |
1,618 |
|
|
$ |
(475 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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. Berkshires principal
insurance and reinsurance businesses are: (1) GEICO, one of the four largest auto insurers in the
U.S., (2) General Re, (3) Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group and (4) Berkshire Hathaway
Primary Group. On June 30, 2005, Berkshire acquired Medical Protective Corporation (Med Pro), a
provider of professional liability insurance to physicians, dentists and other healthcare
providers. In addition, on May 19, 2006, Berkshire acquired 85% of Applied Underwriters, a
provider of integrated workers compensation solutions. Underwriting results for these businesses
are included in Berkshires consolidated results beginning on their respective acquisition dates.
Berkshires management views insurance businesses as possessing two distinct operations
underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers;
investing, with limited exceptions at GEICO and at General Res international operations, is the
responsibility of Berkshires Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett. Accordingly, Berkshire evaluates
performance of underwriting operations without any allocation of investment income.
20
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
Insurance
Underwriting (Continued)
A significant marketing strategy followed by all of these businesses is the maintenance of
extraordinary capital strength. Statutory surplus of Berkshires insurance businesses totaled
approximately $52 billion at December 31, 2005. This superior capital strength creates
opportunities, especially with respect to reinsurance activities, to negotiate and enter into
insurance and reinsurance contracts specially designed to meet unique needs of insurance and
reinsurance buyers.
Periodic underwriting results can be affected significantly by changes in estimates for unpaid
losses and loss adjustment expenses, including amounts established for occurrences in prior years.
In addition, the timing and amount of catastrophe losses can produce significant volatility in
periodic underwriting results. Hurricanes and tropical storms affecting the United States and
Caribbean tend to occur between June and December. Berkshire experienced significant losses from
such events during the third and fourth quarters of the last two
years. In the third quarter of 2005, pre-tax underwriting results included incurred losses of
approximately $3.0 billion pertaining to two major hurricanes that struck the Southeastern U.S. and
Caribbean. In the third quarter of 2006, there were no hurricanes that produced significant
losses.
GEICO
GEICO provides primarily private passenger automobile coverages to insureds in 49 states and
the District of Columbia. GEICO policies are marketed mainly by direct response methods in which
customers apply for coverage directly to the company via the Internet, over the telephone or
through the mail. This is a significant element in GEICOs strategy to be a low cost insurer. In
addition, GEICO strives to provide excellent service to customers, with the goal of establishing
long-term customer relationships.
GEICOs pre-tax underwriting results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 and
2005 are summarized in the table below. Dollar amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
Premiums earned |
|
$ |
2,816 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
2,575 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
8,191 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
$ |
7,453 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and loss expenses |
|
|
1,892 |
|
|
|
67.2 |
|
|
|
1,882 |
|
|
|
73.1 |
|
|
|
5,694 |
|
|
|
69.5 |
|
|
|
5,247 |
|
|
|
70.4 |
|
Underwriting expenses |
|
|
517 |
|
|
|
18.4 |
|
|
|
456 |
|
|
|
17.7 |
|
|
|
1,491 |
|
|
|
18.2 |
|
|
|
1,299 |
|
|
|
17.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total losses and expenses |
|
|
2,409 |
|
|
|
85.6 |
|
|
|
2,338 |
|
|
|
90.8 |
|
|
|
7,185 |
|
|
|
87.7 |
|
|
|
6,546 |
|
|
|
87.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-tax underwriting gain |
|
$ |
407 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
237 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
907 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned in 2006 exceeded amounts earned in 2005 by $241 million (9.4%) for the third
quarter and $738 million (9.9%) for the first nine months. The growth in premiums earned for
voluntary auto was 9.8% and reflects an 11.4% increase in policies-in-force during the past year.
Policies-in-force over the last twelve months increased 12.6% in the preferred risk auto line and
7.9% in the standard and nonstandard auto lines. Voluntary auto new business sales in the first
nine months of 2006 increased 10.3% compared to 2005. Voluntary auto policies-in-force at
September 30, 2006 were 592,000 higher than at December 31, 2005. Premium rates continue to be
reduced and underwriting guidelines continue to be adjusted in certain markets to better match
price with the underlying risk resulting in relatively lower premiums per policy.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in 2006 exceeded 2005 by $10 million for the
third quarter and $447 million for the first nine months. The loss ratio was 69.5% in the first
nine months of 2006 compared to 70.4% in 2005. Catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2006
were approximately $48 million (0.6 loss ratio points) compared to $140 million (1.9 loss ratio
points) in 2005 which included $118 million from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Claims frequencies in 2006 for physical damage coverages decreased in the three to five percent
range from 2005 while frequencies for injury coverages decreased in the two to four percent range.
Injury severity in 2006 increased in the three to five percent range over 2005 while physical
damage severity increased in the four to seven percent range. Underwriting expenses increased
14.8% in the first nine months of 2006 to $1,491 million, reflecting increased underwriting, policy
issuance and advertising costs associated with new business.
General Re
General Re conducts a reinsurance business offering property and casualty and life and health
coverages to clients worldwide. In North America, property and casualty reinsurance is written on
a direct basis through General Reinsurance Corporation. Internationally, property and casualty
reinsurance is written on a direct basis through 95% owned Cologne Re (based in Germany) and other
wholly-owned affiliates as well as through brokers with respect to Faraday in London. Life and
health reinsurance is written for clients worldwide through Cologne Re.
21
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
General Re (Continued)
General Res pre-tax underwriting results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006
and 2005 are summarized below. Amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned |
|
|
Pre-tax underwriting gain/loss |
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Property/casualty: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North American |
|
$ |
459 |
|
|
$ |
531 |
|
|
$ |
1,361 |
|
|
$ |
1,669 |
|
|
$ |
44 |
|
|
$ |
(300 |
) |
|
$ |
122 |
|
|
$ |
(259 |
) |
International |
|
|
464 |
|
|
|
466 |
|
|
|
1,345 |
|
|
|
1,485 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
(119 |
) |
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
(128 |
) |
Life/health |
|
|
570 |
|
|
|
569 |
|
|
|
1,708 |
|
|
|
1,685 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,493 |
|
|
$ |
1,566 |
|
|
$ |
4,414 |
|
|
$ |
4,839 |
|
|
$ |
177 |
|
|
$ |
(389 |
) |
|
$ |
357 |
|
|
$ |
(327 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Re strives to generate pre-tax underwriting gains in essentially all of its product
lines. Underwriting performance is not evaluated based upon market share and underwriters are
instructed to reject inadequately priced risks. Property/casualty premiums written during the first nine months of 2006 declined approximately 11% from 2005. The
decline was principally attributable to a significant reduction in finite risk business and to
ongoing efforts to maintain underwriting and pricing discipline.
Property/casualty
North American
North American premiums earned in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 decreased
$72 million (13.6%) and $308 million (18.5%), respectively, from the same periods in 2005.
Approximately half of the decline was due to cancellations and non-renewals exceeding new
contracts, with minimal effect from rate changes. The remainder of the decline was due to a
decrease in the finite risk business. Continued current market
conditions may result in further declines in written and earned premiums over the remainder of 2006
as compared with 2005.
The North American business produced pre-tax underwriting gains of $44
million in the third quarter and $122 million in the first nine months of 2006. Pre-tax
underwriting results for the first nine months of 2006 consisted of a pre-tax gain of $229 million
from property business, which benefited from the absence of catastrophe and large individual
losses, partially offset by a pre-tax loss of $107 million from
casualty business. The pre-tax loss from casualty business included
$105 million in workers compensation reserve discount
accretion and deferred charge amortization as well as legal costs
associated with ongoing regulatory investigations. Results in 2006 periods have benefited from good
property results, favorable reserve run-off and pricing and underwriting discipline.
In 2005, pre-tax underwriting losses were $300 million in the third quarter and $259 million
in the first nine months. Results for the first nine months of 2005 reflected pre-tax
losses from property business of $137 million (which included $427 million of losses from
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita) and pre-tax losses of $122 million from casualty business (including
$89 million of charges from reserve discount accretion and deferred charge amortization).
Property/casualty
International
Premiums earned decreased $2 million (0.4%) in the third quarter and $140 million (9.4%) in
the first nine months of 2006 compared with the same periods in 2005. In local currencies,
premiums earned in the first nine months of 2006 declined 8.6% from 2005. More than half of the
decline in premiums earned was due to a significant decline in finite risk business with the
remainder primarily due to maintaining underwriting discipline.
The International operations produced pre-tax underwriting gains in the
third quarter and first nine months of 2006 of $84 million and $122 million, respectively, compared
with underwriting losses of $119 million in the third quarter and $128 million in the first nine
months of 2005. Underwriting results for the first nine months of 2006 included a pre-tax gain of
$195 million in property and aviation business, reflecting no significant catastrophe or large
individual losses during the year. Partially offsetting these gains were $73 million of net losses
in casualty lines. Results for the first nine months of 2005 included catastrophe losses of $175
million in the third quarter from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita as well as $31 million from winter
storm Erwin, which affected Northern Europe in January 2005.
Life/health
Premiums earned increased 0.2% in the third quarter and 1.4% for the first nine
months of 2006 from the comparable 2005 amounts. Adjusting for the effects of foreign currency
exchange, premiums earned increased 2.1% in 2006. Approximately 70% of premium volume in 2006
derived from life reinsurance (67% in 2005).
The global life/health operations produced pre-tax underwriting gains of $49 million in the
third quarter and $113 million in the first nine months of 2006, compared with $30 million and $60
million in the comparable 2005 periods. The results for the first nine months of 2006 reflected
gains of $99 million from international business and $14 million from U.S. business. The pre-tax
underwriting gains for the first nine months of 2006 and 2005 were principally attributable to the
life business.
22
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group
The Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (BHRG) underwrites excess-of-loss reinsurance and
quota-share coverages for insurers and reinsurers worldwide. BHRGs business includes catastrophe
excess-of-loss reinsurance and excess direct and facultative reinsurance for large or otherwise
unusual discrete property risks referred to as individual risk. Retroactive reinsurance policies
provide indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to past loss events.
Other multi-line refers to other business written on both a quota-share and excess basis,
participations in and contracts with Lloyds syndicates as well as aviation and workers
compensation programs. The timing and amount of catastrophe losses can produce extraordinary
volatility in the periodic underwriting results of the BHRG, and, in particular, in the catastrophe
and individual risk business.
BHRGs pre-tax underwriting results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 and
2005 are summarized in the table below. Amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned |
|
|
Pre-tax underwriting gain/loss |
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Catastrophe and
individual risk |
|
$ |
671 |
|
|
$ |
589 |
|
|
$ |
1,579 |
|
|
$ |
1,233 |
|
|
$ |
656 |
|
|
$ |
(1,486 |
) |
|
$ |
1,095 |
|
|
$ |
(1,216 |
) |
Retroactive reinsurance |
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
179 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(74 |
) |
|
|
(164 |
) |
|
|
(218 |
) |
Other multi-line |
|
|
794 |
|
|
|
596 |
|
|
|
1,977 |
|
|
|
1,719 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
(75 |
) |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,570 |
|
|
$ |
1,195 |
|
|
$ |
3,735 |
|
|
$ |
2,962 |
|
|
$ |
735 |
|
|
$ |
(1,635 |
) |
|
$ |
966 |
|
|
$ |
(1,352 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums earned from catastrophe and individual risk contracts increased $82 million (14%) in
the third quarter of 2006 and $346 million (28%) for the first nine months of 2006 as compared to
the same periods in 2005. Premiums written for the first nine months of 2006 totaled $2.1 billion,
an increase of approximately 56% over the prior year. Much of the increase in volume was
attributable to improved rates in the U.S. and limited industry capacity for catastrophe
reinsurance which led to more opportunities to write new business. Pre-tax underwriting results
in the first nine months of 2006 reflect no significant losses from 2006 catastrophe events and
incurred losses of approximately $230 million attributable to pre-2006 events, primarily Hurricane
Wilma which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2005. Pre-tax underwriting results from catastrophe
and individual risk business for the third quarter of 2005 included losses of $2,059 million from
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Retroactive policies normally provide very large, but limited, indemnification of unpaid
losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to past loss events which are generally expected
to be paid over long periods of time. The underwriting losses from retroactive reinsurance are
primarily attributable to the recurring amortization of deferred charges established on retroactive
reinsurance contracts written over the past several years. The deferred charges are amortized over
the expected claim payment period using the interest method. The amortization charges are recorded
as losses incurred and, therefore, produce underwriting losses. The amount of amortization charges
in a given period is based upon estimates of the timing and amount of future loss payments.
Underwriting losses in the third quarter of 2006 are net of gains of
approximately $70 million from
contracts that were amended during the quarter and from reductions
in expected losses under an existing contract. Underwriting losses in 2005 from retroactive
contracts were net of a pre-tax gain of approximately $46 million from the settlement of remaining
unpaid losses under a certain retroactive reinsurance agreement in the second quarter. At
September 30, 2006, unamortized deferred charges were approximately $1.9 billion and gross unpaid
losses with respect to retroactive reinsurance contracts were approximately $8.4 billion.
Premiums earned from multi-line business in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006
exceeded premiums earned in the comparable 2005 periods by $198 million and $258 million,
respectively. The comparative increases were attributable to increased volume from workers
compensation programs and property contracts, partially offset by decreased volume from Lloyds syndicate participations.
Multi-line business produced a pre-tax underwriting gain for the first nine months of 2006 of $35
million, reflecting no significant catastrophe losses. Pre-tax underwriting results in the third
quarter of 2005 reflected losses of $209 million from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
In October 2006, Berkshire and Equitas, a London based entity established to reinsure and
manage the 1992 and prior years non-life liabilities of the Names or Underwriters at Lloyds of London,
agreed in principle for National Indemnity to provide potentially up to $7 billion of new excess
reinsurance to Equitas. Berkshire affiliates would also employ the
current staff of Equitas and manage the run-off of Equitas liabilities. The agreement will be subject to
the approval by certain regulatory authorities in the United States and the United Kingdom as well
as various other conditions, which must be obtained by March 31,
2007. Consideration payable to National Indemnity under the arrangement would initially
consist of all of Equitas assets less 100 million Pounds Sterling.
23
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group
Premiums earned in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 by Berkshires various
primary insurers were $480 million and $1,377 million, respectively, increases of $37 million (8%)
and $325 million (31%) over the corresponding prior year periods. Premiums earned in the first
nine months of 2006 included $444 million from Med Pro which was acquired June 30, 2005.
Berkshires primary insurers produced pre-tax underwriting gains of $108 million and $186 million
for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, respectively, as compared to a $10 million
pre-tax underwriting loss for the third quarter of 2005 and a $45 million pre-tax underwriting gain
for the first nine months of 2005. In 2006, excellent underwriting results were achieved in all
major primary insurance activities, particularly National Indemnitys auto and general liability
business and Med Pros medical malpractice business. In the third quarter of 2005, the
underwriting loss reflected an increase of prior year medical malpractice claim estimates
for pre-2005 events, partially offset by a decrease in National Indemnitys auto and general
liability loss estimates for pre-2005 events.
Insurance Investment Income
Net investment income of Berkshires insurance businesses for the third quarter and first nine
months of 2006 and 2005 is summarized in the table below. Amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Investment income before taxes and minority interests |
|
$ |
1,103 |
|
|
$ |
900 |
|
|
$ |
3,223 |
|
|
$ |
2,538 |
|
Income taxes and minority interests |
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
299 |
|
|
|
979 |
|
|
|
798 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
$ |
759 |
|
|
$ |
601 |
|
|
$ |
2,244 |
|
|
$ |
1,740 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-tax investment income earned in 2006 by Berkshires insurance businesses exceeded amounts
earned in 2005 by $203 million (23%) in the third quarter and $685 million (27%) in the first nine
months. The increase in investment income in 2006 primarily reflects higher short-term interest
rates in the United States and increased dividends as compared to 2005.
A summary of investments held in Berkshires insurance businesses follows. Amounts are in
millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Dec. 31, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
35,525 |
|
|
$ |
38,814 |
|
|
$ |
39,707 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
55,220 |
|
|
|
46,412 |
|
|
|
44,966 |
|
Fixed maturity securities |
|
|
24,255 |
|
|
|
27,385 |
|
|
|
24,784 |
|
Other |
|
|
835 |
|
|
|
918 |
|
|
|
1,913 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
115,835 |
|
|
$ |
113,529 |
|
|
$ |
111,370 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2006 were as follows. Amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Gains/Losses |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
U.S. Treasury, government corporations and agencies |
|
$ |
4,995 |
|
|
$ |
(4 |
) |
|
$ |
4,991 |
|
States, municipalities and political subdivisions |
|
|
3,131 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
3,196 |
|
Foreign governments |
|
|
8,069 |
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
8,057 |
|
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stocks, investment grade |
|
|
3,218 |
|
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
3,392 |
|
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stocks, non-investment grade |
|
|
1,879 |
|
|
|
1,241 |
|
|
|
3,120 |
|
Mortgage-backed securities |
|
|
1,469 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
1,499 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
22,761 |
|
|
$ |
1,494 |
|
|
$ |
24,255 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All U.S. government obligations are rated AAA by the major rating agencies and approximately
96% of all state, municipal and political subdivisions, foreign government obligations and
mortgage-backed securities were rated AA or higher by the major rating agencies. Non-investment
grade securities represent securities that are rated below BBB- or Baa3. Fair value reflects
quoted market prices where available or, if not available, prices obtained from independent pricing
services.
24
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
Insurance Investment Income (Continued)
Invested assets derive from shareholder capital and reinvested earnings as well as net
liabilities assumed under insurance contracts or float. The major components of float are unpaid
losses, unearned premiums and other liabilities to policyholders less premiums and reinsurance
receivables, deferred charges assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts and deferred policy
acquisition costs. Float totaled approximately $49.7 billion at September 30, 2006, $49.3 billion
at December 31, 2005 and $48.9 billion at September 30, 2005. The cost of float, as represented by
the ratio of pre-tax underwriting gain or loss to average float, was negative in both the first
nine months of 2006 and for the full year of 2005 as Berkshires insurance businesses generated
pre-tax underwriting gains.
Utilities and Energy
Revenues and earnings from utilities and energy businesses for the third quarter and first
nine months of 2006 and 2005 are summarized below. Amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
U.S. electricity and gas utilities |
|
$ |
1,802 |
|
|
$ |
723 |
|
|
$ |
330 |
|
|
$ |
130 |
|
|
$ |
4,542 |
|
|
$ |
2,199 |
|
|
$ |
697 |
|
|
$ |
288 |
|
Natural gas pipelines |
|
|
190 |
|
|
|
197 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
672 |
|
|
|
618 |
|
|
|
321 |
|
|
|
312 |
|
U.K. electricity distribution |
|
|
243 |
|
|
|
210 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
669 |
|
|
|
664 |
|
|
|
368 |
|
|
|
354 |
|
Real estate brokerage |
|
|
462 |
|
|
|
539 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
1,335 |
|
|
|
1,455 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
107 |
|
Other |
|
|
152 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
512 |
|
|
|
338 |
|
|
|
382 |
|
|
|
203 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(266 |
) |
|
|
(178 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(710 |
) |
|
|
(544 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,849 |
|
|
$ |
1,787 |
|
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
252 |
|
|
$ |
7,730 |
|
|
$ |
5,274 |
|
|
|
1,112 |
|
|
|
720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes and minority interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
111 |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
460 |
|
|
|
338 |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
261 |
|
|
$ |
141 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
652 |
|
|
$ |
382 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Includes an income tax charge of $14 million for the third quarter and $36 million for the
first nine months of 2005 related to Berkshires accounting for its investments in MidAmerican
under the equity method. |
Berkshires 2005 Consolidated Financial Statements reflect Berkshires share of
MidAmericans net earnings as determined under the equity method. In 2006, MidAmericans revenues
and expenses are included in Berkshires Consolidated Financial Statements. Interest expense on
debt securities held by Berkshire and other Berkshire subsidiaries has been eliminated. For
comparative purposes, revenues and earnings of MidAmerican for 2005 are provided in the table
above. Revenues and earnings of the utilities and energy businesses are, to some extent, seasonal
depending on weather-induced demand. Revenues from electricity sales can be higher in the
June-September period and revenues from gas sales and pipelines can be greater in the
November-March period. Real estate brokerage revenues tend to be greater in the second and third
quarters.
Revenues in 2006 from the U.S. electricity and gas utilities business increased $1,079 million
(149%) in the third quarter and $2,343 million (107%) for the first nine months over the comparable
2005 periods. The increases were primarily attributable to the acquisition of PacifiCorp on
March 21, 2006 ($1,036 million for the third quarter and
$1,972 million for the first nine months). In addition, non-regulated energy sales increased in 2006 due primarily to a change in
managements strategy related to certain end-use natural gas contracts, which resulted in
prospective revenues and costs being recorded on a gross rather than net basis. Revenues from the
natural gas pipeline business for the third quarter of 2006 reflect estimated refunds related to
the pending rate case with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with respect to the Kern River
pipeline.
Pre-tax earnings of utilities and energy business for the third quarter and first nine months
of 2006 increased $164 million (65%) and $392 million (54%), respectively, over the comparable 2005
periods. Pre-tax earnings in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 from U.S. electricity
and gas utilities business increased $200 million and $409 million, respectively, as compared to 2005
periods. The increases were due primarily to the inclusion of PacifiCorp ($201 million for the
third quarter and $354 million for the first nine months of 2006) and to higher operating margins
on retail and wholesale electricity sales in the first half of the
year. Pre-tax earnings from other activities in 2006 included
a gain of $117 million for the first nine months from the disposal of equity securities. Partially
offsetting the aforementioned increases in pre-tax earnings was increased interest expense in 2006
($88 million for the third quarter and $166 million for the first nine months). Interest expense
in 2006 includes interest expense of PacifiCorp as well as interest on $1.7 billion of
MidAmericans 6.125% bonds due 2036 issued in March 2006. In addition, revenues and pre-tax
earnings of the real estate brokerage business declined in 2006 periods compared to 2005 primarily
attributable to declines in the number of brokerage transactions closed as a result of the general
slowdown in the U.S. housing markets.
25
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
Manufacturing, Services and Retailing
A comparison of third quarter and first nine months revenues and pre-tax earnings of
Berkshires diverse manufacturing, services and retailing businesses follows. Amounts are in
millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
McLane Company |
|
$ |
6,671 |
|
|
$ |
6,388 |
|
|
$ |
50 |
|
|
$ |
53 |
|
|
$ |
19,069 |
|
|
$ |
17,909 |
|
|
$ |
161 |
|
|
$ |
181 |
|
Shaw Industries |
|
|
1,515 |
|
|
|
1,512 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
4,493 |
|
|
|
4,238 |
|
|
|
462 |
|
|
|
372 |
|
Apparel |
|
|
863 |
|
|
|
596 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
1,987 |
|
|
|
1,752 |
|
|
|
185 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
Building products |
|
|
1,326 |
|
|
|
1,264 |
|
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
214 |
|
|
|
3,856 |
|
|
|
3,618 |
|
|
|
684 |
|
|
|
608 |
|
Flight services |
|
|
1,125 |
|
|
|
854 |
|
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
3,182 |
|
|
|
2,538 |
|
|
|
234 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Retail |
|
|
706 |
|
|
|
641 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
2,052 |
|
|
|
1,881 |
|
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
105 |
|
Other |
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
|
808 |
|
|
|
222 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
4,131 |
|
|
|
2,271 |
|
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
13,717 |
|
|
$ |
12,063 |
|
|
|
874 |
|
|
|
684 |
|
|
$ |
38,770 |
|
|
$ |
34,207 |
|
|
|
2,410 |
|
|
|
1,917 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes and
minority
interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
944 |
|
|
|
712 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
534 |
|
|
$ |
428 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,466 |
|
|
$ |
1,205 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
McLane Company
Revenues from the McLane distribution business increased $283 million (4%) for the third
quarter and $1,160 million (6%) for the first nine months of 2006 over the comparable 2005 periods.
Pre-tax earnings of $50 million for the third quarter and $161 million for the first nine months
of 2006 decreased $3 million (6%) and $20 million (11%) from the comparable 2005 periods. McLanes
business is marked by high sales volume and low profit margins and has been subject to increased
price competition in recent periods. Approximately one-third of McLanes total sales are to
Wal-Mart. The increases in revenues in 2006 were due to increased grocery business partially
offset by a reduction in restaurant food service business primarily due to the loss of a large
customer in mid-2005. Pre-tax earnings declined during 2006 as a result of a 0.2% reduction in
gross margin percentage which is primarily attributable to increased competition. Also, pre-tax
earnings in the first nine months of 2005 included a $10 million gain from a litigation settlement.
Shaw Industries
Revenues of Shaw Industries in the third quarter of 2006 were relatively unchanged from 2005
and for the first nine months increased $255 million (6%) over 2005. The revenue increase in the
first nine months of 2006 was due to increased average net selling prices partially offset by a 5%
reduction in volume. The comparative decline in 2006 unit sales versus 2005 accelerated during the
third quarter. Management attributed this to a slowing of housing construction in 2006 and the
acceleration of customer purchases in the third quarter of 2005 in anticipation of fourth quarter
price increases. Pre-tax earnings for the third quarter of 2006 declined $7 million (5%) and for
the first nine months increased $90 million (24%) over the corresponding 2005 periods. The
increase in pre-tax earnings in the first nine months of 2006 was primarily attributable to the
integration of carpet backing and nylon-fiber manufacturing operations acquired in the fourth
quarter of 2005. These two acquisitions allow Shaw to internally produce most of its
carpet-backing needs and to secure a more stable raw material source. Sales volume is expected to
continue to slow over the remainder of 2006.
Apparel
Apparel business revenues in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 increased $267
million (45%) and $235 million (13%), respectively, compared with 2005 periods. The increases were
due to the post-acquisition revenues of Russell Corporation (Russell), partially offset by
declines in other clothing revenues. As discussed in Note 3 to the Interim Consolidated Financial
Statements, on August 2, 2006 Berkshire acquired Russell, a manufacturer of athletic uniforms,
apparel, athletic footwear, sporting goods, athletic equipment, and accessories for a variety of
sports, outdoor and fitness activities. For the year ending December 31, 2005, Russell reported
revenues of approximately $1.4 billion and pre-tax earnings of approximately $43 million. Pre-tax
earnings of apparel businesses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 were $69 million
and $185 million, respectively, decreases of $31 million (31%) and $79 million (30%), respectively,
from 2005. The declines in pre-tax earnings were attributable to lower earnings from clothing,
reflecting primarily lower average net selling prices and product mix changes as well as higher
advertising costs and facilities closure costs related to certain of Fruit of the Looms
manufacturing facilities.
26
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
Manufacturing, Services and Retailing (Continued)
Building Products
Revenues for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 of the building products group of
$1,326 million and $3,856 million increased $62 million and $238 million, respectively, compared
with 2005 periods. Increased revenues for the first nine months of 2006 were generated by all of
the major businesses included in this segment and reflected higher average selling prices and
increased unit volume for insulation products, connector plates and truss machinery. However, the
slowdown in home construction became more evident in the third quarter of 2006 and unit sales of
brick and connector plate products declined as compared to 2005. The increases in selling prices
were generally in response to raw material and energy cost inflation which drove manufacturing and
delivery costs higher.
Pre-tax earnings in 2006 for the group totaled $248 million for the third quarter and $684
million for the first nine months and exceeded pre-tax earnings in the comparable 2005 periods by
$34 million and $76 million, respectively. The increase in pre-tax earnings in the first nine
months of 2006 over 2005 was primarily attributable to general increases in average selling prices
partially offset by higher average manufacturing, energy and delivery costs. In particular,
escalating raw materials, labor and fuel costs as well as product mix changes resulted in declines
in 2006 pre-tax earnings from the paint/coatings business. Changes in housing
construction conditions as well as sources and prices of raw materials and energy can have a
significant effect on the operating results of the building products group.
Flight Services
Flight services revenues in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 increased $271
million (32%) and $644 million (25%) as compared to 2005. Revenues from NetJets fractional
aircraft ownership business for the first nine months of 2006 increased $612 million (30%) over
2005, reflecting a 24% increase in flight operations and management service revenues and increased
fractional aircraft sales. In 2006, occupied flight hours increased 18% and average hourly rates
increased as well. The number of aircraft managed within the NetJets program over the past twelve
months has increased 13%. Revenues for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 from
training (FlightSafety) increased 3% and 6% over the comparable 2005 periods. The revenue increases were
primarily due to increased corporate aviation demand and price increases. In 2006, pre-tax
earnings of the flight services businesses totaled $103 million in the third quarter and $234
million for the first nine months compared to $42 million and $100 million for the comparable 2005
periods. The major portion of these increases related to the NetJets fractional ownership
business. The improvement in operating results at NetJets reflected a decline in subcontracted flights that are necessary to meet peak customer demand, increased management and
usage revenues and increased margins from fractional aircraft sales somewhat offset by higher
interest, depreciation and payroll expenses.
Retail
Berkshires retail operations consist of several home furnishings and jewelry retailers.
Revenues of the home furnishings businesses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006
increased $57 million (12%) and $148 million (11%), respectively, over 2005. Revenues for the
first nine months of 2006 included sales from two new RC Willey stores of $57 million. Aggregate
same store sales of home furnishings businesses for the first nine months of 2006 increased
approximately 7% compared to 2005. Revenues from jewelry businesses were $157 million and $503
million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, representing increases of $8 million
(5%) and $23 million (5%), respectively, over the corresponding 2005 periods. Pre-tax earnings of
the retail group for the third quarter were $44 million and for the first nine months of 2006 were
$121 million, increases of $7 million (19%) and $16 million (15%) over corresponding 2005 periods.
Substantially all of the comparative increase in pre-tax earnings was produced by the home
furnishings operations.
Other
Other businesses include a wide array of manufacturing and service businesses. Included in
this diverse group are three businesses acquired subsequent to June 30, 2005. Berkshire acquired
Forest River (on August 31, 2005), a leading manufacturer of leisure vehicles in the U.S.; Business
Wire (on February 28, 2006), a leading global distributor of corporate news, multimedia and
regulatory filings; and IMC (on July 5, 2006), a leading global producer of metal cutting tools.
These acquisitions are responsible for a significant portion of the comparative increases in both
revenues and earnings for this diverse group of businesses.
27
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
Finance and Financial Products
A summary of revenues and earnings from Berkshires finance and financial products businesses
for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 and 2005 follows. Amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Manufactured housing and finance |
|
$ |
884 |
|
|
$ |
829 |
|
|
$ |
129 |
|
|
$ |
107 |
|
|
$ |
2,655 |
|
|
$ |
2,260 |
|
|
$ |
388 |
|
|
$ |
311 |
|
Furniture/transportation equipment
leasing |
|
|
229 |
|
|
|
222 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
659 |
|
|
|
625 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
Other |
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
509 |
|
|
|
420 |
|
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,256 |
|
|
$ |
1,180 |
|
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
$ |
3,823 |
|
|
$ |
3,305 |
|
|
|
876 |
|
|
|
605 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes and minority interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
321 |
|
|
|
230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
183 |
|
|
$ |
127 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
555 |
|
|
$ |
375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues and pre-tax earnings from manufactured housing and finance activities (Clayton Homes)
increased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 as compared to 2005. For the first
nine months of 2006, manufactured home sales increased ($295 million) compared to 2005 as a result
of increases in both units sold (10%) and weighted average price per home (11%). However, third
quarter 2006 unit sales were 4% lower than in 2005. Additionally, interest income from
installment loans increased $121 million in the first nine months of 2006
over 2005 due to comparatively higher average installment loan balances primarily from loan
portfolio acquisitions during 2005. The balance of installment loans has
stabilized after significant increases in recent years. Absent major new loan portfolio
acquisitions or significant increases in loan originations, installment loan balances are expected
to gradually decline as loan portfolios acquired in 2004 and 2005 are
repaid. Consequently, the
rate of growth in interest income may decline over the next year and amounts may eventually decline
in comparison with amounts earned in 2006.
Pre-tax earnings from furniture and transportation equipment leasing activities for the first
nine months of 2006 increased $16 million over 2005, reflecting higher rental income, partially
offset by higher depreciation and other operating expenses. Pre-tax earnings from other finance
activities for the first nine months of 2006 of $357 million
increased $178 million over
2005. Other finance activities include the General Re derivatives business, which has completed a
major portion of its run-off, and Berkshires earnings from its investment in Value Capital, a
partnership that was substantially liquidated as of June 30, 2006. The General Re derivatives
business had 222 open trades at September 30, 2006. These two activities generated pre-tax losses
of $30 million and $97 million for the third quarter and
first nine months of 2005, respectively, as
compared to pre-tax losses of $1 million and $3 million in the comparable 2006 periods. Other
pre-tax earnings for the first nine months of 2006 include a fee of $67 million in connection with
an Equity Commitment Agreement that Berkshire entered into with USG Corporation (USG). Under the
Equity Commitment Agreement, Berkshire agreed to purchase no less than 6.5 million and up to 44.9
million additional shares of USG common stock to facilitate an equity rights offering.
Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses
A summary of investment and derivative gains and losses follows. Amounts are in millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
First Nine Months |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Investment gains/losses from - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and other disposals of investments |
|
$ |
262 |
|
|
$ |
611 |
|
|
$ |
995 |
|
|
$ |
1,242 |
|
Life settlement contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
(68 |
) |
Other |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
(92 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
) |
Derivative gains/losses from - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency forward contracts |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
240 |
|
|
|
(897 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains/losses before income taxes and minority interests |
|
|
267 |
|
|
|
741 |
|
|
|
1,531 |
|
|
|
376 |
|
Income taxes and minority interests |
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
537 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net gains/losses |
|
$ |
174 |
|
|
$ |
480 |
|
|
$ |
994 |
|
|
$ |
243 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment gains or losses are recognized upon the sales of investments or as otherwise
required under GAAP. The timing of realized gains or losses from sales can have a material effect
on periodic earnings. However, such gains or losses usually have little, if any, impact on total
shareholders equity because most equity and fixed maturity investments are carried at fair value,
with the unrealized gain or loss included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
28
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses (Continued)
As discussed in Note 13 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, Berkshire adopted
FTB 85-4-1 in the first quarter of 2006. As a result, the carrying value of investments in life
settlement contracts was increased $277 million through the application of the investment (or cost)
method. The cumulative after tax effect of the increase in carrying value as of December 31, 2005
of $180 million was credited directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of 2006. The
pre-tax gain for the first nine months of 2006 reflects the disposition of a portfolio of life
settlement contracts.
Prior to 2006, life settlement contract investments were carried at the cash surrender value
of the underlying life insurance contract (often a small fraction of the cost of acquiring the
policy). The excess of the cash paid to purchase these contracts over the cash surrender value at
the purchase date was recognized as a loss immediately and future periodic maintenance costs, such
as premiums necessary to keep the underlying policies in force, were charged to earnings
immediately when incurred.
Derivative gains and losses from foreign currency forward contracts arise as the value of the
U.S. dollar changes against certain foreign currencies. Small changes in certain foreign currency
exchange rates produce material changes in the fair value of these contracts and consequently can
produce exceptional volatility in reported earnings. During the first nine months of 2006, the
notional value of open contracts declined approximately
$12.7 billion to $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2006. The notional value of open contracts at September 30, 2005 was
approximately $16.5 billion. During the first nine months of 2005, the value of most foreign
currencies decreased relative to the U.S. dollar and, accordingly, the forward contracts produced
pre-tax losses.
Berkshire has also entered into other derivative contracts pertaining to credit default risks
of other U.S. entities as well as equity price risk associated with major equity indexes. Such
contracts are carried at estimated fair value and the periodic change in estimated fair value is
included in earnings. These contracts are not traded on an exchange and independent market price
data are not consistently available. Accordingly, considerable judgment is required in estimating
fair value. The other derivatives gains earned in the first nine months of 2006 derived primarily
from changes in estimated fair values of open credit contracts.
Financial Condition
Berkshires balance sheet continues to reflect significant liquidity and a strong capital
base. Consolidated shareholders equity at September 30, 2006 was $102.2 billion and $91.5 billion
at December 31, 2005. Cash and investments of insurance and other businesses was approximately
$117.7 billion at September 30, 2006 (including cash and cash equivalents of $36.9 billion) and
$115.6 billion at December 31, 2005 (including cash and cash equivalents of $40.5 billion).
On March 21, 2006, PacifiCorp was acquired for approximately $5.1 billion in cash. On March
24, 2006, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (MidAmerican) issued $1.7 billion of senior notes
due in 2036. Berkshire has not provided and does not intend to
guaranty debt issued by MidAmerican or its subsidiaries. However, Berkshire has made a commitment
that allows MidAmerican to request up to $3.5 billion of capital until February 28, 2011 to pay its
debt obligations or to provide funding to its regulated subsidiaries.
On July 5, 2006, Berkshire acquired 80% of Iscar Metalworking Companies (IMC) for $4 billion
in cash. On
August 2, 2006, Berkshire completed the acquisition of Russell for $600 million in cash. In
addition, approximately $530 million of term debt and revolving credit loans of Russell were repaid
during the third quarter of 2006. Berkshire utilized existing cash balances to fund the IMC and
Russell acquisitions and to repay the Russell obligations.
Berkshire maintains a large amount of shareholder capital in insurance subsidiaries for
strategic purposes and in support of reserves for unpaid losses. Insurance businesses are subject
to regulation. In the United States, in particular, dividend payments by insurance companies are
subject to prior approval by state regulators. For the nine months ending September 30, 2006,
insurance subsidiaries paid dividends of $5.5 billion to Berkshire.
During the first nine months of 2006, capital expenditures of the utilities and energy
businesses were $1.7 billion. Forecasted capital expenditures, construction and other development
costs for the year ending December 31, 2006 are approximately $2.5 billion. Capital expenditure
needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of such
reviews. MidAmerican expects to fund these capital expenditures with cash flows from operations
and the issuance of debt.
Assets of the finance and financial products businesses were $24.2 billion at September 30,
2006 and $24.5 billion as of December 31, 2005, consisting primarily of loans and finance
receivables, fixed maturity securities and cash and cash equivalents. Liabilities were
$19.1 billion as of September 30, 2006 and $20.3 billion as of December 31, 2005 and include notes
and other borrowings of $10.8 billion at September 30, 2006 and $10.9 billion at December 31, 2005.
Notes payable include $8.85 billion par amount of medium term notes issued by Berkshire Hathaway
Finance Corporation (BHFC). The notes mature at various dates beginning in 2007 ($700 million
par) through 2015. The proceeds from these notes were used to finance originated and acquired
loans of Clayton. Full and timely payment of principal and interest on the notes issued by BHFC is
guaranteed by Berkshire.
29
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
Contractual Obligations
Berkshire and its subsidiaries are parties to contracts associated with ongoing business and
financing activities, which will result in cash payments to counterparties in future periods.
Certain obligations reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, such as notes payable, require
future payments on contractually specified dates and in fixed and determinable amounts. The timing
and amount of the payment of other obligations such as unpaid property and casualty loss reserves
are contingent upon the outcome of future events. Other obligations pertain to the acquisition of
goods or services in the future, which are not currently reflected in the financial statements,
such as minimum rentals under operating leases. Except as discussed
in the following paragraph, Berkshires consolidated contractual obligations as
of September 30, 2006 did not change materially from those
disclosed in Berkshires Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ending December 31, 2005.
As a result of Berkshires consolidation of MidAmerican in 2006, Berkshires consolidated
contractual obligations have changed significantly from December 31, 2005. The table below
summarizes the contractual obligations of MidAmerican as of September 30, 2006. The actual timing
and amount of payments may differ materially from the amounts shown in the table. Amounts are in
millions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated payments due by period |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007-2008 |
|
|
2009-2010 |
|
|
After 2010 |
|
Notes payable and other borrowings, including interest |
|
$ |
30,672 |
|
|
$ |
873 |
|
|
$ |
4,977 |
|
|
$ |
2,131 |
|
|
$ |
22,691 |
|
Operating leases |
|
|
478 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
191 |
|
Purchase obligations |
|
|
10,762 |
|
|
|
468 |
|
|
|
2,793 |
|
|
|
1,855 |
|
|
|
5,646 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
41,912 |
|
|
$ |
1,365 |
|
|
$ |
7,934 |
|
|
$ |
4,085 |
|
|
$ |
28,528 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Critical Accounting Policies
In applying certain accounting policies, Berkshires management is required to make estimates
and judgments regarding transactions that have occurred and ultimately will be settled several
years in the future. Amounts recognized in the financial statements from such estimates are
necessarily based on assumptions about numerous factors involving varying, and possibly
significant, degrees of judgment and uncertainty. Accordingly, the amounts currently recorded in
the financial statements may prove, with the benefit of hindsight, to be inaccurate. The balance
sheet items most significantly affected by these estimates are property and casualty insurance and
reinsurance related liabilities, deferred charges on retroactive reinsurance, and goodwill.
Berkshires Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2006 includes estimated liabilities
for unpaid losses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of $46.9 billion
($48.0 billion at December 31, 2005) and reinsurance recoverables of $2.8 billion ($3.0 billion at
December 31, 2005). Due to the inherent uncertainties in the process of establishing these
amounts, the actual ultimate claim amounts will likely differ from the currently recorded amounts.
A small percentage change in estimates of this magnitude will result in a material effect on
reported earnings. Future effects from changes in these estimates will be
recorded as a component of losses incurred in the period of the change. Unamortized deferred
charges on retroactive reinsurance policies assumed totaled $2.1 billion at September 30, 2006.
Significant changes in either the timing or ultimate amount of loss payments may have a significant
effect on unamortized deferred charges and the amount of periodic amortization.
Berkshires Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2006 includes goodwill of acquired
businesses of approximately $32.2 billion, including $5.5 billion of goodwill related to
MidAmerican. A significant amount of judgment is required in performing goodwill impairment tests.
Such tests include periodically estimating and reviewing the fair value of Berkshires reporting
units. There are several methods of estimating a reporting units fair value, including market
quotations, asset and liability fair values and other valuation techniques, such as discounted
projected future net earnings and multiples of earnings. If the carrying amount of a reporting
unit, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair value, then individual assets, including
identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated at fair value.
The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the estimated fair value of net
assets would establish the implied value of goodwill. The excess of the recorded amount of
goodwill over the implied value is then charged to earnings as an impairment loss.
30
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
Critical Accounting Policies (Continued)
Berkshires consolidated financial position reflects very significant amounts of invested
assets. A substantial portion of these assets are carried at fair
values based upon current market quotations, where available, or
prices obtained from independent pricing services. Certain of
Berkshires fixed maturity securities are not actively traded in
the financial markets. If market quotations and independent pricing
service values are not available, fair values are based upon pricing
models. Considerable judgment is required in determining the assumptions
used in certain pricing models, including interest rate, loan prepayment speed, credit risk and
liquidity risk assumptions. Significant changes in these assumptions can have a significant effect
on carrying values.
In connection with Berkshires consolidation of MidAmerican, accounting policies regarding
regulatory assets and liabilities and the evaluation of long-lived assets have gained importance.
Reference is made to Note 7 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements with respect to the
discussion that follows.
MidAmerican Energy Company, PacifiCorp, Kern River and Northern Natural Gas prepare financial
statements in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain
Types of Regulation (SFAS 71), which differs in certain respects from the application of GAAP by
non-regulated businesses. In general, SFAS 71 recognizes that accounting for rate-regulated
enterprises should reflect the economic effects of regulation.
Long-lived assets of utilities and energy businesses consist primarily of property, plant and
equipment. Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. Upon the occurrence of a
triggering event, the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is reviewed to assess whether the
recoverable amount has declined below its carrying amount. The recoverable amount is the estimated
recoverable net future cash flows from the future use of the asset, undiscounted and without
interest, plus the assets estimated residual value upon disposal. Where the recoverable amount is
less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized to write down the asset to its fair
value based on discounted estimated cash flows from the future use of the asset.
The estimate of cash flows arising from future use of the asset in the impairment analysis
requires judgment regarding the expected recoveries from the future use. Any changes in the
estimates of cash flows arising from the future use or the residual value of the asset upon
disposal based on changes in market conditions, changes in the use of the asset, managements
plans, the determination of the useful life of the asset and technology changes in the industry
could significantly change the estimated fair value or recoverable amount of the asset and the
resulting impairment loss. An impairment analysis of generating facilities requires estimates of
possible future market prices, load growth, competition and many other factors over the lives of
the facilities. A resulting impairment loss is highly dependent on these underlying assumptions.
For additional information on Berkshires critical accounting estimates, reference is made to
Critical Accounting Policies in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations contained in Berkshires Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending
December 31, 2005. Information concerning recently issued accounting pronouncements which are not
yet effective is included in Note 14 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
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.
31
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Continued)
Forward-Looking Statements (Continued)
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 Berkshires 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
Berkshires significant equity investees, the occurrence of one or more catastrophic events, such
as an earthquake or hurricane that causes losses insured by Berkshires 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.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Reference is made to Berkshires most recently issued Annual Report and in particular the
Market Risk Disclosures included in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations. Except as discussed in the following
paragraph, as of September 30, 2006, there are no material changes in the market
risks described in Berkshires most recently issued Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending
December 31, 2005.
Through MidAmerican, Berkshire is exposed to market risks associated with electric and natural
gas commodity prices as well as fuel costs to generate electricity. In addition, MidAmericans
regulated utility subsidiaries may be required to purchase additional electricity beyond their
generating capacity to meet customer needs. Such risks are mitigated to the extent that the costs
of commodities are recoverable through regulated rates charged to customers. Derivative
instruments are also utilized to further mitigate commodity price risks and to help balance energy
supplies with customer demands.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Corporation
carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporations
management, including the Chairman (Chief Executive Officer) and the Vice President-Treasurer
(Chief Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporations
disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that
evaluation, the Chairman (Chief Executive Officer) and the Vice President-Treasurer (Chief
Financial Officer) concluded that the Corporations disclosure controls and procedures are
effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Corporation (including
its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Corporations periodic SEC filings.
During the quarter, there have been no significant changes in the Corporations internal control
over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect internal control over
financial reporting.
32
Part II Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
a) Governmental Investigations
On October 17, 2006, counsel
for General Reinsurance Corporation (General Reinsurance), a
wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire, received a letter from the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern
District of Virginia, Richmond Division (the EDVA U.S. Attorney), stating that the EDVA U.S.
Attorney does not currently view General Reinsurance as a target or subject in connection with the
EDVA U.S. Attorneys pending investigation of Reciprocal of America (ROA). ROA was a
Virginia-based reciprocal insurer of physician, hospital and lawyer professional liability risks.
As previously disclosed, General Reinsurance and four of its current or former employees, including
a former president, had received subpoenas for documents from the EDVA U.S. Attorney in connection
with the EDVA U.S. Attorneys investigation of ROA, and a number of current and former employees of
General Reinsurance had been interviewed by the EDVA U.S. Attorney and the U.S. Department of
Justice (DOJ) in connection with this investigation. It was previously disclosed that one of the
individuals originally subpoenaed had been informed by the EDVA U.S. Attorney that this individual
was a target of the EDVA U.S. Attorneys investigation. The EDVA U.S. Attorney also confirmed that
neither this individual, nor any current or former employee of General Reinsurance, is currently a
target of the EDVA U.S. Attorneys investigation. General Reinsurance will continue to cooperate fully with the
EDVA U.S. Attorney in its pending investigation of ROA. General Reinsurance has been sued in a
number of civil actions related to ROA, as described below.
General
Re Corporation (General Re), Berkshire, and certain of Berkshires other insurance subsidiaries, including
National Indemnity Company (NICO) have been continuing to cooperate fully with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the DOJ and the New York State Attorney General
(NYAG) in their ongoing investigations of non-traditional products. The EDVA U.S. Attorney and
the DOJ have also been working with the SEC in connection with these investigations.
General Re originally received subpoenas from the SEC and NYAG in January 2005. General Re,
Berkshire and NICO have been providing information to the government relating to transactions
between General Reinsurance or NICO (or their respective subsidiaries or affiliates) and other
insurers in response to the January 2005 subpoenas and related requests and, in the case of General
Reinsurance (or its subsidiaries or affiliates), in response to subpoenas from other U.S. Attorneys
conducting investigations relating to certain of these transactions. In particular, General Re and
Berkshire have been responding to requests from the government for information relating to certain
transactions that may have been accounted for incorrectly by counterparties of General Reinsurance
(or its subsidiaries or affiliates). Berkshire understands that the government is evaluating the
actions of General Re and its subsidiaries, as well as those of their counterparties, to determine
whether General Re or its subsidiaries conspired with others to misstate counterparty financial
statements or aided and abetted such misstatements by the counterparties. The SEC, NYAG, DOJ and
the EDVA U.S. Attorney have interviewed a number of current and former officers and employees of
General Re and General Reinsurance as well as Berkshires
Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett.
In one case, a transaction initially effected with American International Group (AIG) in
late 2000 (the AIG Transaction), AIG has corrected its prior accounting for the transaction on
the grounds, as stated in AIGs 2004 10-K, that the transaction was done to accomplish a desired
accounting result and did not entail sufficient qualifying risk transfer to support reinsurance
accounting. General Reinsurance has been named in related civil actions brought against AIG, as
described below. As part of their ongoing investigations, governmental authorities have also
inquired about the accounting by certain of Berkshires insurance subsidiaries for certain assumed
and ceded finite transactions.
In May 2005, General Re terminated the consulting services of its former Chief Executive
Officer, Ronald Ferguson, after Mr. Ferguson invoked the Fifth Amendment in response to questions
from the SEC relating to its investigation. In June 2005, John Houldsworth, the former Chief
Executive Officer of Cologne Reinsurance Company (Dublin) Limited (CRD), a subsidiary of General
Re, pleaded guilty to a federal criminal charge of conspiring with others to misstate certain AIG
financial statements and entered into a partial settlement agreement with the SEC with respect to
such matters. Mr. Houldsworth, who had been on administrative leave, was terminated following this
announcement. In June 2005, Richard Napier, a former Senior Vice President of General Re who had
served as an account representative for the AIG account, also pleaded guilty to a federal criminal
charge of conspiring with others to misstate certain AIG financial statements and entered into a
partial settlement agreement with the SEC with respect to such matters. General Re terminated Mr.
Napier following the announcement of these actions.
In September 2005, Ronald Ferguson, Joseph Brandon, the Chief Executive Officer of General Re,
Christopher Garand, a former Senior Vice President of General Reinsurance, and Robert Graham, a
former Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of General Reinsurance, each received a
Wells notice from the SEC. Elizabeth Monrad, the former Chief Financial Officer of General Re,
also received a Wells notice from the SEC in May 2005 in connection with its investigation. The
SEC announced on February 2, 2006 that it had filed an enforcement action against Mr. Ferguson, Ms.
Monrad, Mr. Graham, Mr. Garand and a former AIG officer for aiding and abetting AIGs violations of
the antifraud provisions and other provisions of the federal securities laws in connection with the
AIG Transaction. The SEC complaint seeks permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement of any
ill-gotten gains, civil penalties and orders barring each defendant
from acting as an officer or director of a public company. This case is presently stayed.
33
Item 1. Legal Proceedings (Continued)
On February 1, 2006, Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Monrad and Mr. Graham, along with the same former
officer of AIG, were indicted by a grand jury in the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Virginia. On September 20, 2006, the DOJ announced a superseding indictment that
includes charges against Mr. Garand and charges similar to those in the original indictment against
Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Monrad, Mr. Graham and the former
officer of AIG. Each of Mr. Ferguson, Ms.
Monrad and Mr. Graham is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate securities laws and to
commit mail fraud, seven counts of securities fraud, five counts of making false statements to the
SEC, and three counts of mail fraud in connection with the AIG Transaction. Mr. Garand is charged
with one count of conspiracy to violate securities laws and to commit mail fraud, three counts of
securities fraud, three counts of making false statements to the SEC, and three counts of mail
fraud in connection with the AIG Transaction. Each of these individuals has pleaded not guilty to
all charges. The action has been transferred to the United States District Court for the District
of Connecticut and trial is set for March 1, 2007.
On February 9, 2006, AIG announced that it had reached a resolution of claims and matters
under investigation with the DOJ, the SEC, the NYAG and the New York State Department of Insurance
in connection with the accounting, financial reporting and insurance brokerage practices of AIG and
its subsidiaries, including claims and matters under investigation relating to the AIG Transaction,
as well as claims relating to the underpayment of certain workers compensation premium taxes and
other assessments. AIG announced that it would make payments totaling approximately $1.64 billion
as a result of these settlements.
Various state insurance departments have issued subpoenas or otherwise requested that General
Reinsurance, NICO and their affiliates provide documents and information relating to
non-traditional products. The Office of the Connecticut Attorney General has also issued a subpoena
to General Reinsurance for information relating to non-traditional products. General Reinsurance,
NICO and their affiliates have been cooperating fully with these subpoenas and requests.
In December 2004, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) advised General Reinsurances
affiliate Faraday Group (Faraday) that it was investigating Milan Vukelic, the then Chief
Executive Officer of Faraday, with respect to transactions entered
into between General Reinsurance Australia Limited (GRA) and companies
affiliated with FAI Insurance Limited in 1998. Mr. Vukelic previously served as the head of General
Res international finite business unit. In April 2005, the FSA advised General Reinsurance that it
was investigating Mr. Vukelic and John Byrne, former Chief Executive Officer of CRD, with respect
to certain finite risk reinsurance transactions, including transactions between CRD and several
other insurers. In May 2005, Mr. Vukelic was placed on administrative leave and in July 2005 his
employment was terminated. In addition, the FSA has requested that General Reinsurance affiliates
based in the United Kingdom provide information relating to the transactions involved in their
investigations. In July 2006, the FSA issued an agreed-upon prohibition order to Mr. Byrne (the
Byrne Order), prohibiting him from performing in the UK any controlled function in relation to
any regulated activity of the FSA. The Byrne Order states, among other things, that Mr. Byrne was
involved in arranging and structuring transactions that allowed certain counterparties of General
Res non-U.S. subsidiaries to misrepresent their financial position to regulators, auditors, tax
authorities and others, including investors, and that Mr. Byrne knew the counterparties would be
likely to engage in such misrepresentations. Berkshire understands that the FSA continues to
investigate the role of certain of General Res non-U.S. subsidiaries and of individuals in these
transactions. In connection with the Byrne Order, CRD entered into a related settlement agreement
with the FSA in which it agreed not to make any public statement inconsistent with the facts and
matters set out in the FSAs final notice related to the Byrne Order. General Re and its
affiliates are cooperating fully with the FSA in these matters.
On April 14, 2005, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) announced an
investigation involving financial or finite reinsurance transactions
by GRA. An inspector was appointed by APRA
under section 52 of the Insurance Act 1973 to conduct an investigation of GRAs financial or finite
reinsurance business. The inspector examined four directors of GRA in June 2006. GRA has been
cooperating fully with this investigation. The inspector has submitted its final investigative
report to APRA. On or about the date of the Byrne Order,
APRA accepted an enforceable undertaking from Mr. Byrne, prohibiting him from being or acting as a
director or senior manager of a general insurer, non-operating holding company or agent of a
foreign insurer in Australia for a five year period.
CRD is also providing information to and cooperating fully with the Irish Financial Services
Regulatory Authority in its inquiries regarding the activities of CRD. The Office of the Director
of Corporate Enforcement in Ireland is conducting a preliminary evaluation in relation to CRD
concerning, in particular, transactions between CRD and AIG. CRD is cooperating fully with this
preliminary evaluation.
General Reinsurances subsidiary, Kolnische Ruckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG (Cologne Re),
is also cooperating fully with requests for information and orders to produce documents from the
German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (the BaFin) regarding the activities of Cologne Re
relating to finite reinsurance and regarding transactions between Cologne Re or its subsidiaries,
including CRD, and certain counterparties. In particular, Cologne Re is
34
Item 1. Legal Proceedings (Continued)
cooperating fully with a BaFin order to produce documents received on October 24, 2006. The order
states that it is part of the BaFins continuing investigation into financial reinsurance
agreements and that Cologne Re, and possibly one or more of its senior executives, is suspected of
violating legal provisions in regard to such agreements.
General Reinsurance is also providing information to and cooperating fully with the Office of
the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada in its inquiries regarding the activities of
General Re and its affiliates relating to finite reinsurance.
Berkshire cannot at this time predict the outcome of these matters, is unable to estimate a
range of possible loss and cannot predict whether or not the outcomes will have a material adverse
effect on Berkshires business or results of operations for at least the quarterly period when
these matters are completed or otherwise resolved.
b) Civil Litigation
Litigation Related to ROA
General Reinsurance and four of its current and former employees, along with numerous other
defendants, have been sued in a number of civil actions related to ROA. Plaintiffs assert various
claims in these civil actions, including breach of contract, unjust enrichment, fraud and
conspiracy, against General Reinsurance and others, arising from various reinsurance coverages
General Reinsurance provided to ROA and related entities.
There are currently thirteen federal lawsuits involving ROA and related entities. Nine are
putative class actions initiated by doctors, hospitals and lawyers that purchased insurance through
ROA or certain of its Tennessee-based risk retention groups. These complaints seek compensatory,
treble and punitive damages in an amount plaintiffs contend is just and reasonable. General
Reinsurance is also subject to actions brought by the Virginia Commissioner of Insurance, as Deputy
Receiver of ROA, the Tennessee Commissioner of Insurance, as Liquidator for three Tennessee risk
retention groups, a federal lawsuit filed by a Missouri-based hospital group and a state lawsuit
filed by an Alabama doctor that was removed to federal court. The first of these actions was filed
in March 2003 and additional actions were filed in April 2003 through June 2006. In the action
filed by the Virginia Commissioner of Insurance, the Commissioner asserts in several of its claims
that the alleged damages being sought exceed $200 million in the aggregate as against all
defendants. All of these cases are collectively assigned to the U.S. District Court for the
Western District of Tennessee for pretrial proceedings. General Reinsurance filed motions to
dismiss all of the claims against it in these cases and, on June 12, 2006, the court granted
General Reinsurances motion to dismiss the complaints of the Virginia and Tennessee receivers.
The court granted the Tennessee receiver leave to amend her complaint, and the Tennessee receiver
filed her amended complaint on August 7, 2006. General Reinsurance has filed a motion to dismiss
the amended complaint in its entirety and awaits a ruling by the court. The Virginia receiver has
moved for reconsideration of the dismissal and for leave to amend his complaint. General
Reinsurance has filed its opposition to that motion and awaits a ruling by the court. The court
has also not yet ruled on General Reinsurances motions to dismiss the complaints of the other
plaintiffs. The parties have now commenced discovery.
General Reinsurance is also a defendant in two lawsuits filed in Alabama state courts. The
first suit was filed in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County by a group of Alabama hospitals that
are former members of the Alabama Hospital Association Trust (AHAT). This suit (the AHA Action)
alleged violations of the Alabama Securities Act, conspiracy, fraud, suppression, unjust enrichment
and breach of contract against General Reinsurance and virtually all of the defendants in the
federal suits based on an alleged business combination between AHAT and ROA in 2001 and subsequent
capital contributions to ROA in 2002 by the Alabama hospitals. The allegations of the AHA Action
are largely identical to those set forth in the complaint filed by the Virginia receiver for ROA.
General Reinsurance previously filed a motion to dismiss all of the claims in the AHA Action. The
motion was granted in part by an order in March 2005, which dismissed the Alabama Securities Act
claim against General Reinsurance and ordered plaintiffs to amend their allegations of fraud and
suppression. Plaintiffs in the AHA Action filed their Amended and Restated Complaint in April 2005,
alleging claims of conspiracy, fraud, suppression and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty
against General Reinsurance. General Reinsurance filed a motion to dismiss all counts of the
Amended and Restated Complaint in May 2005. On July 22, 2005, the Court denied General
Reinsurances motion to dismiss. General Reinsurance filed and served its answer and affirmative
defenses to the Amended and Restated Complaint on September 1, 2005. The second suit, also filed
in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, was initiated by Baptist Health Systems, Inc. (BHS), a
former member of AHAT, and alleged claims identical to those in the initial AHA Action, plus claims
for breach of fiduciary duty and wantonness. These cases have been consolidated for pretrial
purposes. BHS filed its First Amended Complaint in April 2005, alleging violations of the Alabama
Securities Act, conspiracy, fraud, suppression, breach of fiduciary duty, wantonness and unjust
enrichment against General Reinsurance. General Reinsurance filed a motion to dismiss all counts of
the Amended and Restated Complaint in May 2005. On July 22, 2005, the Court granted General
Reinsurances motion to dismiss the Alabama Securities Act claim but denied General Reinsurances
motion to dismiss all other counts. General Reinsurance filed and served its answer and
affirmative defenses to the Amended and Restated Complaint on September 1, 2005.
35
Item 1. Legal Proceedings (Continued)
Coordinated discovery has begun in both the AHA Action and the BHS action. The AHA Action and the
BHS action claim damages in excess of $60 million in the aggregate as against all defendants.
These matters are scheduled for trial on January 8, 2007.
Actions Related to AIG
General Reinsurance received a Summons and a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint on
April 29, 2005, in the matter captioned In re American International Group Securities Litigation,
Case No. 04-CV-8141-(LTS), United States District Court, Southern District of New York. This is a
putative class action asserted on behalf of investors who purchased publicly-traded securities of
AIG between October 1999 and March 2005. On June 7, 2005, General Reinsurance received a second
Summons and Class Action Complaint in a putative class action asserted on behalf of investors who
purchased AIG securities between October 1999 and March 2005, captioned San Francisco Employees
Retirement System, et al. vs. American International Group, Inc., et al., Case No. 05-CV-4270
(LTS), United States District Court, Southern District of New York. At a July 2005 conference, the
court ruled that the plaintiffs in case no. 04-CV-8141 would be lead plaintiffs. On September 27,
2005, the plaintiffs in case no. 04-CV-8141 filed a Consolidated Second Amended Complaint (the
Complaint). The Complaint asserts various claims against AIG, and various of its officers,
directors, investment banks and other parties. Included among the defendants are General
Reinsurance and Messrs. Ferguson, Napier and Houldsworth (whom the Complaint defines as the
General Re Defendants). The Complaint alleges that the General Re Defendants violated Section
10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under that Act through their
activities in connection with the AIG transaction described in Governmental Investigations,
above. The Complaint seeks damages and other relief in unspecified amounts. The General Re
Defendants moved to dismiss the Complaint on the grounds that it failed to state a claim on which
relief can be granted against these defendants. The motion was heard on April 20, 2006, and was
denied by the Court. General Reinsurance has answered the Complaint, denying liability and
asserting various affirmative defenses. Document production has begun, but no other discovery has
taken place. No trial date has been scheduled.
A member of the putative class in the litigation described in the preceding paragraph has
indicated its desire to opt out of the class and has asserted similar claims against General Re and
Mr. Ferguson in a separate complaint, Florida State Board of Administration v. General Re
Corporation, et al., Case No. 06-CV-3967, United States District Court, Southern District of New
York. The claims against General Re and Mr. Ferguson closely resemble those asserted in the class
action. The complaint does not specify the amount of damages sought. General Re has answered the
Complaint, denying liability and asserting various affirmative defenses. No discovery has taken
place, and no trial date has been established. The parties have agreed to coordinate discovery and
other proceedings among this action, a similar action filed by the same plaintiff against AIG and
others, and the class action described in the preceding paragraph.
On July 27, 2005, General Reinsurance received a Summons and a Verified and Amended
Shareholder Derivative Complaint in In re American International Group, Inc. Derivative Litigation,
Case No. 04-CV-08406, United States District Court, Southern District of New York, naming Gen Re
Corporation as a defendant. It is unclear whether the plaintiffs are asserting claims against
General Reinsurance or its parent, General Re. This case is assigned to the same judge as the class
actions described above. The complaint, brought by several alleged shareholders of AIG, seeks
damages, injunctive and declaratory relief against various officers and directors of AIG as well as
a variety of individuals and entities with whom AIG did business, relating to a wide variety of
allegedly wrongful practices by AIG. The allegations against Gen Re Corporation focus on the late
2000 transaction with AIG described above, and the complaint purports to assert causes of action
against Gen Re Corporation for aiding and abetting other defendants breaches of fiduciary duty
and for unjust enrichment. The complaint does not specify the amount of damages or the nature of
any other relief sought against Gen Re Corporation. In August 2005, General Reinsurance received
a Summons and First Amended Consolidated Shareholders Derivative Complaint in In re American
International Group, Inc. Consolidated Derivative Litigation, Case No. 769-N, Delaware Chancery
Court. The claims asserted in the Delaware complaint are substantially similar to those asserted
in the New York derivative complaint described earlier in this paragraph, except that the Delaware
complaint makes clear that the plaintiffs are asserting claims against both General Reinsurance and
General Re. Proceedings in both the New York derivative suit and the Delaware derivative suit are
stayed until November 30, 2006.
FAI/HIH Matter
In December 2003, the Liquidators of both FAI Insurance Limited (FAI) and HIH Insurance
Limited (HIH) advised GRA and Cologne Re that they intended to assert claims arising from
insurance transactions GRA entered into with FAI in May and June 1998. In August 2004, the
Liquidators filed claims in the Supreme Court of New South Wales in order to avoid the expiration
of a statute of limitations for certain plaintiffs. The focus of the Liquidators allegations
against GRA and Cologne Re are the 1998 transactions GRA entered into with FAI (which was acquired
by HIH in 1999). The Liquidators contend, among other things, that GRA and Cologne Re engaged in
deceptive conduct that assisted FAI in improperly accounting for such transactions as reinsurance,
and that such deception led to HIHs acquisition of FAI and
36
Item 1. Legal Proceedings (Continued)
caused various losses to FAI and HIH. The Liquidator of HIH served its Complaint on GRA and
Cologne Re in June 2006. The FAI Liquidator has until December 15, 2006 to serve his complaint on
GRA and Cologne Re. The Court in the HIH litigation has set a status conference for November 9,
2006, to set a pretrial schedule.
Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation
Berkshire, General Re and General Reinsurance are defendants in this multi-district
litigation, In Re: Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 1663 (D.N.J.). In February
2005, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred several different cases to the
District of New Jersey for coordination and consolidation. Each consolidated case concerned
allegations of an industry-wide scheme on the part of commercial insurance brokers and insurance
companies to defraud a purported class of insurance purchasers through bid-rigging and contingent
commission arrangements. Berkshire, General Re and General Reinsurance were not parties to the
original, transferred cases. On August 1, 2005, the named plaintiffsfourteen businesses, two
municipalities, and three individualsfiled their First Consolidated Amended Commercial Class
Action Complaint, and Berkshire, General Re and General Reinsurance (along with a large number of
insurance companies and insurance brokers) were named as defendants in the Amended Complaint. The
plaintiffs claim that all defendants engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity, in violation of
RICO, and that they conspired to restrain trade. They further allege that the broker defendants
breached fiduciary duties to the plaintiffs, that the insurer defendants aided and abetted that
breach, and that all defendants were unjustly enriched in the process. Plaintiffs seek treble
damages in an unspecified amount, together with interest and attorneys fees and expenses. They
also seek a declaratory judgment of wrongdoing as well as an injunction against future
anticompetitive practices. On November 29, 2005, General Re, General Reinsurance and Berkshire,
together with the other defendants, filed motions to dismiss the complaint. The Court issued an
order and opinion on October 3, 2006. The Court reserved judgment on the RICO issues pending the
filing of an Amended RICO Case Statement. On the antitrust claims, the Court rejected defendants
argument that the McCarran-Ferguson Act precluded plaintiffs antitrust claims. However, the Court
also found that plaintiffs allegations had insufficient particularity to demonstrate concerted
action under the Sherman Act. The Court ordered plaintiffs to file a supplemental statement of
particularity, which plaintiffs have now filed, and the Court set a case management conference for
November 6, 2006, where the Court intends to hear whether defendants will move to dismiss the
remaining claims, move for judgment on the pleadings, or move for summary judgment. On February 1,
2006, plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to file a Second Consolidated Amended Complaint. Among
other things, plaintiffs sought leave to add numerous new defendants, including several additional
Berkshire subsidiaries including, among others, NICO. Berkshire opposed the motion for leave to
amend, and the Court has denied the motion without prejudice to plaintiffs renewing it following a
ruling on defendants motion to dismiss the First Consolidated Amended Complaint. The Court has
set a hearing on a motion by plaintiffs for class certification for January 9, 2007.
Berkshire cannot at this time predict the outcome of these matters, is unable to estimate a
range of possible loss, if any, and cannot predict whether or not the outcomes will have a material
adverse effect on Berkshires business or results of operations for at least the quarterly period
when these matters are completed or otherwise resolved.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Berkshires significant business risks are described in Item 1A to Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2005 to which reference is made herein. During 2006, Berkshires risk from
unstable international economic and political conditions increased and is further discussed below.
Also, due to the inclusion of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company in Berkshires consolidated
financial statements as of January 1, 2006, certain risks unique to the utilities and energy
business are included herein.
Unfavorable economic and political conditions in international markets could hurt Berkshires
businesses.
Historically, Berkshire has derived a relatively small amount of its revenues and earnings
from international markets. In recent years, international business was concentrated in the
insurance businesses, which are conducted primarily in Western Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan,
Australia and other regions where relatively stable political and economic conditions have
prevailed. As a result of Berkshires acquisition of 80% of IMC on July 5, 2006, Berkshire is
subject to increased risks from unstable political conditions and civil unrest in international
markets. IMCs headquarters are located in Israel and substantial business operations are
conducted in Israel and Korea.
Unstable economic and political conditions, civil unrest and political activism, particularly
in the Middle East, could adversely impact Berkshires businesses, including internationally based
businesses. Further, terrorism activities deriving from unstable conditions could produce
significant losses to Berkshires worldwide operations,
including manufacturing, service, utility and
insurance operations based in the United States. Business operations could be adversely affected
directly through the loss of human resources and destruction of production facilities.
37
Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)
Risks unique to utilities and energy businesses.
For
the most part, Berkshires utilities and energy businesses,
which generate electricity and distribute
electricity and natural gas, are highly regulated by numerous federal, state, and local
governmental authorities in the United States, United Kingdom and other jurisdictions in which
operations are conducted. Regulations govern the rates that may be charged to customers.
Regulations also concern safety, environmental and operational compliance or remediation as well as
other matters, for which costs are incurred. Such costs may prove to be unrecoverable through
rates. In the regulatory process, governmental bodies through regulation or expropriation may
otherwise intercede in ways that ultimately prove financially detrimental to the business. Adverse
new regulations or reinterpretations of existing regulations as well as the nature of the
regulatory process can have a significant impact on periodic results of operations.
The nature of the utilities and energy business is that significant amounts of capital are
employed to construct, operate and maintain sufficient generation and
distribution systems. Usually, large amounts of borrowed funds are employed in the process. Such
systems may need to be operational for very long periods of time in order to justify the financial
cost. The risk of financial failure of capital projects is not necessarily recoverable through
rates that are charged to customers.
Item 6. Exhibits
a. Exhibits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.1 |
|
|
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.2 |
|
|
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
|
Section 1350 Certifications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.2 |
|
|
Section 1350 Certifications |
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 November 3, 2006
|
|
/s/ Marc D. Hamburg |
|
|
|
|
|
(Signature) |
|
|
Marc D. Hamburg, Vice President |
|
|
and Principal Financial Officer |
38