Month: January 2025

Categories
Jazwares

Jazwares Unveils BLDR: A New Era in Construction Toys

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Jazwares, a global toy powerhouse under Berkshire Hathaway, has launched BLDR, an exciting new construction toy brand set to hit retailers this month. Designed for kids aged 8+ and collectors, BLDR offers immersive playsets and highly articulated buildable action figures inspired by some of the world’s most beloved franchises.

The debut lineup includes playsets and minifigures from Squishmallows, Hello Kitty and Friends®, and Adopt Me!, alongside anime-inspired buildable figures from Chainsaw Man and JUJUTSU KAISEN, streaming on Crunchyroll.

Key features include:

Squishmallows playsets with SquishBrik for a squeezable belly experience.

Hello Kitty and Friends® sets with double-sided play for enhanced storytelling.

Crunchyroll figures utilizing QuikBrik design for a stronger, fully customizable 9” build.

Adopt Me! playsets featuring articulated pets, strollers, and themed locations.

“BLDR was born from the opportunity to bring iconic brands into the construction space in a fresh, innovative way,” said Jeremy Padawer, Chief Brand Officer at Jazwares. “From Hello Kitty’s café to fully articulated anime figures, we’re thrilled to bring these beloved properties to life like never before.”

With its unique design elements and expansive play possibilities, BLDR is poised to redefine the construction toy category for fans of all ages.

© 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
BNSF

BNSF Railway Announces $3.8 Billion Capital Investment Plan for 2025

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

BNSF Railway has unveiled its $3.8 billion capital investment plan for 2025, emphasizing safety, reliability, and future readiness to meet customer needs.

“Our 2025 capital plan reflects BNSF’s commitment to supporting customer growth while operating a safe, efficient, and reliable railroad,” said Katie Farmer, President and CEO.

The majority of the investment—$2.84 billion—will focus on maintenance to keep the network in optimal condition. Projects include replacing 2.5 million rail ties, 410 miles of rail, and conducting surfacing work across 11,400 miles of track. These efforts aim to minimize service disruptions and enhance capacity.

Additionally, $535 million is allocated for expansion and efficiency initiatives, building on over $2.6 billion invested in similar projects over the past five years. Key developments include:

Completing the Cicero Intermodal Facility expansion in Chicago.

Advancing the Barstow International Gateway project in California.

Initiating plans for a future intermodal facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

BNSF will also continue constructing a third main line track near Needles, California, and increasing siding capacity near Phoenix to boost network capacity and service reliability.

This investment underscores BNSF’s dedication to meeting current and future demands while delivering strong service to its customers.

© 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
Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: No Secrets Required

Is there a hidden formula for stock market success reserved for a select few? According to Warren Buffett, the answer is a resounding no. The legendary investor insists that the tools for success are readily available to anyone willing to put in the effort.

Buffett often points to Benjamin Graham’s classic book The Intelligent Investor as a prime example of accessible wisdom. His advice? “Read everything in sight.” At the 2005 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett dismissed the idea of insider knowledge, saying, “There are no secrets in this business that only the priesthood knows.”

He emphasized that investing is straightforward, with all the necessary information “out there in black and white.” For Buffett, the key lies in education and diligence—not exclusivity.

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
Marmon Group

Berkshire Hathaway’s UTLX Partners with 225 Rail to Expand Railcar Services in Houston

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Union Tank Car Company (UTLX), a strategic partnership with 225 Rail to provide comprehensive railcar services for owners and shippers. The collaboration will operate out of 225 Rail’s 1,000-car storage terminal in Pasadena, TX, strategically located on the south side of the Houston Ship Channel.

The partnership leverages UTLX’s expertise in railcar cleaning, repair, and requalification services at a centrally located facility served by the PTRA, with access to major railroads like UP, BNSF, and CPKC. This ensures low freight costs and faster turnaround times for customers, improving fleet utilization. The facility is equipped to handle various rail car types, including tank and hopper cars, offering reliable and efficient services to meet the growing demands of the region.

Jay McGill, Marmon Rail President of Repair Services, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are extremely excited to work with 225 Rail to deliver a full range of value-added railcar cleaning, inspection, and maintenance services for our customers. This partnership allows us to continue providing industry-leading, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions that meet their needs.”

225 Rail, known for safely managing railcar storage, switching, and transloading, sees this partnership as an opportunity to expand its offerings. “Historically, 225 Rail’s core business has been railcar storage and transloading,” said Deborah Willits, CEO of 225 Rail. “This partnership with UTLX allows us to become a one-stop shop for all rail needs. UTLX’s commitment to safety and customer service makes them a perfect partner for 225 Rail.”

This collaboration signifies a major investment in Houston’s rail infrastructure, boosting operational efficiency and fostering regional economic growth. By combining UTLX’s service expertise with 225 Rail’s strategically located terminal, the partnership aims to set a new standard for railcar maintenance and support in the region.

© 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
BYD

BYD Launches the World’s Largest LNG-Powered Vehicle Carrier

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Chinese EV giant BYD, backed by Berkshire Hathaway, has introduced the world’s largest roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vehicle carrier, the Shenzhen. Capable of transporting up to 9,200 cars, the Shenzhen surpasses the company’s earlier milestone—the 7,000-car Explorer No. 1 launched less than a year ago.

This marks BYD’s fourth car carrier in its growing fleet, following the recent deployment of the 7,000-car BYD Hefei.

At 219 meters long, 37.7 meters wide, and with a top speed of 18.5 knots, the Shenzhen demonstrates BYD’s growing dominance in the global auto and shipping industries.

Notably, the Shenzhen is also the world’s most environmentally friendly car carrier, utilizing LNG dual-fuel technology and energy-efficient features. Equipped with BYD Box stationary batteries, the vessel can operate in low-emission zones and power itself while docked, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

With a fleet of advanced ships ordered 2-3 years ago, BYD has positioned itself as the only automaker globally with its own shipping network.

© 2025 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
Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Headlines Don’t Drive Investment Decisions

The financial world is filled with constant noise—from Federal Reserve actions to trade developments and IMF forecasts. Yet, Warren Buffett, the legendary investor, pays no attention to headlines when making investment decisions.

“There’s always going to be good and bad news out there,” Buffett observed. Speaking at the 2012 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, he emphasized the importance of value over news cycles: “We look to value, and we don’t look to headlines at all. If we find a business that we think we understand, and we like the price at which it’s being offered, we buy it. And it doesn’t make any difference what the headlines are.”

For Buffett, short-term market chatter is irrelevant. His approach centers on understanding a business, evaluating its intrinsic value, and making decisions independent of external noise—a timeless lesson for investors.

See Buffett’s full explanation

See the complete Lessons From Warren Buffett series

© 2024 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
BNSF

BLM Approves Land Sale to BNSF for Barstow International Gateway Project

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved the sale of approximately 30 acres of public land to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) for the development of the Barstow International Gateway, a transformative rail facility project. The land, located 0.5 miles west of Barstow in San Bernardino County, California, is isolated and surrounded by BNSF-owned private property, making it difficult to manage. The sale will be conducted at no less than the appraised fair market value.

BNSF plans to invest over $1.5 billion to create the 4,500-acre state-of-the-art facility, the first of its kind developed by a Class 1 railroad in the United States. The integrated rail yard, intermodal facility, and warehouses will support the seamless transfer of freight from international containers to domestic containers.

The project aims to streamline cargo transport by transferring containers directly from ships at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to trains through the Alameda Corridor, up to Barstow. At the Barstow International Gateway, cargo will be processed using clean-energy-powered equipment, staged, and built into trains for nationwide transport. Westbound freight will similarly be processed to enhance efficiency for shipments to ports and California terminals.

This facility is expected to significantly enhance freight movement, reduce congestion at ports, and support sustainable logistics across the region.

© 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
Real Estate

Intero CEO Brian Crane Named to 2025 Swanepoel Power 200 List

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Intero, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., proudly announced that its CEO, Brian Crane, has been named to the prestigious 2025 Swanepoel Power 200 (SP 200) list. The SP 200 highlights the most influential leaders in the residential real estate brokerage industry.

“It’s an honor to be included among such esteemed leaders in our industry,” said Crane. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible employees, agents, and partners who make Intero a leader in strength, stability, and collaboration.”

A seasoned real estate veteran with over 30 years of experience, Crane was one of Intero’s founding members. He has been instrumental in guiding the company’s nearly 2,000 corporate and franchise agents while fostering collaboration within the HomeServices network. He also shares his expertise through Intero’s Academy and continuing education programs.

Under Crane’s leadership since becoming CEO in 2019, Intero has achieved remarkable growth, building on its legacy as a trusted brand in real estate. This is the fourth consecutive year Crane has earned a spot on the SP 200 list, joining other prominent HomeServices executives, including Gino Blefari, HomeServices CEO and Intero founder, who ranked #5 for 2025.

Intero, now in its 23rd year, continues to thrive as a leader in the real estate industry under Crane’s guidance.

© 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
Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Ignorance and Leverage Don’t Mix

Warren Buffett, the legendary investor, has long cautioned against two common investment pitfalls: misunderstanding one’s investment and using borrowed money to leverage it. Combining these mistakes, he warns, often leads to disastrous outcomes.

“Any time you combine ignorance and borrowed money, you can get some pretty interesting consequences,” Buffett remarked during the 1994 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting. He highlighted the historical risks of excessive borrowing, noting that “the ability to borrow enormous amounts of money combined with a chance to get either very rich or very poor very quickly has historically been a recipe for trouble at some point.”

Buffett’s advice serves as a timeless reminder for investors to thoroughly understand their investments and approach leverage with extreme caution.

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 BYD, 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 Energy

Battery Storage and Solar Expansion at the Heart of NV Energy’s Growth Plan

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

NV Energy, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has received approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) for its comprehensive plan to meet the state’s growing energy demands and support economic development. The decision ensures the delivery of reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy while aligning with Nevada’s renewable energy goals.

“With Nevada’s growth comes the need for expanded infrastructure,” said NV Energy President and CEO Doug Cannon. “This balanced plan supports economic growth, job creation, and energy reliability, all while keeping costs significantly below the national average and over 50% lower than California’s energy rates.”

Key elements of the approved plan include the addition of over 1,000 megawatts of solar power and 1,000 megawatts of battery storage. It also includes approximately 400 megawatts of natural-gas peaking units to handle high summer energy demand, reducing reliance on costly and unreliable market purchases. These natural-gas units are designed to integrate hydrogen as a fuel source in the future.

© 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.