Warren Buffet's Annual Report

Key Takeaways

1. Record Earnings: Berkshire Hathaway saw net earnings jump to $96.2 billion and operating earnings increase by 21% in 2023, benefiting from strategic share repurchases.

2. Munger's Legacy: Warren Buffett honored Charlie Munger, highlighting their partnership's role in the company's ethical investment approach and success.

3. Preference for Operating Earnings: Buffett prioritizes operating earnings over GAAP results to assess the company's real financial health more accurately.

4. Operational Challenges and Successes: Despite challenges in the railroad and energy sectors, the insurance operations demonstrated significant profitability.

5. Strategic Investments: Berkshire's careful stock repurchases and diversified business segment performance reflect a focus on long-term value and adaptability.

Introduction

2023 was a year that saw Berkshire Hathaway not just weather the storm but soar to new heights. Under the sage leadership of Warren Buffett, the conglomerate's net earnings leaped to an astonishing $96.2 billion, with operating earnings climbing to $37.4 billion, marking a 21% increase over 2022 and standing 56% above the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. This remarkable performance was bolstered by a strategic focus on share repurchases, signaling Buffett’s confidence in Berkshire’s undervaluation and a boon for remaining shareholders. Operating earnings per share saw a 23% increase over 2022, benefitting significantly from these repurchases. Amidst a global landscape of economic uncertainties, Berkshire Hathaway's financial health not only illustrates the company's resilience but also its unwavering commitment to long-term value creation.

Tribute to Charlie Munger

In a heartfelt acknowledgment within his annual letter, Buffett paid homage to Charlie Munger, his longtime partner and confidant, who had passed away just shy of his centennial year. Buffett lauded Munger as the "architect" of Berkshire Hathaway, with himself as the "general contractor." This partnership, steeped in mutual respect and shared wisdom, has been pivotal in steering Berkshire toward its monumental success. Through their collaborative vision, they have imparted a legacy of value investing and ethical business conduct that continues to guide the conglomerate. Buffett’s tribute underscores the profound impact of their partnership, not just on Berkshire’s trajectory but also on the broader investment community.

Earnings

Buffett has long championed the significance of operating earnings over GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) results, and 2023 was no exception. He elucidates this preference by highlighting the volatile nature of GAAP results, which can be swayed by unrealized gains or losses, thereby masking the company's true earnings power. In contrast, operating earnings offer a clearer lens into the firm's profitability, stripped of market fluctuations and one-time events. This focus on operating earnings is a beacon for long-term investors, offering a more stable and reliable measure of a company's health and performance. By adhering to this metric, Buffett underscores a fundamental investing philosophy: the importance of underlying value and sustainable earnings power.

Operation Challenges

Despite Berkshire Hathaway's overall strong performance in 2023, not all was smooth sailing. The BNSF railroad and Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) faced notable operational challenges. BNSF, one of North America's largest railroads, saw a 14% drop in operating earnings due to reduced volumes and increased non-fuel operating costs, although somewhat mitigated by lower fuel expenses. Wage increases, significantly above the country's inflation goals, added pressure, indicating a need for strategic adjustments to enhance profitability. Meanwhile, BHE grappled with a dramatic 40% earnings decline, primarily due to a $1.6 billion provision for potential losses from wildfires involving PacifiCorp. These challenges underscore the importance of resilience and strategic foresight in navigating unforeseen obstacles and sustaining long-term growth.

Strong Insurance Operations

Amidst the challenges, Berkshire Hathaway's insurance operations stood out as a beacon of success. The insurance sector, bolstered by a 48% surge in investment income primarily from higher interest income, showcased robust profitability. Underwriting gains were notably strong across GEICO, Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group, and Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group, reversing the significant underwriting loss from GEICO in 2022. This turnaround was achieved through increased premiums, reduced claim frequencies, and strategic cost management, despite challenges like rising claims severity. The insurance operations not only exemplified Berkshire's financial acumen but also highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining a diversified and resilient business model capable of weathering sector-specific storms.

Investment Decisions

2023 was also a year of strategic investment decisions for Berkshire Hathaway, notably reflected in its approach to stock repurchases. Berkshire repurchased nearly $9.2 billion of its stock, a testament to Buffett's belief in the company's undervaluation and a strategic move to enhance shareholder value. This activity was carefully balanced with Berkshire's overarching investment philosophy, emphasizing value creation and intrinsic value determination. Additionally, Berkshire's investment portfolio saw a net decrease in publicly traded equities, with $7.8 billion sold against $7.3 billion purchased, underscoring a strategic pivot in its investment approach. These decisions reflect Berkshire's commitment to long-term value creation, judicious capital allocation, and the agility to adapt to market dynamics.