MGMT1A – Principles of Accounting

Subject: MGMT1A – Principles of Accounting

Task: check and revise my answers and complete the blank questions

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
OR
☐ 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
incorporation or organization
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
3555 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska
68131
(Address of principal executive office)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (402) 346-1400
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbols
Class A Common Stock
BRK.A
Class B Common Stock
BRK.B
1.300% Senior Notes due 2024
BRK24
0.000% Senior Notes due 2025
BRK25
1.125% Senior Notes due 2027
BRK27
2.150% Senior Notes due 2028
BRK28
1.500% Senior Notes due 2030
BRK30
2.000% Senior Notes due 2034
BRK34
1.625% Senior Notes due 2035
BRK35
2.375% Senior Notes due 2039
BRK39
0.500% Senior Notes due 2041
BRK41
2.625% Senior Notes due 2059
BRK59
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ☑
No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☑
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 (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to
Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,”
and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer ☑ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its
internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public
accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the Registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based
compensation received by any of the Registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2023: $625,500,000,000
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of common stock:
February 12, 2024—Class A common stock, $5 par value
566,618 shares
February 12, 2024—Class B common stock, $0.0033 par value
1,310,805,008 shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting to be held May 4, 2024 are incorporated in Part III.
Table of Contents
Page No.
Part I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 1C.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Business Description
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Cybersecurity
Description of Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
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K-25
K-28
K-28
K-29
K-32
K-32
Part II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 9C.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Security Holder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
[Reserved]
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Consolidated Balance Sheets— December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
Consolidated Statements of Earnings—
Years Ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—
Years Ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—
Years Ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—
Years Ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspection
K-32
K-34
K-35
K-66
K-67
K-70
K-72
K-73
K-73
K-74
K-75
K-118
K-118
K-118
K-118
Part III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
K-118
K-118
K-118
K-118
K-118
Part IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Exhibit Index
Signatures
K-118
K-122
K-124
Part I
Item 1. Business Description
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire,” “Company” or “Registrant”) is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged
in numerous diverse business activities. The most important of these are insurance businesses conducted on both a primary
basis and a reinsurance basis, a freight rail transportation business and a group of utility and energy generation and distribution
businesses. Berkshire also owns and operates numerous other businesses engaged in a variety of manufacturing, services,
retailing and other activities. Berkshire is domiciled in the state of Delaware, and its corporate headquarters is in Omaha,
Nebraska.
Berkshire’s operating businesses are managed on an unusually decentralized basis. There are few centralized or
integrated business functions. Berkshire’s senior management team 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.
Berkshire’s senior management is also responsible for establishing and monitoring Berkshire’s corporate governance
practices, including monitoring governance efforts, including those at the operating businesses, and participating in the
resolution of governance-related issues as needed. Berkshire’s Board of Directors is responsible for assuring an appropriate
successor to the Chief Executive Officer. The Berkshire Code of Business Conduct and Ethics emphasizes, among other things,
the commitment to ethics and compliance with government laws and regulations and provides basic standards for ethical and
legal behavior of its employees.
Human capital and resources are an integral and essential component of Berkshire’s businesses. Berkshire and its
subsidiary business units employed approximately 396,500 people worldwide at the end of 2023, of which approximately 80%
were in the United States (“U.S.”) and 20% were represented by unions. Employees engage in a wide variety of occupations.
Consistent with Berkshire’s decentralized management philosophy, Berkshire’s operating businesses individually establish
specific policies and practices concerning the attraction and retention of personnel within their organizations. Given the wide
variations in the nature and size of business activities, specific policies and practices may vary widely among Berkshire’s
operating subsidiaries. Policies and practices commonly address, among other things: maintaining a safe work environment
and minimizing or eliminating workplace injuries; offering competitive compensation, which includes various health insurance
and retirement benefits, as well as incentives to recognize and reward performance; wellness programs; training, learning and
career advancement opportunities; and hiring practices intended to identify qualified candidates and promote diversity and
inclusion in the workforce. Berkshire’s combined U.S. workforce demographics, based on U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission guidelines, are available on its website (https://www.berkshirehathaway.com), under sustainability.
Insurance and Reinsurance Businesses
Berkshire’s insurance and reinsurance business activities are conducted through numerous domestic and foreign-based
insurance subsidiaries. Berkshire’s insurance subsidiaries provide insurance and reinsurance of property and casualty risks as
well as life and health risks worldwide. Berkshire’s insurance businesses employed approximately 43,000 people at the end of
2023. For purposes of this discussion, entities that provide insurance or reinsurance are referred to as insurers.
In direct or primary insurance activities, the insurer assumes the risk of loss from persons or organizations that are directly
subject to the risks. Such risks may relate to property, casualty (or liability), life, accident, health, financial or other perils that
arise from an insurable event. In reinsurance activities, the insurer assumes defined portions of risks that other direct insurers
or reinsurers assumed in their own insuring activities.
Insurance and reinsurance are generally subject to regulatory oversight throughout the world. Except for regulatory
considerations, there are virtually no barriers to entry into the insurance and reinsurance industry. Competitors may be domestic
or foreign, as well as licensed or unlicensed. The number of competitors within the industry is not known. Insurers compete on
the basis of reliability, financial strength and stability, financial ratings, underwriting consistency, service, business ethics,
price, performance, capacity, policy terms and coverage conditions.
Insurers based in the U.S. are subject to regulation by their states of domicile and by those states in which they are
licensed to write policies on an admitted basis. The primary focus of state regulation is to monitor financial solvency of insurers
and otherwise protect policyholder interests. States establish minimum capital levels for insurance companies and establish
guidelines for permissible business and investment activities and have the authority to suspend or revoke a company’s authority
to do business. States regulate the payment of shareholder dividends by insurance companies and other transactions with
affiliates.
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Insurers that market, sell and service insurance policies in the states where they are licensed are referred to as admitted
insurers. Admitted insurers are generally required to obtain regulatory approval of their policy forms and premium rates. Nonadmitted insurance markets have developed to provide insurance that is otherwise unavailable through admitted insurers. Nonadmitted insurance, often referred to as “excess and surplus” lines, is procured by either state-licensed surplus lines brokers
who place risks with insurers not licensed in that state or by the insured party’s direct procurement from non-admitted insurers.
Non-admitted insurance is subject to considerably less regulation with respect to policy rates and forms. Reinsurers are
normally not required to obtain regulatory approval of premium rates or reinsurance contracts.
The insurance regulators of every state participate in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”).
The NAIC adopts forms, instructions and accounting procedures for use by U.S. insurers in preparing and filing annual statutory
financial statements. However, an insurer’s state of domicile has ultimate authority over these matters. In addition, the NAIC
develops or adopts statutory accounting principles, model laws, regulations and programs for use by its members. Such matters
deal with regulatory oversight of solvency, risk management, compliance with financial regulation standards and risk-based
capital reporting requirements.
U.S. states, through the NAIC, and international insurance regulators through the International Association of Insurance
Supervisors (“IAIS”) have been developing standards and best practices focused on establishing a common set of principles
(“Insurance Core Principles”) and framework (“ComFrame”) for the regulation of large multi-national insurance groups. The
IAIS is developing capital standards for internationally active insurance groups (“Insurance Capital Standard”) based on a
consolidated group approach and is also evaluating a potentially comparable group capital standard based on the aggregation
of regulated entities and their underlying local capital requirements (“Aggregation Method”). The IAIS is also developing
standards that address supervision, coordination of regulators, risk management and governance.
While the IAIS standards do not have legal effect, U.S. state insurance departments and the NAIC are implementing
various group supervision regulatory tools and mandates that are responsive to certain IAIS standards. U.S. state regulators
have formed supervisory colleges intended to promote communication and cooperation amongst the various domestic and
international insurance regulators. The Nebraska Department of Insurance acts as the lead supervisor for Berkshire’s insurance
companies and chairs the Berkshire supervisory college.
U.S. state regulators require insurance groups to file an annual report and an Own Risk Solvency Assessment or ORSA,
with the group’s lead supervisor. The NAIC adopted a group capital calculation based on methodology similar to the
Aggregation Method, which leverages the NAIC’s existing risk based capital calculation methods. The NAIC’s group capital
calculation is a tool designed to help the lead supervisor understand the capital adequacy across an insurance group. The NAIC
is also developing further tools, including various liquidity assessments, that will likely be imposed on insurance groups in the
future.
Berkshire’s insurance companies maintain capital strength at exceptionally high levels, which differentiates them from
their competitors. The combined statutory surplus of Berkshire’s U.S.-based insurers was approximately $303 billion at
December 31, 2023. Berkshire’s major insurance subsidiaries are rated AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and A++ (superior) by A.M.
Best with respect to their financial condition and claims paying ability.
The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 established a Terrorism Insurance Program (“Program”) within the U.S.
Department of the Treasury to provide federal reinsurance of certified terrorism losses incurred by U.S. commercial property
and casualty insurers. The Program currently extends to December 31, 2027 through the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program
Reauthorization Act of 2019. Hereinafter these Acts are collectively referred to as TRIA. The Department of the Treasury is
responsible for certifying acts of terrorism under TRIA. Federal reinsurance under TRIA may apply if the industry insured loss
for certified events occurring during the calendar year exceeds $200 million.
To be eligible for reinsurance under TRIA, insurers must make insurance coverage available for acts of terrorism by
providing policyholders with clear and conspicuous notice of the amount of premium that will be charged for the coverage and
the federal share of insured losses resulting from an act of terrorism. TRIA excludes certain forms of direct insurance, such as
personal and commercial auto, burglary, theft, surety and certain professional liability lines. Reinsurers are not required to offer
terrorism coverage and are not eligible for federal reinsurance of terrorism losses.
In the event of a certified act of terrorism, the federal government will reimburse insurers (conditioned on their
satisfaction of policyholder notification requirements) for 80% of their insured losses in excess of the insurers group deductible.
Under the Program, the deductible is 20% of the aggregate direct subject earned premium for relevant commercial lines of
business in the immediately preceding calendar year. The aggregate deductible for Berkshire’s insurance group is expected to
approximate $2.5 billion in 2024. There is also an aggregate program limit of $100 billion on the amount of the federal
reinsurance coverage for each TRIA year.
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The extent of insurance regulation varies widely among the countries where Berkshire’s non-U.S. operations conduct
business. Each country imposes licensing, solvency, auditing and financial reporting requirements, although the type and extent
of the requirements may differ substantially by jurisdiction.
Significant variations can also be found in the size, structure and resources of the local non-U.S. regulatory departments
that oversee insurance activities. Certain regulators maintain close relationships with subject insurers and others operate a riskbased approach.
Berkshire’s non-U.S. insurance operations are conducted through subsidiaries and branches of subsidiaries. Berkshire
insurance subsidiaries are located in several countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), Ireland,
Luxembourg, Australia and South Africa, and also maintain branches in several other countries. Most of these foreign
jurisdictions impose local capital requirements. Other legal requirements involve discretionary licensing procedures, local
retention of funds and records, and data privacy and protection programs. Berkshire’s international insurance companies are
also subject to multinational application of certain U.S. laws.
There are various regulatory bodies and initiatives that impact Berkshire in multiple international jurisdictions and the
potential for significant effect on the Berkshire insurance group could be heightened due to industry and economic
developments. In 2016, the U.K. voted in a national referendum to withdraw from the European Union (“EU”) (“Brexit”),
which resulted in the U.K.’s withdrawal from the EU on January 31, 2020. In anticipation of the U.K. leaving the EU, Berkshire
Hathaway European Insurance DAC in Ireland was established to permit property and casualty insurance and reinsurance
businesses to continue to operate in the EU. Berkshire also continues to maintain a substantial presence in London following
Brexit.
Berkshire’s insurance underwriting operations include the following groups: (1) GEICO, (2) Berkshire Hathaway
Primary Group and (3) Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group. Alleghany Corporation (“Alleghany”), based in New York,
New York, was acquired by Berkshire on October 19, 2022. Alleghany’s operating subsidiaries include property and casualty
reinsurance and insurance, as well as a portfolio of non-insurance businesses. Alleghany’s primary insurance businesses are
included in the Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group and its reinsurance businesses are included in the Berkshire Hathaway
Reinsurance Group. Alleghany’s non-insurance businesses are included in the manufacturing and services segments.
Except for retroactive reinsurance and periodic payment annuity products, which generate significant amounts of upfront premiums along with estimated claims expected to be paid over long time periods (creating “float,” see Investments
section), Berkshire expects to achieve an underwriting profit over time and that its managers will reject inadequately priced
risks. Underwriting profit is defined as earned premiums less incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and policy acquisition
and other underwriting expenses. Underwriting profit does not include income earned from investments. Additional information
related to each of Berkshire’s underwriting groups follows.
GEICO—GEICO is headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland. GEICO’s insurance subsidiaries are led by Government
Employees Insurance Company and include several other GEICO insurance entities. The GEICO insurance companies offer
private passenger automobile insurance to individuals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and also offer insurance for
motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, recreational vehicles, boats and small commercial fleets. Marketing is primarily through direct
response methods in which applications for insurance are submitted directly to the companies via the Internet or by telephone,
and to a lesser extent, through captive agents. GEICO also operates as an insurance agency for other insurance carriers that
offer homeowners, renters, condominium, life and identity protection insurance to individuals desiring insurance coverages
other than those offered by GEICO insurance entities.
GEICO competes for private passenger automobile insurance customers in the preferred, standard and non-standard risk
markets with other companies that sell directly to the customer and with companies that use agency sales forces, including
State Farm, Allstate, Progressive and USAA. According to the most recently published A.M. Best data for 2022, the five largest
automobile insurers had a combined market share of approximately 61.2% based on written premiums, with GEICO’s market
share being the third largest at approximately 13.8%.
Seasonal variations in GEICO’s insurance business are not significant. However, extraordinary weather conditions or
other events and factors may have a significant effect upon the frequency or severity of automobile claims.
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State insurance departments stringently regulate private passenger auto insurance policies and rates. Competition for
private passenger automobile insurance tends to focus on price and level of customer service provided. GEICO’s cost-efficient
direct response marketing methods and emphasis on customer satisfaction enable it to offer competitive rates and value to its
customers. GEICO primarily uses its own claims staff to manage and settle claims. The name and reputation of GEICO are
material assets and those assets and other service marks are protected through appropriate registrations.
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group—The Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (“BH Primary”) is a collection of
independently managed insurers that provide a wide variety of insurance coverages to policyholders located principally in the
U.S. These various operations are discussed below.
National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), domiciled in Nebraska, and certain affiliates (“NICO Primary”) underwrite
commercial automobile and general liability insurance on an admitted basis and on an excess and surplus basis. Insurance
coverage is offered nationwide primarily through insurance agents and brokers.
The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (“BHHC”) are a group of insurers offering workers’ compensation,
commercial automobile and commercial property coverages to a diverse client base. BHHC has a national reach, with the ability
to provide first-dollar and small to large deductible workers’ compensation coverage to employers in all states, except those
where coverage is available only through state-operated workers’ compensation funds. NICO Primary and BHHC are each
based in Omaha, Nebraska.
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (“BHSI”) offers commercial property and casualty, executive and
professional, and various other insurance coverages through BHSI and other Berkshire insurance affiliates. BHSI writes
primary and excess policies on an admitted and non-admitted basis in the U.S., and on a local or foreign non-admitted basis
outside the U.S. BHSI is based in Boston, Massachusetts, with other regional offices in the U.S. BHSI also maintains
international offices and branches in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and across several other countries in Asia and Europe.
BHSI writes business through wholesale and retail insurance brokers, as well as managing general agents.
Alleghany’s property and casualty insurance business is conducted in the U.S. on both an admitted and non-admitted
basis through RSUI Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“RSUI”) and CapSpecialty, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“CapSpecialty”).
RSUI and CapSpecialty primarily write specialty insurance in the property, umbrella/excess liability, professional liability,
directors’ and officers’ liability and general liability lines of business. Insurance is written through independent wholesale
insurance brokers, retail agents and managing general agents.
MedPro Group (“MedPro”) is a leading provider of healthcare liability (“HCL”) insurance. MedPro provides customized
HCL insurance, claims, patient safety and risk solutions to physicians, surgeons, dentists and other healthcare professionals, as
well as hospitals, senior care and other healthcare facilities. Additionally, MedPro provides HCL insurance solutions to
international markets through other Berkshire insurance affiliates, delivers liability insurance to other professionals, and offers
specialized accident and health insurance solutions to colleges and other customers through its subsidiaries and other Berkshire
insurance affiliates. MedPro is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
U.S. Liability Insurance Company (“USLI”) includes a group of five specialty insurers that underwrite commercial,
professional and personal lines of insurance on an admitted basis, as well as on an excess and surplus basis. USLI markets
policies in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada through wholesale and retail insurance agents. USLI companies
also underwrite and market a wide variety of specialty insurance products. USLI is based in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Berkshire
Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies (“GUARD”) is a group of five insurance companies that provide a full suite of
commercial insurance products, as well as homeowners policies to over 450,000 small to mid-sized businesses and
homeowners. These offerings are made through independent agents and retail and wholesale brokers. GUARD is based in
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Company and its affiliates (“BH Direct”) offer commercial insurance products
(including workers’ compensation, property, auto, general and professional liability) to small business customers. BH Direct’s
products are primarily sold through two internet-based distribution platforms, biBERK.com and Threeinsurance.com. BH
Direct writes policies on an admitted basis and is based in Stamford, Connecticut. MLMIC Insurance Company (“MLMIC”)
writes medical professional liability insurance policies in New York State through brokers and on a direct basis to medical and
dental professionals, health care providers and hospitals. MLMIC is based in Albany, New York.
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Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group—Berkshire’s combined global reinsurance business, referred to as the
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”), offers a wide range of coverages on property, casualty, life and health
risks to insurers and reinsurers worldwide. BHRG conducts business activities in 26 countries. Reinsurance business is written
through NICO and affiliates (“NICO Group”), General Re Corporation and its subsidiaries (“General Re Group”) and
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company and affiliates (“TransRe Group”). The NICO Group and General Re Group underwriting
operations in the U.S. are based in Stamford, Connecticut and the TransRe Group is based in New York, New York.
Reinsurance contracts are normally classified as treaty or facultative contracts. Treaty reinsurance refers to reinsurance
coverage for all or a portion of a specified group or class of risks ceded by a direct insurer or reinsurer, while facultative
reinsurance involves coverage of specific individual underlying risks. Reinsurance contracts are further classified as quotashare or excess. Under quota-share (proportional or pro-rata) reinsurance, the reinsurer shares proportionally in the original
premiums and losses of the direct insurer or reinsurer. Excess (or non-proportional) reinsurance provides for the
indemnification of the direct insurer or reinsurer for all or a portion of the loss in excess of an agreed upon amount or
“retention.” Both quota-share and excess reinsurance contracts may provide for aggregate limits of indemnification.
The type and volume of business written is dependent on market conditions, including prevailing premium rates and
coverage terms. The level of underwriting activities often fluctuates significantly from year to year depending on the perceived
level of price adequacy in specific insurance and reinsurance markets as well as from the timing of particularly large reinsurance
transactions.
Property/casualty
The NICO Group offers traditional property/casualty reinsurance on both an excess-of-loss and a quota-share basis,
catastrophe excess-of-loss treaty and facultative reinsurance, and primary insurance on an excess-of-loss basis for large or
unusual risks. The type and volume of business written by the NICO Group may vary significantly from period to period
resulting from changes in perceived premium rate adequacy and from unique or large transactions. For the past several years,
a significant portion of NICO Group’s annual reinsurance premium derived from a 20% quota-share agreement with Insurance
Australia Group Limited (“IAG”). This quota-share agreement was renewed and extended effective January 1, 2023, with an
expiration of December 31, 2029. IAG is a multi-line insurer in Australia, New Zealand and other Asia-Pacific countries.
The General Re Group includes a global property and casualty reinsurance business. Reinsurance contracts are written
on both a quota-share and excess basis for multiple lines of business. Contracts are primarily in the form of treaties, and to a
lesser degree, on a facultative basis. The General Re Group conducts business in North America, primarily marketed on a direct
basis through General Reinsurance Corporation (“GRC”), which is licensed in the District of Columbia and all states, except
Hawaii, where it is an accredited reinsurer. GRC also conducts operations in North America through numerous branch offices
in the U.S. and Canada.
In North America, the General Re Group includes General Star National Insurance Company, General Star Indemnity
Company and Genesis Insurance Company, which offer a broad array of specialty and surplus lines and property, casualty and
professional liability coverages. These companies offer solutions for the unique needs of public entity, commercial and captive
customers and their business is marketed through a select group of wholesale brokers, managing general underwriters and
program administrators.
The General Re Group’s international reinsurance business is primarily written on a direct basis through General
Reinsurance AG, based in Cologne, Germany, and subsidiaries and branches in numerous other countries, as well as through
brokers, including Faraday Underwriting Limited (“Faraday”), a subsidiary. Faraday owns the managing agent of Syndicate
435 at Lloyd’s of London and provides capacity and participates in 100% of the results of Syndicate 435.
The TransRe Group provides pro-rata and excess-of-loss reinsurance across various property and casualty lines of
business. Contracts are written on both a treaty and facultative basis to insurance and other reinsurance companies in the U.S.
and in foreign markets through subsidiaries and branches in numerous countries. Business is written primarily through brokers,
and to a lesser extent on a direct basis.
Life/health
The General Re Group also conducts a global life and health reinsurance business. In 2023, net premiums written were
primarily in the Asia-Pacific, U.S. and Western Europe regions. The General Re Group underwrites life, disability,
supplemental health, critical illness and long-term care risks on a direct basis.
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Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company of Nebraska (“BHLN”) and its affiliates write reinsurance covering
various forms of traditional life insurance exposures several years ago. BHLN and affiliates also reinsure certain guaranteed
minimum death, income and similar risks on closed-blocks of variable annuity risks, which are in run-off.
Retroactive reinsurance
Retroactive reinsurance contracts indemnify ceding companies for adverse development of claims arising from loss
events that have already occurred under property and casualty policies issued in prior years. Coverage under such contracts is
provided on an excess basis (above a stated retention) or for losses payable after the inception of the contract with no additional
ceding company retention. Contracts are normally subject to aggregate limits of indemnification, which can be exceptionally
large in amount. Significant amounts of asbestos, environmental and latent injury claims may arise under these contracts.
The concept of time-value-of-money is an important element in establishing retroactive reinsurance contract prices and
terms since loss payments may occur over decades. Normally, expected ultimate losses payable under these policies are
expected to exceed premiums, thus producing underwriting losses through the amortization of deferred charge assets
established with respect to these contracts. Nevertheless, this business is written, in part, because of the large amounts of
policyholder funds generated for investment, the economic benefit of which is reflected through investment results in future
periods.
Periodic payment annuity
BHLN writes periodic payment annuity insurance policies and reinsures annuity-like obligations. Under these policies,
BHLN receives upfront consideration and agrees in the future to make periodic payments that often extend for decades. These
policies generally relate to the settlement of underlying personal injury or workers’ compensation claims of other insurers,
known as structured settlements. Consistent with retroactive reinsurance contracts, time-value-of-money is an important factor
in establishing annuity premiums, and underwriting losses are expected from the periodic accretion of time-value discounted
liabilities. BHLN significantly curtailed its periodic payment annuity business in 2023 in response to changing economic and
market conditions.
Investments of insurance businesses—Berkshire’s insurance subsidiaries hold significant levels of invested assets.
Investment portfolios are managed by Berkshire’s Chief Executive Officer and Berkshire’s other investment managers.
Investments include a very large portfolio of publicly traded equity securities, which are unusually concentrated in relatively
few companies, as well as fixed maturity securities and short-term investments. Generally, there are no target allocations by
investment type or attempts to match investment asset and insurance liability durations. However, investment portfolios have
historically included a much greater proportion of equity securities than is customary in the insurance industry.
Invested assets derive from shareholder capital as well as funds provided from policyholders through insurance and
reinsurance business (“float”). Float represents the approximate net policyholder funds generated through underwriting
activities that are held for investment. The major components of float are unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, life,
annuity and health benefit liabilities (excluding the effects of discount rate changes that are recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive income), unearned premiums and other policyholder liabilities less premium and reinsurance receivables,
deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred charges on assumed retroactive reinsurance contracts. On a consolidated basis,
float has grown from approximately $123 billion at the end of 2018 to approximately $169 billion at the end of 2023. The cost
of float can be measured as the net pre-tax underwriting earnings (or loss) as a percentage of average float.
Railroad Business—Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC (“BNSF”) is based in Fort Worth, Texas, and through BNSF Railway Company
(“BNSF Railway”) operates one of the largest railroad systems in North America. BNSF Railway had approximately 37,000
employees at the end of 2023, of whom approximately 32,000 were members of a labor union.
In serving the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Western, Southwestern and Southeastern regions and certain ports of the
U.S., BNSF Railway transports a range of products and commodities derived from manufacturing, agricultural and natural
resource industries. Freight revenues are covered by contractual agreements of varying durations or common carrier published
prices or company quotations. BNSF’s financial performance is influenced by, among other things, general and industry
economic conditions at the international, national and regional levels.
BNSF Railway’s primary routes, including trackage rights, allow it to access major cities and certain ports in the western
and southern U.S. as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. In addition to major cities and ports, BNSF Railway efficiently serves
many smaller markets by working closely with approximately 200 shortline railroads. BNSF Railway has also entered into
marketing agreements with other rail carriers, expanding the marketing reach for each railroad and their customers. For the
year ending December 31, 2023, 34% of freight revenues were derived from consumer products, 25% from industrial products,
24% from agricultural products and 17% from coal.
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Regulatory Matters
BNSF is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations generally applicable to its businesses. Rail operations are
subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board (“STB”), the Federal Railroad Administration of the
U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), the
Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), as well as other federal and state regulatory agencies and Canadian regulatory
agencies for operations in Canada. The STB has jurisdiction over disputes and complaints involving certain rates, routes and
services, the sale or abandonment of rail lines, applications for line extensions and construction, and the merger with or
acquisition of control of rail common carriers. The outcome of STB proceedings can affect the profitability of BNSF Railway’s
business.
The DOT, OSHA and EPA have jurisdiction under several federal statutes over a number of safety, health, and
environmental aspects of rail operations, including the transportation of hazardous materials. BNSF Railway is required to
transport these materials to the extent of its common carrier obligation. State agencies regulate some health, safety, and
environmental aspects of rail operations in areas not otherwise preempted by federal law.
Environmental Matters
BNSF’s rail operations, as well as those of its competitors, are also subject to extensive federal, state and local
environmental regulations covering discharges to the ground or waters, air emissions, toxic substances and the generation,
handling, storage, transportation and disposal of waste and hazardous materials. Such regulations effectively increase the costs
and liabilities associated with rail operations. Environmental risks are also inherent in rail operations, which frequently involve
transporting chemicals and other hazardous materials.
Many of BNSF’s land holdings are or have been used for industrial or transportation-related purposes or leased to
commercial or industrial companies whose activities may have resulted in discharges onto the property. Under federal statutes
(in particular, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act) and state statutes, BNSF may be
held jointly and severally liable for cleanup and enforcement costs associated with a particular site without regard to fault or
the legality of the original conduct. BNSF may also be subject to claims by third parties for investigation, cleanup, restoration
or other environmental costs under environmental statutes or common law with respect to properties they own that have been
impacted by BNSF operations.
Consumption of diesel fuel by locomotives accounted for approximately 80% of BNSF Railway’s greenhouse gas
(“GHG”) emissions in its baseline year of 2018. BNSF management has committed to a broad sustainability model, applying
science based approaches, that will provide a 30% reduction in BNSF Railway’s GHG-emissions by 2030 from its baseline
year of 2018. BNSF Railway intends to continue improvements in fuel efficiency and increased utilization of renewable diesel
fuel. Long-term solutions, such as battery-electric and hydrogen locomotives, are also being evaluated and field-tested.
Competition
The business environment in which BNSF Railway operates is highly competitive. Depending on the specific market,
deregulated motor carriers and other railroads, as well as river barges, ships and pipelines, may exert pressure on price and
service levels. The presence of advanced, high service truck lines with expedited delivery, subsidized infrastructure and
minimal empty mileage continues to affect the market for non-bulk, time-sensitive freight. The potential expansion of longer
combination vehicles could further encroach upon markets traditionally served by railroads. In order to remain competitive,
BNSF Railway and other railroads seek to develop and implement operating efficiencies to improve productivity.
As railroads streamline, rationalize and otherwise enhance their franchises, competition among rail carriers intensifies.
BNSF Railway’s primary rail competitor in the Western region of the U.S. is the Union Pacific Railroad Company. Other Class
I railroads and numerous regional railroads and motor carriers also operate in parts of the same territories served by BNSF
Railway.
Utilities and Energy Businesses
Berkshire’s energy businesses include a 92% ownership interest in Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”),
based in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2017, Berkshire acquired a 38.6% interest in Pilot Travel Centers, LLC (“PTC”), which is
headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Through January 31, 2023, the investment in PTC was accounted for using the equity
method. On January 31, 2023, Berkshire acquired an additional 41.4% interest and attained control of PTC for financial
reporting purposes. PTC became a subsidiary in Berkshire’s Consolidated Financial Statements beginning February 1, 2023.
On January 16, 2024, Berkshire acquired an additional 20% interest in PTC and as of that date PTC became an indirect whollyowned Berkshire subsidiary. PTC’s business activities are primarily associated with fuel distribution and energy products and
services.
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Berkshire Hathaway Energy
BHE is a global energy company with subsidiaries and affiliates that generate, transmit, store, distribute and supply
energy. BHE’s domestic regulated energy interests are comprised of four regulated U.S. utility companies (collectively, “U.S.
utilities”) serving approximately 5.3 million retail customers and five U.S. interstate natural gas pipeline companies with
approximately 21,000 miles of operated pipeline having a design capacity of approximately 21 billion cubic feet of natural gas
per day. Other energy businesses include electric transmission and distribution operations in Great Britain and Canada, a
diversified portfolio of mostly renewable independent power projects and investments, and a liquefied natural gas export,
import and storage facility. BHE also owns a residential real estate brokerage firm in the U.S. and a large network of residential
real estate brokerage franchises in the U.S. BHE employs approximately 24,000 people in connection with its various
operations.
General Matters
BHE’s U.S. utilities include PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy Company (“MEC”) and NV Energy, Inc.’s (“NV
Energy”) two regulated utility subsidiaries, Nevada Power Company (“Nevada Power”) and Sierra Pacific Power Company
(“Sierra Pacific”). PacifiCorp is a regulated electric utility company headquartered in Oregon, serving electric customers in
portions of Utah, Oregon, Wyoming, Washington, Idaho and California. The combined service territory’s diverse regional
economy ranges from rural, agricultural and mining areas to urban, manufacturing and government service centers. No single
segment of the economy dominates the combined service territory, which helps mitigate PacifiCorp’s exposure to economic
fluctuations. In addition to retail sales, PacifiCorp buys and sells electricity on a wholesale basis.
MEC is a regulated electric and natural gas utility company headquartered in Iowa, serving electric and natural gas
customers primarily in Iowa and also in portions of Illinois, South Dakota and Nebraska. MEC’s diverse retail customer base
operates in the electronic data storage, agricultural, manufacturing and government service centers industries. In addition to
retail sales and natural gas transportation, MEC sells electricity and natural gas on a wholesale basis.
Nevada Power serves retail electric customers in southern Nevada and Sierra Pacific serves retail electric and natural gas
customers in northern Nevada. The combined Nevada Power/Sierra Pacific service territory economy includes retail customers
in the gaming, mining, recreation, warehousing, manufacturing and governmental service centers sectors. In addition to retail
sales and natural gas transportation, these utilities buy and sell electricity and natural gas on a wholesale basis.
As vertically integrated utilities, BHE’s U.S. utilities collectively own approximately 30,100 net megawatts of generation
capacity in operation and under construction. The U.S. utilities’ business is subject to seasonal variations principally related to
the use of electricity for air conditioning and natural gas for heating. Typically, regulated electric revenues are higher in the
summer months, while regulated natural gas revenues are higher in the winter months.
The natural gas pipelines consist of BHE GT&S, LLC (“BHE GT&S”), Northern Natural Gas Company (“Northern
Natural”) and Kern River Gas Transmission Company (“Kern River”). BHE GT&S was acquired on November 1, 2020.
BHE GT&S, based in Virginia, operates three interstate natural gas pipeline systems that consist of approximately 5,400
miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipelines and operates seventeen underground natural gas storage fields
in the eastern region of the U.S. BHE GT&S’s large underground natural gas storage assets and pipeline systems are part of an
interconnected gas transmission network that provides transportation services to utilities and numerous other customers. BHE
GT&S is also an industry leader in liquefied natural gas solutions through its investments in and ownership of several liquefied
natural gas facilities located throughout the eastern region of the U.S.
Northern Natural, based in Nebraska, operates the largest interstate natural gas pipeline system in the U.S., as measured
by pipeline miles, reaching from west Texas to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Northern Natural’s pipeline system consists of
approximately 14,200 miles of natural gas pipelines. Northern Natural’s extensive pipeline system, which is interconnected
with many interstate and intrastate pipelines in the national grid system, has access to supplies from multiple major supply
basins and provides transportation services to utilities and numerous other customers. Northern Natural also operates three
underground natural gas storage facilities and two liquefied natural gas storage peaking units. Northern Natural’s pipeline
system experiences significant seasonal swings in demand and revenue, with the highest demand typically occurring during the
months of November through March.
Kern River, based in Utah, operates an interstate natural gas pipeline system that consists of approximately 1,400 miles
and extends from supply areas in the Rocky Mountains to consuming markets in Utah, Nevada and California. Kern River
transports natural gas for electric and natural gas distribution utilities, major oil and natural gas companies or affiliates of such
companies, electric generating companies, energy marketing and trading companies, and financial institutions.
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Other energy businesses include Northern Powergrid (Northeast) plc and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc, which
own a substantial electricity distribution network that delivers electricity to end-users in northeast England in an area covering
approximately 10,000 square miles. These distribution companies primarily charge supply companies regulated tariffs for the
use of their distribution systems and serve about 4.0 million electricity end-users. AltaLink L.P. (“AltaLink”) is a regulated
electric transmission-only utility company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. AltaLink’s high voltage transmission lines and
related facilities transmit electricity from generating facilities to major load centers, cities and large industrial plants throughout
its 87,000 square mile service territory. AltaLink serves approximately 85% of Alberta’s population. BHE and its subsidiaries,
also own interests in independent power projects having approximately 5,900 net megawatts of generation capacity that are in
service in California, Texas, Illinois, Nebraska, Montana, Australia, New York, Arizona, Canada, Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa
and Hawaii. These independent power projects sell power generated primarily from wind, solar, geothermal and hydro sources
under long-term contracts. Additionally, BHE subsidiaries and other Berkshire subsidiaries have invested approximately $7.3
billion to-date in wind projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments.
Regulatory Matters
The U.S. utilities are subject to comprehensive regulation by various federal, state and local agencies. The Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) is an independent agency with broad authority to implement provisions of the Federal
Power Act, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and other federal statutes. The FERC regulates rates for wholesale sales of electricity;
transmission of electricity, including pricing and regional planning for the expansion of transmission systems; electric system
reliability; utility holding companies; accounting and records retention; securities issuances; construction and operation of
hydroelectric facilities; and other matters. The FERC also has the enforcement authority to assess civil penalties of up to $1.5
million per day per violation of rules, regulations and orders issued under the Federal Power Act. MEC is also subject to
regulation by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, with respect to its
25% ownership of the Quad Cities Nuclear Station.
With certain limited exceptions, the U.S. utilities have an exclusive right to serve retail customers within their service
territories and, in turn, have an obligation to provide service to those customers. In some jurisdictions, certain classes of
customers may choose to purchase all or a portion of their energy from alternative energy suppliers, and in some jurisdictions
retail customers can generate all or a portion of their own energy. Historically, state regulatory commissions have established
retail electric and natural gas rates on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow a utility the opportunity to recover
what each state regulatory commission deems to be the utility’s reasonable costs of providing services, including the
opportunity to earn a fair and reasonable return on its investments based on its cost of debt and equity. The retail electric rates
of U.S. utilities are generally based on the cost of providing traditional bundled services, including generation, transmission
and distribution services; however, rates are available for transmission-only and distribution-only services.
Northern Powergrid (Northeast) plc and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc each charge fees for the use of their
distribution systems that are controlled by a formula prescribed by the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority, the British
electricity regulatory body. The current electricity distribution price control runs from April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2028.
AltaLink is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (“AUC”), pursuant to the Electric Utilities Act (Alberta), the
Public Utilities Act (Alberta), the Alberta Utilities Commission Act (Alberta) and the Hydro and Electric Energy Act (Alberta).
The AUC is an independent quasi-judicial agency, which regulates and oversees Alberta’s electricity transmission sector with
broad authority that may impact many of AltaLink’s activities, including its tariffs, rates, construction, operations and
financing. Under the Electric Utilities Act, AltaLink prepares and files applications with the AUC for approval of tariffs to be
paid by the Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”) for the use of its transmission facilities, and the terms and conditions
governing the use of those facilities. The AESO is an independent system operator in Alberta, Canada that oversees Alberta’s
integrated electrical system (“AIES”) and wholesale electricity market. The AESO is responsible for directing the safe, reliable
and economic operation of the AIES, including long-term transmission system planning.
The natural gas pipelines are subject to regulation by various federal and state agencies. The natural gas pipeline and
storage operations of BHE GT&S, Northern Natural and Kern River are regulated by the FERC pursuant to the Natural Gas
Act and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. Under this authority, the FERC regulates, among other items, (a) rates, charges,
terms and conditions of service; (b) the construction and operation of interstate pipelines, storage and related facilities, including
the extension, expansion or abandonment of such facilities; and (c) the construction and operation of liquefied natural gas
export/import facilities. Interstate natural gas pipeline companies are also subject to regulations administered by the Office of
Pipeline Safety within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, an agency of the DOT. Federal pipeline
safety regulations are issued pursuant to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as amended, which establishes safety
requirements in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of interstate natural gas pipeline facilities.
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Environmental Matters
BHE and its energy businesses are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding air quality,
climate change, emissions performance standards, water quality, coal ash disposal and other environmental matters that have
the potential to impact current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws
and regulations, such as the Federal Clean Air Act, provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for
noncompliance, including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions.
The Federal Clean Air Act, as well as state laws and regulations impacting air emissions, provides a framework for
protecting and improving the nation’s air quality and controlling sources of air emissions. These laws and regulations continue
to be promulgated and implemented and will impact the operation of BHE’s generating facilities and require them to reduce
emissions at those facilities to comply with the requirements. In addition, the potential adoption of state or federal clean energy
standards, which include low-carbon, non-carbon and renewable electricity generating resources, may also impact electricity
generators and natural gas providers.
In December 2015, an international agreement was negotiated by 195 nations to create a universal framework for
coordinated action on climate change in what is referred to as the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement reaffirms the goal of
limiting global temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius, while urging efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees
Celsius and reaching a global peak of GHG emissions as soon as possible to achieve climate neutrality by mid-century;
establishes commitments by all parties to make nationally determined contributions and pursue domestic measures aimed at
achieving the commitments; commits all countries to submit emissions inventories and report regularly on their emissions and
progress made in implementing and achieving their nationally determined commitments; and commits all countries to submit
new commitments every five years, with the expectation that the commitments will be more aggressive in reducing GHG
emissions. In the context of the Paris Agreement, the U.S. agreed to reduce GHG emissions by 26% to 28% from 2005 levels
by 2025. The Paris Agreement formally became effective on November 4, 2016; however, the U.S. completed its withdrawal
from the Paris Agreement on November 4, 2020. President Biden accepted the terms of the climate agreement on January 20,
2021, and the U.S. completed its reentry on February 19, 2021. New commitments to the Paris Agreement were announced in
April 2021, with the U.S. pledging to cut its overall GHG emissions by 50% to 52% from 2005 levels by 2030 and to reach
100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035. Increasingly, states are adopting legislation and regulations to reduce GHG
emissions, and local governments and consumers are seeking increasing amounts of clean and renewable energy.
On June 19, 2019, the EPA repealed the Clean Power Plan and issued the Affordable Clean Energy rule. In the Affordable
Clean Energy rule, the EPA determined that the best system of emissions reduction for existing coal fueled power plants is heat
rate improvements and identified a set of candidate technologies and measures that could improve heat rates. Measures taken
to meet the standards of performance must be achieved at the source itself. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit Court of
Appeals vacated the Affordable Clean Energy rule in its entirety. In October 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear an
appeal of that decision. Arguments in the case were held in February 2022 and on June 30, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court
issued its decision regarding the scope of the EPA’s authority to regulate GHG emissions under the Clean Air Act. The U.S.
Supreme Court held that the “generation shifting” approach in the Clean Power Plan exceeded the powers granted to the EPA
by Congress, although the court did not address whether the EPA may only adopt measures applied at the individual source as
it did in the Affordable Clean Energy rule. In May 2023, the EPA proposed new rules addressing GHG emissions for the power
sector. The proposed requirements would take effect January 1, 2030. The EPA subcategorized the best system of emissions
reduction based on fuel type. For existing coal, the EPA determined that the best system of emissions reduction is carbon
capture and sequestration. For existing natural gas-fueled steam units, the EPA determined that the best system of emissions
reduction is an emissions limit between 1,300 and 1,500 pounds of carbon dioxide per gross megawatt hour. For existing natural
gas combustion turbines, the EPA determined the best system of emissions reduction applies only to large, high-load turbines,
which must either use carbon capture and sequestration or a co-fueling with hydrogen. Finally, for new natural gas combustion
turbines, the EPA determined that the best system of emissions reduction is a co-fueling with hydrogen between 30% and 96%
blend rates by 2038. The EPA intends to finalize the rule by May 2024.
In November 2021, the EPA proposed rules that would reduce methane emissions from both new and existing sources
in the oil and natural gas industry. The proposals would expand and strengthen emission reduction requirements for new,
modified and reconstructed oil and natural gas sources and would require states to reduce methane emissions from existing
sources nationwide. The EPA issued a supplemental proposal in November 2022 to further strengthen emission requirements.
The rule was finalized in December 2023. Affected sources may have up to five years from the rule’s effective date to comply
with requirements identified in state implementation plans.
BHE and its energy subsidiaries continue to focus on delivering reliable, affordable, safe and clean energy to its
customers and on actions to mitigate its GHG emissions. BHE’s primary source of GHG emissions is the generation of
electricity from its power plants that are fueled by coal or natural gas. In managing its electricity generation, BHE works with
its regulators to protect the energy and economic needs of customers by considering costs, reliability and sources of electric
generation. Over the years, BHE has invested heavily in owned renewable generation and storage, with cumulative investments
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of $34.1 billion through 2023 and has ceased coal operations at 18 coal generation units. As a result, as of December 31, 2023,
BHE reduced its annual GHG emissions by more than 34% as compared to 2005 levels. BHE plans to continue investing in
renewable and other low-carbon generation and storage in the future and to cease coal operations at an additional 15 coal
generation units between 2025 and 2030 in a reliable and cost-effective manner, thereby achieving a 50% reduction in GHG
emissions from 2005 levels in 2030.
Non-Energy Businesses
HomeServices of America, Inc. (“HomeServices”) is a residential real estate brokerage firm in the U.S. In addition to
providing traditional residential real estate brokerage services, HomeServices offers other integrated real estate services,
including mortgage originations and mortgage banking, title and closing services, insurance, home warranties, relocation
services and other home-related services. It operates under 50 brand names with approximately 41,000 real estate agents in
nearly 900 brokerage offices in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
HomeServices’ franchise network currently includes approximately 300 franchisees and over 1,500 brokerage offices
with nearly 48,000 real estate agents under two brand names, primarily in the U.S. In exchange for certain fees, HomeServices
provides the right to use the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices or Real Living brand names and other related service marks,
as well as providing orientation programs, training and consultation services, advertising programs and other services.
HomeServices’ principal sources of revenue are dependent on residential real estate transaction volumes, which are
generally higher in the second and third quarters of each year. This business is highly competitive and subject to general real
estate market conditions.
Pilot Travel Centers (PTC)
PTC operates more than 650 travel center and approximately 75 fuel-only retail locations across 44 U.S. states and five
Canadian provinces, primarily under the names Pilot or Flying J, as well as large wholesale fuel and fuel marketing businesses
in the U.S. PTC also sells diesel fuel at over 140 retail locations in the U.S. and Canada through various arrangements with
third party travel centers. PTC sold over 16 billion gallons of fuel (primarily diesel and gasoline) in 2023 on a retail and
wholesale basis, including 1.3 billion gallons of low carbon fuels and 325 million gallons of diesel exhaust fluid.
During 2023, PTC opened charging stations at 18 travel centers in connection with an agreement with General Motors
to develop a nationwide electric vehicle fast charger network of 2,000 charging stations in 500 U.S. locations by 2026. PTC
also signed a letter of intent with Volvo during 2022 to develop a nationwide public charging network to support the expansion
of battery-powered electric trucks. PTC and its subsidiaries had approximately 26,700 employees at the end of 2023, of which
2,160 work at joint venture travel centers operated by PTC.
PTC’s travel centers are generally located close to an interstate highway and offer petroleum products, merchandise,
food, and other services and amenities to consumers, travelers and professional truck drivers. The travel center industry is
concentrated among a few large operators, including Love’s Travel Stops and TravelCenters of America, although there are
numerous independent operators that operate one to ten travel centers. PTC’s top 10 customers for diesel sales at its travel
centers and dealers account for less than 15% of total diesel gallons sold, while PTC’s top 10 fuel suppliers account for less
than 50% of gallons purchased. PTC retail operations also sell diesel fuel through agreements with third party travel centers
where PTC procures and sells diesel fuel at the locations owned by the third parties. PTC also operates a water disposal business
in the oil fields sector.
PTC is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the environment. These laws generally provide
for control of pollutants released into the environment and require responsible parties to undertake remediation of hazardous
waste disposal sites. Penalties may be imposed for non-compliance. Certain assets (such as petroleum tanks, dispensers, and
disposal wells) impose asset retirement obligations.
Manufacturing Businesses
Berkshire’s numerous and diverse manufacturing subsidiaries are grouped into three categories: (1) industrial products,
(2) building products and (3) consumer products. Berkshire’s industrial products businesses manufacture components for
aerospace and power generation applications, specialty chemicals, metal cutting tools, and a variety of other products primarily
for industrial use. The building products group produces prefabricated and site-built residential homes, flooring products,
insulation, roofing and engineered products, building and engineered components, paint and coatings and bricks and masonry
products. The consumer products group manufactures and/or distributes recreational vehicles, batteries, and various apparel,
footwear and other products. Information concerning the major activities of these three groups follows. Berkshire’s
manufacturing businesses employed approximately 184,000 people at the end of 2023.
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Industrial products
Precision Castparts
Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”), based in Lake Oswego, Oregon, manufactures complex metal components and
products, provides high-quality investment castings, forgings, fasteners/fastener systems and aerostructures for critical
aerospace and power and energy applications. PCC also manufactures investment castings and forgings for general industrial,
armament, medical and other applications; nickel and titanium alloys in all standard mill forms from large ingots and billets to
plate, foil, sheet, strip, tubing, bar, rod, extruded shapes, rod-in-coil, wire and welding consumables, as well as cobalt alloys,
for the aerospace, chemical processing, oil and gas, pollution control and other industries; fasteners for automotive and general
industrial markets; specialty alloys for the investment casting and forging industries; heat treating and destructive testing
services for the investment cast products and forging industries; grinder pumps and affiliated components for low-pressure
sewer systems; critical auxiliary equipment and gas monitoring systems for the power generation industry; and metalworking
tools for the fastener market and other applications.
Investment casting technology involves a multi-step process that uses ceramic molds in the manufacture of metal
components with more complex shapes, closer tolerances and finer surface finishes than parts manufactured using other
methods. PCC uses this process to manufacture products for aircraft engines, industrial gas turbine and other aeroderivative
engines, airframes, medical implants, armament, unmanned aerial vehicles and other industrial applications. PCC also
manufactures high temperature carbon and ceramic composite components, including ceramic matrix composites, for use in
next-generation aerospace engines.
PCC uses forging processes to manufacture components for the aerospace and power generation markets. PCC
manufactures high-performance, nickel-based alloys, as well as titanium alloys and products. PCC’s nickel-based alloys are
used to produce forged components and investment castings for aerospace and non-aerospace applications in such markets as
oil and gas, chemical processing and pollution control. PCC’s titanium products are used to manufacture components for the
commercial and military aerospace, power generation, energy, medical, and industrial end markets.
PCC is also a leading developer and manufacturer of highly engineered fasteners, fastener systems, aerostructures and
precision components, primarily for critical aerospace applications. These products are produced for the aerospace and power
and energy markets, as well as for construction, automotive, heavy truck, farm machinery, mining and construction equipment,
shipbuilding, machine tools, medical equipment, appliances and recreation markets.
PCC has several significant customers, including aerospace original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) (Boeing and
Airbus) and aircraft engine manufacturer suppliers (General Electric, Rolls Royce and Pratt &Whitney). The majority of PCC’s
sales are from customer orders or demand schedules pursuant to long-term agreements. Contractual terms may provide for
termination by the customer, subject to payment for work performed. PCC typically does not experience significant order
cancellations, although periodically it receives requests for delays in delivery schedules.
The global outbreak of COVID-19 which began in March 2020 drove unprecedented build rate reductions and destocking
in the aerospace market through 2021. In 2022, PCC began to see recovery in the domestic markets, with international travel
starting to improve in the latter part of 2022. Domestic travel has surpassed 2019 levels, while international travel remains just
below 2019 levels. Long-term industry forecasts continue to show growth and strong demand for air travel and aerospace
products.
PCC is subject to substantial competition in all of its markets. Components and similar products may be produced by
competitors, who use either the same types of manufacturing processes as PCC or other processes. Although PCC believes its
manufacturing processes, technology and experience provide its customers advantages, such as high quality, competitive prices
and physical properties that often meet more stringent demands, alternative forms of manufacturing can be used to produce
many of the same components and products. Nevertheless, PCC is a leading supplier in most of its principal markets. Several
factors, including long-standing customer relationships, technical expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated employees,
aid PCC in maintaining competitive advantages.
Several raw materials used in PCC products, including certain metals such as nickel, titanium, cobalt, tantalum, hafnium
and molybdenum, are found in only a few parts of the world. These metals are required for the alloys used in manufactured
products. The availability and costs of these metals may be influenced by private or governmental cartels, changes in world
politics, labor relations between the metal producers and their workforces and inflation.
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PCC is currently subject to various federal, state and foreign environmental laws concerning, among other things, water
discharges, air emissions, waste management, toxic materials use reduction and environmental cleanup. Laws and regulations
continue to evolve, and it is reasonably possible that environmental standards will become more stringent in the future,
particularly under air quality and water quality laws and standards related to climate change, including reporting of GHG
emissions. As a result, it is also reasonably likely that PCC will be regularly required to make additional expenditures, including
capital expenditures, which could be significant, relating to environmental matters.
Lubrizol
The Lubrizol Corporation (“Lubrizol”), headquartered in Wickliffe, Ohio, is a specialty chemical and performance
materials company that manufactures products and supplies technologies for the global transportation, industrial and consumer
markets. Lubrizol currently operates two business segments: Lubrizol Additives, which produces engine lubricant additives,
driveline lubricant additives and industrial specialties products; and Lubrizol Advanced Materials, which includes engineered
materials (engineered polymers and performance coatings) and life sciences (beauty and personal care, and health and home
care solutions).
Lubrizol Additives’ products are used in a broad range of applications including engine oils, transmission fluids, gear
oils, specialty driveline lubricants, fuels, metalworking fluids and compressor lubricants for transportation and industrial
applications. Lubrizol Advanced Materials’ products are used in many different types of applications including beauty, personal
care, home care, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, medical devices, performance coatings, sporting goods, plumbing and fire
sprinkler systems. Lubrizol is an industry leader in many of the markets in which it competes, and its principal lubricant
additives competitors are Infineum International Ltd., Chevron Oronite Company and Afton Chemical Corporation. Lubrizol
Advanced Materials’ businesses compete in many markets with a variety of competitors in each product line.
With its considerable patent portfolio, Lubrizol uses its technological leadership position and applies its scientific
capabilities, formulation know-how and market expertise in product development to improve the demand, quality and value of
its solutions. Lubrizol also leverages its scientific and applications knowledge to meet and exceed customer performance and
sustainability requirements. While Lubrizol typically has patents that expire each year, it invests resources to protect its
intellectual property and to develop or acquire innovative products for the markets it serves. Lubrizol uses many specialty and
commodity chemical raw materials in its manufacturing processes. Raw materials are primarily feedstocks derived from
petroleum and petrochemicals and, generally, are obtainable from several sources. The materials that Lubrizol chooses to
purchase from a single source typically are subject to long-term supply contracts to ensure supply reliability.
Lubrizol operates its business on a global basis through more than 100 offices, laboratories, production facilities and
warehouses on six continents, the most significant of which are North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Lubrizol
markets its products worldwide through direct sales, sales agents and distributors. Lubrizol’s customers principally consist of
major global and regional oil companies and industrial and consumer products companies. Some of Lubrizol’s largest
customers also may be suppliers. During 2023, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of Lubrizol’s consolidated
revenues. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, severe weather and fires at certain Lubrizol
facilities affected the availability of raw materials and fulfillment of customer orders and otherwise disrupted Lubrizol’s
operations.
Lubrizol expends significant capital to ensure the safety of its employees and the communities where it operates, as well
as delivering on its commitments to operational excellence and cybersecurity. Lubrizol also makes significant capital
investments to ensure reliable supply and compliance with regulations governing its operations, while reducing their
environmental footprint.
Lubrizol is subject to foreign, federal, state and local laws to protect the environment, limit manufacturing waste and
emissions, ensure product and employee safety and regulate trade. While the company believes that its policies, practices and
procedures are designed to limit the associated risks and consequent financial liability, the operation of chemical manufacturing
plants entails inherent environmental, safety and other risks, and significant capital expenditures, costs or liabilities could be
incurred in the future.
IMC International Metalworking Companies
IMC International Metalworking Companies (“IMC”) is one of the three largest multinational manufacturers of
consumable precision carbide metal cutting tools for applications in a broad range of industrial end markets. IMC’s primary
brand names include ISCAR®, TaeguTec®, Ingersoll®, Tungaloy®, and NTK®. Other IMC brand names include, among
others, Unitac®, UOP®, It.te.di®, Qutiltec®, Tool—Flo®, PCT®, IMCO®, BSW RKS® and Supermill®. IMC’s primary
manufacturing facilities are located in Israel, the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, India and China.
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IMC has six primary product lines: milling tools, parting & grooving tools, turning/thread tools, hole making tools, round
tools and tooling. The main products are split within the main product lines between consumable cemented tungsten carbide
inserts and steel tool holders. Inserts comprise a major portion of IMC’s sales and earnings. Metal cutting inserts are used by
industrial manufacturers to cut metals and are consumed during their use in cutting applications. IMC manufactures hundreds
of types of highly engineered inserts within each product line that are tailored to maximize productivity and meet the technical
requirements of customers. IMC’s staff of scientists and engineers continuously develop and innovate products that address
end user needs and requirements.
IMC’s global sales and marketing network operates in nearly every major manufacturing center around the world, staffed
with highly skilled engineers and technical personnel. IMC’s customer base is very diverse, with its primary customers being
large, multinational businesses in the automotive, aerospace, engineering and machinery industries. IMC operates a regional
central warehouse system with locations in Israel, the U.S., Belgium, South Korea, Japan and China. Additional small quantities
of products are maintained at local IMC sales offices to provide on-time customer support and inventory management.
IMC competes in the metal cutting tools segment of the global metalworking tools market. The segment includes
hundreds of participants who range from small, private manufacturers of specialized products for niche applications and
markets to larger, global multinational businesses (such as Sandvik and Kennametal, Inc.) with a wide assortment of products
and extensive distribution networks. Other manufacturing companies such as Kyocera, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Ceratizit and
Korloy also play a significant role in the cutting tool market.
Cemented tungsten carbide powder is the main raw material used in manufacturing cutting tools. Most of IMC’s insert
products are made from tungsten. While supplies are currently adequate, a significant disruption or constraints in production
processing facilities could cause reduced availability and increased prices.
IMC is committed to following and complying with all government and environmental rules, regulations and
requirements and applicable laws. IMC considers environmental preservation and pollution prevention as important factors in
all operations and activities. IMC production facilities are built with the highest standards and follow all applicable regulations.
Marmon
Marmon Holdings, Inc. (“Marmon”), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a global industrial organization comprising
eleven diverse business groups and more than 100 autonomous manufacturing and service businesses. Marmon’s
manufacturing and service operations are conducted at approximately 400 manufacturing, distribution and service facilities
located primarily in the U.S., as well as 16 other countries worldwide. Marmon’s business groups are as follows.
Foodservice Technologies manufactures beverage dispensing and cooling equipment, hot and cold food preparation and
holding equipment and related products for restaurants, global brand owners and other foodservice providers. Operations are
based in the U.S. with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Mexico, China, Czech Republic and Italy. Products are sold primarily
throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Water Technologies manufactures water treatment equipment for residential, commercial and industrial applications
worldwide. Operations are based primarily in the U.S., Canada, China, Singapore, India and Poland with business centers
located in Belgium, France, Germany, the U.K. and Italy.
Transportation Products serves the automotive and heavy-duty highway transportation industries with precision-molded
plastic components; fastener thread solutions; aluminum tubing and extrusions; automotive aftermarket transmission, emissions
and chassis products; dry van, platform, lowbed specialty trailers; and truck and trailer components. Operations and business
are conducted primarily in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe and Asia.
Retail Solutions provides retail environment design services; in-store digital merchandising, dispensing and display
fixtures; shopping, material handling and security carts. Operations and business are conducted in the U.S., the U.K. and Czech
Republic.
Metal Services provides specialty metal pipe, tubing and related value-added services to customers across a broad range
of industries including aerospace, construction and agricultural. Operations are based in the U.S., India, Poland, Singapore, the
U.K., Netherlands, Canada and Mexico and business is conducted primarily in those countries.
Electrical produces electrical wire for use in residential and commercial buildings, and specialty wire and cable for use
in energy, transit, aerospace, defense, communication and other industrial applications. Operations are based in the U.S.,
Canada, India and England. Business is conducted globally and primarily in the U.S., Canada, India, the U.K., U.A.E. and
China.
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Plumbing & Refrigeration supplies copper tubing and copper, brass, aluminum and stainless-steel fittings and
components for the plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration markets; custom coils,
ducting, air handling units and heat pipe for the HVAC market; HVAC systems and structures for military, nuclear and medical
markets and aluminum and brass forgings for many commercial and industrial applications. Key raw materials, including
aluminum and copper are widely available. Business and operations are conducted primarily in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.
Industrial Products supplies construction fasteners; masonry and stone anchoring systems used in commercial
construction; two component polymer products for anchoring, bonding and repair applications, gloves and other protective
wear; gear drives, gearboxes, fan and pump drives for various markets; wind machines for agricultural use; wheels, axles and
gears for rail, mining and other applications; lighting products for industrial and mining; and equipment for the manufacture
and assembly of lead acid batteries; and the manufacturing and installation of after life service products. Operations are
primarily based in the U.S., the U.K., Canada and China and business is conducted in those countries.
Rail & Leasing manufactures, leases and maintains railcars; leases intermodal tank containers; manufactures mobile
railcar movers; provides in-plant rail switching and loading services; performs track construction and maintenance; and
manufactures steel tank heads and cylinders.
Union Tank Car Company (“UTLX”) is the largest component of the Rail & Leasing group and is a leading designer,
builder and full-service lessor of railroad tank cars and other specialized railcars. Together with its Canadian affiliate Procor,
UTLX owns a fleet of approximately 119,000 railcars for lease to customers in chemical, petrochemical, energy and
agricultural/food industries. UTLX manufactures tank cars in the U.S. and performs railcar maintenance services at more than
100 locations across North America.
UTLX has a diversified customer base, both geographically and across industries. UTLX, while subject to cyclicality
and significant competition in most of its markets, competes by offering a broad range of high-quality products and services
targeted at its niche markets. Railcars are typically leased for multiple-year terms and most of the leases are renewed upon
expiration. Due to selective ongoing capital investment, utilization rates (the number of railcars on lease as a percentage of the
total fleet) of the railcar fleet are generally high.
Intermodal tank containers are leased through EXSIF Worldwide. EXSIF is a leading international lessor of intermodal
tank containers with a fleet of approximately 75,000 units, primarily serving chemical producers and logistics operators. In
May 2022, EXSIF exited its Russia business, which resulted in the sale of approximately 7,300 intermodal tank containers.
Crane Services is a provider of mobile cranes and operators in North America and Australia with a combined fleet of
approximately 1,100 cranes, primarily serving the energy, mining, petrochemical and infrastructure markets. Cranes are leased
on either a fully operated and maintained service basis or on an equipment-only basis. The Crane Services group is subject to
customer seasonality, with typical concentration of volume in the warmer months.
Medical develops, manufactures and distributes a wide range of innovative medical devices in the extremities fixation,
craniomaxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, biologics, aesthetics and powered instruments markets. The group’s leading-edge
medical technology and products are used globally to help improve patient care and outcomes. Operations are based in the
U.S., Europe and China and business is conducted primarily in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Beginning in 2024, Marmon includes the Scott Fetzer companies, which were previously included in other industrial
products businesses. The Scott Fetzer companies manufacture, distribute, service and finance a wide variety of products for
residential, industrial and institutional use. Certain Marmon businesses, including the Rail and Medical groups, are subject to
government regulation and oversight. Marmon has numerous known environmental matters which are subject to on-going
monitoring and/or remediation efforts. Marmon follows all federal, state and local environmental regulations.
Other industrial products
CTB International Corp. (“CTB”), headquartered in Milford, Indiana, is a leading global designer, manufacturer and
marketer of a wide range of agricultural systems and solutions for preserving grain, producing poultry, pigs and eggs, and for
processing poultry, fish, vegetables and other foods. CTB operates from facilities located around the globe and supports
customers through a worldwide network of independent distributors and dealers.
CTB competes with a variety of manufacturers and suppliers, including many that offer only a limited number of the
products offered by CTB, as well as a few that offer products across several of CTB’s product lines. Competition is based on
the price, value, reputation, quality and design of the products offered and the customer service provided by distributors, dealers
and manufacturers of the products. CTB’s leading brand names, distribution network, diversified product line, product support
and high-quality products enable it to compete effectively. CTB manufactures its products primarily from galvanized steel,
steel wire, stainless steel and polymer materials. The availability of these materials in recent years has been adequate.
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LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc. (“LSPI”), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a global leader in the science of drag
reduction application (“DRA”) technology by maximizing the flow potential of pipelines, increasing operational flexibility and
throughput capacity, and efficiencies for customers. LSPI develops innovative flow improver solutions with customers in over
20 countries on five continents, treating over 50 million barrels of hydrocarbon liquids per day. LSPI’s DRA offering is part of
a comprehensive, full-service solution that encompasses industry-leading technology, quality manufacturing, technical support
and consulting, a reliable supply chain, injection equipment and field service. LSPI is subject to foreign, federal, state and local
laws to protect the environment and limit manufacturing waste and emissions.
The industrial products group also includes W&W|AFCO Steel (“W&W|AFCO”), a leading structural steel fabricator
and steel construction business in North America. W&W|AFCO operates 19 steel fabrication plants located across the U.S.
W&W|AFCO’s projects include semiconductor plants, stadiums, high-rise buildings, bridges, mining facilities, aircraft
hangars, military projects, automotive assembly plants, as well as international projects. W&W|AFCO currently has a
substantial multiyear backlog of projects. W&W|AFCO was acquired in connection with the Alleghany acquisition in October
2022, and its headquarters are in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Building Products
Clayton
Clayton Homes, Inc. (“Clayton”), headquartered near Knoxville, Tennessee, is a vertically integrated housing company
offering traditional site-built homes and off-site (factory) built housing, including modular, manufactured, CrossMod™ and
tiny homes. In 2023, Clayton delivered approximately 43,000 off-site built and approximately 10,000 site-built homes. Clayton
also offers home financing and other financial services and competes on price, service, location and delivery capabilities.
All Clayton Built® off-site built homes are designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S. As of December 2023, offsite backlog was $799 million, up over 200% from the prior year end. Clayton sells off-site built homes through independent
and company-owned home centers, realtors and subdivision channels. Clayton considers its ability to offer financing to retail
purchasers a factor affecting the marketplace acceptance of its off-site built homes. Clayton’s financing programs utilize
proprietary loan underwriting guidelines to evaluate loan applicants.
Since 2015, Clayton’s site-built division, Clayton Properties Group, has expanded through the acquisition of nine
builders across 18 states with over 290 subdivisions, supplementing the portfolio of housing products offered to customers.
Clayton’s site-builders currently own and control approximately 67,000 homesites, with a home order backlog of approximately
$1.6 billion as of December 2023.
Historically, access to key housing inputs such as lumber, steel and resin products has been adequate. During 2021 and
the first half of 2022, the availability and pricing of these and other inputs was volatile. Input shortages coupled with reduced
labor and subcontractor availability increased the time needed to construct a home, increasing the levels of work-in-process
inventory. These constraints began to lessen in the latter half of 2022 due to improved availability and pricing of key inputs,
increased order cancellations and lower overall demand for new home construction.
Clayton’s building products business benefited in recent years from the low interest rate environment and the strong
residential construction market. However, the effects of significant increases in home mortgage interest rates in the U.S. over
the past year has slowed demand for new home construction, partially mitigated by low supplies of pre-existing homes for sale.
Clayton’s home building business regularly makes capital and non-capital expenditures with respect to compliance with
federal, state and local environmental regulations, primarily related to erosion control, permitting and stormwater protection
for site-built home subdivisions. The financing business originates and services loans which are federally regulated by the
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, various state regulatory agencies and reviewed by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development, the Government National Mortgage Association and government-sponsored enterprises.
Shaw
Shaw Industries Group, Inc. (“Shaw”), headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of
carpet, carpet tile, and hard surface flooring products. Shaw designs and manufactures over 4,400 styles of tufted carpet, wood
and resilient flooring for residential and commercial use under numerous brand and trade names and under certain private
labels. Soft and hard surface products are available in a broad range of patterns, colors and textures. Shaw’s carpet
manufacturing operations are fully integrated from the processing of raw materials used to make fiber through to the finishing.
Shaw’s flooring businesses are primarily in the U.S., and it also manufactures in China and the U.K. and distributes carpet tile
throughout Europe and Southeast Asia. Shaw manufactures or distributes a variety of hardwood, wood plastic composite
(WPC), stone plastic composite (SPC), vinyl and laminate floor products (“hard surfaces”). Shaw’s Integrated Solutions
business also provides project management and installation services.
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Shaw also operates Shaw Sports Turf, Shawgrass and Southwest Greens International, LLC, which provide synthetic
sports turf, golf greens and landscape turf products. Since 2021, Shaw’s businesses include Watershed Geosynthetics, LLC
(“Watershed Geo”), which sells innovative and patented environmental solutions for utility, waste management, erosion control
and mining industries. In 2023, Shaw acquired a controlling interest in Watershed Solar LLC (“Watershed Solar”), which was
merged into Watershed Geo. Watershed Solar provides patented renewable energy solutions. The technology, branded
PowerCap®, supplies low profile, high output solar arrays on top of landfills, coal ash closures and roof tops, and otherwise
underutilized spaces, producing renewable energy.
Shaw products are sold wholesale to over 43,000 retailers, distributors and commercial users throughout the world.
Shaw’s wholesale products are marketed domestically by over 1,900 salaried and commissioned sales personnel directly to
retailers and distributors and to large national accounts. Shaw’s distribution facilities, including seven carpet, nine hard
surfaces, one sample full-service and three sample satellite facilities and 30 redistribution centers, enable it to provide prompt
and efficient delivery of its products to both its retail customers and wholesale distributors.
Substantially all carpet manufactured by Shaw is tufted carpet made from nylon, polypropylene and polyester, as well as
recycled materials. During 2023, Shaw processed approximately 93% of its requirements for carpet yarn in its own yarn
processing facilities. The availability of raw materials is adequate, but costs are impacted by petro-chemical and natural gas
price changes. A significant portion of Shaw’s soft-flooring raw materials derive from recycled sources. Raw material cost
changes are periodically factored into selling prices to customers.
The soft floor covering industry is highly competitive with only a handful of major competitors domestically. There are
numerous manufacturers, domestically and internationally, that are engaged in the hard surfaces flooring sector. According to
industry estimates, carpet accounts for approximately 39% of the total U.S. consumption of all flooring types. The principal
competitive measures within the floor covering industry are quality, style, price and service.
Johns Manville
Johns Manville Corporation (“JM”), headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of
premium-quality products for building insulation, mechanical and industrial insulation, commercial roofing and roof insulation,
as well as reinforcement fiberglass and technical nonwovens. JM serves markets that include residential and nonresidential
buildings, automotive and transportation, air handling, appliance, HVAC, pipe and equipment, air and liquid filtration,
waterproofing, flooring, interiors, aerospace and wind energy. Fiberglass is the basic material in many of JM’s products,
although JM also manufactures a significant portion of its products with other materials to satisfy the broader needs of its
customers.
JM regards its patents and licenses as valuable; however, it does not consider any of its businesses to be materially
dependent on any single patent or license. JM operates over 40 manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe and
conducts research and development at its technical center in Littleton, Colorado and at other facilities in the U.S. and Europe.
Fiberglass is made from earthen raw materials and recycled glass. JM’s products also contain materials other than
fiberglass, including chemical agents to bind many of its glass fibers and various chemical-based and petrochemical-based
materials used in roofing and other specialized products. JM uses recycled material when available and suitable to satisfy the
broader needs of its customers. The raw materials used in these various products are generally readily available in sufficient
quantities from various sources to maintain and expand its current production levels.
JM’s operations are sub…