are non-controlling stakes designed to harvest funds, but BHE is a useful place to put capital to work.
It has worked well for Buffett so far. Since buying the business more than 20 years ago, BHE’s earnings have grown about 18% annually on average, generating about $4 billion last year. There are good reasons to suspect the success will last.82% of the unit’s adjusted earnings . Most of the rest came from the renewables arm. This matters because state authorities allow prices to be set in a way that give utilities guaranteed returns, while demand for green energy should keep growing, partly thanks to lower costs and government subsidies such as the Inflation Reduction Act. Natural gas will also become increasingly important as a backup fuel.
Unlike most utilities, BHE doesn’t have to pay a dividend – and neither does Berkshire, because of the faith investors have in the $750 billion company. This frees up capital, giving Buffett an edge where capex and acquisitions are concerned. Like his power-providing peers, he also uses substantial leverage to reap hefty tax benefits.suggests just how significant Buffett considers the segment to Berkshire’s future.