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BNSF

BNSF Railway Reaches Agreement With Union on Paid Sick Days and More

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

BNSF Railway and The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, Transportation Division (SMART-TD) have reached a system-wide agreement that will significantly benefit ground service employees at BNSF.

The tentative agreement, which was announced on September 28, follows up on the mandatory local bargaining items from last year’s Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) and goes well beyond.

This breakthrough tentative agreement comes after several months of negotiations, and pending ratification by SMART-TD’s members at BNSF, it is expected to bring positive changes to both the professional and personal lives of these employees.

The agreement will allow for more predictable scheduling (with rest days available to all pool and extra board employees) and enables all ground service employees to take paid sick days, with many additional quality of work/life changes. These enhancements will not only benefit current employees, but they will also contribute to more consistent service for BNSF’s customers, and aid in the recruitment and retention of employees.

© 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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Lubrizol

Lubrizol Sells Idled Plant in Wales, UK

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol Corporation has sold its idled Warwick Chemical Mostyn, Wales, UK, site to International Process Plants, a leading global provider of pre-owned and new process plants and equipment.

The Warwick Chemical Mostyn site, which formerly produced stain removal ingredients for detergent products, features a robust infrastructure ideally suited for various chemical applications. IPP plans to sustainably redeploy these assets to its client facilities globally, making the site and its basic infrastructure available for redevelopment to support the local community needs.

The Mostyn site is the second facility that Lubrizol has also sold this month. The company also sold its surfactant plant in Paso Robles, California, to Texas-based Coast Southwest.

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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Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Staying Within Your Circle of Competence

For Warren Buffett, being a disciplined investor means staying within your circle of competence. How do you know the limits to your circle of competence?

“I would say this, if you have doubts about something being into your circle of competence, it isn’t,” Warren Buffett said at the 2002 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting. “If you get to something that your friend is buying, or that everybody says a lot of money’s going to be made, and you don’t, you’re not sure whether you understand it or not, you don’t. You know, I mean, and it’s better to be well within the circle than to be trying to tiptoe along the line. And you’ll find plenty of things within the circle. I mean, it’s not terrible to have a small circle of competence. I’d say my circle of competence is pretty small, but it’s big enough. You know, I can find a few things.”

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 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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Jazwares

Jazwares Named Global Master Toy Licensee for Mermicorno: Starfall

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares has secured the exclusive global rights to produce figures, dolls, playsets, vehicles, plush, Squishmallows, Halloween costumes, pet costumes and accessories, everyday dress-up, role play, musical instruments, and novelty items based on the animated series Mermicorno: Starfall for all distribution channels, including mass-market, e-commerce and direct-to-consumer platforms.

Thunderbird Brands, the consumer products arm of Thunderbird Entertainment Group Inc., announced the appointment of Jazwares as global master toy licensee for Mermicorno: Starfall.

The concept of Mermicorno: Starfall is drawn from tokidoki’s hit Mermicorno characters. The first Mermicorno debuted in 2015 and the Mermicorno character family launched worldwide with collectibles, apparel, accessories and more in 2016.

The initial Mermicorno: Starfall toy line is set to launch with a limited product assortment in spring 2025, followed by a larger rollout in fall 2025.

Warner Bros. Discovery has secured exclusive rights to the series in the U.S., now in production at Thunderbird’s Atomic Cartoons, which will debut on Max in early 2025.

© 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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Lubrizol

Lubrizol Sells Surfactant Manufacturing Facility to Coast Southwest

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol Corporation, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has sold its surfactant plant in Paso Robles, California, to Texas-based Coast Southwest.

No price of the transaction was announced.

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Coast Southwest is a leading full-service, chemical distribution and ingredient technology company.

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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BYD

BYD’s Dolphin: A Global Hit in the World of Electric Vehicles

In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), one name continues to shine brighter than ever before – BYD. Backed by Berkshire Hathaway, this automotive powerhouse has been making waves, quite literally, with its BYD DOLPHIN. On September 22, 2023, BYD marked a momentous occasion, celebrating the production of its 500,000th BYD DOLPHIN, solidifying its place as a leader in the realm of new energy vehicles.

Since its debut in August 2021, the BYD DOLPHIN has maintained an iron grip on the title of the top-selling A0-level hatchback in China for an impressive 19 consecutive months. But its impact doesn’t stop at China’s borders; this aquatic-inspired marvel is making ripples worldwide.

In June 2023, Brazil felt the electrifying surge of the DOLPHIN as it gracefully glided onto its shores. Within just two months, over 4,000 units of this eco-champion found homes, setting an all-time record for EV sales in Brazil. It not only set records but also stole hearts by becoming the best-selling EV in the country for the month of August. Brazil was just the beginning of the DOLPHIN’s global voyage.

Thailand welcomed the DOLPHIN with open arms, and it didn’t take long for the EV to make a splash in the market, claiming the fifth spot in EV sales in its very first month, delivering an impressive 481 units. The United Kingdom got a taste of the DOLPHIN’s charm as it recently completed its first test drive event, garnering praise and applause from the media, and the DOLPHIN was unveiled in Mexico in September.

BYD has established six dealership stores in Mexico and plans to have 50 by the end of the year. The company has extended its presence to all 32 states.

What sets the BYD DOLPHIN apart from the sea of electric vehicles is its innovative e-Platform 3.0, a dedicated platform exclusively designed for pure electric vehicles. This platform prioritizes aerodynamics, rigidity, and cabin space, resulting in a harmonious blend of performance and comfort. With its 8-in-1 electric powertrain, the DOLPHIN achieves remarkable improvements in safety and range. And when it comes to power, the seamless integration of BYD’s ultra-safe Blade Battery within the e-Platform 3.0 ensures a secure and convenient driving experience for users.

But it’s not just about performance; the BYD DOLPHIN also captures the essence of nature’s beauty. Embracing the captivating Ocean Aesthetics design language, it draws inspiration from the fluidity of ocean waves and combines it with strong, charismatic lines for a dynamic and exuberant overall style. The interior is equally enchanting, with sustainable vegan leather adorning integrated sports seats. These seats offer not only long-distance comfort but also strong lateral support, all while showcasing ocean-inspired aesthetics.

In a world where sustainability meets style and innovation meets impact, the BYD DOLPHIN emerges as a true symbol of the future of electric mobility. With its global conquest and commitment to delivering premium green mobility, BYD continues to swim ahead in the electric vehicle race, setting benchmarks and leaving a trail of admirers in its wake. As the waves of change continue to wash over the automotive industry, one thing remains certain – the BYD DOLPHIN is riding high, leading the charge towards a greener and more electrifying future.

© 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.