Paul Morigi
- Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.B) (NYSE:BRK.A) Q4 operating earnings rose 28% from a year ago, driven by improvements in insurance underwriting and investment income, which more than offset declines at its railroad, utilities and energy, and other businesses.
- The company doubled the amount of its common stock in repurchased to $2.2B during the quarter compared with $1.1B in Q3, bringing 2023 purchases to $9.2B.
- The investment titan held ~$167.6B in cash and short-term securities on its balance sheet as of Dec. 31, 2023, climbing from $157B at Sept. 30.
- Q4 operating income of $8.48B declined from $10.8B in Q3 and increased from $6.63B a year ago.
- Operating income by segment vs. a year ago:
- Insurance – underwriting: $848M vs. $160M
- Insurance – investment income: $2.76B vs. $2.00B
- Railroad: $1.36B vs. $1.47B
- Utilities and energy: $632M vs. $739M
- Other businesses: $3.69B vs. $3.71B
- Other: -$804M vs. -$1.45B
- Developing… check back for updates.