I noticed something today for the first time while re-reading Berkshire's most recent 10Q (while stuck at the Social Security office waiting room for 2 hours..)
On page 39 of the PDF 10-Q from Berkshire's own website, the company notes that starting in 2018 they will adopt a new accounting standard that will reclassify the net unrealized gains for investments (presently reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income) to retained earnings instead.
The important part of this, as I understand it, is that going forward the changes in both realized AND unrealized gains in equity securities and certain other investments will be included in the periodic Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Berkshire notes, "We do not expect the adoption of this standard will affect our total consolidated shareholders' equity. However, it will likely produce a very significant increase in the volatility our periodic net earnings given the magnitude of our existing equity securities portfolio and the inherent volatility of equity securities prices."
So - economically, zero change. But the headline earnings reporting is going to be a mess some quarters. Too bad.
