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BNSF

BNSF Launches Expedited Rail Service from Los Angeles to Houston

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

BNSF Railway has introduced a new expedited rail service connecting Los Angeles to Houston in just three days. The service officially began operations on July 10 and marks a significant step forward in offering fast, reliable alternatives to traditional over-the-road shipping.

“Our expedited service from Los Angeles to Houston is a strategic development that not only extends BNSF’s market reach but also connects two major metropolitan areas more effectively,” said Jon Gabriel, BNSF Group Vice President, Consumer Products.

The new service runs between BNSF’s Hobart intermodal facility in Los Angeles and its Pearland facility in the Houston area. It is designed to meet growing demand for faster and more consistent freight movement, especially for shippers currently trucking freight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Houston.

Leveraging BNSF’s busy Southern Transcon route, the service offers improved transit times, expanded capacity, and a compelling rail alternative for time-sensitive shipments. The initiative is part of BNSF’s broader effort to convert more over-the-road freight to rail, providing cost-effective, environmentally friendly supply chain solutions.

© 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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Forest River

Forest River Marine and Margaritaville Set Sail with New Chill Series Pontoons

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Forest River Marine, a division of Berkshire Hathaway’s Forest River, Inc. and a leading name in pontoon manufacturing, has teamed up with Margaritaville to launch the Chill Series — a new line of pontoon boats designed to bring the laid-back, island-inspired spirit of Margaritaville to the water.

Blending Forest River Marine’s renowned craftsmanship with Margaritaville’s carefree vibe, the Chill Series features seven distinct floorplans built for relaxation and fun. Each model offers custom Margaritaville-themed designs, premium sound systems, and comfort-focused layouts perfect for everything from lazy sunset cruises to weekend gatherings with friends.

“Our teams share a love for the water, good times, and memorable experiences,” said Philip Podgorny, General Manager of Forest River Marine. “The Chill Series was created to deliver those moments effortlessly.”

Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, Chief Marketing Officer of Margaritaville, added, “These thoughtfully designed pontoons capture Margaritaville’s signature fun and escapism, making every offshore trip feel like a vacation.”

Starting at $45,169, the Chill Series is available now through Forest River Marine’s network of authorized dealers and brands — Berkshire, South Bay, and Trifecta.

© 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: Applying 600 B.C. Wisdom to 21st Century Markets

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Warren Buffett credits an ancient storyteller with delivering one of the earliest — and most enduring — lessons in investing: Aesop.

At the 2000 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett highlighted the fable writer’s well-known proverb: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” According to Buffett, this simple line captures the core of investment thinking.

“It’s an investment equation,” Buffett explained. “You trade a bird in the hand — your money today — for the possibility of more birds in the bush — future returns. But the decision hinges on a few critical factors: how many birds are actually in the bush, when you’ll get them, and the prevailing interest rates.”

Buffett illustrated that if you expect to receive two birds in five years, and interest rates are low (say, 5%), it may be a good trade. But if rates are high (like 20%), holding onto the bird in hand and compounding it could yield a better return.

He emphasized that evaluating growth — or future gains — always requires context: timing, alternative opportunities, and the cost of capital.

In essence, Buffett said, investing is all about value: “What is it worth? How many birds are in the bush? When will you get them? And what are the interest rates?”

Aesop may not have had a finance degree, but Buffett believes his fable laid the groundwork for 2,600 years of investment insight.

Hear Buffett’s full explanation

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© 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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Lubrizol

Lubrizol Unveils High-Performance PUD for Advanced Wood Coatings

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol has announced the launch of Sancure™ 942 Polyurethane Dispersion, a new water-borne, high-solids polymer designed to deliver advanced performance in wood coatings for both residential and commercial applications.

The latest addition to Lubrizol’s growing coatings portfolio, Sancure 942 offers excellent wear protection, strong chemical resistance, and superior adhesion to a variety of substrates. Ideal for OEM and wood floor finishes, its high-solids formulation also allows for greater coverage per application—reducing the number of coats needed and enabling a faster return to service.

“The entire value chain will experience benefits,” said Israel Skoff, technical marketing manager, resin technologies. “From lower shipping emissions and enhanced performance to fewer coats and faster project completion, Sancure 942 delivers across the board.”

When used with external crosslinkers, the product’s performance is further enhanced, making it a powerful solution for formulators seeking both sustainability and durability.

Lubrizol continues to innovate in polymer technology, providing solutions that support eco-friendly initiatives while exceeding performance expectations in demanding markets.

© 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: CEOs Should Understand Investing

Warren Buffett believes one of the most valuable skills a CEO can develop is a solid understanding of investing. What puzzles him, however, is how some top executives shy away from managing their own personal finances but still feel equipped to make billion-dollar corporate decisions.

At the 2005 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett shared his thoughts on this contradiction. “I have friends who are CEOs, and they’ll let someone else handle their money,” he said. “Ask them whether to invest in Coca-Cola or Gillette, and they’ll say, ‘That’s too tough. I don’t know anything about investing.’”

Yet, the very next day, these same executives may greenlight a $3 billion acquisition after a brief presentation from an investment banker. “They’ll hand it over to a strategic planning group and believe they’re fit to make a decision on a multibillion-dollar deal,” Buffett said, “when they don’t even feel confident making $10,000 decisions with their own money.”

Buffett’s point is clear: true business leadership should include a deep understanding of investment principles—especially when the stakes are high.

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.

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Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Donates Over 12 Million Berkshire Hathaway Shares to Philanthropy

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

On June 27, Warren Buffett converted 8,239 Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares into 12,358,500 Class B shares to support his ongoing philanthropic commitments. Of those, 12,358,321 shares will be donated to five foundations, with the transfers set to be completed on June 30.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust will receive 9,433,839 shares, while the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation will receive 943,384 shares. The Sherwood Foundation, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and the NoVo Foundation will each receive 660,366 shares.

Following this latest round of donations, Buffett’s Berkshire holdings now total 198,117 A shares and 1,144 B shares.

Buffett reaffirmed his long-standing pledge made in 2006 to give away the majority of his wealth, noting that his philanthropic contributions—now totaling about $60 billion in value—have far exceeded his net worth at the time of his original commitment. Despite his continued generosity, his remaining holdings are still worth approximately $145 billion.

Buffett emphasized that no extraordinary events drove this wealth creation, attributing it to sound decisions, time, and the American economic “tailwind.” He reiterated that roughly 99.5% of his estate will ultimately go to philanthropy, per the terms outlined in his will.

© 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: The Perils of Ignoring Risk

Risk is a quiet companion, rarely announcing itself until it’s too late. Markets can climb for years, making investors feel invincible. Companies can expand recklessly, and insurers can write policies with blind confidence. Then, in a moment—a market crash, a corporate collapse, or a disaster triggering massive claims—the true weight of risk is revealed.

Warren Buffett, ever the master of analogy, put it succinctly: “You don’t find out who’s been swimming naked until the tide goes out.” The illusion of safety vanishes when conditions turn.

This principle applies broadly. Bond investors chasing yield in risky debt may look brilliant—until defaults spike. Insurers collecting premiums on underpriced policies seem prudent—until a catastrophe wipes out their reserves. Reinsurers, in particular, can go years writing bad business without realizing it. Then, suddenly, the reckoning comes.

As Buffett observed, “You can be doing dumb things and not know it in reinsurance, and then all of a sudden wake up and find out the money is gone.”

The lesson? True financial mastery lies in foreseeing risks as well as opportunities. The best investors, like the best swimmers, know to check the tide before diving in.

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.

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HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America Appoints Renee Gonzales as Vice President of Core Services Integrations

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s HomeServices of America, the nation’s leading provider of homeownership services, has named Renee Gonzales as Vice President – Core Services Integrations. This newly created role is aimed at accelerating growth and enhancing operational alignment across the company’s nationwide network.

Gonzales, who will continue as CEO of Long Realty, will collaborate closely with brokerage leaders and core service partners to drive stronger integration of mortgage, title, and insurance offerings. Her efforts will focus on aligning strategic initiatives and promoting best practices at the agent level.

“Renee brings an outstanding record of performance and partnership,” said Chris Kelly, President & CEO of HomeServices of America. “Her leadership at Long Realty exemplifies the kind of thoughtful strategy that will help us deliver a seamless, end-to-end experience for consumers.”

Recognized by RealTrends as the nation’s top full-service brokerage, HomeServices created the new role to reinforce its commitment to service integration and consumer value.

Gonzales has made Long Realty a model for brokerage-core services collaboration. In her new role, she aims to extend that success across the HomeServices network.

“I’m honored to help expand HomeServices’s leadership in integrated real estate services,” Gonzales said. “By empowering agents and aligning strategy, we can deliver a truly seamless experience for every consumer.”

© 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: The Real Meaning of “Synergy”

At the 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Warren Buffett offered a candid take on the corporate buzzword “synergy.” According to Buffett, it’s often just a euphemism for mass layoffs—especially targeting the very employees who built the company’s success.

“They would have all these ideas about synergy,” Buffett said, “and synergy would mean that the people that had helped him build the business over 30 years would all get sacked.” He likened the acquiring companies to Attila the Hun, sweeping in and displacing long-standing employees in the name of efficiency. Buffett made it clear: he had no interest in deals that rewarded cost-cutting at the expense of loyal people.

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.

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Jazwares

Berkshire’s Jazwares Expands Squishmallows Brand Into Sleep Essentials

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Squishmallows™ fans, get ready for the ultimate bedtime upgrade. Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company and the force behind the globally adored Squishmallows brand, is launching the SquishPillow by Original Squishmallows—a new line of ultra-soft sleeping pillows designed to bring signature squishiness to your nightly routine.

Launching exclusively at Target stores and on Target.com starting June 22, the SquishPillow combines Squishmallows’ signature marshmallow-like fill with a luxurious, velvety-soft pillowcase (included with each purchase). Available in standard ($29.99) and king-size ($39.99, online only), the pillows come in a firm option at launch, with a medium version arriving this fall.

Driven by fan demand—many already use Squishmallows as makeshift pillows—Jazwares saw an opportunity to transform the sleep space. “The SquishPillow is the ultimate blend of comfort, functionality, and squishiness,” said Laura Zebersky, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Jazwares. “It’s perfect for home, dorms, or travel, and we’re thrilled to bring this to market just in time for back-to-school.”

Sleep expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins supports the move, noting that “a great pillow is essential for a great night’s rest,” which in turn benefits everything from mood to heart health.

Fans can also customize their sleep setup with six Squishmallows-themed pillowcases (sold separately from $9.99), featuring bold colors and popular characters—with more styles arriving later this year.

Sleep, snuggle, and squish your way to dreamland—SquishPillow has arrived.

© 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.