OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A; BRK.B) –

Berkshire’s operating results for the second quarter and first six months of 2012 are summarized in the following paragraphs. However, we urge investors and reporters to read our 10-Q, which has been posted at www.berkshirehathaway.com. The limited information that follows in this press release is not adequate for making an informed investment judgment.

Earnings of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries for the second quarter and first six months of 2012 and 2011 are summarized below. Earnings are stated on an after-tax basis. (Dollar amounts are in millions, except for per share amounts).

			Second Quarter								First Six Months
			2012				2011				2012				2011
Operating earnings			$	3,720			$	2,704			$	6,385			$	4,297
Investment and derivative gains (losses) –
	Sales and redemptions of investments			81				833				230				897
	Other-than-temporary impairments of investments *			—				—				(219	)			(322	)
	Derivative gains (losses)			(693	)			(120	)			(43	)			56
				(612	)			713				(32	)			631
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders			$	3,108			$	3,417			$	6,353			$	4,928
*	Other-than-temporary impairment losses were offset by a corresponding increase in other comprehensive income. Thus the recognition of these losses had no impact on consolidated shareholders’ equity.
Operating earnings per Class A equivalent share			$	2,252			$	1,640			$	3,866			$	2,606
Investment and derivative gains (losses) per Class A equivalent share				(370	)			432				(19	)			383
Net earnings per Class A equivalent share attributable to Berkshire shareholders			$	1,882			$	2,072			$	3,847			$	2,989
Average Class A equivalent shares outstanding				1,651,511				1,649,052				1,651,228				1,648,732
Note:  Per share amounts for the Class B shares are 1/1,500th those shown for the Class A.
An analysis of Berkshire’s operating earnings follows (dollar amounts are in millions).
			Second Quarter								First Six Months
			2012				2011				2012				2011
	Insurance-underwriting		$	619			$	(7	)		$	673			$	(828	)*
	Insurance-investment income			1,068				995				1,859				1,947
	Non-insurance businesses			2,200				1,804				4,197				3,366
	Other			(167	)			(88	)			(344	)			(188	)
	Operating earnings		$	3,720			$	2,704			$	6,385			$	4,297
*	Includes estimated after-tax losses from catastrophes (Japan and New Zealand earthquakes as well as other storm and weather related events in Australia and the U.S.) of approximately $1.2 billion.

In the table at the top of the page (which, as noted, reports after-tax results), we give investment and derivative gains (losses) lines of their own because the amounts of these in any given quarter or year is often meaningless.

Since the beginning of the year, our book value has increased by 7.5% to $107,377 per Class A equivalent share. Insurance float (the net liabilities we assume under insurance contracts) at June 30, 2012 was $71.1 billion.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. The reconciliations of such measures to the most comparable GAAP figures in accordance with Regulation G are included herein.

Berkshire presents its results in the way it believes will be most meaningful and useful, as well as most transparent, to the investing public and others who use Berkshire’s financial information. That presentation includes the use of certain non-GAAP financial measures. In addition to the GAAP presentations of net earnings, Berkshire shows operating earnings defined as net earnings exclusive of investment and derivative gains/losses.

Although the investment of insurance and reinsurance premiums to generate investment income and investment gains or losses is an integral part of Berkshire’s operations, the generation of investment gains or losses is independent of the insurance underwriting process. Moreover, under applicable GAAP accounting requirements, losses can be created as the result of other-than-temporary declines in value without actual realization or when certain types of investments are marked-to-market through earnings. In sum, investment and derivative gains/losses for any particular period are not indicative of quarterly business performance.

About Berkshire

Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries engage in diverse business activities including property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, utilities and energy, freight rail transportation, finance, manufacturing, retailing and services. Common stock of the company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading symbols BRK.A and BRK.B.

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release are “forward looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guaranties of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those forecasted.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
Marc D. Hamburg, 402-346-1400

Source: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.