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Lubrizol

Lubrizol Launching Cutting-Edge Technology and Innovation Center in India

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Lubrizol, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has announced it will establish a state-of-the-art Technology and Innovation Center in Maharashtra, India. This facility, the first of its kind for Lubrizol globally, aims to drive breakthrough innovations, enhance collaboration, and accelerate market delivery for its customers and industries worldwide.

The new center will integrate various lab capabilities, reinforcing Lubrizol’s in-region Centers of Excellence (COE). It will also house a Customer Experience Center, fostering co-development with customers and partners. Equipped with advanced analytical tools, automation, and digital solutions, the center will apply decision science to fast-track next-generation innovations.

Bhavana Bindra, Lubrizol’s Managing Director for India, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the company’s legacy of nearly a century in innovation. She highlighted that the new center underscores Lubrizol’s commitment to technological advancement and collaboration in the region. Dr. Rahul Misra, Senior Director of Technology, further noted that the facility’s location in Maharashtra will enhance efficiency and facilitate cutting-edge research and development.

Lubrizol’s President and CEO, Rebecca Liebert, stated that this center will serve as a model for future global innovation hubs, reinforcing the company’s interconnected research strategy. The Indian innovation teams have already garnered global recognition, and this facility is expected to further amplify their impact.

Lubrizol’s commitment to India spans decades, with notable contributions such as introducing CPVC piping 25 years ago, revolutionizing clean water access. The company’s India-based Bar Soap COE has also driven sustainable improvements in soap formulation. Additionally, Lubrizol continues to develop next-generation additive solutions in response to evolving transportation regulations.

This announcement is part of Lubrizol’s broader investment in India, totaling over $350 million in the past 18 months. The company is constructing its second-largest global manufacturing facility, collaborating on the world’s largest CPVC resin plant, and expanding its operations in Pune and Gujarat. The new Technology and Innovation Center marks another milestone in Lubrizol’s growth and commitment to the Indian market.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Appointments

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Promotes Anthony Tatulli to Expanded Leadership Role

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has elevated Anthony Tatulli to the newly expanded position of Head of Liability, Executive & Professional Lines. In addition to continuing his leadership of BHSI’s Executive & Professional (E&P) Lines business, Tatulli will now oversee the company’s Casualty and Healthcare divisions, as well as Customer & Broker Engagement in North America.

“Anthony has had tremendous success profitably growing our E&P Lines business and bringing BHSI’s stellar value proposition to the marketplace,” said Sanjay Godhwani, President of BHSI’s North America Region. “This new role will broaden his impact as he works closely with our Casualty, Healthcare, and Customer & Broker Engagement leaders to further strengthen and expand BHSI’s relationships throughout our liability lines.”

Tatulli joined BHSI in 2021 as Head of E&P Lines, bringing with him more than 30 years of industry experience across underwriting, claims, and legal. Before transitioning to the insurance sector, he spent eight years as an attorney. His expanded leadership role underscores BHSI’s commitment to strengthening its liability offerings and deepening industry relationships.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Insurance

GEICO Expands in North Texas with 1,500 New Jobs

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

GEICO, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, is bringing over 1,500 new jobs to North Texas as part of a major expansion. The company announced today the addition of more than 1,000 positions and the opening of a second building in Richardson, just three months after revealing plans to hire 500 new employees.

Fueled by the region’s strong talent pool, GEICO’s growth spans multiple business lines. The new 165,000-square-foot facility, set to open in fall 2025, will support sales, service, and claims operations.

“The outstanding talent pool in North Texas has been instrumental in driving GEICO’s success,” said Senior Vice President Melissa Gallaro. “We are thrilled to expand our presence in Richardson while creating valuable career opportunities.”

This investment highlights GEICO’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and expanding its insurance offerings. With the new facility, the company will occupy nearly 400,000 square feet of office space in Richardson, reinforcing North Texas as a key hub for its continued growth.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Why Liquidity Matters as Much as Value

Warren Buffett, known for his keen eye for undervalued stocks and businesses, emphasizes the importance of maintaining liquidity. While he actively seeks investment opportunities, he ensures that Berkshire Hathaway always has sufficient reserves.

At the 2012 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett highlighted this principle, stating, “We know we don’t want to go broke. I mean, we start with that. And we know you can’t go broke if you’ve got a fair amount of liquid reserves around and you don’t have any near-term debts and so on.”

This strategy underscores the value of financial stability. By keeping adequate cash reserves and avoiding excessive short-term debt, Buffett ensures his company remains financially secure, even in uncertain times. His approach serves as a reminder that long-term success in investing isn’t just about making the right purchases—it’s also about maintaining the flexibility to weather economic downturns.

Hear Buffett’s full explanation

See the complete Lessons From Warren Buffett series

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Announcements

Buffett’s March Madness Contest Ends with $1 Million Winner and $100,000 Runners-Up!

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

After a decade of trying, Warren Buffett has finally given away his March Madness prize money. The winner of Berkshire Hathaway’s 2025 Bracket Contest, an employee of FlightSafety International Inc., correctly predicted the outcome of 31 out of 32 games in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. As a result, the lucky winner will receive the grand prize of $1,000,000.

The contest saw 12 employees from Berkshire’s subsidiaries, including the winner, correctly pick 31 of the 32 games. The winner’s impressive streak included correctly predicting the first 29 games before missing the outcome of game 30 (Xavier vs. Illinois). Eleven runners-up, who also made notable picks, will each walk away with $100,000.

The winner’s success didn’t stop there. Over the weekend, they predicted 13 straight winners, boosting their overall record to 44 correct picks out of 45 games.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Dairy Queen

Art D’Elia Joins Dairy Queen as COO for U.S. and Canada

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has appointed Art D’Elia as chief operating officer for the U.S. and Canada. Reporting directly to the company’s president and CEO, D’Elia will oversee nearly 275 employees across operations, training, and marketing to drive financial growth and franchisee success.

“Art’s expertise in brand strategy, marketing, and operations will be instrumental in strengthening the DQ system,” said Troy Bader, president and CEO of IDQ. “His leadership will help us achieve our vision of becoming the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.”

D’Elia expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “It’s an honor to join the DQ team. I look forward to expanding the brand, supporting franchisees, and introducing more consumers to the DQ experience.”

Before joining IDQ, D’Elia spent seven years at Domino’s Pizza, where he led international operations and served as chief marketing officer. He has also held leadership positions at Danone Dairy and PepsiCo.

Based at IDQ’s Minneapolis headquarters, D’Elia brings a wealth of experience to one of the world’s most iconic quick-service brands, which operates over 7,700 restaurants in more than 20 countries.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: On Bubbles and Opportunities

Warren Buffett, the legendary investor, understands that stock market prices often disconnect from underlying fundamentals. This creates both risks and opportunities for disciplined investors.

At the 1997 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett warned about the dangers of speculative enthusiasm. “People get captivated simply by the notion of rising prices without going back to the underlying rationale. That’s when you get very dangerous conditions in terms of possible bubbles,” he explained.

Buffett emphasized that this behavior isn’t limited to market highs. Extreme reactions—whether euphoric or fearful—can lead to mispriced assets. “It’s just people behave in extreme ways in markets,” he noted. “And over time, that’s very good for people that keep their heads.”

For Buffett, staying rational amid market volatility is key to long-term success.

Hear Buffett’s full explanation

See the complete Lessons From Warren Buffett series

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Pilot Flying J

Pilot Launches Nation’s First B99 Biodiesel Retail Offering for Commercial Fleets

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Pilot is making history by introducing the country’s first B99 biodiesel retail offering for commercial fleets at its Decatur, Illinois, travel center.

This milestone is the result of a strategic collaboration with PepsiCo, ADM, and Optimus Technologies, aiming to advance sustainability in the trucking industry.

B99 biodiesel, a low-carbon fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled grease, is a game-changer for reducing emissions in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like long-haul trucking. Optimus Technologies played a key role in enabling this transition with its innovative technology that upgrades diesel engines to run on up to 100% biodiesel.

“We know how important sustainability is to our customers and strive to meet their growing needs for greener fuel options,” said Eric Fobes, head of renewables at Pilot. “This collaboration highlights how partnerships can drive impactful solutions.”

The rollout includes B99 biodiesel installations at:

  • Now available: 4030 East Boyd Road, Decatur, IL
  • Coming this spring: 11957 Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, IA
  • Coming this summer: 8787 South Lancaster Road, Dallas, TX

Supported by industry organizations like the Iowa Soybean Association and the American Lung Association, this initiative reflects Pilot’s commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for commercial transportation.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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BYD

Twice the Power of Tesla: BYD’s Supercharger Set to Disrupt the Market

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Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD is about to upend the electric vehicle (EV) charging game. On March 17, the Chinese automaker will unveil its Super e-Platform, featuring a 1,000-kW supercharging system—twice as powerful as Tesla’s V4 Supercharger.

The announcement, made on Weibo, suggests BYD’s new technology will slash charging times to rival traditional gas refueling. A leaked poster teases the breakthrough: “1,000-kW flash charging that allows refueling and charging to have the same speed.” If true, this could mean a full charge in just 5-8 minutes for a 100-kWh battery.

Currently, most superchargers operate between 200 kW and 400 kW, with only a few reaching 500 kW. Tesla’s V4 Supercharger, at 500 kW, was its fastest yet—but BYD aims to double that benchmark.

Alongside the tech reveal, BYD will open pre-sales for its Han L sedan and Tang L SUV at the Shenzhen event. This move signals a major push in the high-performance EV market, challenging industry giants with both cutting-edge innovation and aggressive expansion.

Tesla plans to bring its V4 Superchargers to China in 2025—but, BYD will have already lapped them in that race.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Nebraska Furniture Mart

Nebraska Furniture Mart Partners on New Marriott Hotel & Convention Center in Cedar Park

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM), in partnership with Indiana-based Great Lakes Capital (GLC) and the City of Cedar Park, have announced landmark agreement for a full-service Marriott hotel and convention center at Berkshire Hathaway’s CedarView, a premier mixed-use development in Cedar Park, Texas.

This state-of-the-art project will feature approximately 300 guest rooms, 30,000 square feet of event and meeting space, a full-service restaurant, a breakfast café, and an expansive pool area. Designed to elevate the hospitality experience in Cedar Park, the hotel will serve as a key destination for both business and leisure travelers.

“This hotel and event space will be a game-changer for Cedar Park and the greater Austin area,” said Ryan Blumkin, Executive Vice President of NFM. “Our collaboration with Great Lakes Capital and the City of Cedar Park underscores our commitment to creating dynamic, community-focused developments.”

As an anchor for the CedarView development, the project aligns with NFM’s strategy of expanding its footprint and enhancing local economies. The hotel and convention center will complement NFM’s upcoming Cedar Park retail location, which is currently under construction, further solidifying the area as a hub for commerce and entertainment.

Construction is set to begin in May 2025, with an expected opening in early 2027.

Berkshire’s Nebraska-based home retailer NFM (Nebraska Furniture Mart) will open its fifth store in the city of Cedar Park, Texas, approximately 16 miles northwest of downtown Austin.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.