Business acquisitions |
3 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Mar. 31, 2026 | |
| Business Combination [Abstract] | |
| Significant business acquisitions | Note 2. Business acquisitions Our long-held strategy is to acquire businesses that we believe possess consistent earning power, good returns on equity and able and honest management. Financial results attributable to a business acquisition are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on the acquisition date. On January 2, 2026, Berkshire completed the acquisition of Occidental Petroleum Corporation’s (“Occidental”) chemicals business (“OxyChem”) pursuant to an agreement that was entered into on October 1, 2025. Consideration paid to Occidental was approximately $9.5 billion, which is subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of the agreement. Also pursuant to the agreement, Occidental retained OxyChem’s legacy environmental liabilities. OxyChem is a global manufacturer of basic chemicals, with applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, construction and other industries. OxyChem’s assets as of the acquisition date are preliminarily estimated at $10.8 billion, consisting primarily of property, plant and equipment (approximately $7.0 billion), as well as receivables, inventories and intangible assets. Preliminary estimates of liabilities as of the acquisition date are $1.3 billion. |