In its rundown of Berkshire Hathaway’s third quarter 2012 financial report, ValueWalk reports earnings for Clayton Homes, which comprises the finance and financial products sector, rose 19 percent year-over-year, based on a one percent increase in revenues to one billion dollars. Although units sold increased five percent, the lower average selling price resulted in revenues being flat. While the demand for manufactured homes remains low, Clayton has sold more homes in 2012 than in 2011. As MHProNews knows, Clayton is the largest manufacturer of factory-built homes in North America. For the third quarter overall, Berkshire’s earnings fell 11 percent year-over-year. Because of its diversification, the company is sometimes considered a bellweather for the economy as a whole.

(Photo credit: WBIR-TV–Clayton i Home)