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Brooks

Brooks Running Kicks Off 2026 with Record Q1 Performance

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Brooks Running began 2026 with strong momentum, reporting double-digit growth in the first quarter as demand for its footwear and apparel surged across global markets. Building on a record-setting 2025, the company posted 20% growth in North America and 30% currency-neutral growth across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, while sales in China skyrocketed 136% year over year.

CEO Dan Sheridan attributed the performance to the brand’s long-term strategy and consistent execution across product innovation and customer engagement. During the quarter, Brooks also refined its leadership and operating structure to support continued global expansion.

The company maintained its leading position in performance running footwear, holding the top market share in U.S. specialty retail and roughly 20% share at national retail for the 11th consecutive quarter. Internationally, Brooks continued to gain ground, outperforming competitors in key European markets such as Germany and France.

Innovation remained a major growth driver. The launch of the Glycerin Flex, featuring a new segmented midsole design, quickly contributed to global revenue, while trail models like the Cascadia Elite fueled a 59% increase in trail footwear sales. Core franchises also delivered strong results, with the Glycerin and Adrenaline GTS lines posting significant year-over-year gains. Meanwhile, the Hyperion racing series saw triple-digit growth, reflecting rising demand in performance racing categories.

Brooks’ apparel segment also expanded, growing 33% year over year thanks to updated designs and increased consumer interest in head-to-toe performance gear. The brand’s products gained notable traction in specialty retail, signaling broader adoption beyond footwear.

Beyond products, Brooks strengthened its global presence through partnerships and community-driven campaigns. Initiatives like “Let’s Run There” and collaborations with high-profile figures, including Cynthia Erivo, emphasized authenticity and connection within the running community. Event-based partnerships, such as its work with runDisney, also drove engagement and record sales during race weekends.

The brand further expanded into lifestyle markets through collaborations with STAPLE and appearances at Paris Fashion Week, helping more than double its lifestyle category year over year.

With strong financial results, continued product innovation, and growing cultural relevance, Brooks Running enters 2026 positioned for sustained global growth.

© 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 Selling at the Top Isn’t the Goal

Conventional wisdom suggests investors should aim to buy low and sell high, ideally cashing out at a stock’s peak. Warren Buffett, however, takes a different view.

Speaking at the 1998 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett said he has no concern if a stock he sold continues to rise. In fact, he sees it as a positive sign.

“I would worry, frankly, if I sold a bunch of things right at the top, because that would indicate that, in effect, I was practicing the bigger fool-type approach to investing, and I don’t think that can be practiced successfully over time,” Buffett explained.

Instead, he believes the best investors often sell stocks that later climb higher. To him, this reflects a strategy rooted in buying strong businesses rather than chasing market timing.

Hear Buffett’s full explanation

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© 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 Partners with Lionel Messi to Power Summer Soccer Campaign

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Duracell, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has announced a high-profile partnership with Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Timed to coincide with this summer’s major global soccer tournament, the collaboration aims to highlight a shared philosophy: peak performance is not just innate, but carefully engineered.

At the center of the campaign is a cinematic 30-second advertisement titled Messi Reboot, which challenges the idea that all power sources are the same. The spot portrays the intensity of elite competition while emphasizing how Duracell’s technology supports sustained excellence—drawing a parallel to Messi’s enduring dominance on the field.

Duracell’s Chief Marketing Officer, Javier Hernandez Reta, underscored the message behind the campaign, stating that in high-pressure moments, only the most reliable power will suffice. Messi echoed this sentiment, noting that long-term success depends not just on talent, but on maintaining the energy and discipline required to perform at the highest level.

The partnership also includes a range of fan-focused initiatives. Limited-edition battery packs featuring Messi’s likeness and signature tattoos will be released in stores, incorporating Duracell’s proprietary PowerBoost™ technology. In addition, a promotional sweepstakes running from May through August will give customers the opportunity to win signed memorabilia and premium soccer gear.

Together, Duracell and Messi aim to connect elite athletic performance with dependable energy solutions, reinforcing the idea that greatness—on or off the field—requires the right power behind it.

© 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 HomeServices

Heritage Realty Joins Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has announced that Heritage Realty, an independent brokerage founded in 2008, has joined its global franchise network. The firm will now operate as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Heritage Realty, bringing two offices and 19 agents into the network while establishing a stronger presence in central New York.

Heritage Realty will remain independently owned and operated by broker Dana Decker, continuing to serve clients from its headquarters in Homer, New York. The move connects the local firm to one of the fastest-growing real estate networks worldwide, which has expanded to more than 50,000 agents and nearly 1,500 offices across multiple countries.

Decker said the decision was driven by shared values between the two organizations, particularly trust, integrity, and long-term stability. He emphasized that joining the network will enhance the firm’s ability to deliver high-quality service while ensuring future growth and innovation.

As part of the transition, Heritage Realty agents will gain access to advanced tools and resources, including referral and relocation networks, marketing support, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ “FOREVER Cloud” technology platform. The brand also offers global listing exposure, professional training, and specialized marketing programs for luxury properties.

Leadership at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices welcomed the addition, noting that Heritage Realty’s community focus and results-driven culture align closely with the network’s global mission. Both organizations expressed confidence that the partnership will strengthen client services and position the brokerage for continued success in an evolving real estate market.

© 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

Dallas Wings and GEICO Announce Multi-Year Partnership

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

The Dallas Wings of the WNBA and GEICO have announced a new multi-year partnership centered on advancing women’s sports, youth development, and community engagement across North Texas. The collaboration brings together a leading professional women’s basketball team and a nationally recognized insurance brand with deep regional roots.

As an official partner, GEICO will help enhance fan experiences throughout the season, contributing to game-day activations, team storytelling, and youth-focused initiatives. The company will also serve as the presenting partner of the Dallas Wings Youth Basketball Summer Camps and support community service efforts alongside the team.

Team leadership emphasized the alignment between the organizations, highlighting shared priorities in elevating women’s sports and investing in local communities. GEICO echoed this sentiment, noting that supporting women’s athletics is both a meaningful business decision and an opportunity to connect authentically with fans—particularly as women play a major role in insurance decisions.

Founded in Fort Worth in 1936, GEICO is marking its 90th anniversary while continuing to expand its presence in North Texas. This partnership adds to its growing involvement in the region’s sports landscape and underscores a long-term commitment to community investment.

GEICO branding will appear prominently at Dallas Wings home venues, including College Park Center and American Airlines Center, and across the team’s digital platforms. The announcement coincides with a period of rapid growth for the franchise, including a surge in social media engagement and the recent selection of Azzi Fudd as the No. 1 overall WNBA Draft pick.

Youth programming remains a key focus of the partnership. Following significant expansion in recent years, the Dallas Wings plan to grow their camps and clinics even further in 2026, reaching more participants and broadening access across North Texas.

© 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 You Only Need to Get Rich Once

Warren Buffett has often stressed the importance of protecting what you’ve already built. At the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, he recalled a book that argued “you only have to get rich once,” warning against behaviors that can jeopardize lasting wealth.

“If very stupid things are happening around you, you do not want to participate,” Buffett said. He cautioned against being drawn into risky fads—whether it’s chasing inflated returns through borrowed money or buying speculative securities in hopes of finding a “bigger sucker.” Such shortcuts may appear profitable in the short term, he noted, but they inevitably lead to painful losses.

For Buffett, the key to long-term success is resisting the lure of quick gains and focusing instead on preserving the wealth already created.

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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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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

BHSI Launches New D&O Insurance Solutions in Switzerland

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has launched two new Executive First Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance policies in Switzerland, expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of businesses and financial institutions. One policy is designed for commercial and industrial organizations, while the other targets financial institutions and investment managers.

According to Christoph Kammermann, Head of Executive & Professional Lines in Switzerland, the new policies respond to an increasingly complex risk environment for Swiss companies and their leadership. He emphasized that the coverage is tailored to modern D&O exposures and supported by BHSI’s strong financial backing and its “claims-first” philosophy.

The policies aim to provide clear, customizable coverage with straightforward language, allowing organizations to better understand and manage their risks. They can also be integrated into multinational insurance programs, with master policies issued in Switzerland and local coverage available in more than 178 countries.

Franco Masciovecchio, BHSI’s Country Manager for Switzerland, described the launch as a key step in strengthening the company’s long-term presence in the market. He noted that BHSI continues to invest in talent, expand its product portfolio, and build lasting relationships with brokers and clients across the country.

Alongside these new D&O solutions, BHSI has been growing its capabilities in Switzerland, including offerings in property damage, business interruption, casualty insurance, and multinational 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.

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Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Checking Emotions at the Door

At the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Warren Buffett reflected on his lifetime of market experience, underscoring the importance of investor temperament.

“When I was born in 1930, the Dow was 240, and soon after it dropped to 41,” Buffett recalled. “If being down 15% in the market upsets you, you need a different investment philosophy. The world isn’t going to adapt to you—you have to adapt to it.”

Buffett warned that extreme market swings are inevitable, predicting that within the next two decades investors will face turbulence more dramatic than most have seen before. He emphasized that while markets periodically deliver shocks, they remain fertile ground for disciplined investors.

“The market is a terrible place if you get frightened by declines or overly excited by gains,” he said. “You’ve got to check emotions at the door when you invest.”

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 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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Marmon Group

Berkshire Company Tackles the Kitchen Bottleneck: Prince Castle Debuts Toast EZ

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Prince Castle, a Berkshire Hathaway company that is part of known for improving restaurant efficiency, has introduced Toast EZ, a next-generation commercial toaster designed specifically for quick service restaurant (QSR) environments. The launch comes as operators face mounting challenges, including labor shortages, tighter profit margins, and increasing expectations for speed and consistency.

Modern QSR kitchens are under pressure from expanding menus, limited-time offers, and a growing variety of bread options. These factors often turn toasting into a bottleneck, especially during peak hours when staff must frequently adjust settings, leading to delays, inconsistent results, and food waste.

Toast EZ aims to solve this issue with a dual-lane system that allows operators to toast two different bread types simultaneously. Each lane is independently controlled, enabling instant setting changes and helping maintain steady kitchen throughput even during busy periods.

The toaster features a large, user-friendly control panel with 32 programmable bread icons. With a simple tap, staff can switch settings, reducing training time and minimizing errors—an advantage in high-turnover, multilingual work environments. Infrared radiant heat technology ensures fast, even toasting, with options for top-only or full heating and adjustable browning levels.

Designed for practicality, the compact unit fits easily into tight kitchen spaces and supports shelf installation. It also includes an energy-saving mode that can cut power consumption by up to 25% during slower periods.

According to Senior Product Manager Christine Peggau, Toast EZ is built to help operators keep up with increasing demands while maintaining consistency and efficiency. As the foodservice industry continues to evolve, innovations like Toast EZ highlight how small operational improvements can have a significant impact, particularly for multi-unit and franchise businesses.

Toast EZ is now available for order, with rollout options for both single-location operators and large restaurant brands.

Prince Castle is headquartered in Carol Stream, Illinois and part of the Marmon Foodservice Technologies family.

© 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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Marmon Group

Cornelius Unveils Fully Automated Beverage System for QSRs

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway-owned Cornelius, a global leader in beverage dispensing solutions, has announced the launch of its Automatic Crew-Serve Dispenser (ACSD), a fully automated system designed to streamline beverage preparation in quick service restaurant (QSR) drive-thru and counter operations.

The introduction of ACSD comes as the QSR industry continues to prioritize automation and efficiency. With drive-thru service playing a critical role in revenue, even small time savings per order can significantly impact overall performance. Cornelius says its new system can reduce beverage preparation time by up to 34 seconds per order.

ACSD automates the entire drink-making process—from receiving the order to dispensing cups, ice, and beverages, and staging completed drinks. By eliminating manual steps, the system aims to improve speed, accuracy, and consistency while reducing the workload on staff.

The system integrates directly with point-of-sale (POS) platforms, allowing seamless operation without manual input. It can handle multiple beverage types, including flavor shots, supports up to 16 syrups from a single nozzle, and offers automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes for flexibility. Built-in visual order identification further helps reduce errors and confusion during busy periods.

Cornelius developed ACSD in response to ongoing industry challenges, including labor shortages, rising operational costs, and increasing customer expectations. Beverage stations, often still highly manual, have become a common bottleneck in otherwise modernized kitchens.

Rather than replacing workers, ACSD is designed to support them by simplifying workflows and freeing staff to focus on customer service and other higher-value tasks.

Early results suggest meaningful operational benefits. In addition to faster service, operators may see increased throughput during peak hours, improved order accuracy, and a potential return on investment within 12 to 18 months, depending on volume.

The system is also built with scalability and maintenance in mind, sharing roughly 60% of its components with existing Cornelius equipment and including a two-year parts and labor warranty.

Initial pilot programs across several QSR brands are already underway. According to early user feedback, the system enhances existing workflows rather than disrupting them, allowing teams to operate more efficiently with fewer resources.

ACSD will be available for broader deployment starting in the second quarter of 2026, with pilot and multi-unit rollout programs currently open.

© 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.