Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway a primary shareholder, chairman and CEO. Courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway

Omaha, NE, USA - November 01, 2013

Berkshire Hathaway's (BRK.A; BRK.B) operating results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 are summarized in the following paragraphs.

However, we urge investors and reporters to read our 10-Q, which has been posted at www.berkshirehathaway.com  

The limited information that follows in this press release is not adequate for making an informed investment judgment.

Warren Buffett won the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway

Earnings of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 and 2012 are summarized below.
Earnings are stated on an after-tax basis.
(Dollar amounts are in millions, except for per share amounts).

Courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway

An analysis of Berkshire’s operating earnings follows (dollar amounts are in millions).

Courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway

Since the beginning of the year, Berkshire’s shareholders’ equity has increased $20.7 billion and our book value per Class A equivalent share has increased by 11.0% to $126,766 as of September 30, 2013.

The increase in shareholders’ equity is net of a reduction in Berkshire’s shareholders’ equity of approximately $1.2 billion (about $730 per Class A equivalent share).

The reduction, which does not reflect economic results, relates to purchases of the shares in Iscar not previously owned and purchases of additional shares in Marmon during the second quarter.

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett Photo courtesy Bill Gates

For additional background as to the reason these purchases have resulted in a reduction in shareholders’ equity, see Berkshire’s 2012 Annual Report (page 13) and its 2011 Annual Report (page 15).

Insurance float (the net liabilities we assume under insurance contracts) at September 30, 2013 was $77 billion.


Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures


This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures.

The reconciliations of such measures to the most comparable GAAP figures in accordance with Regulation G are included herein.

Berkshire presents its results in the way it believes will be most meaningful and useful, as well as most transparent, to the investing public and others who use Berkshire’s financial information.

That presentation includes the use of certain non-GAAP financial measures.

In addition to the GAAP presentations of net earnings, Berkshire shows operating earnings defined as net earnings exclusive of investment and derivative gains/losses.

Although the investment of insurance and reinsurance premiums to generate investment income and investment gains or losses is an integral part of Berkshire’s operations, investing activities are independent of the insurance underwriting process.

Moreover, under applicable GAAP accounting requirements, losses can be created as the result of other-than-temporary declines in value without actual realization or when certain types of investments are marked-to-market through earnings.

In sum, investment and derivative gains/losses for any particular period are not indicative of quarterly business performance.


About Berkshire


Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries engage in diverse business activities including property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, utilities and energy, freight rail transportation, finance, manufacturing, retailing and services.

Berkshire Hathaway chairman and CEO Warren Buffett. Courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway

Common stock of the company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading symbols BRK.A and BRK.B.


Cautionary Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release are “forward looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

These statements are not guaranties of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those forecasted.


Contact

Marc D. Hamburg
402-346-1400


Source: Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Official Home Page

http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/  



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