BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC Annual & Interim Reports 2008 2nd

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-14905
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 47-0813844
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)
1440 Kiewit Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68131
(Address of principal executive office)
(Zip Code)
(402) 346-1400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days. YES X NO
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a
smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company [ ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes [ ] No [X]
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of August 1, 2008:
Class A — 1,071,188
Class B — 14,341,151
X

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
1
Part I - Financial Information Page No.
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets — 2
June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007
Consolidated Statements of Earnings — 3
Second Quarter and First Six Months 2008 and 2007
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — 4
First Six Months 2008 and 2007
Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements 5-14
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 15-27
Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 27
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 27
Part II – Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 27
Item 1A. Risk Factors 27
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities 27
and Use of Proceeds
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 27
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 28
Item 5. Other Information 28
Item 6. Exhibits 28
Signature 28
Exhibit 31 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications 29-30
Exhibit 32 Section 1350 Certifications 31-32

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
2
Part I Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions except per share amounts)
June 30, 2008 December 31, 2007
ASSETS (Unaudited)
Insurance and Other:
Cash and cash equivalents ...................................................................................................... $ 28,148 $ 37,703
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities..................................................................................................... 32,445 28,515
Equity securities ................................................................................................................. 69,507 74,999
Loans and receivables............................................................................................................. 16,547 13,157
Inventories .............................................................................................................................. 7,081 5,793
Property, plant and equipment and leased assets .................................................................... 16,513 9,969
Goodwill................................................................................................................................. 26,916 26,306
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed................................................................................... 3,739 3,987
Other....................................................................................................................................... 9,315 7,797
210,211 208,226
Utilities and Energy:
Cash and cash equivalents ...................................................................................................... 1,002 1,178
Property, plant and equipment................................................................................................ 27,195 26,221
Goodwill................................................................................................................................. 5,593 5,543
Other....................................................................................................................................... 6,404 6,246
40,194 39,188
Finance and Financial Products:
Cash and cash equivalents ...................................................................................................... 2,009 5,448
Investments in fixed maturity securities ................................................................................. 7,456 3,056
Loans and finance receivables ................................................................................................ 13,461 12,359
Goodwill................................................................................................................................. 1,015 1,013
Other....................................................................................................................................... 3,446 3,870
27,387 25,746
$277,792 $273,160
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Losses and loss adjustment expenses...................................................................................... $ 56,519 $ 56,002
Unearned premiums................................................................................................................ 8,177 6,680
Life and health insurance benefits .......................................................................................... 3,999 3,804
Other policyholder liabilities .................................................................................................. 4,149 4,089
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities..................................................................... 12,112 10,672
Notes payable and other borrowings....................................................................................... 3,739 2,680
88,695 83,927
25,238 25,045
Derivative contract liabilities.................................................................................................. 8,432 6,887
24,814 21,962
Income taxes, principally deferred............................................................................................. 16,821 18,825
Total liabilities......................................................................................................................... 155,568 149,759
Minority shareholders’ interests................................................................................................. 4,230 2,668
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock — Class A, $5 par value; Class B, $0.1667 par value ................................... 8 8
Capital in excess of par value ................................................................................................. 27,132 26,952
Accumulated other comprehensive income ............................................................................ 14,881 21,620
Retained earnings.................................................................................................................... 75,973 72,153
Total shareholders’ equity ................................................................................................ 117,994 120,733
$277,792 $273,160
See accompanying Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
3
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Second Quarter First Six Months
2008 2007 2008 2007
Revenues: (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Insurance premiums earned............................................................. $ 6,231 $ 5,950 $ 12,440 $19,464
Sales and service revenues.............................................................. 17,332 14,758 32,092 27,981
Interest, dividend and other investment income.............................. 1,261 1,284 2,445 2,404
Investment gains/losses................................................................... 242 605 357 1,047
25,066 22,597 47,334 50,896
Operating revenues ......................................................................... 2,992 3,003 6,348 6,227
Other ............................................................................................... 43 57 81 106
3,035 3,060 6,429 6,333
Interest income................................................................................ 458 429 896 850
Investment gains/losses................................................................... 4 4 4 5
Derivative gains/losses.................................................................... 689 319 (952) 462
Other ............................................................................................... 841 938 1,557 1,719
1,992 1,690 1,505 3,036
30,093 27,347 55,268 60,265
Costs and expenses:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses............................... 3,695 3,176 7,735 14,035
Life and health insurance benefits................................................... 452 380 942 815
Insurance underwriting expenses.................................................... 1,524 1,420 2,921 2,713
Cost of sales and services................................................................ 14,106 11,985 26,214 22,850
Selling, general and administrative expenses.................................. 2,049 1,761 3,909 3,402
Interest expense............................................................................... 40 37 73 80
21,866 18,759 41,794 43,895
Cost of sales and operating expenses.............................................. 2,410 2,408 4,994 4,896
2,706 2,688 5,584 5,448
Other ............................................................................................... 893 932 1,660 1,734
1,050 1,084 1,966 2,034
25,622 22,531 49,344 51,377
Earnings before income taxes and minority interests................... 4,471 4,816 5,924 8,888
Income taxes ................................................................................... 1,443 1,617 1,851 3,005
Minority shareholders’ interests...................................................... 148 81 253 170
Net earnings...................................................................................... $ 2,880 $ 3,118 $ 3,820 $ 5,713
Average common shares outstanding *........................................... 1,548,982 1,545,206 1,548,688 1,544,008
Net earnings per common share * .................................................. $ 1,859 $ 2,018 $ 2,467 $ 3,700
* 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.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
4
and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
First Six Months
2008 2007
(Unaudited)
Net cash flows from operating activities.......................................................................................... $ 4,991 $ 7,432
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturity securities........................................................................................... (26,754) (3,352)
Purchases of equity securities ....................................................................................................... (5,513) (11,456)
Sales of fixed maturity securities .................................................................................................. 11,950 4,454
Redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity securities.............................................................. 6,807 6,265
Sales of equity securities............................................................................................................... 1,764 2,092
Purchases of loans and finance receivables .................................................................................. (1,045) (276)
Principal collections on loans and finance receivables ................................................................. 370 379
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired .......................................................................... (5,424) (1,218)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment ................................................................................. (2,538) (2,552)
Other ............................................................................................................................................. 959 184
Net cash flows from investing activities.......................................................................................... (19,424) (5,480)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses ......................................................................... 4,118 401
Proceeds from borrowings of utilities and energy businesses....................................................... 1,047 1,948
Proceeds from other borrowings................................................................................................... 84 54
Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses......................................................................... (2,602) (184)
Repayments of borrowings of utilities and energy businesses...................................................... (1,120) (217)
Repayments of other borrowings .................................................................................................. (133) (551)
Change in short term borrowings.................................................................................................. (107) (580)
Other ............................................................................................................................................. (31) 353
Net cash flows from financing activities.......................................................................................... 1,256 1,224
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes ......................................................................... 7 31
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents............................................................................. (13,170) 3,207
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year * ........................................................................... 44,329 43,743
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first six months *.................................................................... $31,159 $46,950
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes...................................................................................................................................... $ 1,921 $ 1,367
Interest of finance and financial products businesses ...................................................................... 257 287
Interest of utilities and energy businesses ........................................................................................ 592 562
Interest of insurance and other businesses........................................................................................ 93 80
Non-cash investing activities:
Investments received in connection with the Equitas reinsurance transaction................................ — 6,529
Liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions of businesses.................................................. 4,309 184
* Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following:
Beginning of year —
Insurance and Other .................................................................................................................................. $37,703 $37,977
Utilities and Energy ................................................................................................................................... 1,178 343
Finance and Financial Products................................................................................................................ 5,448 5,423
$44,329 $43,743
End of first six months —
Insurance and Other .................................................................................................................................. $28,148 $39,936
Utilities and Energy ................................................................................................................................... 1,002 1,178
Finance and Financial Products................................................................................................................ 2,009 5,836
$31,159 $46,950

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
5
and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2008
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 in which Berkshire holds a
controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual
Report on Form 10-K (“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 the Annual Report. Certain amounts in 2007 have
been reclassified to conform with the 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“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. Variations in the amounts and timing of investment gains/losses can cause
significant variations in periodic net earnings. Investment gains/losses are recorded when investments are sold, other-than-
temporarily impaired or in instances as required under GAAP, when investments are marked-to-market. In addition, changes
in the fair value of derivative assets/liabilities associated with derivative contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting
treatment can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.
Note 2. Business acquisitions
Berkshire’s long-held acquisition strategy is to purchase businesses with consistent earnings, good returns on equity,
able and honest management and at sensible prices. On March 30, 2007, Berkshire acquired TTI, Inc., a privately held
electronic components distributor headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. TTI, Inc. is a leading distributor of passive,
interconnect and electromechanical components. Effective April 1, 2007, Berkshire acquired the intimate apparel business
of VF Corporation. During 2007, Berkshire also acquired other relatively smaller businesses. Consideration paid for all
businesses acquired in 2007 was approximately $1.6 billion.
On March 18, 2008, Berkshire acquired 60% of Marmon Holdings, Inc. (“Marmon”), a private company owned by
trusts for the benefit of members of the Pritzker Family of Chicago for $4.5 billion. In the second quarter of 2008,
Berkshire acquired additional shares of Marmon and owned 63.6% at June 30, 2008. Under the terms of the purchase
agreement, Berkshire will acquire the remaining minority interests in Marmon over a five to six year period for
consideration to be based on the future earnings of Marmon.
Marmon consists of 125 manufacturing and service businesses that operate independently within diverse business
sectors. These sectors are Wire & Cable, serving energy related markets, residential and non-residential construction and
other industries; Transportation Services & Engineered Products, including railroad tank cars and intermodal tank
containers; Highway Technologies, primarily serving the heavy-duty highway transportation industry; Distribution
Services for specialty pipe and steel tubing; Flow Products, producing a variety of metal products and materials for the
plumbing, HVAC/R, construction and industrial markets; Industrial Products, including metal fasteners, safety products
and metal fabrication; Construction Services, providing the leasing and operation of mobile cranes primarily to the energy,
mining and petrochemical markets; Water Treatment equipment for residential, commercial and industrial applications; and
Retail Services, providing store fixtures, food preparation equipment and related services. Marmon has approximately
20,000 employees and operates more than 250 manufacturing, distribution and service facilities, primarily in North
America, Europe and China.
A preliminary purchase price allocation related to the Marmon acquisition is summarized below (in millions).
Assets: Liabilities and net assets:
Cash and cash equivalents............................................. $ 217 Accounts payable, accruals and other
Accounts receivable ...................................................... 970 liabilities ........................................... $ 1,028
Inventories..................................................................... 855 Notes payable and other borrowings.... 1,071
Property, plant and equipment and leased assets........... 6,280 Income taxes, principally deferred ....... 1,797
Other, primarily goodwill and intangible assets............ 1,927 Minority shareholders’ interest............. 1,568
$10,249 Net assets acquired............................... 4,785
$10,249

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
6
Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 2. Business acquisitions (Continued)
The results of operations for each of the businesses acquired are included in Berkshire’s consolidated results from the
effective date of each acquisition. The following table sets forth certain unaudited pro forma consolidated earnings data for
the first six months of 2008 and 2007, as if each acquisition was consummated on the same terms at the beginning of each
year. Amounts are in millions, except earnings per share.
2008 2007
Total revenues........................................................................................................................... $56,678 $64,623
Net earnings .............................................................................................................................. 3,867 5,766
Earnings per equivalent Class A common share....................................................................... 2,497 3,734
Note 3. Investments in fixed maturity securities
Data with respect to investments in fixed maturity securities follows (in millions).
Insurance and other Finance and financial products
June 30, 2008 Dec. 31, 2007 June 30, 2008 Dec. 31, 2007
Amortized cost .................................................. $31,678 $27,133 $ 5,740 $ 1,358
Gross unrealized gains ...................................... 1,196 1,491 99 115
Gross unrealized losses..................................... (429) (109) (4) —
Fair value........................................................... $32,445 $28,515 $ 5,835 $ 1,473
As of June 30, 2008, fixed maturity securities - Insurance and other included $2.4 billion in Federal Home Loan Bank
discount notes that when purchased had maturity dates of more than three months but no greater than six months. Fixed
maturity securities also included $6.5 billion (Insurance and other - $2.1 billion and Finance and financial products - $4.4
billion) of investment grade auction rate securities and variable rate demand notes issued by various states, municipalities
and political subdivisions. The interest rates on these instruments are variable and are periodically reset at up to 35 day
intervals. While substantially all of these securities are insured by third parties, acquisitions were limited to securities
where Berkshire assessed and concluded that the underlying credit of the issuers was good without the benefit of an
insurer’s guarantee. Approximately 80% of these securities were rated A or higher without the benefit of an insurer
guarantee and approximately 60% of the remaining securities were not rated on an underlying basis. There were no
investments in these securities as of December 31, 2007.
Certain fixed maturity securities of the finance and financial products businesses are classified as held-to-maturity and
are carried at amortized cost. The carrying value and fair value of these investments totaled $1,621 million and $1,767
million at June 30, 2008, respectively. At December 31, 2007, the carrying value and fair value of held-to-maturity
securities totaled $1,583 million and $1,758 million, respectively. Gross unrealized losses at June 30, 2008 and December
31, 2007 included $86 million and $60 million, respectively, related to securities that have been in an unrealized loss
position for 12 months or more. Berkshire has the ability and intent to hold these securities until fair value recovers.
Note 4. Investments in equity securities
Data with respect to investments in equity securities follows (in millions).
June 30, December 31,
2008 2007
Total cost ................................................................................................................................... $49,238 $44,695
Gross unrealized gains............................................................................................................... 24,176 31,289
Gross unrealized losses ............................................................................................................. (3,907) (985)
Total fair value........................................................................................................................... $69,507 $74,999
Gross unrealized losses at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 included $1,867 million and $566 million,
respectively, related to individual purchases of securities in which Berkshire had gross unrealized gains of $3.9 billion at
June 30, 2008 and $3.2 billion at December 31, 2007 in the same securities. Substantially all of the gross unrealized losses
pertain to security positions that have been held for less than 12 months. Berkshire has the ability and intent to hold these
securities until fair value recovers.
Note 5. Derivative contracts of finance and financial products businesses
Berkshire utilizes derivative contracts in order to manage certain economic business risks as well as to assume specified
amounts of market risk from others. The contracts summarized in the following table, with limited exceptions, are not
designated as hedges for financial reporting purposes. Changes in the fair values of derivative assets and derivative
liabilities that do not qualify as hedges are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as derivative gains/losses.
Master netting agreements are utilized to manage counterparty credit risk, where gains and losses are netted across other
contracts with that counterparty.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
7
Note 5. Derivative contracts of finance and financial products businesses (Continued)
Under certain circumstances, including a downgrade of its credit rating below specified levels, Berkshire may be
required to post collateral against derivative contract liabilities. However, Berkshire is not required to post collateral with
respect to most of its credit default and equity index put option contracts and at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007,
Berkshire had posted no collateral with counterparties as security on these contracts.
A summary of the fair value and gross notional value of open derivative contracts of finance and financial products
businesses follows. Amounts are in millions.
June 30, 2008 December 31, 2007
Notional Notional
Assets * Liabilities Value Assets * Liabilities Value
Credit default obligations............................ $ 13 $ 2,178 $ 8,792 $ — $ 1,838 $ 4,660
Equity index put options............................. — 5,845 39,878 — 4,610 35,043
Other ........................................................... 242 409 699 439
Derivative contract assets and liabilities..... $ 255 $ 8,432 $ 699 $ 6,887
* Included in other assets of finance and financial products businesses.
Note 6. Fair value measurements
Effective January 1, 2008, Berkshire adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS
157”) with respect to fair value measurements of financial assets and liabilities. Under SFAS 157, fair value is the price to
sell an asset or transfer a liability between market participants as of the measurement date. Fair value measurements
assume the asset or liability is exchanged in an orderly manner; the exchange is in the principal market for that asset or
liability (or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists); and the market participants are independent,
knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange. SFAS 157 also clarifies that the reporting entity’s
nonperformance risk (credit risk) should be considered in valuing liabilities.
SFAS 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value by creating a hierarchy for observable independent market
inputs and unobservable market assumptions and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Considerable
judgment may be 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.
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2008 are summarized in the
following table by the type of inputs applicable to the fair value measurements (in millions).
Quoted Significant Other Significant
Total Prices Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs
Fair Value (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)
Insurance and other:
Investments in fixed maturity securities ............... $ 32,445 $ 5,952 $ 26,256 $ 237
Investments in equity securities............................ 69,507 69,098 93 316
Finance and financial products:
Investments in fixed maturity securities ............... 7,602 35 7,425 142
Net derivative contract liabilities.......................... 8,177 — 154 8,023
A description of the inputs used in the valuation of assets and liabilities reflected in the preceding table follows:
Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets.
Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs such as quoted prices for
similar assets or liabilities exchanged in active or inactive markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities
exchanged in inactive markets; other inputs that are considered in fair value determinations of the assets or liabilities,
such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatilities, prepayment speeds,
loss severities, credit risks and default rates; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable
market data by correlation or other means.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
8
Note 6. Fair value measurements (Continued)
Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required
to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the asset or
liability or related observable inputs that can be corroborated at the measurement date. Measurements of non-exchange
traded derivative contract assets and liabilities are primarily based on valuation models, discounted cash flow models or
other valuation techniques that are believed to be used by market participants. Unobservable inputs require
management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market
participants in pricing an asset or liability.
A reconciliation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant
unobservable inputs (Level 3) from January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008 follows (in millions).
Insurance and other Finance and financial products
Investments Investments Net
in fixed Investments in fixed derivative
maturity in equity maturity contract
securities securities securities liabilities
Balance at January 1, 2008............................................. $ 239 $ 356 $ 154 $(6,448)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings *.............................................................. 9 — — (1,014)
Other comprehensive income.................................. (7) (40) (12) —
Purchases, issuances and settlements............................. (12) — — (561)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3 ....................................... 8 — — —
Balance at June 30, 2008................................................ $ 237 $ 316 $ 142 $(8,023)
* Gains and losses related to changes in valuations are included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a
component of investment gains/losses or derivative gains/losses, as appropriate. Substantially all of the losses included
in earnings were unrealized losses related to liabilities outstanding as of June 30, 2008.
Effective January 1, 2008, Berkshire adopted SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” which permits entities to elect to measure eligible items at
fair value at specified dates. Berkshire did not elect the fair value option for any eligible items.
Note 7. Loans and receivables
Receivables of insurance and other businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).
2008 2007
Insurance premiums receivable................................................................................................ $ 5,612 $ 4,215
Reinsurance recoverables ......................................................................................................... 3,187 3,171
Trade and other receivables...................................................................................................... 8,186 6,127
Allowances for uncollectible accounts..................................................................................... (438) (356)
$16,547 $13,157
Loans and finance receivables of finance and financial products businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).
2008 2007
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables.............................................................. $12,630 $11,506
Commercial loans and finance receivables ............................................................................. 1,005 1,003
Allowances for uncollectible loans ......................................................................................... (174) (150)
$13,461 $12,359

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
9
Note 8. Property, plant and equipment of utilities and energy businesses
Property, plant and equipment of the utilities and energy businesses are summarized as follows (in millions).
Ranges of June 30, December 31,
estimated useful life 2008 2007
Utility generation, distribution and transmission system................ 5-85 years $31,747 $30,369
Interstate pipeline assets ................................................................. 3-67 years 5,439 5,484
Independent power plants and other assets..................................... 3-30 years 1,344 1,330
Construction in progress................................................................. — 1,701 1,745
40,231 38,928
Accumulated depreciation and amortization................................... (13,036) (12,707)
$27,195 $26,221
The utility generation, distribution and transmission system and interstate pipeline assets are the regulated assets of
public utility and natural gas pipeline subsidiaries. At June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, accumulated depreciation
and amortization related to regulated assets totaled $12.6 billion and $12.3 billion, respectively. Substantially all of the
construction in progress at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 related to the construction of regulated assets.
Note 9. Inventories
Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).
2008 2007
Raw materials........................................................................................................................ $1,168 $ 897
Work in process and other.................................................................................................... 698 479
Finished manufactured goods............................................................................................... 2,468 1,781
Purchased goods................................................................................................................... 2,747 2,636
$7,081 $5,793
Note 10. Income taxes, principally deferred
The liability for income taxes as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 as reflected in the accompanying
Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows (in millions).
2008 2007
Payable currently .................................................................................................................. $ 67 $ (182)
Deferred ................................................................................................................................ 15,965 18,156
Other ..................................................................................................................................... 789 851
$16,821 $18,825
Note 11. Notes payable and other borrowings
Notes payable and other borrowings of Berkshire and its subsidiaries are summarized below (in millions).
2008 2007
Insurance and other:
Issued or guaranteed by Berkshire..................................................................................... $ 1,724 $ 1,682
Issued by subsidiaries and not guaranteed by Berkshire *................................................. 2,015 998
$ 3,739 $ 2,680
* At June 30, 2008, includes borrowings of $1.1 billion of Marmon. (See Note 2).
2008 2007
Utilities and energy:
Issued by MidAmerican and its subsidiaries and not guaranteed by Berkshire:
MidAmerican senior unsecured debt............................................................................ $ 5,573 $ 5,471
Subsidiary and project debt .......................................................................................... 13,012 13,227
Other............................................................................................................................. 306 304
$18,891 $19,002

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
10
Note 11. Notes payable and other borrowings (Continued)
Subsidiary and project debt of utilities and energy businesses represents amounts issued by subsidiaries of
MidAmerican pursuant to separate project financing agreements. All or substantially all of the assets of certain utility
subsidiaries are or may be pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure the debt. These borrowing arrangements
generally contain various covenants including, but not limited to, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service
coverage ratios. As of June 30, 2008, MidAmerican and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable covenants.
During the first six months of 2008, MidAmerican and its subsidiaries issued $1.0 billion of notes maturing in 2018 and
repaid term debt of $1.1 billion. An additional $879 million of debt is scheduled to be repaid over the remainder of 2008.
2008 2007
Finance and financial products:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) and guaranteed
by Berkshire.................................................................................................................. $10,829 $ 8,886
Issued by other subsidiaries and guaranteed by Berkshire................................................. 778 804
Issued by other subsidiaries and not guaranteed by Berkshire........................................... 1,998 2,454
$13,605 $12,144
During 2008, BHFC issued $4.0 billion of senior notes with maturities ranging from 2011 to 2018, and repaid $2.05
billion of maturing notes. An additional $1.05 billion of BHFC notes mature on October 15, 2008. Borrowings by BHFC
are used to provide financing for consumer installment loans.
Note 12. Common stock
The following table summarizes Berkshire’s common stock activity during the first six months of 2008.
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, 2007........................................................ 1,081,024 14,000,080
Common stock issued ...................................................................... 955 17,262
Conversions of Class A common stock
to Class B common stock........................................................... (8,954) 268,620
Balance at June 30, 2008 ................................................................. 1,073,025 14,285,962
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 1,549,224 shares outstanding at June 30, 2008 and 1,547,693 shares outstanding at December 31, 2007. 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.
In January 2008, Berkshire issued 955 shares of Class A common stock to acquire certain minority shareholder interests in
MidAmerican.
Note 13. Comprehensive income
Berkshire’s comprehensive income for the second quarter and first six months of 2008 and 2007 is shown in the table
below (in millions).
2008 2007 2008 2007
Net earnings .................................................................................... $ 2,880 $3,118 $ 3,820 $5,713
Other comprehensive income:
Increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation of investments...... (6,690) 2,637 (10,688) 771
Applicable income taxes and minority interests....................... 2,378 (929) 3,798 (270)
Other................................................................................................ 16 218 119 265
Applicable income taxes and minority interests....................... 6 (41) 32 (59)
(4,290) 1,885 (6,739) 707
Comprehensive income (loss)......................................................... $(1,410) $5,003 $(2,919) $6,420

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
11
Note 14. Equitas reinsurance agreement
Effective March 30, 2007, the Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group’s lead insurance entity, National Indemnity
Company (“NICO”) and Equitas, a London based entity established to reinsure and manage the 1992 and prior years’ non-
life insurance and reinsurance liabilities of the Names or Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London, entered into an agreement for
NICO to initially provide up to $5.7 billion and to potentially provide up to an additional $1.3 billion of reinsurance to
Equitas in excess of its undiscounted loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves as of March 31, 2006. NICO
received substantially all of Equitas’ assets as consideration under the arrangement. The fair value of such consideration
was $7.1 billion which included cash and miscellaneous receivables ($540 million) plus a combination of fixed maturity
and equity securities which were delivered in April 2007. The cash and miscellaneous receivables received are included in
the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for 2007 as components of operating cash flows.
The investment securities received are reported as a non-cash investing activity. The Consolidated Statement of Earnings
for the first six months of 2007 includes premiums earned of $7.1 billion and losses incurred of $7.1 billion from this
transaction.
Note 15. Pension plans
The components of net periodic pension expense for the second quarter and first six months of 2008 and 2007 are as
follows (in millions).
2008 2007 2008 2007
Service cost....................................................................................... $ 44 $ 51 $ 91 $ 101
Interest cost ....................................................................................... 115 108 227 219
Expected return on plan assets.......................................................... (121) (109) (236) (218)
Amortization of prior service costs and gains/losses....................... 1 18 10 34
$ 39 $ 68 $ 92 $ 136
Note 16. Accounting pronouncements to be adopted in the future
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS
141R changes the accounting model for business combinations from a cost allocation standard to a standard that provides,
with limited exceptions, for the recognition at fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities of the business acquired,
regardless of whether 100% or a lesser controlling interest of the business is acquired. SFAS 141R defines the acquisition
date of a business acquisition as the date on which control is achieved (generally the closing date of the acquisition). SFAS
141R requires the recognition of assets and liabilities arising from contractual and non-contractual contingencies meeting a
“more-likely-than-not” threshold at fair value at the acquisition date. SFAS 141R also provides that acquisition costs are
expensed when incurred and expands disclosures. SFAS 141R is effective for business acquisitions with acquisition dates
on or after January 1, 2009.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an
amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for non-controlling
interests in consolidated subsidiaries (formerly “minority interests”) and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary and also
amends certain consolidation procedures for consistency with SFAS 141R. Under SFAS 160, non-controlling interests are
reported in the consolidated statement of financial position as a separate component within shareholders’ equity. Net
earnings and comprehensive income attributable to controlling and non-controlling interests are to be shown separately in
the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income. Any changes in ownership interests of a non-
controlling interest where the parent retains a controlling interest are to be reported as equity transactions. SFAS 160 is
effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. When adopted, SFAS 160 is to be applied
prospectively at the beginning of the year, except that the presentation and disclosure requirements are applied
retrospectively for all periods presented.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities –
an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about (a) how and
why derivative instruments are used, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and (c)
how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash
flows. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November
15, 2008.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts” (“SFAS
163”). SFAS 163 clarifies accounting standards applicable to financial guarantee insurance contracts and specifies certain
disclosures. SFAS 163 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008,
except certain disclosures are effective for periods beginning after June 30, 2008.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
12
Note 16. Accounting pronouncements to be adopted in the future (Continued)
Berkshire is evaluating the impact that these pronouncements will have on its consolidated financial statements but
currently does not anticipate that the adoption of these pronouncements will have a material effect on its consolidated
financial statements.
Note 17. Business segment data
Berkshire’s consolidated segment data for the second quarter and first six months of 2008 and 2007 is as follows (in
millions).
Revenues
Operating Businesses: 2008 2007 2008 2007
Insurance group:
Premiums earned:
GEICO............................................................................................. $ 3,086 $ 2,939 $6,118 $ 5,797
General Re ...................................................................................... 1,488 1,494 3,192 3,096
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group........................................ 1,156 1,022 2,140 9,602
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group............................................... 501 495 990 969
Investment income .............................................................................. 1,221 1,247 2,320 2,334
Total insurance group ............................................................................ 7,452 7,197 14,760 21,798
Finance and financial products .............................................................. 1,303 1,371 2,461 2,574
Marmon *............................................................................................... 1,901 — 2,166 —
McLane Company.................................................................................. 7,269 6,933 14,258 13,556
MidAmerican ......................................................................................... 3,035 3,060 6,429 6,333
Shaw Industries...................................................................................... 1,337 1,407 2,561 2,692
Other businesses .................................................................................... 6,986 6,647 13,377 12,166
29,283 26,615 56,012 59,119
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses ............................................... 935 928 (591) 1,516
Eliminations and other ........................................................................ (125) (196) (153) (370)
$30,093 $27,347 $55,268 $60,265
Earnings before taxes
and minority interests
Operating Businesses: 2008 2007 2008 2007
Insurance group:
Underwriting:
GEICO............................................................................................. $ 298 $ 325 $ 484 $ 620
General Re....................................................................................... 102 230 144 260
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group ........................................ 79 356 108 909
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group ............................................... 81 63 106 112
Net investment income........................................................................ 1,204 1,236 2,293 2,314
Total insurance group ............................................................................ 1,764 2,210 3,135 4,215
Finance and financial products .............................................................. 254 277 495 519
Marmon *............................................................................................... 261 — 289 —
McLane Company.................................................................................. 68 72 141 130
MidAmerican ......................................................................................... 329 372 845 885
Shaw Industries...................................................................................... 82 111 133 202
Other businesses .................................................................................... 874 904 1,567 1,536
3,632 3,946 6,605 7,487
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses ............................................... 935 928 (591) 1,516
Interest expense, excluding interest allocated to business segments... (9) (12) (17) (27)
Eliminations and other ........................................................................ (87) (46) (73) (88)
$ 4,471 $ 4,816 $ 5,924 $ 8,888
* Includes results from the acquisition date of March 18, 2008.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
13
Note 18. Contingencies
Berkshire and its subsidiaries are parties in a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. In
particular, 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. Berkshire and certain of its
subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose
fines and penalties in substantial amounts.
a) Governmental Investigations
Berkshire, General Re Corporation (“General Re”) and certain of Berkshire’s insurance subsidiaries, including General
Reinsurance Corporation (“General Reinsurance”) and National Indemnity Company (“NICO”) have been continuing to
cooperate fully with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S.
Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and the New York State Attorney General (“NYAG”) in their ongoing
investigations of non-traditional products. General Re originally received subpoenas from the SEC and NYAG in January
2005. Berkshire, General Re, General Reinsurance and NICO have been providing information to the government relating
to transactions between General Reinsurance or NICO (or their respective subsidiaries or affiliates) and other insurers in
response to the January 2005 subpoenas and related requests and, in the case of General Reinsurance (or its subsidiaries or
affiliates), in response to subpoenas from other U.S. Attorneys conducting investigations relating to certain of these
transactions. In particular, Berkshire and General Re have been responding to requests from the government for
information relating to certain transactions that may have been accounted for incorrectly by counterparties of General
Reinsurance (or its subsidiaries or affiliates). The government has interviewed a number of current and former officers and
employees of General Re and General Reinsurance as well as Berkshire’s Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett, in
connection with these investigations.
In one case, a transaction initially effected with American International Group (“AIG”) in late 2000 (the “AIG
Transaction”), AIG has corrected its prior accounting for the transaction on the grounds, as stated in AIG’s 2004 10-K, that
the transaction was done to accomplish a desired accounting result and did not entail sufficient qualifying risk transfer to
support reinsurance accounting. General Reinsurance has been named in related civil actions brought against AIG. As part
of their ongoing investigations, governmental authorities have also inquired about the accounting by certain of Berkshire’s
insurance subsidiaries for certain assumed and ceded finite reinsurance transactions.
In June 2005, John Houldsworth, the former Chief Executive Officer of Cologne Reinsurance Company (Dublin)
Limited (“CRD”), a subsidiary of General Re, and Richard Napier, a former Senior Vice President of General Re who had
served as an account representative for the AIG account, each pleaded guilty to a federal criminal charge of conspiring with
others to misstate certain AIG financial statements in connection with the AIG Transaction and entered into a partial
settlement agreement with the SEC with respect to such matters.
On February 25, 2008, Ronald Ferguson, General Re’s former Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Monrad, General
Re’s former Chief Financial Officer, Christopher Garand, a former General Reinsurance Senior Vice President and Robert
Graham, a former General Reinsurance Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, were each convicted in a trial
in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut on charges of conspiracy, mail fraud, securities fraud and making
false statements to the SEC in connection with the AIG Transaction. These individuals have the right to appeal their
convictions. Following their convictions, each of these individuals agreed to a judgment on a forfeiture allegation which
required them to be jointly and severally liable for a payment of $5 million to the U.S. government. This $5 million
amount, which represented the fee received by General Reinsurance in connection with the AIG Transaction, was paid by
General Reinsurance in April 2008. Each of these individuals, who had previously received a “Wells” notice in 2005 from
the SEC, is also the subject of an SEC enforcement action for allegedly aiding and abetting AIG’s violations of the
antifraud provisions and other provisions of the federal securities laws in connection with the AIG Transaction. The SEC
case is presently stayed. Joseph Brandon, who resigned as the Chief Executive Officer of General Re effective on April
14, 2008, also received a “Wells” notice from the SEC in 2005.
Berkshire understands that the government is evaluating the actions of General Re and its subsidiaries to determine
whether General Re or its subsidiaries conspired with others to misstate counterparty financial statements or aided and
abetted such misstatements by the counterparties. Berkshire believes that government authorities are continuing to evaluate
possible legal actions against General Re and its subsidiaries.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
14
Note 18. Contingencies (Continued)
Various state insurance departments have issued subpoenas or otherwise requested that General Reinsurance, NICO and
their affiliates provide documents and information relating to non-traditional products. The Office of the Connecticut
Attorney General has also issued a subpoena to General Reinsurance for information relating to non-traditional products.
General Reinsurance, NICO and their affiliates have been cooperating fully with these subpoenas and requests.
CRD is also providing information to and cooperating fully with the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority in its
inquiries regarding the activities of CRD. The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement in Ireland is conducting a
preliminary evaluation in relation to CRD concerning, in particular, transactions between CRD and AIG. CRD is
cooperating fully with this preliminary evaluation.
Berkshire cannot at this time predict the outcome of these matters and is unable to estimate a range of possible loss and
cannot predict whether or not the outcomes will have a material adverse effect on Berkshire’s business or results of
operations for at least the quarterly period when these matters are completed or otherwise resolved.
b) Civil Litigation
Reference is made to Note 19 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for detailed
discussion of such actions. There have been no material developments related to such actions since December 31, 2007.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
15
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Results of Operations
Net earnings for the second quarter and first six months of 2008 and 2007 are disaggregated in the table that follows.
Amounts are after deducting minority interests and income taxes. Amounts are in millions.
2008 2007 2008 2007
Insurance – underwriting ................................................................................. $ 360 $ 632 $ 541 $1,233
Insurance – investment income........................................................................ 884 862 1,686 1,610
Utilities and energy.......................................................................................... 208 231 524 524
Manufacturing, service and retailing............................................................... 719 645 1,206 1,091
Finance and financial products........................................................................ 159 173 306 328
Other................................................................................................................. (60) (33) (62) (63)
Investment and derivative gains/losses............................................................ 610 608 (381) 990
Net earnings .................................................................................................. $2,880 $3,118 $3,820 $5,713
Berkshire’s operating businesses are managed on an unusually decentralized basis. There are essentially no centralized
or integrated business functions (such as sales, marketing, purchasing, legal or human resources) and there is minimal
involvement by Berkshire’s corporate headquarters in the day-to-day business activities of the operating businesses.
Berkshire’s corporate office management participates in and is ultimately responsible for significant capital allocation
decisions, investment activities and the selection of the Chief Executive to head each of the operating businesses. The
business segment data (Note 17 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this
discussion.
Insurance — Underwriting
A summary follows of underwriting results from Berkshire’s insurance businesses for the second quarter and first six
months of 2008 and 2007. Amounts are in millions.
2008 2007 2008 2007
Underwriting gain attributable to:
GEICO........................................................................................................... $ 298 $ 325 $ 484 $ 620
General Re..................................................................................................... 102 230 144 260
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group ..................................................... 79 356 108 909
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group ............................................................ 81 63 106 112
Pre-tax underwriting gain ................................................................................ 560 974 842 1,901
Income taxes and minority interests ................................................................ 200 342 301 668
Net underwriting gain ................................................................................... $ 360 $ 632 $ 541 $1,233
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 and reinsurance businesses are: (1) GEICO,
(2) General Re, (3) Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group and (4) Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group.
Berkshire’s management views insurance businesses as possessing two distinct operations — underwriting and
investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers; investing decisions are the responsibility of
Berkshire’s Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett, except for selected investment portfolios which are the responsibility
of investment managers at GEICO and General Re. Accordingly, Berkshire evaluates performance of underwriting
operations without any allocation of investment income.
A significant marketing strategy followed by Berkshire’s insurance businesses is the maintenance of extraordinary
capital strength. Combined statutory surplus of Berkshire’s insurance businesses totaled approximately $62 billion at
December 31, 2007. This superior capital strength creates opportunities, especially with respect to reinsurance activities, to
negotiate and enter into insurance and reinsurance contracts specially designed to meet the unique needs of insurance and
reinsurance buyers.
Periodic underwriting results are affected significantly by changes in estimates for unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses, including amounts established for occurrences in prior years. In addition, the timing and amount of catastrophe
losses produce significant volatility in periodic underwriting results. Hurricanes and tropical storms affecting the United
States and Caribbean tend to occur between June and December. Except for retroactive reinsurance business, underwriting
operations are managed with the objective of earning net underwriting gains over the long term.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
16
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
Insurance — Underwriting (Continued)
Berkshire believes that underwriting gains in 2008 will be substantially lower than in 2007 as price competition has steadily
increased over the past two years in most property and casualty markets. In addition, Berkshire’s property and casualty
reinsurance operations have benefited during the past two years from relatively low levels of catastrophe losses, which
investors should not assume will recur in 2008. Additional information regarding Berkshire’s insurance and reinsurance
operations follows.
GEICO
GEICO primarily provides private passenger automobile coverages to insureds in 49 states and the District of Columbia.
GEICO policies are marketed mainly by direct response methods in which customers apply for coverage directly to the
company via the Internet, over the telephone or through the mail. This is a significant element in GEICO’s strategy to be a low
cost insurer. In addition, GEICO strives to provide excellent service to customers, with the goal of establishing long-term
customer relationships. GEICO’s pre-tax underwriting results for the second quarter and first six months of 2008 and 2007 are
summarized in the table below. Dollar amounts are in millions.
2008 2007 2008 2007
Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount %
Premiums earned............................ $3,086 100.0 $2,939 100.0 $6,118 100.0 $5,797 100.0
Losses and loss expenses ............... 2,233 72.4 2,095 71.3 4,518 73.9 4,138 71.4
Underwriting expenses................... 555 18.0 519 17.6 1,116 18.2 1,039 17.9
Total losses and expenses .............. 2,788 90.4 2,614 88.9 5,634 92.1 5,177 89.3
Pre-tax underwriting gain............... $ 298 $ 325 $ 484 $ 620
Premiums earned in 2008 exceeded amounts earned in 2007 by $147 million (5.0%) for the second quarter and $321
million (5.5%) for the first six months. The growth in premiums earned for voluntary auto was 5.3%, which represented an
increase in policies-in-force of 7.8%, partially offset by a decline in average premiums per policy. Policies-in-force over the
last twelve months increased 6.6% in the preferred risk auto markets and 11.6% in the standard and nonstandard auto markets.
Voluntary auto new business sales in the first six months of 2008 declined slightly compared to 2007. Voluntary auto
policies-in-force at June 30, 2008 were 340,000 greater than at December 31, 2007.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in 2008 exceeded 2007 amounts by $138 million (6.6%) for the second
quarter and $380 million (9.2%) for the first six months. The loss ratio was 73.9% in the first six months of 2008 compared to
71.4% in 2007. The comparatively higher loss ratio in 2008 reflected an overall increase in average claim severities and the
effect of lower average premiums per policy, partially offset by overall declines in claim frequencies. Average injury and
physical damage severities in 2008 increased in the five to eight percent range from 2007. Claims frequencies in 2008 for
physical damage coverages decreased in the six to eight percent range from 2007 while frequencies for injury coverages
decreased in the four to six percent range. Incurred losses from catastrophe events for the first six months of 2008 were $60
million, exceeding 2007 by approximately $40 million. Management anticipates that the loss ratio over the remainder of 2008
will be higher than in 2007, resulting in comparatively lower underwriting gains. Underwriting expenses incurred in the first
six months of 2008 were $1,116 million, an increase of 7.4% compared to 2007. The increase in expenses reflects higher
advertising and policy issuance costs.
General Re
General Re conducts a reinsurance business offering property and casualty and life and health coverages to clients
worldwide. Property and casualty reinsurance is written in North America on a direct basis through General Reinsurance
Corporation and internationally through 95% owned Cologne Re (based in Germany) and other wholly-owned affiliates.
Property and casualty reinsurance is also written through brokers by Faraday in London. Life and health reinsurance is
written worldwide through Cologne Re. General Re strives to generate underwriting gains in essentially all of its product
lines. Underwriting performance is not evaluated based upon market share and underwriters are instructed to reject
inadequately priced risks. General Re’s underwriting results for the second quarter and first six months of 2008 and 2007
are summarized in the table below. Amounts are in millions.
Premiums earned Pre-tax underwriting gain/loss
Second Quarter First Six Months Second Quarter First Six Months
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Property/casualty......................... $ 821 $ 871 $1,859 $1,865 $ 55 $ 182 $ 70 $ 177
Life/health.................................... 667 623 1,333 1,231 47 48 74 83
$1,488 $1,494 $3,192 $3,096 $ 102 $ 230 $ 144 $ 260

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
17
General Re (Continued)
Property/casualty
Property/casualty premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 declined $50 million (5.7%) and
$6 million (0.3%), respectively, versus the corresponding 2007 periods. Premiums earned in the first six months of 2008
included $205 million with respect to a reinsurance to close transaction in the first quarter, which increased General Re’s
economic interest in the runoff of Lloyd’s Syndicate 435’s 2000 year of account from 39% to 100%. A similar reinsurance
to close transaction in the first quarter of 2007 generated earned premiums of $114 million and increased General Re’s
economic interest in the runoff of Lloyd’s Syndicate 435’s 2001 year of account from 60% to 100%. In each transaction,
General Re assumed a corresponding amount of net loss reserves and as a result these transactions had no impact on
underwriting gains or losses. General Re now possesses 100% of the economic interest in the years of account 2000
through 2008 of Lloyd’s Syndicate 435.
Excluding the increase in premiums earned from the reinsurance to close transactions and the effects of foreign
currency exchange rate changes, premiums earned in the first six months of 2008 decreased $182 million (10.4%) from
2007. The reduced premium volume reflects continued underwriting discipline by declining to accept business where
pricing is considered inadequate. Price competition continues to put downward pressure on premium rates in most
reinsurance markets. Absent any major new business or significant transactions, General Re’s premium volume will likely
decline further over the remainder of 2008 when compared with 2007, as non-renewals and policy cancellations are
expected to exceed new business.
The property/casualty business produced underwriting gains of $55 million in the second quarter and $70 million in the
first six months of 2008 compared with underwriting gains of $182 million and $177 million in the respective 2007
periods. Results for the first six months of 2008 included a gain of $133 million from property business and a loss of $63
million from casualty and workers’ compensation business. Property results for the first six months of 2008 included $50
million of catastrophe losses arising primarily from winter storm Emma in Germany and hailstorms in Europe. The loss
from casualty and workers’ compensation business for the first six months of 2008 included losses of $60 million from
workers’ compensation reserve discount accretion and deferred charge amortization. Underwriting results for the first six
months of 2007 were comprised of gains of $174 million from property business and $3 million from casualty and
workers’ compensation business. In 2007, property results included catastrophe losses of $110 million from windstorm
Kyrill in Northern Europe and casualty results reflected losses of $63 million from workers’ compensation reserve discount
accretion and deferred charge amortization. Underwriting results in both 2008 and 2007 were adversely impacted by legal
costs incurred in connection with the regulatory investigations of finite reinsurance.
Life/health
Life/health premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 increased $44 million (7.1%) and $102
million (8.3%), respectively, over the comparable periods in 2007. Before the effects of changes in foreign currency
exchange rates, premiums earned in 2008 were relatively unchanged from 2007. Life/health operations produced
comparable underwriting gains in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 versus the corresponding 2007 periods.
Underwriting results in each year were driven by gains from life business due primarily to favorable mortality and were
partially offset by losses in the U.S. long-term health care business.
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group
The Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”) underwrites excess-of-loss reinsurance and quota-share
coverages for insurers and reinsurers worldwide. BHRG’s business includes catastrophe excess-of-loss reinsurance and
excess direct and facultative reinsurance for large or otherwise unusual discrete property risks referred to as individual risk.
Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to past loss
events. Other multi-line refers to other business written on both a quota-share and excess basis, participations in and
contracts with Lloyd’s syndicates, as well as property, aviation and workers’ compensation programs. BHRG’s
underwriting results for the second quarter and first six months of 2008 and 2007 are summarized in the table below.
Amounts are in millions.
Premiums earned Pre-tax underwriting gain/loss
Second Quarter First Six Months Second Quarter First Six Months
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Catastrophe and individual risk .... $ 222 $ 392 $ 439 $ 866 $ 176 $ 330 $ 350 $ 804
Retroactive reinsurance................. 3 5 3 7,394 (112) (112) (233) (190)
Other multi-line............................. 931 625 1,698 1,342 15 138 (9) 295
$1,156 $1,022 $2,140 $9,602 $ 79 $ 356 $ 108 $ 909

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
18
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (Continued)
Premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 from catastrophe and individual risk contracts
declined $170 million (43%) and $427 million (49%), respectively, compared with the prior year periods. The level of
business written in a given period will vary significantly due to changes in market conditions and management’s
assessment of the adequacy of premium rates. Throughout 2007 and the first six months of 2008, catastrophe and
individual risk business written declined as increased price competition resulted in fewer opportunities to write business at
prices acceptable to BHRG. As a result, premiums written in the first six months of 2008 declined 29% versus 2007.
Catastrophe and individual risk premiums earned over the remainder of 2008 are expected to continue to be lower than in
2007. Pre-tax underwriting gains in 2008 and 2007 reflected no significant catastrophe losses. Underwriting gains over
the remainder of 2008 are expected to be significantly lower compared to 2007 as a result of the anticipated declines in
premium volume in 2008 and the absence of major catastrophe losses in 2007.
Premiums from retroactive reinsurance for the first six months of 2007 included approximately $7.1 billion from the
Equitas reinsurance agreement which became effective on March 30, 2007. Retroactive policies generally provide very
large, but limited, indemnification of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to past loss events that are
generally expected to be paid over long periods of time. The underwriting losses from retroactive policies primarily
represent the periodic amortization of deferred charges established at the inception of the contracts. At June 30, 2008,
unamortized deferred charges for all of BHRG’s retroactive contracts were approximately $3.5 billion and gross unpaid
losses were approximately $16.6 billion.
Premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 from other multi-line business exceeded amounts
earned in the prior year periods by $306 million (49%) and $356 million (27%), respectively. Premiums earned in the
second quarter and first six months of 2008 included $534 million and $673 million, respectively, from a quota-share
contract with Swiss Reinsurance Company and its property/casualty affiliates (“Swiss Re”) that became effective January
1, 2008. Under the agreement, BHRG assumes a 20% quota-share of the premiums and related losses and expenses on all
property/casualty risks of Swiss Re incepting over the five year period ending December 31, 2012. Based on recent annual
premium volume, BHRG’s annual written premium under this agreement is expected to be in the $3 billion range;
however, actual premiums assumed over the five year period could vary significantly depending on Swiss Re’s response to
market conditions and opportunities that arise over the contract term. Otherwise, multi-line premiums earned in the first
six months of 2008 declined 24% versus 2007 reflecting comparatively lower premium volume from workers’
compensation programs and Lloyd’s market participations. Multi-line business produced a pre-tax underwriting loss of $9
million in the first six months of 2008 compared to a gain of $295 million in 2007. Underwriting results in 2008 reflected
significant declines in underwriting gains from property and workers’ compensation business and increased casualty losses
versus 2007.
In December 2007, BHRG formed a mono-line financial guarantee insurance company, Berkshire Hathaway Assurance
Corporation (“BHAC”). BHAC commenced operations during the first quarter of 2008 and is licensed in 49 states. As of
June 30, 2008, BHAC had approximately $1 billion in capital and has received the highest rating available from two credit
rating agencies. BHRG is pursuing opportunities to write financial guarantee insurance on municipal bonds and entered
into agreements that generated $520 million in consideration during 2008. In its first six months of operations, BHAC
produced $210 million of written premiums. The impact of this new business on underwriting results was nominal. In
addition, BHRG received $310 million for transactions which were structured as credit default derivative contracts and
which provide the counterparties with credit protection on specified municipal bond issues.
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group
Premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 by Berkshire’s various primary insurers were $501
million and $990 million, respectively, which increased slightly over the premiums earned in the corresponding prior year
periods. For the first six months, Berkshire’s primary insurers produced underwriting gains of $106 million in 2008 and
$112 million in 2007. Net underwriting gains in the first six months of 2008 reflected a significant decline in underwriting
gains from the NICO Primary Group, which was mostly offset by increases from MedPro and US Liability and the
inclusion of USBoat (acquired in August 2007).
Insurance - Investment Income
A summary of net investment income of Berkshire’s insurance businesses for the second quarter and first six months of
2008 and 2007 follows. Amounts are in millions.
2008 2007 2008 2007
Investment income before taxes and minority interests ..................................... $1,204 $1,236 $2,293 $2,314
Income taxes and minority interests................................................................... 320 374 607 704
Investment income after taxes and minority interests ........................................ $ 884 $ 862 $1,686 $1,610
Pre-tax investment income earned by insurance operations in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 declined $32
million and $21 million, respectively, from the amounts earned in the comparable 2007 periods. For the first six months of

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
19
Insurance - Investment Income (Continued)
2008, dividend income increased approximately $330 million, reflecting increased investments in equity securities and
increased dividend rates with respect to certain securities. The increases in dividends earned were more than offset by
declines in interest earned, reflecting lower investment levels and generally lower interest rates applicable to short term
investments versus the first half of 2007.
A summary of cash and investments held in Berkshire’s insurance businesses follows. Amounts are in millions.
June 30,
2008
Dec. 31,
2007
June 30,
2007
Cash and cash equivalents............................................................................... $ 25,358 $ 28,257 $ 35,910
Equity securities.............................................................................................. 69,278 74,681 73,237
Fixed maturity securities................................................................................. 30,169 27,922 25,417
$124,805 $130,860 $134,564
Fixed maturity securities as of June 30, 2008 were as follows. Amounts are in millions.
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains/Losses Fair Value
U.S. Treasury, government corporations and agencies................................... $ 4,663 $ 46 $ 4,709
States, municipalities and political subdivisions............................................. 2,052 58 2,110
Foreign governments....................................................................................... 10,117 (89) 10,028
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stocks, investment grade ............ 4,707 (7) 4,700
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stocks, non-investment grade..... 4,594 733 5,327
Mortgage-backed securities ............................................................................ 3,268 27 3,295
$ 29,401 $ 768 $ 30,169
U.S. government obligations are rated AAA by the major rating agencies and approximately 95% of all state, municipal
and political subdivisions, foreign government obligations and mortgage-backed securities were rated AA or higher. Non-
investment grade securities represent securities that are rated below BBB- or Baa3.
Invested assets derive from shareholder capital and reinvested earnings as well as net liabilities assumed under
insurance contracts or “float.” The major components of float are unpaid losses, unearned premiums and other liabilities to
policyholders less premiums and reinsurance receivables, deferred charges assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts
and deferred policy acquisition costs. Float was approximately $59 billion at June 30, 2008 and was relatively unchanged
from December 31, 2007. The cost of float, as represented by the ratio of pre-tax underwriting gain or loss to average
float, was negative in 2008 and 2007, as Berkshire’s insurance businesses generated underwriting gains in each period.
Utilities and Energy (“MidAmerican”)
Revenues and earnings from MidAmerican for the second quarter and first six months of 2008 and 2007 are
summarized below. Amounts are in millions.
Revenues Earnings Revenues Earnings
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
MidAmerican Energy Company...................... $1,093 $ 983 $ 67 $ 89 $2,471 $2,234 $ 201 $ 212
PacifiCorp......................................................... 1,069 1,043 159 156 2,176 2,081 327 319
Natural gas pipelines ........................................ 244 223 91 70 588 546 283 252
U.K. utilities...................................................... 244 263 73 76 533 519 193 156
Real estate brokerage........................................ 347 475 15 37 592 813 (4) 35
Other ................................................................. 38 73 13 19 69 140 17 57
$3,035 $3,060 $6,429 $6,333
Earnings before corporate interest and taxes... 418 447 1,017 1,031
Interest, other than to Berkshire....................... (89) (75) (172) (146)
Interest on Berkshire junior debt...................... (22) (29) (45) (58)
Income taxes and minority interests................. (87) (102) (238) (273)
Net earnings........................................... $ 220 $ 241 $ 562 $ 554
Earnings applicable to Berkshire * .................. $ 208 $ 231 $ 524 $ 524
Debt owed to others at June 30........................ $18,891 $18,214
Debt owed to Berkshire at June 30 .................. $ 754 $ 988
* Net of minority interests and includes interest earned by Berkshire (net of related income taxes).

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
20
Utilities and Energy (“MidAmerican”) (Continued)
Berkshire currently owns an 88.2% (87.4% diluted) voting and economic interest in MidAmerican Energy Holdings
Company (“MidAmerican”), an international energy company. MidAmerican’s domestic regulated energy interests are
comprised of two regulated utility companies (MidAmerican Energy Company (“MEC”) and PacifiCorp) serving over 3
million retail customers and two interstate natural gas pipeline companies with over 17,000 miles of pipeline in operation
and design capacity of about 6.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. In the United Kingdom, electricity distribution
subsidiaries serve about 3.8 million electricity end users. The rates that MidAmerican’s utilities, electricity distribution
businesses and natural gas pipelines may charge customers for energy and other services are generally subject to regulatory
approval. Rates are based in large part on the costs of business operations, including a return on capital. To the extent
these operations are not allowed to include such costs in the approved rates, operating results will be adversely affected. In
addition, MidAmerican’s other businesses include a diversified portfolio of independent power projects and the second-
largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States.
In 2008, MEC’s revenues for the second quarter and for the first six months increased $110 million (11%) and $237
million (11%), respectively, over the comparable 2007 periods. In 2008, MEC’s regulated natural gas revenues increased
$71 million for the second quarter and $143 million for the first six months over 2007, primarily due to higher per-unit gas
costs which were passed on to customers through rates and higher sales volume (increased demand due to colder
temperatures). In addition, MEC’s non-regulated energy and other revenues increased $14 million for the second quarter and
$75 million for the first six months versus 2007 primarily attributable to higher average prices. PacifiCorp’s revenues in the
second quarter and first six months of 2008 increased $26 million (2%) and $95 million (5%), respectively, over revenues
in 2007 due primarily to higher retail sales volume, higher retail rates and increased wholesale revenues.
In 2008, natural gas pipelines revenues increased $21 million (9%) in the second quarter and $42 million (8%) over
revenues in the corresponding 2007 periods, due primarily to overall stronger market conditions, the impact of system
expansion projects and a reduction in customer refund liabilities related to a current rate proceeding. U.K. utility revenues
in the second quarter decreased $19 million (7%) versus 2007 and for first six months of 2008 increased $14 million (3%) over
2007. Regulatory rates that were increased in 2007 to allow for certain cost recoveries were lowered during the second quarter
of 2008. Otherwise, distribution volume declined as a result of lower average consumption per customer. Real estate
brokerage revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 declined $128 million (27%) and $221 million (27%),
respectively, from the prior year periods due to significant declines in transaction volume, reflecting the continuing weakness
in U.S. housing markets.
MidAmerican’s earnings before corporate interest and income taxes (“EBIT”) for the second quarter of 2008 of $418
million decreased $29 million (6%) as compared to 2007. For the first six months of 2008, EBIT was $1,017 million, and
was relatively unchanged from 2007. EBIT of MEC and PacifiCorp decreased $19 million (8%) in the second quarter of
2008 and for the first six months was relatively unchanged compared to 2007. Increased revenues from these operations
were substantially offset by higher costs of fuel, scheduled maintenance costs, storm damage repairs and increased interest
expense. EBIT of natural gas pipelines in 2008 increased $21 million (30%) for the second quarter and $31 million (12%)
for the first six months versus 2007, primarily due to the aforementioned revenue increases. EBIT of the U.K. utilities in
the first six months of 2008 increased $37 million (24%) over 2007 and was primarily due to the increase in revenues as
well as lower interest expense. In 2008, EBIT of the real estate brokerage business for the second quarter and first six
months declined significantly versus 2007, attributable to the aforementioned decline in transaction volume resulting from
ongoing poor conditions in the U.S. housing markets.
Manufacturing, Service and Retailing
A summary of second quarter and first six months revenues and pre-tax earnings of 2008 and 2007 for Berkshire’s
manufacturing, service and retailing businesses follows. Amounts are in millions.
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Marmon............................................... $ 1,901 $ — $ 261 $ — $ 2,166 $ — $ 289 $ —
McLane Company............................... 7,269 6,933 68 72 14,258 13,556 141 130
Shaw Industries................................... 1,337 1,407 82 111 2,561 2,692 133 202
Other manufacturing............................. 3,972 3,817 528 567 7,475 7,030 980 1,011
Other service....................................... 2,276 2,033 317 282 4,402 3,568 526 421
Retailing.............................................. 738 797 29 55 1,500 1,568 61 104
$17,493 $14,987 $32,362 $28,414
Pre-tax earnings .................................. $1,285 $1,087 $2,130 $1,868
Income taxes and minority interests.... 566 442 924 777
$ 719 $ 645 $1,206 $1,091

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
21
Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)
Marmon
On March 18, 2008, Berkshire acquired a 60% interest in Marmon Holdings, Inc. (“Marmon”). During the second
quarter of 2008, Berkshire acquired additional interests in Marmon and at June 30, 2008 owned 63.6% of Marmon.
Marmon’s operating results are included in Berkshire’s consolidated results from the date of the initial acquisition. See
Note 2 to the accompanying Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information concerning Marmon’s
operations. For the six months ending June 30, 2008, Marmon’s revenues and pre-tax earnings were approximately $3.6
billion and $500 million, respectively, and were relatively unchanged from the first six months of 2007. In 2008, revenues
and pre-tax earnings reflected increases in the transportation services and water treatment businesses offset by declines in
the wire & cable and flow products businesses.
McLane Company
McLane’s revenues for the second quarter and first six months of 2008 increased $336 million (5%) and $702 million
(5%), respectively, over the corresponding 2007 periods. The increases in revenues reflect additional grocery and
foodservice customers as well as manufacturer price increases and state excise tax increases which were passed on to
customers. Pre-tax earnings for the second quarter of 2008 declined $4 million (6%) from 2007 and for the first six months
of 2008 increased $11 million (8%) over 2007. Pre-tax earnings in 2007 included a gain of $10 million in the second
quarter from a litigation settlement. McLane’s business is marked by high sales volume and very low profit margins and is
subject to significant price competition. The gross sales margin rate for the first six months of 2008 was approximately
6.0% versus 5.8% for the first six months of 2007. The comparative increase in the gross margin rate reflects price
changes related to certain categories of grocery products and the impact of a heavy liquids sales surcharge which began in
April 2007 and was partially offset by higher fuel, insurance and other administrative costs. Approximately one-third of
McLane’s annual revenues are from Wal-Mart. A curtailment of purchasing by Wal-Mart could have a material adverse
impact on the earnings of McLane.
Shaw Industries
Revenues of Shaw Industries in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 declined $70 million (5%) and $131
million (5%), respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2007. The decreases were primarily due to an 11%
reduction in year-to-date carpet sales volume, driven by a 13% decline in residential carpet partially offset by an increase in
commercial carpet and slightly higher average selling prices. The decrease in residential carpet volume in 2008 reflected
the significant downturn in residential real estate activity that began in 2006, which has been exacerbated by the mortgage
lending crisis.
In 2008, pre-tax earnings declined $29 million (26%) for the second quarter and $69 million (34%) for the first six
months as compared to 2007, reflecting the aforementioned decline in sales volume and higher product costs due to lower
manufacturing efficiencies from decreased production as well as the negative impact of rising raw material costs. Raw
materials in carpet are predominantly petrochemicals, the costs of which are correlated with the price of oil. To offset
rising raw material costs, Shaw has instituted sales price increases. Management expects residential housing and real estate
activities to remain depressed for the remainder of 2008. Consequently, Shaw’s sales volume and earnings over the
remainder of 2008 are likely to be lower as compared to 2007.
Other manufacturing
Berkshire’s other manufacturing businesses include a wide array of businesses. Included in this group are several
manufacturers of building products (Acme Building Brands, Benjamin Moore, Johns Manville and MiTek) and apparel (led
by Fruit of the Loom which includes the Russell athletic apparel and sporting goods business and the Vanity Fair Brands
women’s intimate apparel business acquired in April 2007). Also included in this group are Forest River, a leading
manufacturer of leisure vehicles, CTB International (“CTB”), a manufacturer of equipment for the livestock and
agricultural industries and the ISCAR Metalworking Companies (“IMC”), an industry leader in the metal cutting tools
business with operations worldwide. There are also numerous other manufacturers of consumer and commercial products
in this diverse group.
Revenues of other manufacturing businesses in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 increased $155 million
(4%) and $445 million (6%), respectively, over the corresponding prior year periods. The increases were primarily
attributable to the inclusion of businesses acquired in 2007 and increased revenues from IMC and CTB, partially offset by
lower revenues from Forest River. In addition, demand for certain building products continues to be adversely affected as
a result of the general slowdown in housing construction.
Pre-tax earnings of other manufacturing businesses were $528 million in the second quarter and $980 million in the first
six months of 2008 and represented decreases of $39 million (7%) and $31 million (3%), respectively, compared with
2007. The declines reflected lower earnings from apparel and building products businesses, partially offset by increased
earnings from IMC and CTB. Increasing raw material costs and lower manufacturing efficiencies from lower production have

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
22
Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)
Other manufacturing (Continued)
resulted in deterioration in operating earnings in 2008 for several of Berkshire’s manufacturing businesses. Revenues and
earnings from the building products businesses will likely decline further during the remainder of 2008 as a result of the
slowdown in housing construction.
Other service
Berkshire’s other service businesses include NetJets, the world’s leading provider of fractional ownership programs for
general aviation aircraft, and FlightSafety, a provider of high technology training to operators of aircraft and ships. Among
the other businesses included in this group are: TTI, a leading electronic components distributor (acquired March 2007);
Business Wire, a leading distributor of corporate news, multimedia and regulatory filings; The Pampered Chef, a direct
seller of high quality kitchen tools; International Dairy Queen, a licensor and service provider to about 6,000 stores that
offer prepared dairy treats and food; The Buffalo News, a publisher of a daily and Sunday newspaper; and businesses that
provide management and other services to insurance companies.
In 2008, revenues of the other service businesses of $2,276 million in the second quarter and $4,402 million in the first
six months increased $243 million (12%) and $834 million (23%), respectively, over the corresponding 2007 periods. In
2008, pre-tax earnings of $317 million in the second quarter and $526 million in the first six months increased $35 million
(12%) and $105 million (25%) over the corresponding 2007 periods.
Results for the first six months of 2008 reflect six months of revenues and earnings from TTI whereas results in 2007
included TTI’s post-acquisition date results. Approximately 50% of the increase in pre-tax earnings for the first six
months was due to TTI with the remainder due primarily to NetJets, FlightSafety and Business Wire.
Retailing
Berkshire’s retail operations consist of four home furnishings (Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey, Star Furniture
and Jordan’s) and three jewelry (Borsheims, Helzberg and Ben Bridge) retailers. See’s Candies is also included in this
group. Revenues of the retailing businesses in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 declined $59 million (7%)
and $68 million (4%), respectively, from the corresponding 2007 periods. Pre-tax earnings in 2008 decreased $26 million
(47%) in the second quarter and $43 million (41%) in the first six months from the corresponding 2007 periods. Pre-tax
earnings in 2008 declined in all of Berkshire’s retail operations. Management believes weak local residential housing
markets and general economic conditions as well as an overall decline in consumer confidence has produced a slowdown
in Berkshire’s retail businesses.
Finance and Financial Products
A summary of revenues and pre-tax earnings from Berkshire’s finance and financial products businesses follows.
Amounts are in millions.
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Manufactured housing and finance................ $ 937 $1,009 $ 86 $146 $1,754 $1,854 $201 $262
Furniture/transportation equipment leasing... 196 206 22 33 386 406 40 62
Other............................................................... 170 156 146 98 321 314 254 195
$1,303 $1,371 $2,461 $2,574
Pre-tax earnings.............................................. $254 $277 $495 $519
Income taxes and minority interests .............. 95 104 189 191
$159 $173 $306 $328
Revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 from manufactured housing and finance activities (Clayton
Homes) decreased $72 million (7%) and $100 million (5%), respectively, from 2007 reflecting lower home sales to
independent dealers, partially offset by increased interest income from installment loans. Unit sales in the first six months
of 2008 declined approximately 8% from 2007. In addition, a higher proportion of single-section units as compared to
multi-section units were sold in 2008 causing a decrease in average sales price per home. The increase in interest income
reflects higher average installment loan balances in 2008 versus 2007. Installment loan balances were approximately $12.2
billion as of June 30, 2008, an increase of approximately $1.1 billion since December 31, 2007. The increase was
principally due to loan portfolio acquisitions.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
23
Finance and Financial Products (Continued)
Pre-tax earnings of Clayton Homes in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 declined $60 million (41%) and
$61 million (23%), respectively, from 2007. Pre-tax earnings in 2008 included a $22 million gain from the sale of certain
housing community assets in the first quarter. In 2008, net interest income from financing activities increased $23 million
for the second quarter and $46 million for the first six months compared with 2007. However, earnings from
manufacturing and retail activities declined significantly due to reduced unit sales and product mix changes to smaller
units, which coupled with higher material costs adversely affected gross profit margins.
Pre-tax earnings from furniture and transportation equipment leasing activities for the first six months of 2008 declined
$22 million (35%) compared to 2007. The decline primarily reflects lower rental income driven by relatively low
utilization rates for over-the-road trailer and storage units. Significant cost components of this business are fixed
(depreciation and facility expenses). Earnings from other finance business activities consist primarily of interest income
earned on short-term and fixed maturity investments and from a small portfolio of commercial real estate loans.
Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses
A summary of investment and derivative gains and losses follows. Amounts are in millions.
2008 2007 2008 2007
Investment gains/losses.................................................................... $ 246 $ 609 $ 361 $1,052
Derivative gains/losses..................................................................... 689 319 (952) 464
Gains/losses before income taxes and minority interests................. 935 928 (591) 1,516
Income taxes and minority interests............................................ 325 320 (210) 526
Net gains/losses................................................................................ $ 610 $ 608 $(381) $ 990
Investment gains or losses are recognized upon the sales of investments, recognition of non-cash other-than-temporary-
impairment losses or as otherwise required under GAAP. The timing of realized gains or losses from sales can have a
material effect on periodic earnings. However, such gains or losses usually have little, if any, impact on total shareholders’
equity because most equity and fixed maturity investments are carried at fair value with the unrealized gain or loss included
as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Other-than-temporary-impairment losses of $429 million
were recognized in the second quarter of 2008 with respect to certain equity securities. Impairment losses in 2007 periods
were insignificant.
Derivative gains and losses in the preceding table primarily represent the non-cash (or unrealized) changes in fair value
to credit default and equity index put option contracts. Berkshire’s credit default contract exposures are primarily in
various “high-yield” indexes of corporate issuers in North America whose obligations are rated below investment grade.
These contracts generally cover the loss in value of senior unsecured debt obligations of those entities in the event of
default for non-payment or bankruptcy over the contract period (usually 5 years). Losses in each contract are limited to
specified amounts per issuer, as well as aggregate limits for all losses under the contract. Premiums received from
counterparties are paid at the inception date so Berkshire has no credit exposure for unpaid premiums. None of Berkshire’s
credit default contracts involve direct exposure to mortgage or asset backed loan structures, including collateralized debt
obligations. Berkshire’s equity index put option contracts relate to four major equity indexes, including three outside of the
United States. Berkshire’s equity index put option contracts are European style options and at inception had durations of
15-20 years. At June 30, 2008, the weighted average remaining life of these contracts was approximately 14 years.
The aforementioned credit default and equity index put option contracts are not traded on an exchange. The contracts
were entered into with the expectation that amounts ultimately paid to counterparties for actual credit defaults or declines in
equity index values (measured at the expiration date of the contract) will be less than the premiums received. The contracts
generally may not be terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates and therefore the ultimate amount of cash basis
gains or losses may not be known for years.
Berkshire’s loss from derivative contracts for the first six months of 2008 was $952 million which is net of a gain in the
second quarter of $689 million. The loss for the first six months was principally attributable to declines in equity indexes,
declines in the value of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro as well as a widening of credit default spreads in the United States
that occurred during the first quarter. The gain in the second quarter was primarily attributable to narrowing credit default
spreads, higher long-term interest rates and an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar versus the Japanese Yen.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
24
Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses (Continued)
The estimated net fair value of credit default contracts at June 30, 2008 was approximately $2.2 billion, an increase of
$327 million from December 31, 2007. The increase included fair value losses of $136 million, premiums from contracts
entered into in 2008 of $243 million, and was partially offset by loss payments of $52 million. The estimated fair value of
equity index put option contracts at June 30, 2008 was approximately $5.8 billion, an increase of approximately $1.2
billion from December 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to fair value losses of $850 million as well as $383
million in premiums from new contracts entered into in 2008. There were no cash payments made under equity index put
option contracts.
Berkshire does not actively trade or exchange these contracts, but rather intends to hold such contracts until expiration.
Nevertheless, current accounting standards require derivative contracts to be carried at fair value with the periodic changes
in fair value included in earnings. The fair values on any given reporting date and the resulting gains and losses reflected
in earnings will likely be volatile, reflecting the volatility of equity and credit markets. Management does not view the
periodic gains or losses from the changes in fair value as meaningful given the long term nature of the contracts and the
volatile nature of equity and credit markets over short periods of time.
In determining the fair value of the credit default contracts, Berkshire used bid/ask pricing data available on similar
contracts as the basis for estimating fair value. Pricing data is monitored and reviewed by management for consistency as
well as reasonableness. Pricing data for newer credit default contracts tends to vary little among the different pricing
sources, which is an indication that trading of such contracts is relatively active. As contracts age, variations in pricing
data tend to widen. However, the impact of such variations is mitigated by the tendency for valuations to decline over time
as risks of default decline relative to the time remaining to expiration.
Berkshire utilizes the widely used Black-Scholes valuation model in determining estimated fair values of equity index
put option contracts. Inputs to that model include the current index value, strike price, discount or interest rate, dividend
rate, foreign currency exchange rate and contract expiration date. Berkshire believes the two most significant economic
risks relate to changes in equity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. Reference is made to the equity price and
foreign currency risks sections of Berkshire’s market risk disclosures in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2007 for information concerning these risks.
In addition, the Black-Scholes calculations incorporate volatility inputs which are generally not observable. At June 30,
2008, the estimated fair value of these contracts was $5,845 million and the weighted average volatility was approximately
23%. The impact on fair value from changes to volatility is summarized below. The values of contracts in an actual
exchange are affected by market conditions and perceptions of the buyers and sellers. Actual values in an exchange may
differ significantly from the values produced by any mathematical model. Dollars are in millions.
Hypothetical change in volatility (percentage points) Hypothetical fair value
Increase 2 percentage points $6,408
Increase 4 percentage points 6,969
Decrease 2 percentage points 5,281
Decrease 4 percentage points 4,719
Financial Condition
Berkshire’s balance sheet continues to reflect significant liquidity and a strong capital base. Consolidated shareholders’
equity at June 30, 2008 was $118.0 billion. Consolidated cash and invested assets, excluding assets of finance and
financial products businesses, was approximately $131.1 billion at June 30, 2008 (including cash and cash equivalents of
$29.2 billion and $2.4 billion of fixed maturity securities that mature between three and six months from their respective
acquisition dates) and $142.4 billion at December 31, 2007 (including cash and cash equivalents of $38.9 billion).
Berkshire’s invested assets are held predominantly in its insurance businesses. A large amount of capital is maintained in
the insurance subsidiaries for strategic and marketing purposes and in support of reserves for unpaid losses. In the United
States, dividend payments by insurance companies are subject to prior approval by state regulators. Berkshire believes that
it currently maintains sufficient liquidity to cover its contractual obligations and provide for contingent liquidity.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
25
Financial Condition (Continued)
Berkshire acquired a 60% interest in Marmon Holdings, Inc. (“Marmon”) for $4.5 billion on March 18, 2008. In the
second quarter of 2008, Berkshire acquired additional interests in Marmon and owned 63.6% at June 30, 2008. Berkshire
has agreed to acquire the remaining minority shareholders’ interests in Marmon over the next five to six years for
consideration based on Marmon’s future earnings. See Note 2 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for more
information concerning the acquisition. These purchases were funded with available cash balances. Notes payable and
other borrowings of the insurance and other businesses were $3.7 billion at June 30, 2008 which included $1.1 billion of
borrowings of Marmon.
Capital expenditures of the utilities and energy businesses in the first six months of 2008 were approximately $1.6
billion. Forecasted capital expenditures are estimated at $4.3 billion for the year ending December 31, 2008.
MidAmerican intends to fund these capital expenditures with cash flows from operations and debt proceeds.
MidAmerican’s borrowings were $18.9 billion at June 30, 2008, a decrease of $111 million from December 31, 2007.
During the first six months of 2008, MidAmerican issued $1.0 billion of notes maturing in 2018. In July 2008,
MidAmerican subsidiaries issued $1.045 billion of notes and bonds. Term debt to be repaid over the remainder of 2008 is
$879 million and an additional $3.2 billion matures before 2013. Berkshire has committed until February 28, 2011 to
provide up to $3.5 billion of additional capital to MidAmerican to permit the repayment of its debt obligations or to fund its
regulated utility subsidiaries. Berkshire has not and does not intend to guarantee the repayment of debt by MidAmerican or
any of its subsidiaries.
Assets of the finance and financial products businesses were $27.4 billion as of June 30, 2008 and $25.7 billion at
December 31, 2007, which consisted primarily of loans and finance receivables, fixed maturity securities and cash and cash
equivalents. Liabilities were $24.8 billion as of June 30, 2008 and $22.0 billion at December 31, 2007. As of June 30, 2008,
notes payable and other borrowings of $13.6 billion included $10.8 billion of medium-term notes issued by BHFC. In the first
six months of 2008, BHFC issued $4.0 billion of medium term notes maturing between 2011 and 2018 and repaid maturing
notes of $2.05 billion. Over the remainder of 2008, $1.05 billion of notes will also mature. In July 2008, BHFC issued $1.0
billion in notes maturing in 2013. The BHFC notes are unsecured and mature at various dates extending through 2018. The
proceeds from these notes are being used to finance originated and acquired manufactured housing loans. Full and timely
payment of principal and interest on the notes issued by BHFC is guaranteed by Berkshire. Berkshire’s estimated liabilities for
credit default and equity index put option contracts were approximately $8.0 billion at June 30, 2008. Payments under the
equity index put option contracts are contingent upon the future value of the related indexes at the expiration date of the
contracts, the earliest of which is in 2019. Payments under credit default contracts are contingent on the occurrence of a
default as defined under the contracts, and in the first six months of 2008 were $52 million. Expiration dates of credit default
contracts begin in 2009.
Contractual Obligations
Berkshire and its subsidiaries are parties to contracts associated with ongoing business and financing activities, which
will result in cash payments to counterparties in future periods. Certain obligations reflected in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets, such as notes payable, require future payments on contractually specified dates and in fixed and determinable
amounts. The timing and amount of the payment of other obligations, such as unpaid property and casualty loss reserves
and long duration credit default and equity index put option contracts are contingent upon the outcome of future events.
Actual payments will likely vary, perhaps significantly, from estimates.
Other obligations pertain to the acquisition of goods or services in the future, which are not currently reflected in the
financial statements, such as minimum rentals under operating leases. Except as indicated in the following paragraph,
Berkshire’s consolidated contractual obligations as of June 30, 2008 did not change materially from those disclosed in
“Contractual Obligations,” included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations” contained in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
During the first six months of 2008, BHFC issued $4.0 billion of notes maturing between 2011 and 2018 and
MidAmerican subsidiaries issued $1.0 billion of notes maturing in 2018. As of June 30, 2008, contractual obligations of
Marmon are estimated at $2.4 billion, including term debt of approximately $1.1 billion. On April 28, 2008, The Wm.
Wrigley Jr. Company (“Wrigley”) and Mars, Incorporated (“Mars”) announced a merger agreement in which Wrigley
would become a subsidiary of Mars. In connection with this merger, Berkshire has committed to provide $6.5 billion in
funding to Mars in the form of $4.4 billion of subordinated debt and $2.1 billion for a minority equity interest in Wrigley.
On July 10, 2008, Dow Chemical Corporation (“Dow”) announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire all of
the outstanding shares of Rohm and Haas. In connection with that agreement Berkshire agreed to invest $3 billion in a new
issue of convertible preferred stock to be issued by Dow. The agreements of the third parties are subject to customary
closing conditions and those companies believe the transactions will be completed within the next nine months.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
26
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. Reference is made to “Critical Accounting
Policies” discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included
in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for additional discussion regarding
these estimates.
Berkshire’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2008 includes estimated liabilities for unpaid losses from
property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of $56.5 billion. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the process
of establishing loss reserve amounts, the actual ultimate claim amounts will likely differ from the currently recorded
amounts. A very small percentage change in estimates of this magnitude will result in a material effect on reported
earnings. The effects from changes in these estimates are recorded as a component of losses incurred in the period of the
change. Unamortized deferred charges on retroactive reinsurance policies assumed totaled $3.7 billion at June 30, 2008.
Significant changes in either the timing or ultimate amount of loss payments related to retroactive reinsurance contracts
may have a significant effect on unamortized deferred charges and the amount of periodic amortization.
Berkshire’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2008 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $33.5 billion.
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. There are several methods of estimating a
reporting unit’s fair value, including market quotations, asset and liability fair values and other valuation techniques, such
as discounted projected future net earnings and multiples of earnings. 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 then charged to earnings as an impairment loss.
Berkshire’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2008 includes very significant amounts of invested assets and
derivative contract assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. A substantial portion of
invested assets (including substantially all of Berkshire’s equity securities) are carried at fair value based upon current
market quotations for identical securities exchanged in active markets. When these quotations are not available,
management will use quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in inactive markets or quoted prices for
similar assets or liabilities exchanged in active or inactive markets, which may include pricing matrices developed for such
instruments. A substantial portion of Berkshire’s investments in fixed maturity securities are valued on this basis.
Measurements of non-exchange traded derivative contract assets and liabilities are primarily based on valuation models,
discounted cash flow models or other valuation techniques that are believed to be used by market participants. Inputs to
such models may be observable from markets or unobservable. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain
projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in pricing an asset or liability.
Considerable judgment may be required in making assumptions used in such models, including the selection of interest
rates, default risk and recovery rates and volatility risk assumptions. Changes in assumptions may have a significant effect
on values. Management is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any,
market activity in the asset or liability or related observable inputs that can be corroborated at the measurement date.
Information concerning recently issued accounting pronouncements which are not yet effective is included in Note 16 to
the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. Berkshire does not currently expect any of the recently issued accounting
pronouncements to have a material effect on its consolidated financial condition.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
27
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, hurricane or
act of terrorism 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.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report and in particular the “Market Risk Disclosures”
included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” As of June 30, 2008,
there are no material changes in the market risks described in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2007.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Corporation carried out an evaluation,
under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the Chairman (Chief
Executive Officer) and the Senior Vice President-Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that
evaluation, the Chairman (Chief Executive Officer) and the Senior Vice President-Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer)
concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material
information relating to the Corporation (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the
Corporation’s periodic SEC filings. During the quarter, there have been no significant changes in the Corporation’s internal
control over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect internal control over financial reporting.
Part II Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Berkshire and its subsidiaries are parties in a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. In
particular, 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. Berkshire and certain of its
subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose
fines and penalties in substantial amounts. Reference is made to Note 19 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2007 and Note 18 to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I of this Form
10-Q for detailed discussion of such actions.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Berkshire’s significant business risks are described in Item 1A to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 to
which reference is made herein.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
28
Part II Other Information (Continued)
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
At the annual meeting of shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”), held May 3, 2008, Berkshire’s
shareholders re-elected Berkshire’s directors in an uncontested election. Proxies for the meeting had previously been solicited
pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Following are the votes cast for and against each director. There were no votes withheld, abstentions or broker non-votes.
Directors For Against
Warren E. Buffett 942,239 1,123
Howard G. Buffett 942,127 1,235
Susan L. Decker 942,654 708
William H. Gates III 942,728 634
David S. Gottesman 942,770 592
Charlotte Guyman 942,388 975
Donald R. Keough 942,317 1,045
Charles T. Munger 942,159 1,203
Thomas S. Murphy 935,155 8,207
Ronald L. Olson 942,131 1,232
Walter Scott, Jr. 942,442 921
Item 5. Other Information
Not applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits
a. Exhibits
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
32.1 Section 1350 Certifications
32.2 Section 1350 Certifications
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant)
Date August 8, 2008 /s/ Marc D. Hamburg
Marc D. Hamburg, Senior Vice President
and Principal Financial Officer

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
29
EXHIBIT 31.1
Quarter ended June 30, 2008
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Warren E. Buffett, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in
all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is
being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by
this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: August 8, 2008
/s/ Warren E. Buffett
Chairman – Principal Executive Officer

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
30
EXHIBIT 31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Marc D. Hamburg, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in
all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is
being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by
this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: August 8, 2008
/s/ Marc D. Hamburg
Senior Vice President – Principal Financial Officer

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
31
EXHIBIT 32.1
Section 1350 Certifications
I, Warren E. Buffett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (the
“Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section
1350, that to the best of my knowledge:
(1) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the first quarter ended
June 30, 2008 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: August 8, 2008
/s/ Warren E. Buffett
Warren E. Buffett
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

FORM 10-Q Q/E 6/30/08
32
EXHIBIT 32.2
Section 1350 Certifications
I, Marc D. Hamburg, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
(the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, that to the best of my knowledge:
(1) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the first quarter ended
June 30, 2008 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: August 8, 2008
/s/ Marc D. Hamburg
Marc D. Hamburg
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC Annual & Interim Reports 2008 2nd

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