BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
INTERIM REPORT
For the Quarter
Ended September 30, 2002


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions except per share amounts)

September 30,

December 31,

   2002   

   2001   

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

   

Insurance and Other:

 Cash and cash equivalents

$ 8,483

$ 5,313

 Investments:

   Securities with fixed maturities, available for sale

37,990

36,219

   Equity securities

27,902

28,675

   Other

2,681

2,264

 Receivables

14,393

11,926

 Inventories

2,906

2,213

 Property, plant and equipment

5,157

4,776

 Goodwill of acquired businesses

22,281

21,407

 Other assets

    6,629

    6,542

128,422

119,335

Investments in MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company

    3,816

    1,826

Finance and Financial Products:

 Cash and cash equivalents

1,955

1,185

 Investments:

   Securities with fixed maturities, available for sale

17,639

21,061

   Other

1,703

4,065

 Trading account assets

6,332

5,561

 Loans and other receivables

4,180

6,262

 Other

    3,702

    3,457

  35,511

  41,591

$167,749

$162,752

 

======

======

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

   

Insurance and Other:

 Losses and loss adjustment expenses

$ 42,644

$ 40,716

 Unearned premiums

6,777

4,814

 Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

11,430

9,626

 Income taxes

7,925

7,021

 Borrowings under investment agreements and other debt

    4,300

    3,485

  73,076

  65,662

Finance and Financial Products:

 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

15,142

21,465

 Trading account liabilities

7,025

4,803

 Notes payable and other borrowings

4,652

9,019

 Other

    3,879

    2,504

  30,698

  37,791

Total liabilities

103,774

103,453

Minority shareholders' interests

    1,358

    1,349

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

26,002

25,607

  Accumulated other comprehensive income

14,061

12,891

  Retained earnings

  22,546

  19,444

Total shareholders' equity

  62,617

  57,950

$167,749

$162,752

 

======

======

 

*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 1,534,212 shares outstanding at September 30, 2002 versus 1,528,217 shares outstanding at December 31, 2001.

 

See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(dollars in millions except per share amounts)

Third Quarter    

      First Nine Months

 

2002  

2001  

2002  

2001  

 

       (Unaudited)

       (Unaudited)

Revenues:

Insurance and Other:

 Insurance premiums earned

$4,765 

$4,213 

$13,620

$13,321

 Sales and service revenues

4,420 

3,900 

12,557

10,990

 Interest, dividend and other investment income

769 

722 

2,176

2,105

 Realized investment gain

     12 

   326 

     199

  1,228

9,966 

9,161 

28,552

27,644

Finance and Financial Products:

 Interest income

352 

377 

1,127

950

 Other

    319 

     16 

    530

    150

    671 

   393 

 1,657

 1,100

10,637 

9,554 

30,209

28,744

Cost and expenses:

Insurance and Other:

 Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

3,836 

5,763 

10,774

13,777

 Insurance underwriting expenses

1,012 

885 

2,925

2,609

 Cost of sales and services

3,121 

2,761 

8,845

7,708

 Selling, general and administrative expenses

809 

759 

2,343

2,245

 Goodwill amortization

¾  

145 

¾ 

431

 Interest expense

     51 

       43 

     146

     160

8,829 

10,356 

25,033

26,930

Finance and Financial Products:

 Interest expense

125 

211 

399

557

 Other

   124 

      72 

    424

    178

   249 

    283 

    823

    735

9,078 

10,639 

25,856

27,665

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and
  equity in earnings of MidAmerican Energy

1,559 

(1,085)

4,353

1,079

Equity in net earnings of MidAmerican Energy

   113 

    39 

   256

    99

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
   and minority interest

1,672 

(1,046)

4,609

1,178

 Income taxes

539 

(361)

1,484

451

 Minority interest

     (8)

     (6)

    23

    27

Net earnings (loss)

$ 1,141 

$ (679)

$ 3,102

$ 700

 

==== 

===== 

=====

=====

  Average common shares outstanding *

1,534,063

1,527,347

1,532,928

1,526,973

Net earnings (loss) per common share *

$ 744 

$ (445)

$ 2,024

$ 458

 

===== 

==== 

=====

====

* 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 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.

 

See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)

 

        First Nine Months

 

2002   

2001   

 

        (Unaudited)

Net cash flows from operating activities

$ 9,310 

$ 4,294 

Cash flows from investing activities:

  Purchases of investments

(13,527)

(11,979)

  Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments

11,046 

12,714 

  Loans and investments originated in finance businesses

(1,369)

(7,679)

  Principal collection on loans and investments

    originated in finance businesses

4,193 

1,628 

  Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

(1,288)

(4,480)

  Other

  (586)

    (586)

    Net cash flows from investing activities

(1,531)

(10,382)

Cash flows from financing activities:

  Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses

204 

6,147 

  Proceeds from other borrowings

1,218 

657 

  Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses

(3,564)

(120)

  Repayments of other borrowings

(620)

(631)

  Change in short term borrowings of finance businesses

(1,201)

1,150 

  Changes in other short term borrowings

18 

(375)

  Other

   106 

    17 

    Net cash flows from financing activities

(3,839)

6,845 

    Increase in cash and cash equivalents

3,940 

757 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year *

6,498 

5,604 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of first nine months *

$10,438 

$ 6,361 

 

==== 

==== 

Supplemental cash flow information:

  Cash paid during the period for:

    Income taxes

$ 1,126 

$ 904 

    Interest of finance and financial products businesses

374 

518 

    Other interest

169 

191 

Non-cash investing activity:

  Liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions of businesses

491 

4,013 

  Common stock issued in connection with acquisition of business

324 

¾ 

  Contingent value of Exchange Notes recognized in earnings

¾ 

49 

  Value of equity securities used to redeem Exchange Notes

¾ 

98 

*Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following:

  Beginning of year ¾ 

    Finance and financial products businesses

$1,185 

$ 341 

    Other

5,313

5,263

$6,498

$5,604

==== 

==== 

  End of first nine months ¾ 

    Finance and financial products businesses

$ 1,955 

$1,380 

    Other

8,483 

4,981 

$10,438

$6,361

==== 

==== 

 

See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2002

Note 1. General

The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire" or "Company") consolidated with the accounts of all its subsidiaries and affiliates, including special purpose entities, that Berkshire controls as of the financial statement date. Reference is made to Berkshire's most recently issued Annual Report that included information necessary or useful to understanding Berkshire's businesses and financial statement presentations. In particular, Berkshire's significant accounting policies and practices were presented as Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in that Report. Certain amounts in 2001 have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.

Financial information in this Report reflects any adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of results for the interim periods in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

For a number of reasons, Berkshire's results for interim periods are not normally indicative of results to be expected for the year. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses incurred by insurance subsidiaries and the estimation error inherent to the process of determining liabilities for unpaid losses of insurance subsidiaries can be relatively more significant to results of interim periods than to results for a full year. Realized investment gains/losses are recorded when investments are sold, other-than-temporarily impaired or in certain situations, as required by GAAP, when investments are marked-to-market. Variations in the amounts and timing of realized investment gains/losses can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

Note 2. Significant business acquisitions

During 2001, Berkshire completed four significant business acquisitions. In addition, Berkshire completed three significant acquisitions in the first nine months of 2002. Information concerning these acquisitions follows.

Shaw Industries, Inc. ("Shaw")

On January 8, 2001, Berkshire acquired approximately 87.3% of the common stock of Shaw for $19 per share, or $2.1 billion in total. 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 Shaw directors and members of management acquired the remaining 12.7% of Shaw. In January 2002, Berkshire acquired their shares in exchange for 4,505 shares of Berkshire Class A common stock and 7,063 shares of Class B common stock. The aggregate value of Berkshire stock issued was approximately $324 million.

Shaw is the world's largest manufacturer of tufted broadloom carpet and rugs for residential and commercial applications throughout the U.S. 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 February 27, 2001, Berkshire acquired Johns Manville. Berkshire purchased all of the outstanding shares of Johns Manville common stock for $13 per share, or $1.8 billion in total. 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.

MiTek Inc. ("MiTek")

On July 31, 2001, Berkshire acquired a 90% equity interest in MiTek from Rexam PLC for approximately $400 million. Existing MiTek management acquired the remaining 10% interest. MiTek, headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, produces steel connector products, design engineering software and ancillary services for the building components market.

XTRA Corporation ("XTRA")

On September 20, 2001, Berkshire acquired XTRA through a cash tender offer and subsequent statutory merger for all of the outstanding shares. Holders of XTRA common stock received aggregate consideration of approximately $578 million. XTRA, headquartered in Westport, Connecticut, is a leading operating lessor of transportation equipment, including over-the-road trailers, marine containers and intermodal equipment.

Albecca Inc. ("Albecca")

Effective February 8, 2002, Berkshire acquired all of the outstanding shares of Albecca for approximately $225 million in cash. Albecca designs, manufactures and distributes a complete line of high-quality custom picture framing products primarily under the Larson-Juhl name.

Fruit of the Loom ("FOL")

Effective April 30, 2002, Berkshire acquired the basic apparel business of Fruit of the Loom, LTD ("FOL entities") at a cost of $730 million. Prior to the acquisition, the FOL entities operated as debtors-in-possession pursuant to its filing under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. On April 19, 2002, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware confirmed the FOL reorganization plan, which provided for the sale of the basic apparel business to Berkshire.

The FOL apparel business is a leading vertically integrated basic apparel company manufacturing and marketing underwear, activewear, casualwear and childrenswear. The FOL apparel business operates on a worldwide basis and sells its products principally in North America under the Fruit of the Loom and BVD brand names.

Garan, Incorporated ("Garan")

Effective September 4, 2002, Berkshire acquired all of the outstanding shares of Garan common stock for $60 per share, or approximately $270 million in the aggregate. Garan is a leading manufacturer of children’s, women’s, and men’s apparel bearing the private labels of its customers as well as several of its own trademarks, including GARANIMALS.

The results of operations for each of these entities are included in Berkshire's consolidated results of operations from the effective date of each acquisition. The following table sets forth certain unaudited consolidated earnings data for the first nine months of 2001, as if each of the acquisitions discussed above were consummated on the same terms at the beginning of 2001. Pro forma results for the first nine months of 2002 were not materially different from reported results. Dollars are in millions except per share amount.

2001

Total revenues

$30,897

Net earnings

795

Earnings per equivalent Class A common share

519

On August 19, 2002, Berkshire entered into an agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of CTB International Corp. for $12.75 per share. CTB is a manufacturer of equipment and systems for the poultry, hog, egg production and grain industries. On September 23, 2002, Berkshire entered into an agreement to acquire for cash The Pampered Chef, LTD. The Pampered Chef is the largest branded kitchenware company and the largest direct seller of housewares in the U.S. Both of these acquisitions closed on October 31, 2002.

Note 3. Investments in MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company

On March 14, 2000, Berkshire acquired 900,942 shares of common stock and 34,563,395 shares of convertible preferred stock of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company ("MidAmerican") for $35.05 per share, or approximately $1.24 billion in the aggregate. During 2002, Berkshire acquired 6,700,000 additional shares of the convertible preferred stock for $402 million. Such investments currently give Berkshire about a 9.7% voting interest and an 83.0% economic interest in the equity of MidAmerican (80.2% on a fully diluted basis). Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries also acquired approximately $1,728 million of 11% non-transferable trust preferred securities, of which $455 million were acquired in 2000 and $1,273 million were acquired in 2002. Mr. Walter Scott, Jr., a member of Berkshire's Board of Directors, controls approximately 86% of the voting interest in MidAmerican.

MidAmerican is a United States-based global energy company whose principal businesses are regulated electric and natural gas utilities, regulated interstate natural gas transmission and electric power generation. Through its subsidiaries it owns and operates a combined electric and natural gas utility company in the United States, two natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, two electricity distribution companies in the United Kingdom and a diversified portfolio of domestic and international electric power projects. It also owns the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States.

While the convertible preferred stock does not vote generally with the common stock in the election of directors, the convertible preferred stock gives Berkshire the right to elect 20% of MidAmerican’s Board of Directors. The convertible preferred stock is convertible into common stock only upon the occurrence of specified events, including modification or elimination of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 so that holding company registration would not be triggered by conversion. Additionally, the prior approval of the holders of convertible preferred stock is required for certain fundamental transactions by MidAmerican. Such transactions include, among others: a) significant asset sales or dispositions; b) merger transactions; c) significant business acquisitions or capital expenditures; d) issuances or repurchases of equity securities and e) the removal or appointment of the Chief Executive Officer. Through the investments in common and convertible preferred stock, Berkshire has the ability to exercise significant influence on the operations of MidAmerican.

MidAmerican’s Articles of Incorporation further provide that the convertible preferred shares: (a) are not mandatorily redeemable by MidAmerican or at the option of the holder; (b) participate in dividends and other distributions to common holders as if they were common shares and otherwise possess no dividend rights and (c) are convertible into common shares on a 1 for 1 basis, as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and other capital changes by MidAmerican. Further, the aforementioned dividend and distribution arrangements cannot be modified without the positive consent of the preferred shareholders. Accordingly, the convertible preferred stock is, in substance, economically equivalent to common stock. Therefore, Berkshire is accounting for its investments in common and convertible preferred stock of MidAmerican pursuant to the equity method.

Berkshire's aggregate investments in MidAmerican are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Investments in MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, and include the common and convertible preferred stock investments accounted for pursuant to the equity method totaling $2,088 million at September 30, 2002 and $1,371 million at December 31, 2001. The 11% non-transferable trust preferred securities are classified as held-to-maturity, and are carried at cost. The Consolidated Statements of Earnings reflect Berkshire's proportionate share of MidAmerican's net income with respect to the investments accounted for pursuant to the equity method, as Equity in net earnings of MidAmerican Energy.

Condensed consolidated balance sheets of MidAmerican are as follows. Amounts are in millions.

September 30,

December 31,

   2002   

   2001   

Assets:

Properties, plants, contracts and equipment, net

$ 9,169

$ 6,537

Goodwill

4,223

3,639

Other assets

   3,592

   2,450

$16,984

$12,626

=====

=====

Liabilities and shareholders' equity:

Term debt

$ 9,136

$ 7,163

Redeemable preferred securities

2,156

1,009

Other liabilities and minority interests

   3,200

   2,746

14,492

10,918

Shareholders' equity

   2,492

   1,708

$16,984

$12,626

=====

=====

Condensed consolidated statements of earnings of MidAmerican for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 and 2001 are as follows. Amounts are in millions.

Third Quarter    

      First Nine Months

 

2002  

2001  

2002  

2001  

 

Revenues

$1,282

$1,307

$3,550

$4,043

Costs and expenses:

Cost of sales and operating expenses

786

767

2,232

2,855

Depreciation and amortization

130

122

387

395

Interest expense and minority interest

   204

   128

   544

   370

1,120

1,017

3,163

3,620

Income before taxes

$ 162

$ 290

$ 387

$ 423

 

====

====

====

====

Net income

$ 135

$ 48

$ 307

$ 122

 

====

====

====

====

Note 4. Investments in securities with fixed maturities

Data with respect to investments in securities with fixed maturities, which are classified as available-for-sale, are shown in the tabulation below (in millions).

September 30,

December 31,

   2002   

   2001   

Insurance and other:

Amortized cost

$35,725 

$36,093 

Gross unrealized gains

2,416 

900 

Gross unrealized losses

   (151)

   (774)

Estimated fair value

$37,990 

$36,219 

 

===== 

===== 

     

Finance and financial products:

Amortized cost

$17,010 

$21,125 

Gross unrealized gains

649 

90 

Gross unrealized losses

     (20)

    (154)

Estimated fair value

$17,639 

$21,061 

 

===== 

===== 

Note 5. Investments in equity securities

Data with respect to investments in equity securities are shown in the tabulation below (in millions).

September 30,

December 31,

   2002   

   2001   

Total cost

$ 9,007 

$ 8,543 

Gross unrealized gains

19,463 

20,275 

Gross unrealized losses

   (568)

   (143)

Total fair value

$27,902 

$28,675 

 

===== 

===== 

Fair value:

American Express Company

$ 4,727 

$ 5,410 

The Coca-Cola Company

9,592 

9,430 

The Gillette Company

2,842 

3,206 

Wells Fargo & Company

2,565 

2,315 

Other equity securities

  8,176 

  8,314 

Total

$27,902 

$28,675 

 

===== 

===== 

Note 6. Deferred income tax liabilities

The tax effects of significant items comprising Berkshire's net deferred tax liabilities as of September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001 are as follows (in millions).

September 30,

December 31,

   2002   

   2001   

Deferred tax liabilities:

  Relating to unrealized appreciation of investments

$ 7,642 

$ 7,078 

  Deferred charges reinsurance assumed

1,131 

1,131 

  Investments

313 

382 

  Other

  1,578 

  1,552 

10,664 

10,143 

Deferred tax assets:

  Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

(892)

(752)

  Unearned premiums

(416)

(294)

  Other

 (1,856)

 (1,804)

 (3,164)

 (2,850)

Net deferred tax liability

$ 7,500 

$ 7,293 

 

===== 

===== 

Note 7. Common stock

The following table summarizes Berkshire's common stock activity during the first nine months of 2002.

 

Class A common stock

Class B common stock

 

(1,650,000 shares authorized)

(55,000,000 shares authorized)

 

Issued and Outstanding

Issued and Outstanding

Balance at December 31, 2001

1,323,410 

6,144,222 

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

(13,579)

444,983 

Common stock issued in business acquisition

       4,505 

       7,063 

Balance at September 30, 2002

1,314,336 

6,596,268 

  =======  ======= 

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. 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 1,534,212 shares outstanding at September 30, 2002 and 1,528,217 shares outstanding at December 31, 2001.

Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote per share. Each Class B common share possesses the voting rights of one-two-hundredth (1/200) of the voting rights of a Class A share. Class A and Class B common shares vote together as a single class.

Note 8. Comprehensive income

Berkshire’s comprehensive income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 and 2001 is shown in the table below (in millions).

Third Quarter    

      First Nine Months

 

2002  

2001  

2002  

2001  

Net earnings (loss)

$1,141 

$ (679)

$3,102 

$ 700 

Other comprehensive income:

Increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation of investments

(1,436)

(1,415)

1,602 

(8,195)

   Applicable income taxes and minority interests

498 

510 

(569)

2,930 

Other, principally foreign currency translation adjustments

25 

(50)

176 

(122)

   Applicable income taxes and minority interests

      2 

     (5)

   (39

      23 

 (911)

 (960)

 1,170 

 (5,364)

Comprehensive income

$ 230 

$(1,639)

$4,272 

$(4,664)

 

==== 

==== 

===== 

=====

Note 9. Borrowings under investment agreements and other debt

On May 28, 2002, Berkshire sold 40,000 SQUARZ securities for net proceeds of $398 million. Each SQUARZ security consists of a $10,000 par amount senior note due in November 2007 together with a warrant, which expires in May 2007, to purchase 0.1116 shares of Class A common stock or 3.3480 shares of Class B common stock for $10,000. A warrant premium is payable to Berkshire at an annual rate of 3.75% and interest is payable to note holders at a rate of 3.00% per annum.

Note 10. Business segment data

A disaggregation of Berkshire’s consolidated data for the third quarter and first nine months of each of the two most recent years is as follows. Amounts are in millions.

Third Quarter    

      First Nine Months

Revenues

2002  

2001  

2002  

2001  

Operating Businesses:

Insurance group:

  Premiums earned:

    GEICO

$ 1,697 

$ 1,533 

$ 4,899 

$ 4,499 

    General Re

2,118 

2,032 

6,169 

6,122 

    Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

758 

518 

2,043 

2,350 

    Berkshire Hathaway Primary Insurance Group

192 

130 

509 

350 

  Investment income

   764 

   739 

  2,199 

  2,140 

Total insurance group

5,529 

4,952 

15,819 

15,461 

Building products

986 

990 

2,840 

2,372 

Finance and financial products

671 

393 

1,657 

1,100 

Flight services

649 

669 

2,024 

1,909 

Retail

484 

448 

1,436 

1,341 

Scott Fetzer

215 

215 

676 

692 

Shaw Industries

1,158 

1,075 

3,258 

3,106 

Other businesses

   965 

   520 

  2,400 

  1,621 

10,657 

9,262 

30,110 

27,602 

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

   Realized investment gain

12 

326 

199 

1,228 

   Other revenues

23 

27 

   Purchase-accounting adjustments and eliminations

     (40)

     (42)

    (123)

    (113)

$10,637 

$ 9,554 

$30,209 

$28,744 

 

===== 

===== 

====== 

====== 

Earnings (loss) before taxes

       

Operating Businesses:

Third Quarter    

      First Nine Months

Insurance group operating profit:

2002  

2001  

2002  

2001  

  Underwriting profit (loss):

    GEICO

$ 181 

$ 130 

$ 372 

$ 130 

    General Re

(434)

(1,904)

(666)

(2,406)

    Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

174 

(660)

213 

(798)

    Berkshire Hathaway Primary Insurance Group

(3)

¾ 

  Net investment income

  760 

    734 

 2,187 

 2,125 

Total insurance group operating profit (loss)

678 

(1,700)

2,109 

(940)

Building products

142 

152 

426 

344 

Finance and financial products

409 

98 

793 

325 

Flight services

29 

40 

122 

145 

Retail

25 

27 

86 

86 

Scott Fetzer

24 

26 

86 

87 

Shaw Industries

129 

89 

315 

225 

Other businesses

  261 

     56 

   598 

  230 

1,697 

(1,212)

4,535 

502 

Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:

   Realized investment gain

19 

338 

189 

1,199 

   Interest expense *

(21)

(24)

(63)

(65)

   Corporate and other

18 

20 

   Goodwill amortization and other purchase-accounting adjustments

   (30)

  (153)

   (70)

  (478)

$ 1,672 

$ (1,046)

$ 4,609 

$ 1,178 

 

===== 

===== 

====== 

====== 

*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.

Note 11. Goodwill amortization

Effective January 1, 2002, Berkshire adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". SFAS No. 142 changed the accounting for goodwill from a model that required amortization of goodwill, supplemented by impairment tests, to an accounting model that is based solely upon impairment tests. Thus, Berkshire's Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 include no periodic amortization of goodwill.

SFAS No. 142 requires companies to make an initial assessment of goodwill for impairment for each of its reporting units within six months after adoption of the standard. Berkshire completed this initial assessment of goodwill during the second quarter of 2002 and no transitional impairment charges were required. Subsequently, goodwill must be reviewed for impairment at least annually, and impairments would be charged to operating earnings.

A reconciliation of Berkshire's Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 and 2001 from amounts reported to amounts exclusive of goodwill amortization is shown below. Goodwill amortization for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 includes $20 million and $60 million, respectively, related to Berkshire's equity method investment in MidAmerican. Dollar amounts are in millions, except per share amounts.

Third Quarter    

      First Nine Months

 

2002  

2001  

2002  

2001  

Net earnings (loss) as reported

$ 1,141 

$ (679)

$ 3,102 

$ 700 

Goodwill amortization, after tax

      ¾ 

    154 

      ¾ 

    476 

Net earnings (loss) as adjusted

$ 1,141 

$ (525)

$ 3,102 

$ 1,176 

 

===== 

===== 

===== 

===== 

Earnings (loss) per equivalent share of Class A common stock:

As reported

$ 744 

$ (445)

$ 2,024 

$ 458 

Goodwill amortization

      ¾ 

    101 

      ¾ 

    312 

Earnings (loss) per share as adjusted

$ 744 

$ (344)

$ 2,024 

$ 770 

 

==== 

===== 

==== 

==== 


Management's Discussion
September 30, 2002

Results of Operations

Net earnings for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 and 2001 are disaggregated in the table that follows. Amounts are after deducting minority interest and income taxes. Dollar amounts are in millions.

Third Quarter    

      First Nine Months

 

2002  

2001  

2002  

2001  

Insurance - underwriting

$ (65)

$(1,550)

$ (64)

$(1,969)

Insurance - investment income

536 

513 

1,514 

1,475 

Non-insurance businesses

673 

298 

1,576 

895 

Interest expense

(14)

(15)

(39)

(43)

Purchase-accounting adjustments

(20)

(145)

(36)

(452)

Other

       4 

       4 

      13 

      14 

   Earnings before realized investment gain

1,114 

(895)

2,964 

(80)

Realized investment gain

     27 

    216 

    138 

    780 

   Net earnings (loss)

$1,141 

$ (679)

$3,102 

$ 700 

 

===== 

===== 

===== 

===== 

Insurance ¾  Underwriting

A summary follows of underwriting results from Berkshire's insurance businesses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 and 2001. Dollar amounts are in millions.

Third Quarter    

      First Nine Months

 

2002  

2001  

2002  

2001  

Underwriting gain (loss) attributable to:

       

   GEICO

$ 181 

$ 130 

$ 372 

$ 130 

   General Re

(434)

(1,904)

(666)

(2,406)

   Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

174 

(660)

213 

(798)

   Berkshire Hathaway Primary Insurance Group

    (3)

     ¾  

     3 

       9 

Pre-tax underwriting loss

(82)

(2,434)

(78)

(3,065)

Income taxes and minority interest

  (17)

   (884)

  (14)

(1,096)

   Net underwriting loss

$ (65)

$(1,550)

$ (64)

$(1,969)

 

==== 

===== 

==== 

===== 

Berkshire engages in both primary insurance and reinsurance of property and casualty risks. Through General Re, Berkshire also reinsures life and health risks. In primary insurance activities, Berkshire subsidiaries assume defined portions of the risks of loss from persons or organizations that are directly subject to the risks. In reinsurance activities, Berkshire subsidiaries assume defined portions of similar or dissimilar risks that other insurers or reinsurers have subjected themselves to in their own insuring activities. Berkshire’s principal insurance businesses are: (1) GEICO, the sixth largest auto insurer in the United States, (2) General Re, one of the four largest reinsurers in the world, (3) Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group ("BHRG") and (4) Berkshire Hathaway Primary Insurance Group. The significant improvement in pre-tax underwriting results in the 2002 periods was attributable to higher rates in many lines of insurance and reinsurance and to the absence of significant catastrophe and large property losses.

GEICO

GEICO Corporation through its affiliates ("GEICO") provides private passenger auto insurance to customers in 48 states and the District of Columbia. GEICO policies are marketed mainly through direct response methods, in which insureds apply directly to the company for insurance coverage over the telephone, through the mail or via the Internet. This is a significant element in GEICO’s strategy to be a low cost insurer and, yet, provide high value to policyholders.

GEICO’s pre-tax underwriting results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 and 2001 are summarized in the table below. Dollar amounts are in millions.

Third Quarter

First Nine Months

2002

2001

2002

2001

Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount %

Premiums earned

$1,697

100.0

$1,533

100.0

$4,899

100.0

$4,499

100.0

Losses and loss expenses

1,244

73.3

1,182

77.1

3,726

76.1

3,656

81.3

Underwriting expenses

   272

 16.0

   221

 14.4

   801

 16.3

   713

 15.8

Total losses and expenses

1,516

89.3

1,403

91.5

4,527

92.4

4,369

97.1

Pre-tax underwriting gain

$ 181

===

$ 130

===

$ 372

===

$ 130

===

 

====

====

====

====

Premiums earned in the third quarter of 2002 were $1,697 million, an increase of 10.7% from $1,533 million in 2001. For the first nine months of 2002, premiums earned were $4,899 million, an increase of 8.9% from $4,499 million in 2001. The growth in premiums earned for voluntary auto was 8.4%, reflecting a 6.9% increase in policies-in-force during the past year and modest rate increases.

Policies-in-force over the last twelve months increased 5.7% in the preferred risk auto market and 11.7% in the standard and nonstandard auto lines. Voluntary auto new business sales in the first nine months of 2002 increased 27.7% compared to 2001. The sales closure ratio and the policy retention rate both improved during the first nine months of 2002, which management believes was aided by recent premium rate increases taken by competitors. Voluntary auto policies-in-force increased by about 323,000 during the first nine months of 2002 with strong growth in both the standard and nonstandard lines.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred increased 5.2% to $1,244 million in the third quarter of 2002. For the first nine months of 2002, losses and loss expenses incurred exceeded 2001 by $70 million or 1.9%. The ratio of losses incurred to premiums earned was 76.1% for the first nine months of 2002 compared to 81.3% in 2001. The lower loss ratio in 2002 reflects better than expected loss experience. Claims frequency has benefited from mild weather and the increase in severity has been small for most coverages. Losses incurred from catastrophe events for the first nine months of 2002 totaled approximately $17 million versus $48 million during the comparable 2001 period.

GEICO is a defendant in several class action lawsuits related to the use of collision repair parts not produced by the original auto manufacturers, the calculation of "total loss" value and whether to pay diminished value as part of the settlement of certain claims. Management intends to vigorously defend the corporation’s position on these claim settlement procedures. However, these lawsuits are in various stages of development and the ultimate outcome cannot be reasonably determined at this time.

Underwriting expenses for the third quarter of 2002 increased $51 million (23.1%) from the third quarter of 2001. For the first nine months of 2002, underwriting expenses increased $88 million (12.3%) from the expenses for the comparable period in 2001. A significant portion of the increase in underwriting expense was due to higher profit sharing accruals.

General Re

General Re conducts a global reinsurance business. General Re’s principal reinsurance operations are comprised of: (1) North American property/casualty, (2) international property/casualty, which is comprised of direct reinsurance business and broker-market business, and (3) global life/health. The direct international property/casualty and global life/health reinsurance operations are conducted primarily through Germany-based Cologne Re. Broker-market business is conducted through the London-based Faraday operations. At September 30, 2002, General Re held an 89% economic ownership interest in Cologne Re.

General Re’s pre-tax underwriting results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 and 2001 are summarized in the table below. Amounts are in millions.

Premiums earned

Pre-tax underwriting loss

Third Quarter

First Nine Months

Third Quarter

First Nine Months

2002

2001

2002

2001

2002

2001

2002

2001

North American property/casualty

$1,017

$ 894

$2,954

$2,892

$ (279)

$(1,446)

$ (433)

$(1,798)

International property/casualty

660

663

1,839

1,773

(136)

(421)

(210)

(543)

Global life/health

   441

   475

 1,376

 1,457

    (19)

    (37)

   (23)

    (65)

$2,118

$2,032

$6,169

$6,122

$ (434)

$(1,904)

$ (666)

$(2,406)

===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ==== =====

General Re's consolidated underwriting results for first nine months of 2002 remained disappointing primarily due to $447 million of increases in prior-year loss reserves in the North American property/casualty operations and continued underwriting losses in the direct property/casualty business. Current underwriting year results in the North American and international broker markets of the property/casualty operations improved over 2001 due to significantly better pricing, terms and conditions and comparatively low levels of property losses. Underwriting results for 2001 periods included $1.7 billion in net losses related to the September 11th terrorist attack. General Re's management continues to believe that additional premium rate increases and more favorable coverage terms are needed in certain lines, particularly in the international property/casualty markets, to achieve targeted long-term underwriting profitability. Information with respect to each of General Re's underwriting units is provided below.

North American property/casualty

North American property/casualty operations underwrite predominantly excess reinsurance and insurance across multiple lines of business. Reinsurance contracts are written on both a treaty (groups of risks) and facultative (individual risk) basis. North American property/casualty earned premiums increased $123 million (13.8%) for the third quarter and $62 million (2.1%) for the first nine months of 2002 over the same periods of 2001. The increase in earned premiums during the first nine months of 2002 was primarily attributable to rate increases (roughly estimated at $575 million) across most lines of business, partially offset by a net reduction (roughly estimated at $250 million) from cancellations in excess of new business written. In addition, earned premiums for the first nine months of 2001 included approximately $275 million from a retroactive reinsurance contract assumed in the second quarter of 2001. There were no retroactive contracts written in 2002.

The net underwriting loss of $433 million for the first nine months is comprised of $447 million of increases in prior-year loss reserves estimates, $61 million of accretion on discounted workers' compensation reserves, and $11 million of amortization of deferred charges on retroactive reinsurance contracts written in prior years, partially offset by $86 million of underwriting profits for the 2002 accident year. The adjustment to loss reserve estimates arose primarily from casualty lines of business and mostly related to the 1997 through 2000 accident years.

General Re estimates loss reserves principally based upon analysis of historical claims reporting patterns together with estimates of expected overall claim levels for all accident periods. These estimates are regularly re-evaluated and appropriate adjustments are made. The loss data is based upon the timing and content of claim information provided by ceding companies. There is considerable additional judgment employed in developing the estimates because of inherent delays in reporting from ceding companies, particularly with respect to excess casualty claims. Normally only a small percentage of casualty claims is reported in the year of the loss occurrence and instead claims tend to be reported gradually over a number of years.

During 2001, reported casualty claim levels were considerably greater than expected with respect to claims occurring from 1998 through 2000. The increase in reported claims precipitated a re-evaluation of and increase in unreported claim estimates and overall claim levels for those years. Unfortunately, reports of claims have continued at rates even higher than re-estimated in 2001. Thus additional reserve increases have been required in 2002.

Of the $447 million of prior-year reserve increases, $190 million resulted from actual reported claims for prior years of $1,705 million exceeding expectations of $1,515 million. This under-estimation of expected claims indicated that the level of price erosion that occurred in recent years was greater than had been previously contemplated in General Re's loss reserve estimates. As a result, management increased reserves for incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims by an additional $257 million to reflect the higher ultimate loss estimates, primarily for significantly under-priced business during the 1997 through 2000 accident years.

Among the factors contributing to the revised estimates for prior years were: (a) greater claims activity arising from broadened terms and conditions for both the underlying primary and General Re's reinsurance contracts; (b) an increase in claim severity for both primary and excess claims which had a leveraged effect on excess of loss coverages provided by General Re; (c) escalating medical inflation that adversely affects workers' compensation and other casualty lines and results in more claims reaching excess layers reinsured by General Re; and (d) an increased frequency of corporate bankruptcies and accounting restatements that has increased insurers' exposures under directors and officers coverages.

Partially offsetting underwriting losses related to prior years were improved current accident year results, which produced $86 million of underwriting gains in the first nine months of 2002. The gains resulted from the combined effects of (1) no large catastrophes or other large individual property losses in 2002 and (2) the favorable effects of repricing efforts and improved contract terms and conditions implemented over the past two years. Given the long-tail nature of the casualty business, a very high degree of estimation is involved in establishing loss reserves for 2002 occurrences as of September 30, 2002. Thus, the ultimate level of underwriting gain or loss with respect to the 2002 accident year will not be fully known for many years.

For the first nine months of 2002, no large losses arising from catastrophes and other large individual property losses ($20 million or greater) affected underwriting results, a condition that was unusually favorable, and therefore current accident year results from property coverages were better than anticipated. Underwriting results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 included approximately $1,295 million of net losses from the September 11th terrorist attack. In addition, the first nine months of 2001 included $87 million of losses from catastrophes (principally Tropical Storm Allison) and other large individual property losses. Property business is expected to continue to produce volatile results from period to period, depending on the timing and magnitude of major loss events.

International property/casualty

The international property/casualty operations write quota-share and excess reinsurance on risks around the world. International property/casualty business is written on a direct reinsurance basis (primarily through Cologne Re) and on a broker-market basis through the London-based Faraday. For the third quarter and first nine months of 2002, international property/casualty earned premiums decreased $3 million (0.5%) and increased $66 million (3.7%), respectively, from the comparable 2001 levels. Adjusting for the effect of foreign exchange, earned premiums decreased 9.0% during the third quarter and increased 1.6% for the first nine months of 2002. In local currencies, premiums earned by the direct property/casualty reinsurance operations in 2002 periods declined by approximately 17% for the third quarter and 10% for the first nine months due primarily to significantly reduced premiums in Argentina and the non-renewal of under-performing business in Europe and Asia. In local currencies, premiums earned in 2002 by the broker-market operations increased 14% for the third quarter and 41% for the first nine months over the comparable 2001 periods. The increase in broker premiums was primarily due to an increase in participation of Faraday Syndicate 435 from 60.6% in 2001 to 96.7% in 2002.

The total international property/casualty underwriting losses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 declined from net losses in the corresponding 2001 periods due primarily to lower large property losses. The direct reinsurance operations produced an underwriting loss of $136 million for the third quarter and $206 million for the first nine months of 2002. In 2002, catastrophe and large individual property losses were $58 million in the third quarter due to two August European floods and $87 million for the first nine months. Underwriting results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 included $282 million of net losses from the September 11th terrorist attack.

The broker-market operations produced about break-even underwriting results for the 2002 periods. Broker-market results for the first nine months of 2002 improved over 2001 as a result of lower-than-expected property loss activity and improved rates and overall market conditions. For the first nine months of 2001, the broker-market operations produced an underwriting loss of $161 million, which included $89 million from the September 11th terrorist attack as well as other large property losses.

Global life/health

General Re's global life/health affiliates reinsure such risks worldwide. Earned premiums worldwide for these operations decreased $34 million (7.2%) in the third quarter and $81 million (5.6%) year-to-date from the comparable 2001 periods. The declines in the third quarter and first nine months were primarily due to a change in the reporting of Cologne Re's international modified coinsurance business, which reduced both premiums earned and costs by comparable amounts, with little effect on net underwriting results. Global life/health's underwriting loss of $23 million for the first nine months of 2002 improved over the same period in 2001. The underwriting losses for 2001 included $34 million of net losses from the September 11th terrorist attack. Otherwise, the international life/health operations accounted for most of the improvement in comparative underwriting results.

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

The Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group ("BHRG") underwrites principally excess-of-loss reinsurance coverages for insurers and reinsurers around the world. BHRG is believed to be one of the leaders in providing catastrophe excess-of-loss reinsurance. Since July 2001, BHRG has also written a number of policies for large or otherwise unusual individual commercial risks (including aircraft, terrorism and multi-peril), referred to as special risk business. BHRG also generates significant premium volume from a few very sizable retroactive reinsurance contracts.

BHRG's pre-tax underwriting results are summarized in the table below. Amounts are in millions.

Premiums earned

Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)

Third Quarter

First Nine Months

Third Quarter

First Nine Months

2002

2001

2002

2001

2002

2001

2002

2001

Catastrophe and special risk

$ 331

$ 306

$ 813

$ 437

$ 219 

$ (404)

$ 574 

$ (283)

Retroactive reinsurance

7

28

408

1,594

(112)

(97)

(344)

(299)

Other reinsurance

420

184

822

319

67 

(159)

(17)

(216)

$ 758

$ 518

$2,043

$2,350

$ 174 

$ (660)

$ 213 

$ (798)

==== ==== ===== ===== ==== ==== ==== ====

The volume of catastrophe and special risk business written in 2002 periods increased substantially over the corresponding prior year periods, particularly in the special risk markets, reflecting an increase in opportunities to write this business at rates considered adequate by BHRG management. The timing and magnitude of losses can produce extraordinary volatility in periodic underwriting results of BHRG’s catastrophe and special risk business. The comparative underwriting results of 2002 and 2001 exemplify the volatility. Such volatility is accepted, however, provided that the long-term prospect of achieving an underwriting profit is reasonable.

The underwriting results of this business in 2002 reflect relatively minor amounts of catastrophe losses and other large individual property losses. However, a truly significant loss event occurring during the first nine months of 2002 under one of several particularly large policies would have eliminated this unit’s underwriting gains. Underwriting results from catastrophe and special risk contracts for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 included a net loss of approximately $425 million from the September 11th terrorist attack. BHRG also recorded an estimated loss of approximately $50 million in the third quarter of 2001 due to an explosion at a chemical plant in France. Periodic underwriting results for catastrophe and special risk business will continue to be extremely volatile.

Retroactive reinsurance policies typically provide very large, but limited, levels of indemnification of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to past loss events, including claims that have not yet been reported to the ceding companies. These policies are expected to include significant amounts of environmental and latent injury claims. It is expected that claims under these contracts will be paid out in the future over a very long period of time. Substantially all of the premiums earned from retroactive reinsurance contracts during 2002 derived from one policy and from three policies in 2001.

The underwriting losses from retroactive reinsurance shown in the table above are primarily attributed to the amortization of deferred charges that are established at the inception of retroactive reinsurance contracts. The deferred charges, which represent the difference between the policy premium and the ultimate estimated claim reserves, are subsequently amortized over the estimated claim payment period using the interest method. The amortization charges are recorded as losses incurred and therefore, produce underwriting losses. The increase in amortization charges in 2002 over 2001 periods relates to the significant amount of new business written in recent years. Unamortized deferred charges at September 30, 2002 totaled approximately $3.1 billion. Deferred charge amortization will produce large underwriting losses over the remainder of 2002 and for the next several years. BHRG believes that these charges will be reasonable relative to the large amounts of float generated from these policies. Income generated from the investment of float is reflected in net investment income.

Premiums earned in the first nine months of 2002 from other reinsurance included approximately $142 million from a new two-year multi-line quota-share contract with a major U.S. insurer and an increase of about $285 million in premiums earned under participation in a Lloyd’s Syndicate and several property quota-share reinsurance contracts with various other Syndicates. Net underwriting results from other reinsurance contracts in 2002 reflect low amounts of property and aviation losses during the year. Underwriting results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 include net losses of approximately $150 million arising from the September 11th terrorist attack.

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Insurance

Berkshire's other primary insurers consist of several businesses, including the National Indemnity ("NICO") Primary group, U.S. Investment Corporation ("USIC"), the Homestate group, Central States Indemnity and Kansas Bankers Surety. Collectively, premiums earned by this group of $192 million and $509 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2002, respectively, exceeded the corresponding prior year amounts by $62 million (47.7%) and $159 million (45.4%), respectively. The increases in premiums were principally attributed to increased volume by the NICO Primary group and USIC. For the first nine months, Berkshire's other primary insurers produced underwriting gains of $3 million in 2002 and $9 million in 2001.

Insurance - Investment Income

After-tax net investment income produced by Berkshire’s insurance and reinsurance businesses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 and 2001 is summarized in the table below. Dollar amounts are in millions.

Third Quarter    

      First Nine Months

 

2002  

2001  

2002  

2001  

Net investment income before income taxes and minority interest

$760

$734

$2,187

$2,125

Income taxes and minority interest

 224

 221

   673

   650

Net investment income

$536

$513

$1,514

$1,475

 

===

===

====

====

Pre-tax net investment income earned by Berkshire's insurance businesses for the third quarter of 2002 exceeded the third quarter of 2001 by $26 million (3.5%). Investment income for the first nine months of 2002 increased $62 million (2.9%) over the corresponding period in 2001. The increase in investment income in 2002 reflects an increase in invested assets, partially offset by the effects of lower interest rates. Invested assets of the insurance businesses totaled $75.5 billion at September 30, 2002.

Invested assets derive from shareholder capital as well as policyholder float. "Float" is an approximation of the net amount of liabilities due to policyholders that is temporarily available for investment. Float represents the sum of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, unearned premiums and other policyholder liabilities less the aggregate of premiums and reinsurance balances receivable, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred charges on retroactive reinsurance contracts. Consolidated float at September 30, 2002 was approximately $39.5 billion, compared to $35.5 billion at December 31, 2001 and $33.3 billion at September 30, 2001.

The large increase in float over the past year principally derives from BHRG and General Re. For the first nine months of 2002, the annualized cost of float was approximately 0.3%, as Berkshire's consolidated insurance and reinsurance businesses produced a pre-tax underwriting loss of approximately $78 million. The cost of float was very high (12.8%) for the year ending December 31, 2001 due to losses from the September 11th terrorist attack and increases in prior years’ loss reserves at General Re. Absent a major catastrophe or a significant increase in reserves established for prior years’ loss events, the cost of float is expected to remain very low over the remainder of 2002.

Non-Insurance Businesses

Results of operations of Berkshire's diverse non-insurance businesses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 and 2001 are summarized in the following table. Dollar amounts are in millions.

Third Quarter

First Nine Months

2002

2001

2002

2001

Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount %

Revenues

$5,128

100.0

$4,310

100.0

$14,291

100.0

$12,141

100.0

Costs and expenses

4,109

 80.1

3,822

 88.7

11,865

 83.0

10,699

 88.1

Earnings before income taxes/minority interest

1,019

19.9

488

11.3

2,426

17.0

1,442

11.9

Applicable income taxes/minority interest

  346

  6.8

  190

  4.4

  850

  6.0

  547

  4.5

Net earnings

$ 673

13.1

$ 298

6.9

$ 1,576

11.0

$ 895

7.4

 

==== === ==== === ==== === ==== ===

A comparison of revenues and pre-tax income for the non-insurance business segments follows. Dollar amounts are in millions.

Revenues

Pre-tax Earnings

Third Quarter

First Nine Months

Third Quarter

First Nine Months

2002

2001

2002

2001

2002

2001

2002

2001

Building products

$ 986

$ 990

$ 2,840

$ 2,372

$ 142

$ 152

$ 426

$ 344

Finance and financial products

671

393

1,657

1,100

409

98

793

325

Flight services

649

669

2,024

1,909

29

40

122

145

Retail

484

448

1,436

1,341

25

27

86

86

Scott Fetzer

215

215

676

692

24

26

86

87

Shaw Industries

1,158

1,075

3,258

3,106

129

89

315

225

Other businesses

   965

   520

  2,400

  1,621

   261

    56

   598

   230

$5,128

$4,310

$14,291

$12,141

$1,019

$ 488

$2,426

$1,442

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The building products group consists of Johns Manville, Benjamin Moore, Acme Building Brands, and MiTek. The comparative increase in revenues of this group for the first nine months of 2002 versus 2001 is principally due to the inclusion of MiTek Inc., acquired July 31, 2001 and Johns Manville, acquired February 27, 2001. Revenues for the third quarter were relatively unchanged in 2002 as compared to 2001, and pre-tax earnings declined $10 million (6.6%). During 2002, Berkshire’s building products businesses benefited from mild weather conditions and favorable economic conditions, including low interest rates, in the residential construction markets. However, slow commercial construction conditions had a negative effect on Johns Manville where comparative third quarter revenues declined $56 million (9.5%) and comparative pre-tax earnings declined $28 million (38.9%).

Pre-tax income of the finance and financial products businesses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 periods of $409 million and $793 million, respectively, represent substantial increases over the prior year periods. Significant earnings increases were achieved at BH Finance and Berkadia LLC. BH Finance primarily invests in fixed income instruments on a substantially leveraged basis under a small number of proprietary investing strategies. Such strategies are subject to market conditions, which have been unusually favorable in 2002. This condition is expected to remain throughout the balance of 2002, but at some point profit opportunities from these strategies will certainly diminish and perhaps disappear.

Berkadia commenced operations in August of 2001 upon the completion of FINOVA’s bankruptcy plan of reorganization. Income derived from Berkadia is entirely dependent on an original $5.6 billion term loan to FINOVA. Since the loan was made, FINOVA has made principal prepayments to reduce the loan balance to $2.4 billion at September 30, 2002. For the first nine months of 2002, earnings from Berkadia were $91 million. In the third quarter of 2001, a pre-tax loss of $75 million was attributed to Berkadia, which included a loss of $94 million to write-off Berkadia’s equity investment in FINOVA common stock. Earnings from Berkadia will diminish over time.

Somewhat offsetting the increased profits of BH Finance and Berkadia were operating losses in 2002 from General Re Securities ("GRS"). During the first quarter of 2002, General Re announced that the operations of GRS would be run-off in an orderly manner, which is expected to take several years to complete. GRS generated pre-tax losses of $12 million for the third quarter and $121 million in the first nine months of 2002, which includes charges for employee severance and other run-off related costs. During 2002, GRS also incurred trading losses in restructuring certain positions in connection with the run-off, with the objective of reducing the number of trading positions and related risks. Additional losses will likely be incurred in future periods as additional restructuring transactions take place. GRS produced a $17 million pre-tax operating loss during the first nine months of 2001.

Flight services revenues for the third quarter of 2002 declined 3.0% and for the first nine months increased 6.0% from the comparable periods in 2001. Berkshire’s flight services operations have been negatively affected by the September 11th terrorist activity and the slowing U.S. economy. On a year to date basis, revenues of NetJets increased 13.6% and revenues of FlightSafety declined 14.2%. The decline in earnings for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 from the corresponding 2001 periods was primarily due to the aforementioned revenue declines at FlightSafety. NetJets continues to operate unprofitably with losses from Europe exceeding the small profit generated by U.S. operations.

For the third quarter and first nine months of 2002, Shaw achieved volume-driven sales growth in the hard surface and residential carpet product lines. Sales of commercial flooring products continue to lag, however, as a result of lower capital spending by commercial customers. Pre-tax income growth in 2002 reflects increased revenue, coupled with comparatively lower manufacturing costs, which were driven by lower material costs and increased plant operating levels. Shaw management expects that generally overall favorable operating conditions will continue for the rest of 2002. In January 2002, Berkshire acquired the remaining shares of Shaw that were previously held by a group of investors that included Robert Shaw, CEO of Shaw, Julian Saul, President of Shaw, and other managers and former directors of Shaw.

Berkshire’s other non-insurance businesses consist of the results of several smaller businesses, as well as income from investments in MidAmerican. Income from MidAmerican consists of Berkshire’s share of MidAmerican’s net income plus income earned from investments in MidAmerican’s 11% trust preferred securities. For the third quarter and first nine months of 2002, income from MidAmerican totaled $147 million and $326 million, respectively. In 2001, third quarter and first nine months earnings attributed to MidAmerican were $51 million and $136 million, respectively. The increase in income from MidAmerican in 2002 was primarily due to Berkshire’s additional investments during 2002, one-time gains recorded in the second quarter by MidAmerican and the elimination of goodwill amortization effective January 1, 2002. See Note 3 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding Berkshire’s investments in MidAmerican. Otherwise, the increase in earnings of other businesses in 2002 was primarily attributed to newly-acquired businesses, Albecca Inc. on February 8, 2002, Fruit of the Loom, effective April 30, 2002 and Garan, effective September 4, 2002.

Purchase-Accounting Adjustments

Purchase-accounting adjustments reflect the after-tax effect on net earnings with respect to the amortization of fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities recorded at various business acquisition dates. Prior to 2002, this amount also included the systematic amortization of goodwill.

Effective January 1, 2002, Berkshire ceased amortizing goodwill of previously acquired businesses in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142. See Note 11 for additional information related to this new accounting standard. Purchase-accounting adjustments for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 included $140 million and $422 million, respectively, of after-tax goodwill amortization. These amounts do not include Berkshire’s share of goodwill amortization related to its equity method investment in MidAmerican.

Other purchase-accounting adjustments consist primarily of the amortization of the excess of market value over historical cost of fixed maturity investments held by certain businesses at their acquisition dates, primarily at General Re. Berkshire includes such excess in the cost of the investments and subsequently amortizes it over the estimated remaining lives of the investments.

Realized Investment Gain/Loss

Realized investment gain/loss has been a recurring element in Berkshire's net earnings for many years. Such amounts ¾  recorded when investments (1) are sold; (2) other-than-temporarily impaired; and (3) marked-to-market with a corresponding gain or loss included in earnings ¾  may fluctuate significantly from period to period, resulting in a meaningful effect on reported net earnings. The Consolidated Statements of Earnings include after-tax realized investment gains of $27 million and $216 million for the third quarter of 2002 and 2001, respectively. For the first nine months, after-tax realized investment gains totaled $138 million in 2002 and $780 million in 2001.

Financial Condition

Berkshire's balance sheet continues to reflect significant liquidity and a strong capital base. Consolidated shareholders' equity at September 30, 2002 totaled $62.6 billion. Consolidated cash and invested assets, excluding assets of finance and financial products businesses, totaled approximately $77.1 billion at September 30, 2002 and $72.5 billion at December 31, 2001. During the first nine months of 2002, Berkshire deployed about $2.9 billion in internally generated cash for business acquisitions, including $1.7 billion of additional investments in MidAmerican Energy.

Berkshire’s consolidated borrowings under investment agreements and other debt, excluding borrowings of finance businesses, totaled $4.3 billion at September 30, 2002 and $3.5 billion at December 31, 2001. The increase in borrowings during the first nine months of 2002 relates to pre-acquisition debt of Albecca Inc., which was acquired in February 2002, Berkshire’s issuance of the SQUARZ securities in May 2002 and a net increase of $183 million of borrowings under investment agreements. Albecca’s outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2002 primarily consist of $135 million 10.75% senior subordinated notes, due in August 2008. The notes are redeemable beginning in August 2003 and it is Berkshire’s intention to redeem the notes at that time. The SQUARZ securities consist of $400 million par amount of senior notes due in November 2007 together with warrants to purchase Berkshire Class A or Class B common stock, which expire in May 2007. A warrant premium is payable to Berkshire at an annual rate of 3.75% and interest is payable to note holders at a rate of 3.00%.

During the second quarter of 2001, Berkshire filed a shelf registration to issue up to $700 million in new debt securities at a future date. The intended purpose of the future issuance of debt is to fund the repayment of currently outstanding borrowings of certain Berkshire subsidiaries. The timing and amount of the debt to be issued under the shelf registration has not yet been determined.

Berkshire remains contingently liable for the borrowings of Berkadia LLC through a primary guaranty of 90% of its debt and a secondary guaranty of the remaining 10% of Berkadia’s borrowings through Fleet Bank. At September 30, 2002, Berkadia’s unpaid loan balance was $2.4 billion.

Assets of the finance and financial products businesses totaled $35.5 billion at September 30, 2002 and $41.6 billion at December 31, 2001. The overall decline reflects a decline in assets of GRS, which commenced running-off its operations earlier in 2002, lower investments at BH Finance LLC and $2.5 billion in repayments of Berkadia’s loan receivable from FINOVA.

Notes payable and other borrowings of Berkshire’s finance and financial products businesses totaled $4.7 billion at September 30, 2002 and $9.0 billion at December 31, 2001. These balances include Berkadia’s outstanding term loan of $2.4 billion at September 30, 2002 and $4.9 billion at December 31, 2001. The remaining decrease in finance business borrowings relates to decreases in notes payable and commercial paper borrowings by GRS.

Berkshire believes that it currently maintains sufficient liquidity to cover its existing requirements and provide for contingent liquidity needs.

Critical Accounting Policies

In applying certain accounting policies, Berkshire’s management is required to make estimates and judgments regarding transactions that have occurred and ultimately will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized in the financial statements from such estimates are necessarily based on assumptions about numerous factors involving varying, and possibly significant, degrees of judgment and uncertainty. Accordingly, the amounts currently recorded in the financial statements may prove, with the benefit of hindsight, to be inaccurate. The balance sheet items most significantly affected by these estimates are property and casualty insurance and reinsurance related liabilities, valuation of invested assets where no market quotations are available and reviewing for goodwill impairments.

Berkshire accrues liabilities for unpaid losses under property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts based upon estimates of the ultimate amounts payable under the contracts related to losses occurring on or before the balance sheet date. As of any balance sheet date, all claims have not yet been reported and some claims may not be reported for many years. As a result, the liability for unpaid losses includes significant estimates for incurred-but-not-reported claims. Additionally, reported claims are in various stages of the settlement process. Each claim is settled individually based upon its merits and certain liability or workers’ compensation claims may take years to settle, especially if legal action is involved.

Berkshire uses a variety of techniques to establish the liabilities for unpaid claims recorded at the balance sheet date. While techniques may vary, each employs significant judgments and assumptions. Techniques may involve detailed statistical analysis of past claim reporting, settlement activity, claim frequency and severity data when sufficient information exists to lend statistical credibility to the analysis. The analysis may be based upon internal loss experience, the experience of clients or industry experience. Techniques may vary depending on the type of claim being estimated. More judgmental techniques are used in lines of business when statistical data is insufficient or unavailable. Liabilities may also reflect implicit or explicit assumptions regarding the potential effects of future economic and social inflation, judicial decisions, law changes, and recent trends in such factors.

Receivables recorded with respect to insurance losses ceded to other reinsurers under reinsurance contracts are estimated in a manner similar to liabilities for insurance losses and, therefore, are also subject to estimation error. In addition to the factors cited above, estimates of reinsurance recoveries may prove uncollectible if the reinsurer is unable to perform under the contract. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the ceding company of its obligations to indemnify its own policyholders.

Berkshire’s Consolidated Balance Sheet includes estimated liabilities for unpaid losses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of $42.6 billion and reinsurance receivables of $2.7 billion at September 30, 2002. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the process of establishing these amounts, the actual ultimate claims amounts will differ from the currently recorded amounts. A small percentage change in estimates of this magnitude will result in a material effect on reported earnings. For instance, a 5% increase in the September 30, 2002 net estimate would produce a $2.0 billion charge to pre-tax earnings. Future effects from changes in these estimates will be recorded as a component of losses incurred in the period of the change.

Berkshire records deferred charges as assets on its balance sheet with respect to liabilities assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts. At the inception of these contracts the deferred charges represent the difference between the consideration received and the estimated ultimate liability for unpaid losses. The deferred charges are amortized as a component of losses incurred using the interest method over an estimate of the ultimate claim payment period. The deferred charge balance may be adjusted periodically to reflect new projections of the amount and timing of loss payments. Adjustments to these assumptions are applied retrospectively from the inception of the contract. Unamortized deferred charges totaled $3.2 billion at September 30, 2002. Significant changes in either the timing or ultimate amount of loss payments may have a significant effect on unamortized deferred charges and the amount of periodic amortization.

Berkshire’s financial position reflects large amounts of invested assets, including assets of its finance and financial products businesses. A substantial portion of these assets are carried at fair values based upon current market quotations and, when not available, based upon fair value pricing models. Berkshire’s finance businesses maintain significant balances of finance receivables, which are carried at amortized cost. Considerable judgment is required in determining the assumptions used in certain pricing models, which may address interest rates, loan prepayment speeds, and creditworthiness of the issuer.

Berkshire’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2002 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of approximately $22.3 billion. These amounts have been recorded as a result of Berkshire’s numerous prior business acquisitions accounted for under the purchase method. Prior to 2002, goodwill from each acquisition was generally amortized as a charge to earnings over periods not exceeding 40 years. Under SFAS No. 142, which was adopted by Berkshire as of January 1, 2002, periodic amortization ceased, in favor of an impairment-only accounting model.

A significant amount of judgment is required in performing goodwill impairment tests. Such tests include periodically determining or reviewing the estimated fair value of Berkshire’s reporting units. Under SFAS No. 142, fair value refers to the amount for which the entire reporting unit may be bought or sold. There are several methods of estimating reporting unit values, including market quotations, asset and liability fair values and other valuation techniques, such as discounted cash flows and multiples of earnings or revenues. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair value, then individual assets, including identifiable intangible assets and liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated at fair value. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the estimated fair value of net assets would establish the implied value of goodwill. The excess of the recorded amount of goodwill over the implied value is charged-off as an impairment loss.

Forward-Looking Statements

Investors are cautioned that certain statements contained in this document as well as some statements in periodic press releases and some oral statements of Berkshire officials during presentations about Berkshire, are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). Forward-looking statements include statements which are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, which include words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, and possible future Berkshire actions, which may be provided by management are also forward-looking statements as defined by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about Berkshire, economic and market factors and the industries in which Berkshire does business, among other things. These statements are not guaranties of future performance and Berkshire has no specific intention to update these statements.

Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. The principal important risk factors that could cause Berkshire’s actual performance and future events and actions to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, changes in market prices of Berkshire's significant equity investees, the occurrence of one or more catastrophic events, such as an earthquake or hurricane that causes losses insured by Berkshire's insurance subsidiaries, changes in insurance laws or regulations, changes in Federal income tax laws, and changes in general economic and market factors that affect the prices of securities or the industries in which Berkshire and its affiliates do business, especially those affecting the property and casualty insurance industry.