Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.A, Financial) has released its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024. The report highlights the company's net earnings, operating earnings, and investment gains/losses. Investors are encouraged to review the full 2024 Annual Report for a detailed understanding. The press release, dated February 22, 2025, emphasizes that the summarized information is not sufficient for making informed investment decisions.
Positive Highlights
- Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders for the full year 2024 were $88,995 million, compared to $96,223 million in 2023.
- Operating earnings for the full year 2024 increased to $47,437 million from $37,350 million in 2023.
- Insurance-underwriting and investment income showed significant growth in 2024.
- Berkshire repurchased approximately $2.9 billion of its shares in 2024.
Negative Highlights
- Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased to $19,694 million from $37,574 million in the same period of 2023.
- Investment gains/losses for the full year 2024 included after-tax losses of $38.1 billion, compared to gains of $53.0 billion in 2023.
Financial Analyst Perspective
From a financial analyst's viewpoint, Berkshire Hathaway's 2024 results reflect a robust performance in operating earnings, driven by strong insurance underwriting and investment income. However, the significant decrease in net earnings for the fourth quarter and the full year can be attributed to substantial investment losses. The company's strategic share repurchases indicate confidence in its long-term value, despite short-term fluctuations in investment gains/losses.
Market Research Analyst Perspective
As a market research analyst, the results suggest that Berkshire Hathaway continues to leverage its diverse business portfolio effectively. The increase in operating earnings highlights the strength of its core operations, particularly in insurance and energy sectors. However, the volatility in investment gains/losses underscores the challenges in the current market environment. The company's focus on share repurchases and maintaining a strong insurance float positions it well for future growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were Berkshire Hathaway's net earnings for the full year 2024?
A: The net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders for the full year 2024 were $88,995 million.
Q: How did Berkshire's operating earnings perform in 2024 compared to 2023?
A: Operating earnings increased to $47,437 million in 2024 from $37,350 million in 2023.
Q: What was the impact of investment gains/losses on Berkshire's 2024 earnings?
A: Investment gains/losses for 2024 included after-tax losses of $38.1 billion, significantly impacting net earnings.
Q: How much did Berkshire spend on share repurchases in 2024?
A: Berkshire repurchased approximately $2.9 billion of its shares during 2024.
Read the original press release here.
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