Month: July 2023

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

BHSI Expands Names Dimitry Zilberud Head of Marine, Retail U.S.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has appointed Dimitry Zilberud as the Senior Vice President and Head of Marine, Retail U.S. This additional role adds to his current position as Head of Marine, Australasia at BHSI.

Cathy Miller, the Head of Property, U.S. and Canada at BHSI, highlighted the immense potential for profitable growth in the U.S. marine market. Miller stated, “To fully seize the opportunities present in the U.S. marine market, we have decided to focus separately on the wholesale broker and retail broker channels.” Kristen Hunter and her team will continue to concentrate on the wholesale broker channel, while Dimitry Zilberud will lead the development of the retail broker channel. Miller expressed her enthusiasm to collaborate with both Dimitry and Kristen as they expand their marine relationships in the United States.

Dimitry Zilberud brings more than 25 years of valuable experience in the insurance industry to his new role. He joined BHSI in 2015 as the Head of Marine for Australia and was subsequently promoted to Head of Marine, Australasia. In his new position, Zilberud will report to Mark Lingafelter, the Head of Australasia at BHSI, while also reporting to Cathy Miller. He is based in Sydney.

BHSI offers a comprehensive range of coverage options in inland marine, ocean marine, and transport and logistics liability both in the United States and across the globe. With Dimitry Zilberud leading the marine division in the retail broker channel, BHSI aims to strengthen its position and foster new relationships in the thriving U.S. marine market.

© 2023 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Berkshire Hathaway Purchases Dominion Energy’s Stake in Cove Point LNG

Berkshire Hathaway Energy has successfully executed an agreement to acquire Dominion Energy’s 50% limited partnership stake in the Cove Point LNG, LP business.

Pending regulatory approvals, the purchased interest will be held under the umbrella of BHE GT&S, LLC, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. A subsidiary of BHE GT&S already serves as the general partner and operator of the Cove Point natural gas pipeline and its liquefied natural gas terminal, both situated in Lusby, Maryland.

With a transaction value of $3.3 billion, the deal will primarily be funded through the utilization of existing cash reserves, including proceeds from the liquidation of specific investments. Once the transaction is finalized, Berkshire Hathaway Energy will bolster its ownership by securing a 75% limited partnership stake in Cove Point LNG, LP. It is worth noting that the remaining 25% limited partnership interest in Cove Point LNG, LP will be retained by a subsidiary of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners.

Paul Ruppert, the president of BHE GT&S, expressed his pride in the operations conducted at Cove Point and shared his excitement regarding this new opportunity to enhance their ownership in these globally renowned facilities. He emphasized that the dedicated Cove Point team would continue to prioritize providing secure, affordable, and dependable service to their esteemed customers.

Located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, the facility is the first such facility on the East Coast. It is recognized as one of the most technically advanced and environmentally sensitive LNG facilities in the world, and has a storage capacity of 14.6 billion cubic feet (BCF) and a daily send-out capacity of 1.8 BCF.

Cove Point produces LNG under 20-year contracts for ST Cove Point, a joint venture of Sumitomo Corporation and Tokyo Gas, and for Gail Global (USA) LNG, the U.S. affiliate of GAIL (India) LTD.

Since the facility first entered commercial service in April 2018 for natural gas liquefaction and export, LNG produced from the facility has supported the energy needs of 28 countries, including many in Europe in recent months. And Cove Point LNG loaded its 300th commercial cargo at the end of July.

With this strategic move, Berkshire Hathaway Energy continues to expand its portfolio of world-class assets. This acquisition not only aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy but also reinforces its position as a prominent player in the ever-evolving energy sector.

© 2023 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.

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Brooks

Brooks Running Launches ReStart Recommerce Program

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Brooks Running, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has unveiled a new initiative known as ReStart, a recommerce program aimed at reviving and reselling gently used Brooks footwear in the United States. This strategic move not only keeps functional gear in circulation but also allows the brand to tap into the burgeoning recommerce market.

With sustainability at the core of its ethos, Brooks has been steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the environment upon which we run. The introduction of ReStart represents a significant stride towards achieving these goals by prolonging the lifespan of gently used Brooks gear and generating revenue to fund future sustainability endeavors.

Dave Kemp, Director of Corporate Responsibility at Brooks, emphasized the importance of recommerce, stating, “Recommerce allows us to keep gear on the run while supporting our aim to take responsibility for the impact of our business. The launch of ReStart is an important step in the brand’s long-term, science-backed approach to sustainability.”

The global resale industry currently stands at a staggering $100 billion, growing at a rate five times faster than traditional retail. Experts project that by 2030, recommerce will account for a remarkable 23% of all retail transactions. In line with this market trend, the ReStart program will offer three different condition categories: Like New, Great, and Good. These categories will cover a wide range of Brooks footwear styles, including beloved favorites like the Ghost and Glycerin, as well as speed-oriented products like the Hyperion franchise. Prices for these refurbished items start at an enticing 35% off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

To power the ReStart program and ensure a seamless shopping experience for consumers, Brooks has teamed up with Trove, a trailblazer in the field of branded resale for over a decade. Trove serves as the recommerce partner for leading brands worldwide, enabling them to reach new customers while also fostering accessibility and choice within their existing communities. By leveraging its proprietary Recommerce Operating System, Trove is spearheading the transition toward more lucrative and sustainable business models. Through their partnership, Trove processes over one million items annually for brand partners, prolonging the life of countless products and preventing greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, between 2016 and 2022, Trove-powered resale and trade-in programs helped avoid a
staggering three million kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions.

Brooks Running’s entry into the recommerce market with the launch of ReStart highlights their dedication to sustainability. By embracing the recommerce model, the company not only ensures that high-quality gear remains in circulation but also solidifies its position as a leading force in the pursuit of environmentally responsible business practices.

As a company, Brooks has shown strong momentum in 2023 in the U.S. specialty run channel, with a year-over-year revenue increase of 42% in the first quarter. The direct e-commerce sales for Brooks grew by an impressive 33% year over year in Q1.

© 2023 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: Index Funds Just Fine for the Average Investor

Index funds have exploded in popularity over the past three decades, and it is easy for investors to think that this simple form of investing is somehow second best. However, over twenty years ago, Warren Buffett already looked at index funds as one of the best opportunities for the average investor to buy equities.

“For the average investor who wants to own equities over a twenty or thirty year period, we think regular investment in some kind of very low-cost pool of money, which might well be an index fund, probably makes as much sense as anything,” Buffett said at the 1999 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. “But it’s important to keep the cost down,” he added.

Hear Buffett’s full explanation

See the complete Lessons From Warren Buffett series

© 2023 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
BYD

BYD Signs Partnership Deal to Make Big Splash in Caribbean Market

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD BYD, the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has joined forces with ATL Automotive in a strategic partnership aimed at expanding the presence of EVs across the Caribbean.

The collaboration, officially announced on June 26 in Kingston, Jamaica, signifies a significant step towards advancing transport electrification in the region.

ATL Automotive, a key player in the automotive sector since its establishment in 1997, has been at the forefront of investment in the Jamaican automotive landscape for over a decade. With a committed workforce of approximately 600 employees, ATL Automotive has garnered a reputation as the largest investor in the industry in Jamaica. Drawing upon its wealth of experience as a prominent car distributor, ATL Automotive has been appointed as BYD’s regional distributor and will oversee sales and aftersales operations not only in Jamaica but also in nine other countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, Cayman, Curaçao, Barbados, Aruba, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Guyana, and Suriname.

The future-oriented collaboration between BYD and ATL Automotive will involve the establishment of BYD showrooms across the Caribbean. In the initial phase, two showrooms will be opened in Jamaica, specifically in Kingston and Montego Bay. The Kingston showroom, dubbed the “Experience Centre,” will serve as a platform to showcase upcoming BYD models and cutting-edge technologies.

Adam Stewart, the Executive Chairman of ATL Automotive Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “As we look to the future with the world increasingly embracing electric vehicles, we sought to partner with the best electric vehicle maker, which is BYD.” Stewart further emphasized the importance of transitioning to clean energy, affirming that electric vehicles have become an enduring presence in the automotive industry. He proudly asserted the capability of Jamaican enterprise to compete on a global scale and announced that pre-orders for BYD vehicles would be accepted immediately, with deliveries scheduled to commence in October. Stewart also revealed ambitious plans for an extensive rollout of showrooms across the Caribbean, firmly establishing BYD as the region’s premier EV brand.

Neva Zhang, the Country Manager of Caribbean and Central American Countries at BYD, echoed Stewart’s sentiments and highlighted the significance of the collaboration with ATL Automotive Group. Zhang emphasized BYD’s commitment to sustainability, stating that the brand’s philosophy revolves around protecting the planet and benefiting future generations through green technologies. With a brand vision centered on cooling the Earth by 1°C, BYD aims to establish ten showrooms in the coming year in partnership with ATL Automotive, offering enhanced user experiences and promoting sustainable mobility throughout the region.

The partnership between BYD and ATL Automotive signifies a milestone in the Caribbean’s transition towards clean and sustainable transportation. With BYD’s expertise in EV manufacturing and ATL Automotive’s extensive regional presence, this collaboration promises to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and contribute to a greener future for the Caribbean and beyond.

© 2023 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, 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
BYD

BYD Posts New Monthly Sales Record in June

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

BYD, the Chinese automobile manufacturer backed by Berkshire Hathaway, continues to shatter sales records with its remarkable performance in the market. The company achieved a significant milestone in June, surpassing its previous sales record of 240,220 units, which was accomplished in May. The figures speak volumes about BYD’s unwavering success in the competitive automotive industry.

During the month of June alone, BYD sold an impressive total of 253,046 new energy vehicles, a 5.3% increase over its May sales volume. Furthermore, the year-to-date sales for BYD have reached an impressive figure of almost 1,2 million units, almost double the 641,350 units sold during the first six months of 2022. This remarkable growth signifies the company’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality vehicles that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of the modern consumer.

BYD’s success can be attributed to its commitment to technological advancements and sustainability. The company has been at the forefront of the new energy vehicle revolution, leveraging its expertise in battery technology and electric powertrains to develop popular vehicles that are both environmentally friendly and performance-oriented.

© 2023 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, 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
BNSF

BNSF Ordered to Ship Millions of Tons of Navajo Coal

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

In a recent development, Berkshire Hathaway’s BNSF Railway has been directed to transport a significant amount of coal from the Navajo Transitional Energy Company’s facility in Montana to Westshore Terminals in British Columbia, Canada. This order comes as a result of a preliminary injunction issued by the Surface Transportation Board on June 23.

According to the ruling, BNSF Railway is required to transport approximately 4.2 million tons of coal from NTEC’s Spring Creek mine to the export facility in British Columbia during 2023. Additionally, as train sets and crews become available, BNSF will need to transport an additional one million tons. This effectively translates to moving 23 trains per month of NTEC’s coal immediately, and an extra six trains per month in due course. To ensure transparency and progress, the Board has mandated weekly status reporting by the parties involved.

The Surface Transportation Board determined that NTEC had a strong likelihood of succeeding in its claim that BNSF had violated its statutory common carrier obligation to transport the requested volume of coal. The Board found NTEC’s request for service to be reasonable, considering BNSF’s historical performance and the railway company’s own statements regarding its capacity to meet the minimum service requirements. The Board also acknowledged the potential irreparable harm NTEC would suffer, including damage to its reputation as a reliable global coal supplier, which monetary compensation alone could not rectify.

In balancing the needs of other BNSF customers, the Board concluded that granting the injunction was not detrimental. It was evident from the record that BNSF could comply with the order while still fulfilling the requirements of other shippers. The Board further recognized the public interest in accessing the rail network and emphasized the critical role NTEC plays in the Navajo Nation’s economy.

Chairman Oberman highlighted the significance of the common carrier obligation, describing it as a core principle governing the freight railroad industry and a key responsibility of railroads to the nation’s economy. The Board’s decision upholds the notion that railroads are held to a higher standard of responsibility compared to most private enterprises. This ruling reflects the majority’s belief that a railroad must fulfill its common carrier duty by providing service within its capacity when requested by a customer.

© 2023 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
BNSF

BNSF to Build Second Logistics Center in Texas

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s BNSF Railway is expanding its operations yet again, this time with the establishment of a brand-new logistic center in Gunter, Texas. Spanning an impressive 200 acres, this facility marks the railroad giant’s second logistics center in the Lone Star State.

The announcement came at a community engagement event held at Gunter’s City Hall on the 27th of June. BNSF Railway showcased its ambitious plans to attendees. Jeanelle Davis, BNSF’s executive director of public affairs, explained that the logistic center’s primary purpose is to cater to customers engaged in light manufacturing, acting as a crucial link in their supply chain.

Unlike privately owned business parks, BNSF’s logistic centers offer a distinct advantage – direct-rail service. This means that businesses located within these centers can benefit from the convenience and efficiency of having direct access to BNSF Railway’s extensive network. By investing directly in these logistics centers, BNSF demonstrates its commitment to supporting businesses and fostering economic growth.

The decision to establish a logistic center in Gunter, Texas, highlights the region’s strategic significance and its potential for future growth. BNSF Railway’s presence will undoubtedly attract businesses involved in light manufacturing, providing them with a prime location that optimizes their logistical operations.

© 2023 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
Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: A Hot Industry Isn’t Necessarily a Hot Investment

Whether it is something as futuristic as the metaverse, or something as mundane as ride-sharing, Warren Buffett is quick to point out that just because an industry is on the cutting-edge, and will be transformational to the world, doesn’t mean it will be a good investment. As Buffett famously said “If a capitalist had been present at Kitty Hawk back in the early 1900s, he should have shot Orville Wright. He would have saved his progeny money.”

“There’s a lot of difference between making money and spotting a wonderful industry. You know, the two most important industries in the first half of this century in the United States, in the world, probably were the auto industry and the airplane industry,” Buffett said at the 1999 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. “Here you had these two discoveries, both in the first decade, essentially in the first decade of the century. And if you’d foreseen, in 1905 or thereabouts, what the auto would do to the world, let alone this country, or what the airplane would do, you might have thought that it was a great way to get rich. But very, very few people got rich by being, by riding the back of that auto industry. And probably even fewer got rich by participating in the airline industry over that time.”

Hear Buffett’s full explanation

See the complete Lessons From Warren Buffett series

© 2023 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.