BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions except per share amounts)

   December 31,

     2000

    1999

ASSETS

   

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 5,263

$ 3,835

Investments:

   

   Securities with fixed maturities

32,567

30,222

   Equity securities

37,619

37,772

   Other

1,637

1,736

Receivables

11,764

8,558

Inventories

1,275

844

Investments in MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company

1,719

¾

Assets of finance and financial products businesses

16,829

24,229

Property, plant and equipment

2,699

1,903

Goodwill of acquired businesses

18,875

18,281

Other assets

   5,545

   4,036

 

$135,792

$131,416

 

======

======

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

   

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

$ 33,022

$ 26,802

Unearned premiums

3,885

3,718

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

8,374

7,458

Income taxes, principally deferred

10,125

9,566

Borrowings under investment agreements and other debt

2,663

2,465

Liabilities of finance and financial products businesses

14,730

22,223

72,799

72,232

Minority shareholders' interests

  1,269

  1,423

Shareholders' equity:

   

   Common Stock:*

   

     Class A Common Stock, $5 par value

   

       and Class B Common Stock, $0.1667 par value

8

8

Capital in excess of par value

25,524

25,209

Accumulated other comprehensive income

17,543

17,223

Retained earnings

  18,649

  15,321

Total shareholders' equity

  61,724

  57,761

 

$135,792

$131,416

 

======

======

* Class B Common Stock has economic rights equal to one-thirtieth (1/30) of the economic rights of Class A Common Stock. Accordingly, on an equivalent Class A Common Stock basis, there are 1,526,230 shares outstanding at December 31, 2000 versus 1,520,562 shares outstanding at December 31, 1999.

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

   Year Ended December 31,

 

   2000

   1999

   1998

Revenues:      
   Insurance premiums earned $19,343 $14,306 $ 5,481
   Sales and service revenues 7,331 5,918 4,675
   Interest, dividend and other investment income 2,686 2,314 1,049
   Income from MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company 105 ¾ ¾
   Income from finance and financial products businesses 556 125 212
   Realized investment gain   3,955   1,365   2,415
  33,976 24,028 13,832
Cost and expenses:      
   Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses 17,332 12,518 4,040
   Insurance underwriting expenses 3,602 3,220 1,184
   Cost of products and services sold 4,893 4,065 3,018
   Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,703 1,164 1,056
   Goodwill amortization 715 477 111
   Interest expense      144      134    109

28,389 21,578 9,518
Earnings before income taxes and minority interest 5,587 2,450 4,314
   Income taxes 2,018 852 1,457
   Minority interest      241        41        27
Net earnings $ 3,328 $ 1,557 $ 2,830
  ===== ===== =====
   Average common shares outstanding * 1,522,933 1,519,703 1,251,363
Net earnings per common share * $ 2,185 $ 1,025 $ 2,262
  ===== ===== =====

* Average shares outstanding include average Class A Common shares and average Class B Common shares determined on an equivalent Class A Common Stock basis. Net earnings per common share shown above represents net earnings per equivalent Class A Common share. Net earnings per Class B Common share is equal to one-thirtieth (1/30) of such amount or $73 per share for 2000, $34 per share for 1999, and $75 per share for 1998.

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)

   Year Ended December 31,

   2000

   1999

   1998

Cash flows from operating activities:

     

   Net earnings

$3,328 

$1,557 

$2,830 

   Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows
   from operating activities:

     

     Realized investment gain

(3,955)

(1,365)

(2,415)

     Depreciation and amortization

997 

688 

265 

     Changes in assets and liabilities before effects from
       business acquisitions:

     

     Losses and loss adjustment expenses

5,976 

3,790 

347 

     Deferred charges ¾ reinsurance assumed

(1,075)

(958)

(80)

     Unearned premiums

97 

394 

179 

     Receivables

(3,062)

(834)

(56)

     Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

660 

(5)

     Finance businesses trading activities

(1,126)

473 

52 

     Income taxes

757 

(1,395)

(329)

     Other

   350 

  (145)

 (140)

     Net cash flows from operating activities

2,947 

2,200 

  657 

Cash flows from investing activities:

     

   Purchases of securities with fixed maturities

(16,550)

(18,380)

(2,697)

   Purchases of equity securities

(4,145)

(3,664)

(1,865)

   Proceeds from sales of securities with fixed maturities

13,119 

4,509 

6,339 

   Proceeds from redemptions and maturities of securities
      with fixed maturities

2,530 

2,833 

2,132 

   Proceeds from sales of equity securities

6,870 

4,355 

4,868 

   Loans and investments originated in finance businesses

(857)

(2,526)

(1,028)

   Principal collection on loans and investments
       originated in finance businesses

1,142 

845 

295 

   Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

(3,798)

(153)

4,971 

   Other

   (582)

    (417)

   (302)

      Net cash flows from investing activities

(2,271)

(12,598)

12,713 

Cash flows from financing activities:

     

   Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses

120 

736 

120 

   Proceeds from other borrowings

681 

1,118 

1,266 

   Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses

(274)

(46)

(83)

   Repayments of other borrowings

(806)

(1,333)

(1,225)

   Change in short term borrowings of finance businesses

500 

(311)

¾ 

   Changes in other short term borrowings

324 

340 

(20)

   Other

   (75)

   (137)

      3 

      Net cash flows from financing activities

   470 

   367 

    61 

      Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

1,146 

(10,031)

13,431 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

4,458 

14,489 

1,058 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year *

$5,604 

$4,458 

$14,489 

 

===== 

===== 

===== 

 

  

  

  

* Cash and cash equivalents at end of year are comprised of the following:

     

   Finance and financial products businesses

$ 341 

$ 623 

$ 907 

   Other

5,263 

3,835 

13,582 

 

$5,604 

$ 4,458 

$14,489 

 

==== 

==== 

==== 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(dollars in millions)

 


Class A & B
Common
Stock


Capital in
Excess of
Par Value



Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income



Comprehensive
Income

           

Balance December 31, 1997

$ 7

$ 2,316

$10,934

$18,198 

 

Common stock issued in connection
with acquisitions of businesses

1

22,805

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

   

2,830

 

$ 2,830 

Other comprehensive income items:

         

Unrealized appreciation of investments

     

3,011 

3,011 

Reclassification adjustment for
appreciation included in net earnings

 

 

 

 

(2,415)

(2,415)

Income taxes and minority interests

     

(284)

   (284)

Other comprehensive income

       

    312 

Total comprehensive income

     

          

          

          

$ 3,142 

Balance December 31, 1998

$ 8

$25,121

$13,764

$18,510

===== 

Net earnings

   

1,557

 

$ 1,557 

Exercise of stock options issued in
connection with business acquisitions

 

 

88

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income items:

         

Unrealized appreciation of investments

     

(795)

(795)

Reclassification adjustment for
appreciation included in net earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,365)

(1,365)

Foreign currency translation losses

     

(16)

(16)

Income taxes and minority interests

     

889 

   889 

Other comprehensive income

       

(1,287)

Total comprehensive income

     

           

           

           

$ 270 

Balance December 31, 1999

$ 8

$25,209

$15,321

$17,223 

==== 

Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions of businesses

 

 

224

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

   

3,328

 

$ 3,328 

Exercise of stock options issued in
connection with business acquisitions

 

 

91

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income items:

         

Unrealized appreciation of investments

     

4,410 

$4,410 

Reclassification adjustment for
appreciation included in net earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,955)

(3,955)

Foreign currency translation losses

     

(161)

(161)

Income taxes and minority interests

     

26 

26 

Other comprehensive income

       

320 

Total comprehensive income

     

            

            

            

$ 3,648 

Balance December 31, 2000

$ 8

$25,524

$18,649

$17,543 

===== 
 

==

=====

=====

===== 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2000

 

(1)  Significant accounting policies and practices

(a)  Nature of operations and basis of consolidation

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire" or "Company") is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities. The most important of these are property and casualty insurance businesses conducted on both a direct and reinsurance basis. Further information regarding these businesses and Berkshire's other reportable business segments is contained in Note 16. Berkshire initiated and/or consummated several business acquisitions over the past three years. The significant business acquisitions are described more fully in Note 2. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Berkshire consolidated with accounts of all its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Since acquired in December 1998, the International property/casualty and Global life/health reinsurance activities of General Re have been reported in Berkshire's financial statements based on a one-quarter lag to facilitate the timely completion of the consolidated financial statements. During the fourth quarter of 2000, General Re implemented a number of procedural changes and improvements that now permit reporting of these businesses without the one-quarter lag. Accordingly, Berkshire's consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2000 include five quarters of results of operations and cash flows of these operations. The effect of eliminating the one-quarter lag in reporting was not significant to Berkshire's consolidated statement of earnings for the year ending December 31, 2000.

(b)  Use of estimates in preparation of financial statements

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

(c)  Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market accounts and in investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased.

(d)  Investments

Berkshire's management determines the appropriate classifications of investments at the time of acquisition and re-evaluates the classifications at each balance sheet date. Investments may be classified as held-for-trading, held-to-maturity, or, when neither of those classifications is appropriate, as available-for-sale. Berkshire's investments in fixed maturity and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes and minority interest, reported as a separate component in shareholders' equity. Realized gains and losses, which arise when available-for-sale investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or other than temporarily impaired are included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Other investments include investments in limited partnerships and commodities which are carried at fair value in the accompanying balance sheets. The realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with these investments are included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a component of realized investment gain.

Accounting policies and practices for investments held by finance and financial products businesses are described in Note 7.

(e)  Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost with respect to manufactured goods includes raw materials, direct and indirect labor and factory overhead. Approximately 54% of the total inventory cost was determined using the first-in-first-out (FIFO) method with the remainder valued using the last-in-first-out (LIFO) method. With respect to inventories carried at LIFO cost, the aggregate difference in value between LIFO cost and cost determined under FIFO methods was not material as of December 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999.

(f)   Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Renewals and betterments are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is provided principally on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows: aircraft, simulators, training equipment and spare parts, 4 to 20 years; buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures, 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or the life of the improvement, whichever is shorter. Interest is capitalized as an integral component of cost during the construction period of simulators and facilities and is amortized over the life of the related assets.

(g)  Goodwill of acquired businesses

Goodwill of acquired businesses represents the difference between purchase cost and the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses and is being amortized on a straight line basis generally over 40 years. The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill of acquired businesses to ensure it is appropriately valued. In the event that a condition is identified which may indicate an impairment issue exists, an assessment is performed using a variety of methodologies.

During the fourth quarter of 2000, Berkshire management concluded that an impairment of goodwill existed with respect to the investment in Dexter Shoe. For the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, as a result of intense competition from importers, Dexter Shoe has incurred operating losses. During 2000, certain manufacturing facilities were closed and certain other facilities are expected to close in 2001. Goodwill amortization shown in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings for 2000 includes a charge of $219 million related to the impairment.

(h)  Revenue recognition

Insurance premiums for prospective property/casualty insurance and reinsurance and health reinsurance policies are earned in proportion to the level of insurance protection provided. In most cases, premiums are recognized as revenues ratably over their terms with unearned premiums computed on a monthly or daily pro rata basis. Premium adjustments on contracts and audit premiums are based on estimates over the contract period. Consideration received for retroactive reinsurance policies, including structured settlements, is recognized as premiums earned at the inception of the contracts. Premiums for life contracts are earned when due. Premiums earned are stated net of amounts ceded to reinsurers.

Revenues from product or merchandise sales are recognized upon passage of title to the customer, which coincides with customer pickup, product shipment, delivery or acceptance, depending on terms of the sales arrangement. Service revenues are generally recognized as the services are performed. Services provided pursuant to a contract are either recognized over the contract period, or upon completion of the elements specified in the contract, depending on the terms of the contract.

(i)  Insurance premium acquisition costs

Certain costs of acquiring insurance premiums are deferred, subject to ultimate recoverability, and charged to income as the premiums are earned. The recoverability of premium acquisition costs of direct insurance businesses is determined without regard to investment income. The recoverability of premium acquisition costs from reinsurance assumed businesses, generally, reflects anticipation of investment income. The unamortized balances of deferred premium acquisition costs are included in other assets and were $916 million and $791 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

(j)  Losses and loss adjustment expenses

Liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represent estimated claim and claim settlement costs of property/casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts. The liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are recorded at the estimated ultimate payment amounts, except amounts arising from certain reinsurance assumed businesses are discounted. Estimated ultimate payment amounts are based upon (1) individual case estimates, (2) estimates of incurred-but-not-reported losses, based upon past experience and (3) reports of losses from ceding insurers.

The estimated liabilities of certain workers' compensation claims assumed under reinsurance contracts and liabilities assumed under structured settlement reinsurance contracts are carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at discounted amounts. Discounted amounts pertaining to reinsurance of certain workers' compensation risks are based upon an annual discount rate of 4.5%. The discounted amounts for structured settlement reinsurance contracts are based upon the prevailing market discount rates when the contracts were written and range from 5% to 13%. The periodic accretion of discounts is included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a component of losses and loss adjustment expenses. Net discounted liabilities were $1,531 million at December 31, 2000 and $1,529 million at December 31, 1999.

(k)  Deferred charges-reinsurance assumed

The excess of estimated liabilities for claims and claim costs over the consideration received with respect to retroactive property and casualty reinsurance contracts that provide for indemnification of insurance risk is established as a deferred charge at inception of such contracts. The deferred charges are subsequently amortized using the interest method over the expected settlement periods of the claim liabilities. The periodic amortization charges are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings as losses and loss adjustment expenses. The unamortized balance of deferred charges is included in other assets and was $2,593 million at December 31, 2000 and $1,518 million at December 31, 1999.

(l)  Reinsurance

Provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings after deducting amounts recovered and estimates of amounts that will be ultimately recoverable under reinsurance contracts. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the ceding company of its obligations to indemnify policyholders with respect to the underlying insurance and reinsurance contracts. Estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable under reinsurance contracts are included in receivables and totaled $2,997 million and $2,331 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

(m)  Foreign currency

The accounts of several foreign-based subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Revenues and expenses of these businesses are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period. Gains or losses from translating the financial statements of foreign-based operations are included in shareholders' equity as a component of other comprehensive income. Gains and losses arising from other transactions denominated in a foreign currency are included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

(n)  Accounting pronouncements to be adopted subsequent to December 31, 2000

In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." In June 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137, which delayed the effective date for implementing SFAS No. 133 until the beginning of 2001. In June 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 138, which amended certain provisions of SFAS No. 133 with the objective of easing the implementation difficulties expected to arise. Berkshire adopted SFAS No. 133 as amended by SFAS No. 138 as of the beginning of 2001 and does not anticipate that the adoption of these new standards will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

(2)  Significant business acquisitions

     During 2000, Berkshire initiated and/or consummated eight significant business acquisitions. Six of the acquisitions were completed in 2000 and the other two were completed in early 2001. Information concerning seven of these acquisitions follows. Information concerning the other acquisition is contained in Note 3 (Investment in MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company).

     CORT Business Services Corporation ("CORT")
     Effective February 18, 2000, Wesco Financial Corporation, an indirect 80.1% owned subsidiary of Berkshire, acquired CORT. CORT is a leading national provider of rental furniture, accessories and related services in the "rent-to-rent" segment of the furniture industry.

     Ben Bridge Jeweler ("Ben Bridge")
     Effective July 3, 2000, Berkshire acquired all of the outstanding shares of Ben Bridge common stock. Ben Bridge is the leading operator of upscale jewelry stores based in major shopping malls in the Western United States.

     Justin Industries, Inc. ("Justin")
     Effective August 1, 2000, Berkshire acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Justin. Principal businesses of Justin include: Acme Building Brands, a leading manufacturer and producer of face brick, concrete masonry products and ceramic and marble floor and wall tile and Justin Brands, a leading manufacturer of Western footwear under a number of brand names.

     U.S. Investment Corporation ("USIC")
     Effective August 8, 2000, Berkshire acquired all of the outstanding shares of USIC common stock. USIC is the parent of the United States Liability Insurance Group, one of the premier U.S. writers of specialty insurance.

     Benjamin Moore & Co. ("Benjamin Moore")
     Effective December 18, 2000, Berkshire acquired Benjamin Moore. Benjamin Moore is a formulator, manufacturer and retailer of a broad range of architectural and industrial coatings, available principally in the United States and Canada.

     Aggregate consideration paid for the five business acquisitions consummated in 2000 totaled $2,370 million, consisting of $2,146 million in cash and the remainder in Berkshire Class A and Class B common stock.

     Shaw Industries, Inc. ("Shaw")
     On October 20, 2000, Berkshire announced that it had formally entered into a merger agreement whereby it would acquire approximately 87.3% of the common stock of Shaw for $19 per share. The transaction was completed on January 8, 2001. An investment group consisting of Robert E. Shaw, Chairman and CEO of Shaw, Julian D. Saul, President of Shaw, certain family members and related family interests of Messrs. Shaw and Saul, and certain other directors and members of management acquired the remaining 12.7% of Shaw.

     Shaw is the world's largest manufacturer of tufted broadloom carpet and rugs for residential and commercial applications throughout the United States and exports to most markets worldwide. Shaw markets its residential and commercial products under a variety of brand names.

     Johns Manville Corporation ("Johns Manville")
     On December 19, 2000, Berkshire entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger whereby Berkshire would acquire Johns Manville. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, among other things, Berkshire commenced a tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Johns Manville common stock for $13 per share. The acquisition was completed on February 27, 2001.

     Johns Manville is a leading manufacturer of insulation and building products. Johns Manville manufactures and markets products for building and equipment insulation, commercial and industrial roofing systems, high-efficiency filtration media, and fibers and non-woven mats used as reinforcements in building and industrial applications. Johns Manville operates manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China.

     Berkshire paid approximately $3,830 million in cash to shareholders of Shaw and Johns Manville in connection with the acquisitions.

     The results of operations for each of these entities are or will be included in Berkshire's consolidated results of operations from the effective date of each merger. The following table sets forth certain unaudited consolidated earnings data for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, as if each of the seven acquisitions discussed above were consummated on the same terms at the beginning of 1999. Dollars in millions except per share amounts.

    2000

    1999

Total revenues

$41,396

$32,014

Net earnings

3,347

1,812

Earnings per equivalent Class A Common Share

2,195

1,189

     During 1998 and 1999, Berkshire completed four significant business acquisitions. Information concerning these acquisitions follows. Effective January 7, 1998, Berkshire acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of International Dairy Queen, Inc. ("Dairy Queen"). Dairy Queen develops, licenses and services a system of over 6,000 Dairy Queen, Orange Julius and Karmelkorn stores located throughout the United States, Canada, and other foreign countries, which feature various dairy desserts, beverages, blended fruit drinks, prepared foods, popcorn and snacks.

     Effective August 7, 1998, Berkshire acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Executive Jet, Inc. ("Executive Jet"). Executive Jet is the world's leading provider of fractional ownership programs for general aviation aircraft. Executive Jet currently operates its fractional ownership programs in the United States and Europe.

     Effective December 21, 1998, Berkshire acquired all of the outstanding common stock of General Re Corporation ("General Re"). Through its subsidiaries, General Re conducts global reinsurance and related risk management operations. General Re's principal U.S. subsidiary, General Reinsurance Corporation, which together with its affiliates, comprise the largest professional property and casualty reinsurance group domiciled in the United States. General Re also owns a controlling interest in Kölnische Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG ("Cologne Re"), a major international reinsurer. General Re operates in 28 countries and provides reinsurance coverage in 130 countries around the world.

     In addition, General Re affiliates write excess and surplus lines insurance, provide reinsurance brokerage services, manage aviation insurance risks, act as business development consultants and reinsurance intermediaries and provide specialized investment services to the insurance industry. General Re also operates as a dealer in the swap and derivatives market through Gen Re Securities Holdings Limited (formerly General Re Financial Products Corporation).

     In November 1999, Berkshire acquired Jordan's Furniture, Inc. ("Jordan's"). Jordan's operates a furniture retail business from four locations and is believed to be the largest furniture retailer in the Massachusetts and New Hampshire areas.

     Each of the business acquisitions described above was accounted for under the purchase method. The excess of the purchase cost of the business over the fair value of net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill of acquired businesses.

(3)  Investment in MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company

     On October 24, 1999, Berkshire entered into an agreement along with Walter Scott, Jr. and David L. Sokol, to acquire MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company ("MidAmerican"). The transaction closed on March 14, 2000. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Berkshire invested approximately $1.24 billion in common stock and a non-dividend paying convertible preferred stock of a newly formed entity that merged with and into MidAmerican, with MidAmerican continuing as the surviving corporation. Such investment gives Berkshire about a 9.7% voting interest and a 76% economic interest in MidAmerican on a fully-diluted basis. Berkshire subsidiaries also acquired approximately $455 million of an 11% non-transferable trust preferred security. Under certain conditions, for a period of up to seven years subsequent to the closing, Berkshire may be required to purchase up to $345 million of additional trust preferred securities. Mr. Scott, a member of Berkshire's Board of Directors, controls approximately 86% of the voting interest in MidAmerican. Mr. Sokol is the CEO of MidAmerican.

     Through its retail utility subsidiaries, MidAmerican Energy in the U.S. and Northern Electric in the U.K., MidAmerican provides electric service to approximately 1.8 million customers and natural gas service to 1.1 million customers worldwide. MidAmerican owns interests in over 10,000 net megawatts of diversified power generation facilities in operation, construction and development.

     Berkshire's aggregate investments in MidAmerican are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Investments in MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company. Berkshire is accounting for the common and non-dividend paying convertible preferred stock pursuant to the equity method. The carrying value of these equity method investments totaled $1,264 million at December 31, 2000.

     The Consolidated Statements of Earnings reflect, as income from MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, Berkshire's proportionate share of MidAmerican's net income with respect to the investments accounted for pursuant to the equity method, as well as interest earned on the 11% trust preferred security. Income derived from equity method investments totaled $66 million for the period from March 14, 2000 through December 31, 2000.

(4)  Investments in securities with fixed maturities

     The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments in securities with fixed maturities as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 are as follows (in millions):


   Amortized
   Cost(2)

   Gross
   Unrealized
   Gains

   Gross
   Unrealized
   Losses

   Estimated
   Fair
   Value

December 31, 2000(1)

Bonds:

   U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
     U.S. government corporations and agencies

$ 3,662

$ 26

$ (9)

$ 3,679

   Obligations of states, municipalities
     and political subdivisions

8,185

45

(57)

8,173

   Obligations of foreign governments

1,944

19

(20)

1,943

   Corporate bonds

5,918

147

(209)

5,856

Redeemable preferred stocks

102

¾

(5)

97

Mortgage-backed securities

12,609

275

  (65)

12,819

$32,420

$512

$(365)

$32,567

=====

===

====

=====

 


   Amortized
   Cost(2)

   Gross
   Unrealized
   Gains

   Gross
   Unrealized
   Losses

   Estimated
   Fair
   Value

December 31, 1999(1)

Bonds:

   U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
     U.S. government corporations and agencies

$ 4,001

$ 3

$ (189)

$ 3,815

   Obligations of states, municipalities
     and political subdivisions

9,029

13

(436)

8,606

   Obligations of foreign governments

2,208

6

(49)

2,165

   Corporate bonds

5,901

21

(237)

5,685

Redeemable preferred stocks

133

1

(5)

129

Mortgage-backed securities

10,157

     7

  (342)

  9,822

$31,429

$ 51

$(1,258)

$30,222

=====

===

=====

=====

(1)   Amounts above exclude securities with fixed maturities held by finance and financial products businesses. See Note 7.

(2)   In connection with the acquisition of General Re on December 21, 1998, fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $17.6 billion were acquired. Such amount was approximately $1.2 billion in excess of General Re's historical amortized cost. The unamortized excess amount was $680 million at December 31, 2000 and $940 million at December 31, 1999.

     Shown below are the amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities with fixed maturities at December 31, 2000, by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers of certain of the securities retain early call or prepayment rights. Amounts are in millions.


    Amortized
    Cost

    Estimated
    Fair
    Value

Due in one year or less

$ 4,557

$ 4,616

Due after one year through five years

5,665

5,613

Due after five years through ten years

4,343

4,313

Due after ten years

  5,246

  5,206

19,811

19,748

Mortgage-backed securities

12,609

12,819

$32,420

$32,567

=====

=====

(5)  Investments in equity securities

     Data with respect to the consolidated investments in equity securities are shown below. Amounts are in millions.


    Cost

    Unrealized
    Gains

    Fair
    Value

December 31, 2000

Common stock of:

   American Express Company *

$ 1,470

$ 6,859

$ 8,329

   The Coca-Cola Company

1,299

10,889

12,188

   The Gillette Company

600

2,868

3,468

   Wells Fargo & Company

319

2,748

3,067

Other equity securities

6,714

3,853

10,567

$10,402

$27,217

**

$37,619

=====

=====

=====


    Cost

    Unrealized
    Gains

    Fair
    Value

December 31, 1999

Common stock of:

   American Express Company *

$ 1,470

$ 6,932

$ 8,402

   The Coca-Cola Company

1,299

10,351

11,650

   The Gillette Company

600

3,354

3,954

   Wells Fargo & Company

349

2,042

2,391

Other equity securities

5,956

5,419

11,375

$ 9,674

$28,098

**

$37,772

=====

=====

=====

* Common shares of American Express Company ("AXP") owned by Berkshire and its subsidiaries possessed approximately 11% of the voting rights of all AXP shares outstanding at December 31, 2000. The shares are held subject to various agreements with certain insurance and banking regulators which, among other things, prohibit Berkshire from (i) seeking representation on the Board of Directors of AXP (Berkshire may agree, if it so desires, at the request of management or the Board of Directors of AXP to have no more than one representative stand for election to the Board of Directors of AXP) and (ii) acquiring or retaining shares that would cause its ownership of AXP voting securities to equal or exceed 17% of the amount outstanding (should Berkshire have a representative on the Board of Directors, such amount is limited to 15%). In connection therewith, Berkshire has entered into an agreement with AXP which became effective when Berkshire's ownership interest in AXP voting securities reached 10% and will remain effective so long as Berkshire owns 5% or more of AXP's voting securities. The agreement obligates Berkshire, so long as Kenneth Chenault is chief executive officer of AXP, to vote its shares in accordance with the recommendations of AXP's Board of Directors. Additionally, subject to certain exceptions, Berkshire has agreed not to sell AXP common shares to any person who owns 5% or more of AXP voting securities or seeks to control AXP, without the consent of AXP.

** Net of unrealized losses of $77 million and $131 million as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

(6)  Realized investment gains (losses)

     Realized gains (losses) from sales and redemptions of investments are summarized below (in millions):

   2000

   1999

   1998

Equity securities and other investments ¾

   Gross realized gains

$4,467 

$1,507 

$2,087 

   Gross realized losses

(317)

(77)

(272)

Securities with fixed maturities ¾

   Gross realized gains

153 

39 

602 

   Gross realized losses

(348)

(104)

     (2)

$3,955 

$1,365 

$2,415 

==== 

==== 

==== 

(7)  Finance and financial products businesses

     Assets and liabilities of Berkshire's finance and financial products businesses are summarized below (in millions).

 

     Dec. 31,
      2000

     Dec. 31,
      1999

Assets

   

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 341

$ 623

Investments in securities with fixed maturities:

   

   Held-to-maturity, at cost (fair value $1,897 in 2000; $1,930 in 1999)

1,826

2,002

   Trading, at fair value (cost $5,277 in 2000; $11,330 in 1999)

5,327

11,277

   Available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $880 in 2000; $997 in 1999)

880

999

Trading account assets

5,429

5,881

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

680

1,171

Other

  2,346

  2,276

 

$16,829

$24,229

 

=====

=====

Liabilities

   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

$ 3,386

$10,216

Securities sold but not yet purchased

715

1,174

Trading account liabilities

4,974

5,930

Notes payable and other borrowings*

2,116

1,998

Annuity reserves and policyholder liabilities

868

843

Other

  2,671

  2,062

 

$14,730

$22,223

 

=====

=====

*Payments of principal amounts of notes payable and other borrowings during the next five years are as follows (in millions):

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

$629

$242

$651

$184

$ 1

     Berkshire's finance and financial products businesses consist primarily of the financial products businesses of General Re, the consumer finance business of Scott Fetzer Financial Group, the real estate finance business of Berkshire Hathaway Credit Corporation, the financial instrument trading business of BH Finance and a life insurance subsidiary in the business of selling annuities. General Re's financial products businesses consist of the Gen Re Securities Holdings Limited ("GRS") group. Significant accounting policies and disclosures for these businesses are discussed below.

     Investment securities (principally fixed maturity and equity investments) that are acquired for purposes of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities. Such assets are carried at fair value. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from trading activities are included in income from finance and financial products businesses. Trading account assets and liabilities are marked-to-market on a daily basis and represent the estimated fair values of derivatives in net gain positions (assets) and in net loss positions (liabilities). The net gains and losses reflect reductions permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties.

     Securities purchased under agreements to resell (assets) and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (liabilities) are accounted for as collateralized investments and borrowings and are recorded at the contractual resale or repurchase amounts plus accrued interest. Other investment securities owned and liabilities associated with investment securities sold but not yet purchased are carried at fair value.

     GRS is engaged as a dealer in various types of derivative instruments, including interest rate, currency and equity swaps and options, as well as structured finance products. These instruments are carried at their current estimates of fair value, which is a function of underlying interest rates, currency rates, security values, volatilities and the creditworthiness of counterparties. Future changes in these factors or a combination thereof may affect the fair value of these instruments with any resulting adjustment to be included currently in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

     Interest rate, currency and equity swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange, at particular intervals, payment streams calculated on a specified notional amount. Interest rate, currency and equity options grant the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to either purchase from or sell to the writer a specified financial instrument under agreed terms. Interest rate caps and floors require the writer to pay the purchaser at specified future dates the amount, if any, by which the option's underlying market interest rate exceeds the fixed cap or falls below the fixed floor, applied to a notional amount.

     Futures contracts are commitments to either purchase or sell a financial instrument at a future date for a specified price and are generally settled in cash. Forward-rate agreements are financial instruments that settle in cash at a specified future date based on the differential between agreed interest rates applied to a notional amount. Foreign exchange contracts generally involve the exchange of two currencies at agreed rates on a specified date; spot contracts usually require the exchange to occur within two business days of the contract date.

     A summary of notional amounts of derivative contracts at December 31, 2000 and 1999 is included in the table below. For these transactions, the notional amount represents the principal volume, which is referenced by the counterparties in computing payments to be exchanged, and are not indicative of the Company's exposure to market or credit risk, future cash requirements or receipts from such transactions.

 

    December 31, 2000
    (in millions)

    December 31, 1999
    (in millions)

Interest rate and currency swap agreements

$651,913

$531,645

Options written

91,655

121,683

Options purchased

102,743

151,006

Financial futures contracts:

   

   Commitments to purchase

9,535

32,377

   Commitments to sell

17,069

11,368

Forward - rate agreements

7,070

5,164

Foreign exchange spot and forward contracts

6,163

10,430

     The following tables disclose the net fair value or carrying amount at December 31, 2000 and 1999 as well as the average fair value during 2000 and 1999 for each class of derivative financial contract held or issued by GRS.

 

December 31, 2000

December 31, 1999

 

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

(in millions)

(in millions)

Interest rate and foreign currency swaps

$16,840 

$16,312 

$22,593 

$22,819 

Interest rate and foreign currency options

  2,864 

  2,919 

  5,980 

  5,714 

Gross fair value

19,704 

19,231 

28,573 

28,533 

Adjustment for counterparty netting

(14,275)

(14,275)

(22,692)

(22,692)

Net fair value

5,429 

4,956 

5,881 

5,841 

Security receivables/payables

      ¾ 

      18 

      ¾ 

      89 

Trading account assets/liabilities

$ 5,429 

$ 4,974 

$ 5,881 

$ 5,930 

 

===== 

===== 

===== 

===== 

 
 

Average 2000

Average 1999

 

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

 

(in millions)

(in millions)

Interest rate and foreign currency swaps

$20,431 

$20,533 

$23,213 

$23,071 

Interest rate and foreign currency options

  3,147 

  3,174 

  4,657 

  4,687 

Gross fair value

23,578 

23,707 

27,870 

27,758 

Adjustment for counterparty netting

(17,960)

(17,960)

(22,579)

(22,579)

Net fair value

5,618 

5,747 

5,291 

5,179 

Security receivables/payables

     98 

     40 

    85 

   111 

Trading account assets/liabilities

$ 5,716 

$ 5,787 

$ 5,376 

$ 5,290 

 

===== 

===== 

===== 

===== 

     The derivative financial instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market, credit, and legal risks. Market risk is the possibility that future changes in market conditions may make the derivative financial instrument less valuable. Credit risk is defined as the possibility that a loss may occur from the failure of another party to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract which exceeds the value of existing collateral, if any. The derivative's risk of credit loss is generally a small fraction of notional value of the instrument and is represented by the fair value of the derivative financial instrument. Legal risk arises from the uncertainty of the enforceability of the obligations of another party, including contractual provisions intended to reduce credit exposure by providing for the offsetting or netting of mutual obligations.

     With respect to Berkshire's life insurance business, annuity reserves and policyholder liabilities are carried at the present value of the actuarially determined ultimate payment amounts discounted at market interest rates existing at the inception of the contracts. Such interest rates range from 5% to 8%. Periodic accretions of the discounted liabilities are charged against income from finance and financial products businesses.

     Investments in securities with fixed maturities held by Berkshire's life insurance business are classified as held-to-maturity. Investments classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost reflecting the Company's ability and intent to hold such investments to maturity. Such items consist predominantly of mortgage loans and collateralized mortgage obligations.

(8)  Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

     Supplemental data with respect to unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of property/casualty insurance subsidiaries (in millions) is as follows:

 

2000   

1999   

1998   

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses:

     

   Balance at beginning of year

$26,802 

$23,012 

$6,850 

   Ceded liabilities and deferred charges

(3,848)

(2,727)

(754)

   Net balance

22,954 

20,285 

6,096 

Incurred losses recorded:

     

   Current accident year

15,252 

11,275 

4,235 

   All prior accident years

    211 

   (192)

  (195)

   Total incurred losses

15,463 

11,083 

4,040 

Payments with respect to:

     

   Current accident year

4,589 

3,648 

1,919 

   All prior accident years

 5,890 

4,532 

1,834 

   Total payments

10,479 

8,180 

3,753 

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses:

     

   Net balance at end of year

27,938 

23,188 

6,383 

   Ceded liabilities and deferred charges

5,590 

3,848 

2,727 

   Foreign currency translation adjustment

(722)

(234)

¾ 

   Net liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions

     216 

      ¾ 

 13,902 

Balance at end of year

$33,022 

$26,802 

$23,012 

 

===== 

===== 

===== 

     Incurred losses "all prior accident years" reflects the amount of estimation error charged or credited to earnings in each year with respect to the liabilities established as of the beginning of that year. This amount includes amortization of deferred charges regarding retroactive reinsurance assumed and accretion of discounted liabilities. See Note 1 for additional information regarding these items. Additional information regarding incurred losses will be revealed over time and the estimates will be revised resulting in gains or losses in the periods made.

     The balances of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet dates. Considerable judgment is required to evaluate claims and establish estimated claim liabilities, particularly with respect to certain lines of business, such as reinsurance assumed, or certain types of claims, such as environmental or latent injury liabilities.

     Berkshire continuously evaluates its liabilities and related reinsurance recoverable for environmental and latent injury claims and claim expenses, which arise from exposures in the U.S., as well as internationally. Environmental and latent injury exposures do not lend themselves to traditional methods of loss development determination and therefore reserve estimates related to these exposures may be considerably less reliable than for other lines of business (e.g., automobile). The effect of joint and several liability claims severity and a provision for inflation have been included in the loss development estimate. The Company has also established a liability for litigation costs associated with coverage disputes arising out of direct insurance policies.

     The liabilities for environmental and latent injury claims and claim expenses net of related reinsurance recoverables were $4,444 million and $3,211 million, respectively, at December 31, 2000 and 1999. The liabilities recorded for environmental and latent injury claims and claim expenses are management's best estimate of future ultimate claim and claim expense payments and recoveries and are expected to develop over the next several decades.

     Berkshire monitors evolving case law and its effect on environmental and latent injury claims. Changing government regulations, newly identified toxins, newly reported claims, new theories of liability, new contract interpretations and other factors could result in significant amounts of adverse development of the balance sheet liabilities. Such development could be material to Berkshire's results of operations. It is not possible to estimate reliably the amount of additional net loss, or the range of net loss, that is reasonably possible.

(9)  Income taxes

     The liability for income taxes as reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows (in millions):

 

    Dec. 31,
    2000

    Dec. 31,
    1999

Payable currently

$ 522 

$ (27)

Deferred

9,603 

9,593 

 

$10,125 

$9,566 

 

===== 

===== 

     The Consolidated Statements of Earnings reflect charges for income taxes as shown below (in millions):

 

2000

1999

1998

Federal

$2,136 

$ 748 

$1,421 

State

32 

43 

31 

Foreign

   (150)

   61 

    5 

$2,018 

$ 852 

$1,457 

 

===== 

===== 

===== 

Current

$2,012 

$1,189 

$1,643 

Deferred

    6 

   (337)

   (186)

 

$2,018 

$ 852 

$1,457 

 

===== 

===== 

===== 

     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2000 and 1999 are shown below (in millions):

2000  

1999  

Deferred tax liabilities:

   Relating to unrealized appreciation of investments

$9,571 

$9,383 

   Deferred charges reinsurance assumed

916 

534 

   Investments

441 

644 

   Other

   717 

    74 

11,645 

10,635 

Deferred tax assets:

   Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

(1,061)

(697)

   Unearned premiums

(227)

(205)

   Other

(754)

(140)

(2,042)

(1,042)

Net deferred tax liability

$9,603 

$9,593 

 

===== 

===== 

     Charges for income taxes are reconciled to hypothetical amounts computed at the federal statutory rate in the table shown below (in millions):

2000   

1999   

1998   

Earnings before income taxes

$5,587 

$2,450 

$4,314 

 

===== 

===== 

===== 

Hypothetical amounts applicable to above
  computed at the federal statutory rate

$1,955 

$ 858 

$1,510 

Decreases resulting from:

     

   Tax-exempt interest income

(135)

(145)

(30)

   Dividends received deduction

(116)

(95)

(78)

Goodwill amortization

240 

161 

39 

State income taxes, less federal income tax benefit

21 

28 

20 

Foreign tax rate differential

34 

45 

¾ 

Other differences, net

    19 

    ¾ 

    (4)

Total income taxes

$2,018 

$ 852 

$1,457 

 

===== 

==== 

==== 

(10)  Borrowings under investment agreements and other debt

     Liabilities for this balance sheet caption are as follows (in millions):

 

    Dec. 31,
    2000

    Dec. 31,
    1999

Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings

$ 991

$ 484

Borrowings under investment agreements

508

613

1% Senior Exchangeable Notes due 2001 ("Exchange Notes")

235

449

General Re Corporation 9% debentures due 2009 (non-callable)

150

150

GEICO Corporation 7.35% debentures due 2023 (non-callable)

160

160

Other debt due 2001 - 2028

   619

   609

 

$2,663

$2,465

 

====

====

     Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings are obligations of several Berkshire subsidiaries that utilize short-term borrowings as part of their day-to-day business operations. The obligations are, in most instances, guaranteed by Berkshire. Berkshire affiliates have approximately $4 billion available unused lines of credit to support their short-term borrowing programs and, otherwise, provide additional liquidity.

     Borrowings under investment agreements are made pursuant to contracts calling for interest payable, normally semiannually, at fixed rates ranging from 2.5% to 8.6% per annum. Contractual maturities of borrowings under investment agreements generally range from 3 months to 30 years. Under certain conditions, these borrowings are redeemable prior to the contractual maturity dates.

     Under certain conditions, each $1,000 par amount Exchange Note is currently exchangeable at the option of the holder or redeemable at the option of Berkshire into 59.833 shares of Citigroup common stock or at Berkshire's option, at the equivalent value in cash. The carrying value of the Exchange Notes is equal to the value of the Citigroup shares into which they can be exchanged.

     Other debt includes variable and fixed rate term bonds and notes issued by a variety of Berkshire subsidiaries. These obligations generally may be redeemed prior to maturity at the option of the issuing company.

     No materially restrictive covenants are included in any of the various debt agreements. Payments of principal amounts expected during the next five years are as follows (in millions):

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

$1,271

$22

$46

$24

$266

(11)  Dividend restrictions - Insurance subsidiaries

     Payments of dividends by insurance subsidiaries members are restricted by insurance statutes and regulations. Without prior regulatory approval, Berkshire can receive up to approximately $1.1 billion as dividends from insurance subsidiaries during 2001. During 2000, subsidiaries declared approximately $4.8 billion in dividends, of which $2 billion was paid in 2001.

     Combined shareholders' equity of U.S. based property/casualty insurance subsidiaries determined pursuant to statutory accounting rules (Statutory Surplus as Regards Policyholders) was approximately $41.5 billion at December 31, 2000. This amount differs from the corresponding amount determined on the basis of GAAP. The major differences between statutory basis accounting and GAAP are that deferred income tax assets and liabilities, deferred charges-reinsurance assumed, unrealized gains and losses on investments in securities with fixed maturities and goodwill of acquired businesses are recognized under GAAP but not for statutory reporting purposes.

     Effective January 1, 2001, Berkshire's insurance companies will be required to adopt several new accounting policies as a result of the completion of the Codification of Statutory Accounting Principles ("SAP") by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The most significant new accounting policy affecting Berkshire's insurance companies will be the requirement to record deferred income tax liabilities, including amounts related to unrealized gains in investment securities. Deferred tax liabilities were previously not recognized under SAP.

     As a result, the combined statutory surplus of Berkshire's insurance businesses will decline significantly in 2001. Berkshire estimates that the combined surplus of the group would approximate $33 billion at December 31, 2000 under the new statutory accounting rules.

(12)  Common stock

     Changes in issued and outstanding common stock of the Company during the three years ended December 31, 2000 are shown in the table below.

Class B Common

$0.1667 Par Value

Class A Common, $5 Par Value

(55,000,000 shares

(1,650,000 shares authorized)

authorized)

Shares

Treasury

Shares

Shares Issued and

Issued

Shares

Outstanding

Outstanding

Balance December 31, 1997

1,366,090 

168,202 

1,197,888 

1,087,156 

Common stock issued in connection
   with acquisitions of businesses

168,670 

(9,709)

178,379 

3,174,677 

Conversions of Class A common stock
   to Class B common stock and other

(26,732)

(26,732)

808,546 

Retirement of treasury shares

(158,493)

(158,493)

                

                

Balance December 31, 1998

1,349,535 

1,349,535 

5,070,379 

Conversions of Class A common stock
   to Class B common stock and other

    (7,872)

      

    (7,872)

  296,576 

Balance December 31, 1999

1,341,663 

1,341,663 

5,366,955 

Common stock issued in connection
   with acquisitions of businesses

3,572 

3,572 

1,626 

Conversions of Class A common stock
   to Class B common stock and other

    (1,331)

    (1,331)

  101,205 

Balance December 31, 2000

1,343,904 

1,343,904 

5,469,786 

 

======= 

====== 

======= 

======= 

     Each share of Class A Common Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into thirty shares of Class B Common Stock. Class B Common Stock is not convertible into Class A Common Stock. Each share of Class B Common Stock possesses voting rights equivalent to one-two-hundredth (1/200) of the voting rights of a share of Class A Common Stock. Class A and Class B common shares vote together as a single class.

     In connection with the General Re merger, all shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger were canceled and replaced with new Class A and Class B common shares and all Class A treasury shares were canceled and retired. See Note 2 for information regarding the General Re merger.

(13)  Fair values of financial instruments

     The estimated fair values of Berkshire's financial instruments as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, are as follows (in millions):

   Carrying Value

   Fair Value

   2000

   1999

   2000

   1999

Investments in securities with fixed maturities

$32,567

$30,222

$32,567

$30,222

Investments in equity securities

37,619

37,772

37,619

37,772

Assets of finance and financial products businesses

16,829

24,229

16,913

24,167

Borrowings under investment agreements and other debt

2,663

2,465

2,704

2,418

Liabilities of finance and financial products businesses

14,730

22,223

14,896

22,151

     In determining fair value of financial instruments, Berkshire used quoted market prices when available. For instruments where quoted market prices were not available, independent pricing services or appraisals by Berkshire's management were used. Those services and appraisals reflected the estimated present values utilizing current risk adjusted market rates of similar instruments. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are deemed to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

    Considerable judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value.

(14)  Litigation

     GEICO has been named as a defendant in a number of class action lawsuits related to the use of repair parts not produced by original equipment manufacturers in connection with settlement of collision damage claims. A number of the lawsuits have been dismissed. The remaining lawsuits are in the early stages of development and the ultimate outcome of any case cannot be reasonably determined at this time. Management intends to defend vigorously GEICO's position of recommending use of after-market parts in certain auto accident repairs.

     Berkshire and its subsidiaries are parties in a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. In particular, and in common with the insurance industry in general, such legal actions affect Berkshire's insurance and reinsurance businesses. Such litigation generally seeks to establish liability directly through insurance contracts or indirectly through reinsurance contracts issued by Berkshire subsidiaries. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. Berkshire does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

(15)  Insurance premium and supplemental cash flow information

     Premiums written and earned by Berkshire's property/casualty and life/health insurance businesses during each of the three years ending December 31, 2000 are summarized below. Dollars are in millions.

    Property/Casualty

    Life/Health

    2000

    1999

    1998

    2000

    1999

    1998

Premiums Written: (1) (2)

Direct

$ 6,858 

$ 5,798 

$4,503 

Assumed

11,270 

7,951 

1,184 

$2,520 

$1,981 

$46 

Ceded

   (729)

   (818)

    (83)

   (257)

   (245)

  (5)

$17,399 

$12,931 

$5,604 

$2,263 

$1,736 

$41 

===== 

===== 

===== 

===== 

===== 

=== 

Premiums Earned: (2)

Direct

$ 6,666 

$ 5,606 

$4,382 

Assumed

11,036 

7,762 

1,147 

$2,513 

$1,971 

$45 

Ceded

  (620)

   (788)

  (89)

  (252)

 (245)

  (4)

$17,082 

$12,580 

$5,440 

$2,261 

$1,726 

$41 

===== 

===== 

===== 

===== 

===== 

=== 

(1)Prior to 1999, Berkshire's insurance premium revenues were predominantly derived in the United States. Insurance premiums written by geographic region (based upon the domicile of the ceding company) are summarized below.

Property/Casualty

Life/Health

2000

1999

2000

1999

United States

$11,409 

$ 8,862 

$1,296 

$ 970 

Western Europe

5,064*

2,000 

633 

539 

All other

    926 

  2,069 

   334 

   227 

$17,399 

$12,931 

$2,263 

$1,736 

===== 

===== 

===== 

===== 

*Premiums attributed to Western Europe include $2,438 from a single reinsurance policy.

(2)See Note 1(a) for information related to General Re's international property/casualty and global life/health business.

     A summary of supplemental cash flow information is presented in the following table (in millions):

2000

1999

1998

Cash paid during the year for:

   Income taxes

$1,396

$2,215

$1,703

   Interest of finance and financial products businesses

794

513

21

   Other interest

157

136

111

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

   Liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions of businesses

901

61

36,064

   Common shares issued in connection with acquisitions of businesses

224

¾

22,795

   Contingent value of Exchange Notes recognized in earnings

117

87

54

   Value of equity securities used to redeem Exchange Notes

278

298

344

(16)  Business Segment Data

     SFAS No. 131 requires certain disclosures about operating segments in a manner that is consistent with how management evaluates the performance of the segment. Information related to Berkshire's reportable business operating segments is shown below.

Business Identity

Business Activity

GEICO

Underwriting private passenger automobile insurance mainly by direct response methods

General Re

Underwriting excess-of-loss, quota-share and facultative reinsurance worldwide

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

Underwriting excess-of-loss and quota-share reinsurance for property and casualty insurers and reinsurers

Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Group

Underwriting multiple lines of property and casualty insurance policies for primarily commercial accounts

FlightSafety and Executive Jet ("Flight Services")

Training to operators of aircraft and ships and providing fractional ownership programs for general aviation aircraft

Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey Home Furnishings, Star Furniture Company, Jordan's Furniture, Borsheim's, Helzberg's Diamond Shops and Ben Bridge Jeweler ("Retail Businesses")

Retail sales of home furnishings, appliances, electronics, fine jewelry and gifts

Scott Fetzer Companies

Diversified manufacturing and distribution of various consumer and commercial products with principal brand names including Kirby and Campbell Hausfeld

     Other businesses not specifically identified above consist of: Buffalo News, a daily newspaper publisher in Western New York; International Dairy Queen, which licenses and services a system of almost 6,000 Dairy Queen stores; See's Candies, a manufacturer and distributor of boxed chocolates and other confectionery products; H.H. Brown Shoe, Lowell Shoe, Dexter Shoe and Justin Brands, manufacturers and distributors of footwear and Acme Building Brands, a manufacturer and distributor of building materials. This group of businesses also includes several independently operated finance and financial products businesses. In 2000, other businesses also include CORT Business Services, a leading national provider of rental furniture and related services and Benjamin Moore, a formulator, manufacturer and retailer of a range of architectural and industrial coatings and paints.

     General Re's reinsurance business is included as a separate reportable segment beginning in 1999.

     A disaggregation of Berkshire's consolidated data for each of the three most recent years is presented in the tables which follow on this and the following page. Amounts are in millions.

     Revenues

2000  

1999  

1998  

Operating Segments:

Insurance group:

   Premiums earned:

     GEICO $ 5,610  $ 4,757  $ 4,033 
     General Re ** 8,696  6,905 

¾ 

     Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group 4,705  2,382  939 
     Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Group 332  262  328 
   Interest, dividend and other investment income  2,810   2,500     982 
Total insurance group 22,153  16,806  6,282 
Flight services 2,279  1,856  858 
Retail businesses 1,864  1,402  1,213 
Scott Fetzer Companies 963  1,021  1,002 
Other businesses

  2,780 

  1,763    1,792 

30,039  22,848  11,147 
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

   Realized investment gain 3,955  1,365  2,415 
   Other revenues 118  40  276 
   Purchase-accounting adjustments    (136)    (225)        (6)

$33,976  $24,028  $13,832 

=====  =====  ===== 

     Operating Profit before Taxes

2000  

1999  

1998  

Operating Segments:

Insurance group operating profit:

   Underwriting profit(loss):

     GEICO $ (224) $ 24  $ 269 
     General Re ** (1,224) (1,184)

¾ 

     Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (175) (256) (21)
     Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Group 38  22  17 
   Interest, dividend and other investment income  2,787   2,482     974 
Total insurance group operating profit 1,202  1,088  1,239 
Flight services 213  225  181 
Retail businesses 175  130  110 
Scott Fetzer Companies 122  147  137 
Other businesses    781     335     432 

2,493  1,925  2,099 
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

   Realized investment gain 3,955  1,365  2,415 
   Interest expense * (92) (109) (100)
   Corporate and other 87  23 
   Goodwill amortization and other purchase-accounting adjustments   (856)   (739)   (123)

$ 5,587  $ 2,450  $ 4,314 

====  ====  ==== 

*Amounts of interest expense represent interest on borrowings under investment agreements and other debt exclusive of that of finance businesses and interest allocated to certain businesses.

**See Note 1(a) for additional information concerning the reporting of General Re's international property/casualty and global life/health businesses.

   Deprec. & amort.

   Capital expenditures *

   of tangible assets

Operating Segments:

2000  

1999  

1998  

2000  

1999  

1998  

Insurance group:

   GEICO

$ 29

$ 87

$ 101

$ 64

$ 40

$ 27

   General Re

22

17

¾

39

25

¾

   Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

¾

¾

¾

¾

¾

¾

   Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Group

    4

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

Total insurance group

55

105

102

104

66

28

Flight services

472

323

213

90

77

58

Retail businesses

45

55

33

31

27

23

Scott Fetzer Companies

11

14

10

10

11

11

Other businesses

   47

   33

   41

   46

   33

   25

630

530

399

281

214

145

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

   Corporate and other

¾

¾

¾

¾

1

2

   Purchase-accounting adjustments

   ¾

   ¾

   ¾

    1

    3

    8

$ 630

$ 530

$ 399

$ 282

$ 218

$ 155

===

===

===

===

===

===

*Excludes expenditures which were part of business acquisitions.

   Identifiable assets

   at year-end

Operating Segments:

2000

1999

1998

Insurance group:

   GEICO

$ 10,569

$ 9,381

$ 8,663

   General Re

31,594

30,168

32,011

   Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

45,775

39,607

36,611

   Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Group

   4,168

   4,866

   5,564

Total insurance group

92,106

84,022

82,849

Flight services

2,336

1,790

1,345

Retail businesses

1,154

906

723

Scott Fetzer Companies

295

298

242

Other businesses

  18,647

  24,947

  17,376

114,538

111,963

102,535

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

   Corporate and other

2,313

945

938

   Goodwill and other purchase-accounting adjustments

  18,941

  18,508

  18,764

$135,792

$131,416

$122,237

======

======

======

(17)  Quarterly data

     A summary of revenues and earnings by quarter for each of the last two years is presented in the following table. This information is unaudited. Dollars are in millions, except per share amounts.

   1st

   2nd

   3rd

   4th

2000

   Quarter

   Quarter

   Quarter

   Quarter

Revenues

$6,474

$6,553

$8,426

$12,523 

Earnings:

   Excluding realized investment gain

$ 354

$ 245

$ 301

$      36 

   Realized investment gain *

  453

  395

  496

  1,048 

   Net earnings

$ 807

$ 640

$ 797

$ 1,084 

 

====

====

====

==== 

Earnings per equivalent Class A common share:

   Excluding realized investment gain

$ 233

$ 161

$ 197

$    23 

   Realized investment gain *

   298

   260

   326

   687 

   Net earnings

$ 531

$ 421

$ 523

$ 710 

====

====

====

==== 

 

1999

Revenues

$5,446

$5,461

$7,051

$6,070

Earnings:

   Excluding realized investment gain

$ 294

$ 299

$ 156

$ (78)

   Realized investment gain *

  247

  273

  264

  102 

   Net earnings

$ 541

$ 572

$ 420 

$   24 

 

====

====

====

==== 

Earnings per equivalent Class A common share:

   Excluding realized investment gain

$ 194

$ 197

$ 103

$ (52)

   Realized investment gain *

  162

  179

  173

   69 

   Net earnings

$ 356

$ 376

$ 276

$  17 

 

====

====

====

=== 

*The amount of realized gain for any given period has no predictive value and variations in amount from period to period have no practical analytical value particularly in view of the unrealized appreciation now existing in Berkshire's consolidated investment portfolio.

(18)  Subsequent event

     On February 26, 2001, Berkshire and Leucadia National Corporation, through a jointly owned entity, entered into a commitment letter with FINOVA Group and its subsidiary FINOVA Capital Corporation to loan $6 billion to FINOVA Capital on a senior secured basis. The loan commitment was made in connection with a proposed restructuring of all of FINOVA Capital's outstanding bank debt and publicly traded debt securities and is subject to bankruptcy court approval and various other conditions.

     The $6 billion term loan will be made by Berkadia LLC, an entity formed for this purpose and owned jointly by BH Finance, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leucadia. Berkadia has received a $60 million commitment fee and, in addition to certain other fees, will receive an additional $60 million fee upon funding of the loan. Berkadia's commitment for the loan has been guaranteed by Berkshire and Leucadia and expires on August 31, 2001, or earlier, if certain conditions are not satisfied. Berkadia expects to finance its funding commitment and Berkshire will provide Berkadia's lenders with a 90% primary guarantee of such financing, with Leucadia providing a 10% primary guarantee and Berkshire providing a secondary guarantee of Leucadia's guarantee.

     The term loan will be secured by all assets of FINOVA Capital and will bear interest at an annual rate equal to the greater of 9% or LIBOR plus 3%. In addition, an annual facility fee will be payable at the rate of 25 basis points on the outstanding principal amount of the term loan. After payment of accrued interest on the term loan and operating and other corporate expenses, providing for reserves and payment of accrued interest on the restructured FINOVA Group senior notes, 100% of excess cash flow and net proceeds from asset sales will be used to make mandatory prepayments of principal on the term loan without premium. Any remaining principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the term loan will be due at maturity (five years from the closing).