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BNSF

BNSF’s Barstow International Gateway Receives Key Approval

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

BNSF Railway has reached a major milestone after the Barstow City Council approved the Barstow International Gateway (BIG), a $4 billion freight infrastructure project that is expected to transform goods movement across California.

The 4,500-acre facility will be built on the west side of Barstow and will include a rail yard, intermodal terminal, and transload warehouses. Designed to improve freight efficiency, the project will allow cargo arriving at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to move directly by rail to Barstow for processing before continuing across BNSF’s national network.

BNSF says the facility will reduce congestion at Southern California ports, improve supply chain reliability, and create a more sustainable freight system. The company plans to use zero-emission cargo-handling equipment and pursue additional emissions-reduction technologies through partnerships with state and regional air quality agencies.

The project is also expected to deliver significant economic benefits. BNSF estimates BIG will support approximately 62,000 construction-related jobs and 15,000 long-term operational jobs. Within Barstow alone, the project is projected to generate about 5,400 direct jobs, $938 million in earnings, and $2.9 billion in economic output over its first 20 years.

In addition to freight infrastructure, the project includes community improvements such as flood-control upgrades, replacement of the Hinkley Road bridge over the Mojave River, and roadway enhancements to improve traffic flow and safety.

Recently certified by Governor Gavin Newsom under California’s SB 149 infrastructure acceleration program, BIG is the first transportation project to receive the designation. State officials have highlighted the project’s potential to reduce truck traffic, improve supply chain efficiency, and strengthen the competitiveness of California’s ports.

© 2026 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

Berkshire’s GenStar Launches STAFFprotect+ for PEOs and Staffing Agencies

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

GenStar Insurance Services, LLC has launched STAFFprotect+, a new insurance program designed specifically for Professional Employment Organizations (PEOs) and staffing agencies. The product will be distributed through Starfish Specialty Insurance and written on an excess and surplus (E&S) basis using General Star Indemnity paper.

The program is intended to address the complex liability and coverage needs faced by staffing-related businesses through a primary package offering and excess capacity options. As PEOs and staffing firms continue to navigate evolving workforce and compliance risks, STAFFprotect+ aims to provide broader and more specialized insurance protection.

Matt Brown, Senior Vice President and Delegated Division Manager at GenStar, said the launch reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its delegated programs portfolio with tailored solutions for niche industries. He added that Starfish Specialty brings strong program administration expertise and market insight to the partnership.

Jeremy Hitzig, CEO of Starfish Specialty Insurance, said the PEO and staffing sectors have lacked a comprehensive insurance solution for some time. He described the market as ready for a new entrant and noted that STAFFprotect+ represents the company’s second program focused on this segment.

GenStar Insurance Services is a provider of excess, surplus, and specialty property and casualty insurance, operating exclusively through a select group of wholesale brokers. Both GenStar and General Star Indemnity Company are subsidiaries of General Reinsurance Corporation, part of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies.

© 2026 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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Duracell

Duracell Launches Limited-Edition Lionel Messi Battery Packs Ahead of World Cup Tournament

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Duracell, the world’s leading disposable battery manufacturer and a Berkshire Hathaway company, has officially launched its limited-edition battery packs featuring soccer icon Lionel Messi. The retail rollout follows the brand’s “Messi Reboot” campaign introduced earlier this year and arrives just ahead of this summer’s premier global soccer tournament.

The collaboration marks a first for Duracell, with Messi-inspired artwork appearing directly on the battery cells. Each battery features a design inspired by the tattoos on Messi’s legendary left leg, celebrating the power and precision that have defined his historic career. Powered by Duracell’s exclusive PowerBoost™ Ingredients, the batteries combine collectible appeal with the brand’s trusted performance.

“We wanted to give fans a unique way to power their passion for the soccer tournament this summer,” said Javier Hernández, Global CMO at Duracell. “Bringing Messi’s iconic left leg tattoos onto our batteries is a first in brand history, allowing us to merge his legendary performance with Duracell’s most advanced power.”

The limited-edition Duracell x Messi collection is now available at major retailers across North America, including Walmart, Amazon, and Lowe’s. Fans who purchase participating Duracell products can also enter a national sweepstakes running through August 30 for a chance to win premium soccer gear and exclusive merchandise signed by Messi.

© 2026 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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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

BHSI Expands Marine Leadership with Key Executive Promotions

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has promoted Ben Wyatt to Head of Marine for North America and the UK, expanding his leadership responsibilities to include oversight of the company’s Marine operations in the UK and Canada alongside his existing U.S. role.

In his new position, Wyatt will lead underwriting, strategy, and portfolio management across the regions, helping to strengthen alignment and support the continued growth of BHSI’s global Marine platform. He will work closely with Nick Holding, Head of Marine UK, as Holding prepares for retirement in June.

“Bringing our North America and UK Marine businesses under Ben’s leadership reflects our continued focus on building a unified, high-performing global platform,” said Sanjay Godhwani, Head of North America. He noted that the move will enhance underwriting consistency, service delivery, and expertise for customers and brokers across key markets.

BHSI also announced additional leadership promotions within its U.S. Marine business. Gregg Shannon has been named Vice President, Contractors Equipment and Inland Marine, while Jim Norman has been promoted to Vice President, Inland Marine. The appointments follow the recent addition of Kevin Kempf as Vice President, Ocean Marine Cargo/Stock Throughput.

The leadership changes come as BHSI continues to expand its Marine insurance offerings, which include Inland Marine, Contractors Equipment, Builders Risk, Motor Truck Cargo, and Ocean Marine solutions. The company said its broad product portfolio and global platform enable it to deliver tailored insurance solutions and a seamless experience for customers and brokers worldwide.

© 2026 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
Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen Expands Franchise Push With New Cash Incentives

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has announced a new franchise incentive program designed to accelerate restaurant growth across the United States and Canada.

The initiative offers financial rewards to both new and existing franchisees who open freestanding DQ Grill & Chill restaurants within agreed development timelines. Franchisees who open a qualifying location on schedule will receive a $150,000 cash incentive after opening.

To encourage multi-unit expansion, franchisees can also earn a $200,000 incentive for each additional freestanding DQ restaurant opened within 18 months of the previous location. The program applies to qualifying franchise agreements approved through the end of 2026.

Gregg Benvenuto, Vice President of Franchise Development for the U.S. and Canada, said the program is aimed at operators with strong growth strategies and long-term development plans. He noted that Dairy Queen’s modern restaurant prototypes and established brand presence continue to attract experienced franchise groups.

The incentives are available exclusively for freestanding DQ Grill & Chill locations, including second-generation drive-thru conversion buildings and new construction projects.

Based in Minneapolis, International Dairy Queen oversees more than 7,800 DQ restaurants across more than 20 countries through its subsidiaries American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc.

© 2026 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 Staying Inside Your Circle of Competence Matters

For Warren Buffett, disciplined investing begins with knowing—and respecting—the limits of your circle of competence. At the 2002 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, he explained that the test is simple: if you have doubts about whether you understand an investment, you don’t.

“It’s better to be well within the circle than to be trying to tiptoe along the line,” Buffett said. He cautioned against chasing opportunities simply because others are doing so, emphasizing that success comes from clarity, not speculation.

Buffett also reassured that a small circle of competence is not a disadvantage. “I’d say my circle of competence is pretty small, but it’s big enough. I can find a few things,” he noted. For investors, the lesson is clear: depth of understanding beats breadth of guesswork.

Hear Buffett’s full explanation

See the complete Lessons From Warren Buffett series

© 2026 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 a 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
Marmon Group

Railserve Launches YardGUARD™ Integrated Railyard Safety System

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Railserve, a Berkshire Hathaway-owned Marmon Rail company, has introduced YardGUARD™, a new integrated safety system designed to enhance operational safety and efficiency in industrial railyards. The platform combines real-time engineered controls with daily switching operations, creating a coordinated network of technologies aimed at reducing risk and improving execution across rail environments.

YardGUARD™ brings together six interconnected safety solutions—CrossingGUARD™, DerailGUARD™, FoulGUARD™, GapGUARD™, StopGUARD™, and WatchGUARD™—into a single system that provides real-time visibility, alerts, and automated safeguards in critical yard areas.

The technology is designed to address common operational challenges, including limited visibility, reliance on radio communication, switch misalignment, derail status uncertainty, and railcar fouling issues. By integrating sensing, vision, communications, and cloud-based monitoring technologies, YardGUARD™ delivers synchronized yard-side indications and in-cab alerts to support safer and more informed decision-making.

“By combining field-proven execution with real-time visibility and automated safeguards, we’re enabling a higher level of consistency and control in complex yard environments,” said Laurie Stiles, President of Railserve.

Unlike standalone safety tools, YardGUARD™ is customized for each facility and embedded directly into Railserve’s operating model. The company says the system’s layered approach—including continuous monitoring, automated braking support, and multi-level verification—can help crews identify and address risks before incidents occur, particularly in low-visibility and high-tempo operating conditions.

Railserve views YardGUARD™ as a key step toward a more connected and technology-enabled future for industrial rail operations. The company is currently offering customer demonstrations and site assessments as part of the system’s rollout across North America.

© 2026 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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Acquisitions

Berkshire Hathaway to Acquire Home Builder Taylor Morrison in $6.8 Billion Deal

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Taylor Morrison Home Corporation announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $6.8 billion. Under the agreement, Berkshire will pay $72.50 per share, representing a 24% premium to Taylor Morrison’s closing stock price of $58.50 on May 29, 2026.

Taylor Morrison Chairman and CEO Sheryl Palmer described the deal as a transformative opportunity for the company, citing Berkshire Hathaway’s financial strength and long-term investment approach as key advantages. Palmer noted that the partnership will support the homebuilder’s continued growth and expansion while preserving its customer-focused culture and operational strengths.

Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel said the acquisition reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to the housing sector. He praised Taylor Morrison as a leading national homebuilder and indicated that Berkshire plans to integrate its site-built homebuilding operations into a larger platform aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities across the United States.

Taylor Morrison operates more than 350 communities across 21 markets in 12 states and serves a broad range of buyers through its Taylor Morrison, Esplanade, and Yardly brands. The company also provides mortgage, title, escrow, and insurance services.

Following the completion of the transaction, Taylor Morrison will continue to be led by its current management team, including Palmer, and will become a privately held company. Its shares will no longer trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to shareholder approval, regulatory clearances, and other customary closing conditions.

© 2026 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
Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Think Like a Business Owner, Not a Trader

Warren Buffett has long emphasized that investing should be about owning businesses, not trading pieces of paper. Rather than focusing on the daily ups and downs of stock prices or the overall market’s direction, he looks at each stock as a share of a real company with long-term value.

“We look at individual businesses. And we don’t think of stocks as little items that wiggle around on the paper and that have charts attached to them,” Buffett explained at Berkshire Hathaway’s 1999 annual meeting. “We think of them as parts of businesses.”

This approach reflects Buffett’s belief that successful investing requires thinking like a business owner, not a speculator.

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
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

BHSI Expands Swiss Operations With New Casualty Insurance Solutions

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has launched two new casualty insurance policies in Switzerland, expanding its offerings for large corporate and upper middle market commercial and industrial organizations. The new solutions include one policy for multinational businesses and another designed for domestic risks.

The policies are intended to provide flexible, market-standard coverage using clear and straightforward language. Through its multinational program, BHSI can also issue local policies in more than 178 countries worldwide.

According to Pascal Carrer, Head of Casualty at BHSI Switzerland, Swiss companies are operating in an increasingly complex risk environment, creating greater demand for customized insurance solutions.

Franco Masciovecchio, Country Manager, Switzerland, BHSI, said the launch strengthens BHSI’s lead casualty capabilities in Switzerland and reflects the company’s focus on long-term risk solutions supported by disciplined underwriting, financial strength, and its “Claims Is Our Product” philosophy.

In Switzerland, BHSI also provides property damage and business interruption coverage, Executive First D&O liability insurance for commercial organizations and financial institutions, as well as multinational insurance programs.

© 2026 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.