Core Insights - Warren Buffett oversees a $281 billion portfolio at Berkshire Hathaway, with a record cash reserve of $334 billion available for new investments [1] - An investment of $1,000 in Berkshire stock in 1965 would be worth $44.7 million today, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [2] - Berkshire's long-term value investment strategy includes holdings in companies leveraging AI technology [3] Group 1: Amazon - Amazon constitutes 0.7% of Berkshire's portfolio, with a current value of nearly $2 billion [7] - AWS generated $107.5 billion in revenue in 2024, accounting for 16.8% of Amazon's total revenue but over half of its operating income [6] - AWS is enhancing its AI capabilities through proprietary chips and a platform offering over 100 large language models [4] - Amazon has developed an AI shopping assistant, Rufus, to improve customer purchasing decisions [5] Group 2: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola represents 10.2% of Berkshire's portfolio, valued at $28.8 billion, with a total investment of $1.3 billion [11] - The company is investing $1.1 billion over five years in Microsoft's Azure for AI services to enhance marketing and supply chains [10] - Coca-Cola has utilized AI in marketing campaigns, including predictive models for new product development [9] Group 3: Apple - Apple is the largest position in Berkshire's portfolio, worth over $170 billion after a $38 billion investment [12] - The company has launched Apple Intelligence software, enhancing user interaction and integrating with OpenAI's ChatGPT for Siri [13][14] - Berkshire holds over $68 billion in Apple stock, poised for significant returns as Apple expands its AI offerings [15]

Core Insights - Warren Buffett's investment strategy focuses on buying good companies at attractive prices and holding them long-term to benefit from their growth [2][4][5] - The current market is perceived as overvalued, with limited opportunities for Berkshire Hathaway to make significant investments [6][8] - Buffett's approach emphasizes patience and the ability to wait for favorable market conditions to acquire stocks at reasonable valuations [12][13] Investment Strategy - Buffett's investment philosophy is influenced by Benjamin Graham's value investing principles and Philip Fisher's focus on long-term growth [4][5] - Iconic investments include Coca-Cola and American Express, which have demonstrated durable business models [2][5] - The strategy involves recognizing market emotional swings and capitalizing on them when the timing is right [9][12] Market Conditions - The Nasdaq Composite has recently entered correction territory, which Buffett likely anticipated [1] - In 2023, Buffett indicated a scarcity of attractive investment opportunities, leading to asset sales rather than purchases [6][7] - The cash balance of Berkshire Hathaway increased significantly, from approximately $168 billion at the end of 2023 to $334 billion a year later, indicating a strategy of holding cash for future investments [7] Current Actions - Buffett has sold assets in a perceived expensive market, including reducing stakes in Bank of America and Apple [7][8] - The company is currently focused on maintaining its holdings in strong companies while waiting for better buying opportunities [13][14] - Investors are advised to remain patient and not rush into the market, as opportunities will eventually arise [14]

Core Insights - In 2024, Berkshire Hathaway set a record by paying over $166 billion in taxes, the highest amount any company has ever paid to the U.S. government in a single year, despite lower tax rates in recent years [1] - The significant tax bill indicates substantial earnings, primarily from capital gains on the sale of publicly traded equities, with $143 billion worth of stock sold resulting in $101.1 billion in taxable gains [2] Investment Strategy - Buffett sold significant portions of financial stocks, including Bank of America and Citigroup, while maintaining a large position in Apple, which remains the largest holding despite a reduction of over two-thirds of its original stake [4][5] - The decision to sell financial stocks may stem from dissatisfaction with their performance, particularly Citigroup, which faced regulatory challenges and restructuring efforts [8] Tax Implications - The low tax rate of 21% on the $101 billion in gains in 2024 allowed Berkshire to retain more earnings compared to the previous rate of 35% before 2017, resulting in an additional $14 billion in retained capital [9] Portfolio Management - As of the end of 2024, Berkshire's portfolio was valued at $271.6 billion, with unrealized capital gains of $196 billion, indicating a strategy focused on selling high-value stocks while waiting for better investment opportunities [10] - The company has shifted its focus to short-term U.S. Treasury bills, increasing holdings by over $166 billion in 2024, as they provide safety and attractive yields, currently around 4.3% [13][12] Future Outlook - Buffett is likely to continue investing in Treasury bills in 2025 until more attractive opportunities in large-cap stocks arise, as the current market presents limited viable candidates for significant investments [15][14]

Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hathaway is currently valued at $1.11 trillion, making it the seventh most valuable U.S.-based company, despite not being included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average [1][11]. Stock Split Considerations - A potential stock split of Berkshire's Class B shares could enhance its chances of being included in the Dow, as the index is price-weighted and favors companies with lower share prices [2][5]. - The last stock split occurred 15 years ago, and a new split could lower the share price to align with the median price of Dow components, which is around $225 [3][5][6]. - Current trading conditions, such as zero-commission trading and fractional shares, reduce the necessity for a stock split to attract investors [4][11]. Dow Jones Industrial Average Dynamics - The Dow is heavily weighted towards financial sector companies, which collectively account for 25.1% of the index, making it challenging for Berkshire to be included due to potential redundancies with existing components [7][9]. - If Berkshire were to split its stock, it might replace Travelers Companies, but its diverse business operations extend beyond insurance [8][9]. Investment Rationale - The fundamental strength of Berkshire's underlying businesses and its diversification across various markets are the primary reasons to consider it a buy, rather than the potential for a stock split or inclusion in the Dow [12][14]. - Berkshire holds a record high of $334.2 billion in cash and equivalents, providing significant resources for future investments [14][15].

Group 1: Berkshire Hathaway's Performance and Strategy - In 2024, Berkshire Hathaway's stock performed well, with class B shares generating a 27% return, outperforming the broader market's 23% return [1] - Despite strong stock performance, Berkshire hoarded cash, was a net seller of stocks, and sold significant portions of its holdings in Apple and Bank of America, indicating a belief that the market is overvalued [2][5] - The combined positions in Apple and Bank of America accounted for 39% of Berkshire's portfolio at the end of 2024, raising questions about the company's future plans for these investments [5] Group 2: Investment in Apple - Berkshire first invested in Apple in 2016, building its position to around 40% of its $296 billion portfolio, with significant purchases made when Apple shares were below $50, now trading at $240 [3] - The decision to sell parts of the Apple position may reflect concerns about a potential market correction or economic downturn [6] Group 3: Investment in Bank of America - Berkshire invested $5 billion in Bank of America in 2011, acquiring preferred stock with a 6% annual dividend and warrants for 700 million shares at a strike price of $7.14, with the stock currently trading at about $44 [4] - Similar to Apple, the selling of Bank of America shares may indicate a strategy to realize profits amid market uncertainties [6] Group 4: American Express Investment - Berkshire has a long-standing relationship with American Express, first investing in 1991 and holding approximately 151.6 million shares by the end of 2024, which has not been sold in nearly 27 years [7][8][12] - American Express represents about 15% of Berkshire's portfolio and is unique due to its strong brand and credit card network, which provides a competitive moat [9][10][11]

Group 1: Berkshire Hathaway Overview - Berkshire Hathaway reported a 25.5% increase in stock value for the year, continuing its long-term performance of nearly 20% compounded annually since Warren Buffett became CEO [1][2] - The company’s investment portfolio is closely monitored by investors, with quarterly disclosures required for institutional investors with over $100 million in assets [2] Group 2: American Express - American Express has established itself as a premium credit card provider, attracting high-earning customers with exclusive offerings like the Centurion Card and the Platinum Card [4][5] - The company reported a 10% revenue growth to $74 billion and a 25% increase in earnings per share (EPS) to $14.02 last year [7] - Despite a recent stock decline due to earnings guidance, it is viewed as a buying opportunity for long-term investors [7] Group 3: Moody's Corporation - Moody's is the second largest credit rating agency in the U.S. and has been part of Berkshire's portfolio since its spin-off from Dun & Bradstreet in 2000 [8] - The company benefits from high barriers to entry in the credit rating industry and has a competitive advantage due to established reputations [9] - Moody's Analytics segment provides steady income through a subscription-based model, helping to offset weaknesses in its credit ratings business [11][12] Group 4: Chubb - Chubb is a multinational insurance company that has recently been added to Berkshire's portfolio, with 27 million shares acquired in late 2023 and early 2024 [13] - The company has a strong track record of underwriting profitability and has increased its dividend payout for 31 consecutive years [15] - Chubb's investment portfolio of $150 billion allows it to benefit from higher interest rates, resulting in a 20% increase in net investment income to $5.9 billion last year [16][17]

[Form 8-K Current Report](index=1&type=section&id=Form%208-K%20Current%20Report) This Form 8-K reports Berkshire Hathaway's latest financial results and accompanying exhibits Common Stock Listing Details | Title of each class | Trading Symbols | Name of each exchange on which registered | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Class A Common Stock | BRK.A | New York Stock Exchange | | Class B Common Stock | BRK.B | New York Stock Exchange | [Results of Operations and Financial Condition](index=2&type=section&id=ITEM%202.02%20Results%20of%20Operations%20and%20Financial%20Condition.) Berkshire Hathaway announced its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results via a press release furnished as an exhibit - Berkshire Hathaway announced its earnings for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, via a press release issued on February 22, 2025[4](index=4&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Exhibits](index=2&type=section&id=ITEM%209.01%20Financial%20Statements%20and%20Exhibits) This section lists the exhibits filed with the Form 8-K, including the earnings release and interactive data file - The following exhibits are furnished with this report: Exhibit 99.1: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Earnings Release Dated February 22, 2025; Exhibit 104: Cover Page Interactive Data File[5](index=5&type=chunk)

Financial Performance - Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders for 2024 were $88.995 billion, a decrease of 7.8% from $96.223 billion in 2023[277]. - Investment gains for 2024 were $41.558 billion, a decrease from $58.873 billion in 2023, reflecting significant volatility in market prices[277]. - Total revenue for 2024 was $26,348 million, a slight increase of 1.3% compared to $26,008 million in 2023[358]. - Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders increased to $3,730 million in 2024, up 60.0% from $2,331 million in 2023[358]. - After-tax earnings from non-controlled businesses decreased by $231 million in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to lower earnings from Kraft Heinz and Pilot[435]. - Investment gains in 2024 were $52.8 billion, a decrease from $74.9 billion in 2023, while net earnings were $41.6 billion[438]. - Berkshire's shareholders' equity increased by $88.1 billion to $649.4 billion as of December 31, 2024[444]. Insurance Operations - Insurance underwriting generated after-tax earnings of $9.0 billion in 2024, up from $5.4 billion in 2023, with significant improvements at GEICO[280]. - GEICO's pre-tax underwriting earnings increased to $7.813 billion in 2024 from $3.635 billion in 2023, driven by higher average premiums and lower claims frequencies[290]. - Losses and loss adjustment expenses for GEICO decreased by $1.5 billion (4.7%) in 2024, resulting in a loss ratio of 71.8% compared to 81.0% in 2023[296]. - Estimated ultimate liabilities for losses from prior accident years were reduced by $1.7 billion in 2024, compared to $1.4 billion in 2023[316]. - The Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group recorded a pre-tax charge of $490 million in 2024 related to a settlement agreement concerning non-insurance affiliates[317]. - The company anticipates claims payments in 2025 of approximately $38 billion related to claims occurring prior to 2025[455]. - A one percentage point change in BI claims severities could result in a $220 million increase or decrease in recorded liabilities, impacting pre-tax earnings correspondingly[465]. Investment Income - Net investment income for 2024 was $13.67 billion, up from $9.57 billion in 2023, reflecting a significant increase in interest and other investment income[330]. - Interest and other investment income increased by $5.5 billion in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to increases in U.S. Treasury Bill and short-term investment balances[331]. - Dividend income declined by $302 million (5.5%) in 2024 compared to 2023, reflecting net reductions in equity security holdings[332]. Operating Segments - BNSF's after-tax earnings declined by 1.1% in 2024 compared to 2023, impacted by labor agreement charges and ongoing litigation[281]. - Railroad operating revenues decreased by 0.5% in 2024 to $23.355 billion compared to 2023, with a net volume increase of 6.5%[340]. - Operating revenues from consumer products increased by 7.1% in 2024 to $8.4 billion, driven by a volume increase of 16.2%[343]. - Manufacturing revenues reached $77,231 million in 2024, a 2.4% increase from $75,405 million in 2023[374]. - Service and retailing revenues decreased by 3.9% to $138,672 million in 2024, down from $144,342 million in 2023[374]. Expenses and Liabilities - Losses and loss adjustment expenses rose by $1.4 billion (12.8%) in 2024, with a loss ratio increase of 2.1 percentage points compared to 2023[307]. - Underwriting expenses increased by $681 million (15.0%) in 2024, resulting in an expense ratio of 27.8%, up 1.3 percentage points from 2023[308]. - The company recorded approximately $147.6 billion in consolidated claim liabilities as of December 31, 2024, with 74% related to GEICO and the Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group[460]. - The gross unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses total $51.636 billion, consisting of $16.570 billion in property and $35.066 billion in casualty[467]. Capital Management - The company repurchased $2.9 billion of its common stock in 2024, maintaining a focus on financial strength and liquidity[445]. - Cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. Treasury Bills held by insurance and other businesses totaled $318.0 billion as of December 31, 2024[446]. - Consolidated capital expenditures for 2024 were $19.0 billion, with BNSF and BHE forecasting approximately $14.0 billion in capital expenditures for 2025[452]. Miscellaneous - Float was approximately $171 billion at December 31, 2024, up from $169 billion in 2023 and $164 billion in 2022[334]. - The effective income tax rate for BNSF increased to 24.3% in 2024 from 23.1% in 2023[340]. - The methodologies for estimating IBNR liabilities involve various actuarial techniques, including paid and incurred loss development methods and Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods[473][474].

Earnings Announcement and Reporting - Berkshire Hathaway Inc. announced its earnings for the third quarter and first nine months ended September 30, 2024 [4] - The earnings release was issued on November 2, 2024 [4] - The press release is included as an exhibit to the Form 8-K filing [4] Executive Signatory - Marc D. Hamburg, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, signed the report on November 4, 2024 [5]

Earnings and Financial Performance - Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 were $26.251 billion, compared to a loss of $12.767 billion in the same period in 2023[85] - Net earnings for Q3 2024 were $16.2 billion, compared to a loss of $23.5 billion in Q3 2023[132] - Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders were $69.3 billion for the first nine months of 2024[134] - Investment gains in Q3 2024 were $20.5 billion, compared to a loss of $29.8 billion in Q3 2023[132] - Pre-tax unrealized investment gains were $18.6 billion in Q3 2024 and $45.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024[132] - Taxable gains from equity securities sales were $23.4 billion in Q3 2024 and $97.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024[132] - Berkshire's shareholders' equity increased by $67.8 billion to $629.1 billion as of September 30, 2024[134] Insurance Operations - Insurance underwriting after-tax earnings decreased by $1.7 billion in the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to Hurricane Helene losses of $565 million[84] - Insurance investment income after-tax earnings increased by $1.2 billion in the third quarter of 2024, driven by higher interest income from U.S. Treasury Bills[84] - GEICO's pre-tax underwriting earnings increased to $2.033 billion in the third quarter of 2024, up from $1.053 billion in 2023, driven by higher average premiums and lower claims frequencies[91] - GEICO's premiums written increased by $761 million (7.3%) in the third quarter of 2024, with average written premiums per auto policy rising by 10.1%[91] - GEICO's loss ratio improved to 71.4% in the third quarter of 2024, down from 80.0% in 2023, reflecting higher average earned premiums and lower claims frequencies[91] - Hurricane Milton is estimated to cause pre-tax incurred losses between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion, which will be reflected in the fourth quarter of 2024[87] - Premiums written increased by $85 million (1.7%) in Q3 2024 and $594 million (4.3%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, driven by growth at NICO Primary, BH Direct, and BHHC[94] - Premiums earned increased by 5.3% in Q3 2024 and 9.8% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023[94] - Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $1.3 billion (48.8%) in Q3 2024 and $1.7 billion (20.9%) in the first nine months of 2024, with a loss ratio increase of 25.4 percentage points in Q3 and 6.5 percentage points in the first nine months[94] - Underwriting expenses increased by $102 million (8.5%) in Q3 2024 and $492 million (14.7%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023[94] - Property/casualty premiums written were relatively unchanged in Q3 and the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, with premiums earned decreasing by 5.0% in Q3 and 1.7% in the first nine months[99] - Losses from significant catastrophe events (Hurricane Helene) were approximately $380 million in 2024, compared to $550 million in the first nine months of 2023[99] - Underwriting expenses increased by $677 million (50.8%) in Q3 2024 and $793 million (19.3%) in the first nine months of 2024, including a $490 million pre-tax charge related to a settlement agreement[99] - Estimated liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses from insurance contracts were $148.9 billion as of September 30, 2024[137] Railroad Operations (BNSF) - BNSF after-tax earnings increased by 13.3% in the third quarter of 2024, benefiting from higher unit volume and improved employee productivity[84] - BNSF's railroad operating revenues increased to $5.881 billion in Q3 2024 from $5.719 billion in Q3 2023, with total railroad operating earnings rising to $2.053 billion in Q3 2024 from $1.809 billion in Q3 2023[108] - BNSF's net earnings for Q3 2024 were $1.383 billion, up from $1.221 billion in Q3 2023, with an effective income tax rate of 25.1%[108] - Consumer products revenue increased by 7.0% to $2.1 billion in Q3 2024 and by 8.2% to $6.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024, driven by higher volumes of 16.7% and 16.9% respectively[109] - Industrial products revenue decreased by 1.6% to $1.4 billion in Q3 2024 and by 1.1% to $4.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024, due to lower volumes of 1.9% and 1.2% respectively[109] - Agricultural products revenue increased by 14.1% to $1.4 billion in Q3 2024 and by 6.5% to $4.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024, driven by higher volumes of 14.9% and 9.6% respectively[109] - Coal revenue decreased by 14.7% to $795 million in Q3 2024 and by 25.2% to $2.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024, due to reduced volumes of 12.5% and 20.5% respectively[111] - Railroad operating expenses decreased by 2.1% to $3.8 billion in Q3 2024 and by 1.5% to $11.6 billion in the first nine months of 2024, primarily due to lower fuel expenses[111] Energy Operations (Berkshire Hathaway Energy) - Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) after-tax earnings increased by $1.1 billion in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting lower litigation-related charges and higher earnings from natural gas pipelines[84] - BHE's net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders increased to $1.629 billion in Q3 2024 and $3.001 billion in the first nine months of 2024, compared to $498 million and $1.699 billion respectively in 2023[112] - U.S. utilities net earnings increased by 190.6% to $1.569 billion in the first nine months of 2024, driven by higher retail customer rates and volumes[113] - Natural gas pipelines net earnings increased by 26.8% to $927 million in the first nine months of 2024, due to higher transportation revenue and increased margin on gas sales[113] - Other energy businesses net earnings increased by 17.4% to $1.019 billion in the first nine months of 2024, driven by higher distribution revenue and lower income tax expense[113] Manufacturing, Service, and Retailing - Manufacturing, service, and retailing after-tax earnings decreased by 5.9% in the third quarter of 2024, with lower earnings from service and retailing businesses partially offset by gains in manufacturing[84] - Manufacturing revenues increased by 2.6% in Q3 2024 and 2.6% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, with pre-tax earnings rising by 1.9% in Q3 and 4.4% in the first nine months[116] - Service and retailing revenues declined by 3.7% in Q3 2024 and 3.3% in the first nine months of 2024, with pre-tax earnings decreasing by 21.5% in Q3 and 20.4% in the first nine months[116] - Industrial products revenues increased by $289 million (3.3%) in Q3 2024 and $706 million (2.7%) in the first nine months of 2024, with pre-tax earnings rising by $62 million (4.3%) in Q3 and $322 million (7.3%) in the first nine months[118] - PCC's revenues increased by 11.9% in Q3 2024 and 12.4% in the first nine months of 2024, driven by higher demand for aerospace and power generation products[118] - Lubrizol's pre-tax earnings increased by 36.2% in Q3 2024 and 44.7% in the first nine months of 2024, primarily due to lower raw material costs and higher sales volumes[118] - Marmon's revenues remained flat in Q3 2024 but declined by 2.6% in the first nine months of 2024, with pre-tax earnings decreasing by 13.0% in Q3 and 9.4% in the first nine months[118] - Building products group revenues increased by $167 million (2.5%) in Q3 2024 and $450 million (2.3%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023[119] - Clayton Homes' revenues increased by 8.7% to $3.2 billion in Q3 2024 and 8.8% to $9.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023[121] - Clayton Homes' loan balances, net of allowances for credit losses, were approximately $26.4 billion as of September 30, 2024, an increase of 14.2% since September 30, 2023[121] - Consumer products group revenues increased by 1.2% to $3.8 billion in Q3 2024 and 3.0% to $11.0 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023[122] - Forest River revenues increased by 6.5% in the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a 9.1% increase in unit sales[122] - Service group revenues increased by $30 million (0.6%) in Q3 2024 but declined by $108 million (0.7%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023[125] - Retailing group revenues declined by 2.8% to $4.7 billion in Q3 2024 and 2.9% to $14.0 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023[127] - McLane revenues declined by 5.6% in Q3 2024 and 4.5% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023[128] - Pre-tax earnings of the building products group decreased by $97 million (8.3%) in Q3 2024 and $135 million (4.1%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023[119] Investments and Cash Management - Dividend income declined by $131 million (10.7%) in Q3 2024 and $207 million (5.2%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, reflecting changes in equity security holdings[104] - Interest and other investment income increased by $1.8 billion in Q3 2024 and $3.8 billion in the first nine months of 2024, driven by increased short-term investments including U.S. Treasury Bills[104] - Float approximated $174 billion at September 30, 2024, up from $169 billion at December 31, 2023[104] - Cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. Treasury Bills increased to $271.835 billion at September 30, 2024, from $121.845 billion at December 31, 2023[105] - Cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. Treasury Bills held by insurance and other businesses totaled $305.5 billion as of September 30, 2024[134] - After-tax equity earnings in non-controlled businesses declined by $27 million in Q3 2024 and $505 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023[129] Legal and Regulatory Risks - Berkshire does not believe routine litigation will have a material effect on its financial condition[141] - The company faces risks from changes in market prices of equity securities, catastrophic events, and changes in laws or regulations[139] - Berkshire is involved in various legal actions, some of which may seek punitive or exemplary damages[141] - The company's forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including economic and market factors[139] - Berkshire's significant business risks are described in its 2023 Form 10-K, with additional risks potentially impacting operations[142] Share Repurchases and Capital Expenditures - Berkshire repurchased $2.9 billion of its common stock in the first nine months of 2024[134] - No Class A or Class B shares were repurchased in the third quarter of 2024[144] - Berkshire's common stock repurchase program allows repurchases when the price is below intrinsic value[144] - Consolidated capital expenditures for property, plant, and equipment were $13.6 billion in the first nine months of 2024[134] Internal Controls and Disclosure - Berkshire's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting management to material information[140] - No material changes in market risks as of September 30, 2024[140] - The company's internal control over financial reporting has not seen significant changes during the quarter[140] Life and Health Insurance - Life/health premiums earned declined by $110 million (8.3%) in Q3 2024 and $171 million (4.5%) in the first nine months of 2024, primarily due to reductions in non-U.S. life business[100] - Life and health benefits decreased to 67.1% in Q3 2024 from 77.9% in Q3 2023, and to 68.0% in the first nine months of 2024 from 74.3% in the same period of 2023[100] - Pre-tax underwriting earnings for life/health were $98 million in Q3 2024 and $279 million in the first nine months of 2024, compared to $50 million and $234 million in the respective periods of 2023[100] - Pre-tax underwriting earnings for Life/health increased by $48 million in Q3 2024 and $45 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, driven by gains from life contract commutations and increased U.S. life business earnings[101] - Pre-tax underwriting losses from retroactive reinsurance decreased to $498 million in the first nine months of 2024 from $622 million in 2023, primarily due to net reductions in estimated ultimate claim liabilities[101] - Unpaid losses assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts declined by $1.6 billion to $33.1 billion at September 30, 2024, mainly due to loss payments[101] Real Estate and Other Businesses - Real estate brokerage net earnings decreased by $121 million in the first nine months of 2024, primarily due to expense accruals related to ongoing litigation matters[113] - Pilot's revenues declined by $2.5 billion (19.3%) in Q3 2024 and $6.3 billion (14.9%) in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to lower fuel prices and reduced wholesale fuel volumes[115] - Pilot's pre-tax earnings decreased by 25.4% in Q3 2024 and 30.8% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, with gross sales margins increasing by 1.0% in Q3 but declining by 2.3% in the first nine months[115] - Pilot's selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by 14.3% in Q3 2024 and 6.6% in the first nine months of 2024, driven by higher labor, marketing, and maintenance costs[115] - Pilot's interest expense decreased by 41.6% in Q3 2024 and 24.3% in the first nine months of 2024, due to reduced borrowings and lower interest rates[115]