Month: May 2025

Categories
HomeServices of America

Vince Leisey Named President of HSF Affiliates, Franchise Arm of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

HomeServices of America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway and a national leader in homeownership services, has announced the appointment of Vince Leisey as President of HSF Affiliates, the franchiser of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) real estate network.

Leisey, a veteran of nearly 30 years within the BHHS network, is known for fostering strong company cultures, embracing innovation, and consistently driving results. He currently serves as CEO of BHHS Ambassador Real Estate in Omaha, where he leads more than 1,000 agents generating nearly $3 billion in annual sales. Leisey will continue in that role while taking on his new responsibilities.

Throughout his career, Leisey has played a key role in shaping modern real estate practices. He is the founder of the Explosion Real Estate Conference and a long-time member of the BHHS REthink Council, which helps cultivate future industry leaders.

“Vince’s passion, insight, and people-first leadership make him the ideal choice to guide HSF Affiliates in an evolving market,” said Chris Kelly, President and CEO of HomeServices of America.

Leisey expressed enthusiasm for the new role: “I’m honored and energized to serve as President of HSF Affiliates. I look forward to working more closely with our franchisees to grow the brand, challenge convention, and shape the future of real estate together.”

© 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: Understanding “Mr. Market”

Warren Buffett frequently references “Mr. Market,” an important concept introduced by Benjamin Graham in The Intelligent Investor, to illustrate the unpredictable nature of the stock market. Mr. Market symbolizes the market’s emotional swings, sometimes offering fair prices and other times presenting irrational valuations driven by fear or enthusiasm.

Buffett stresses that investors should view the market as a servant, not a guide. At the 2012 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, he described Mr. Market as a “psychotic drunk” prone to frequent mistakes. “Your job is to remember that he’s there to serve you and not to advise you,” Buffett explained.

The lesson is clear: investors must form their own assessment of a company’s value based on its financial health and performance. As Graham advised, only engage with Mr. Market when his offers align with your valuation—selling at inflated prices and buying during downturns. The rest of the time, wise investors ignore the noise and trust their own analysis.

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
Kraft Heinz

Kraft Heinz Explores Strategic Options as Berkshire Hathaway Steps Back from Board

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

The Kraft Heinz Company has announced that it is actively exploring strategic transactions aimed at enhancing shareholder value. This initiative, led by the company’s Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team, aligns with Kraft Heinz’s long-term goal of delivering high-quality, consumer-focused food products while driving sustainable growth.

“Our mission has always been to delight consumers with great-tasting food,” said CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera. “In line with this commitment, we’ve been evaluating strategic opportunities to unlock greater value for our shareholders.”

In a significant governance update, Kraft Heinz revealed that Berkshire Hathaway, despite being a major shareholder, will no longer maintain seats on the company’s Board. As a result, Timothy Kenesey and Alicia Knapp, both affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway, have stepped down. The Board has now been reduced to 10 members.

Chairman Miguel Patricio expressed gratitude for their service: “We thank Tim and Alicia for their valuable contributions and look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Berkshire Hathaway.”

The company emphasized that the departures were not due to any disagreements with management or the Board. While Kraft Heinz continues to assess potential transactions, it noted that there is no guarantee of a deal or specific timeline for decisions.

© 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
Lubrizol

Lubrizol’s CURCUSHINE™ Microcapsules Clinically Proven to Enhance Skin Radiance and Reduce Wrinkles

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Lubrizol, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has announced compelling clinical results for its CURCUSHINE™ microencapsulated curcumin ingredient, which showed significant improvements in skin radiance, wrinkle reduction, and overall skin appearance. The findings, published in Agro FOOD Industry hi-tech, confirm the efficacy of CURCUSHINE™ as a potent beauty-from-within nutraceutical ingredient.

In the study, 63 women aged 21 to 50 with self-reported skin imperfections consumed either CURCUSHINE™ microcapsules or a placebo daily for six weeks. Those taking CURCUSHINE™ experienced a:

19% increase in skin luminosity and up to 69% improvement in skin tone uniformity

8% reduction in dark spots

10.32% average reduction in crow’s feet wrinkle volume

5.14% average reduction in forehead wrinkle volume

Notable improvement in facial skin brightness (L* parameter)

These results build on previous in vitro research demonstrating CURCUSHINE™’s protective effects on collagen and elastin against oxidative and inflammatory stress.

“Aging gracefully is a growing concern among younger adults, including Gen Z and Millennials,” said Isabel Gómez, Global Marketing Manager for Lubrizol Nutraceuticals. “We’re proud to offer a clinically proven solution for skin rejuvenation with CURCUSHINE™.”

CURCUSHINE™ microcapsules are water-dispersible, taste-neutral, and highly bioavailable—making them ideal for a wide range of nutricosmetic formats, including tablets, capsules, gummies, powder sachets, and functional beverages.

© 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: Why Investors Should Avoid Declining Businesses

Investing in businesses on the decline might seem like an opportunity, especially when their stock prices appear low and dividends are still flowing. However, legendary investor Warren Buffett advises against this approach.

During the 2012 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett cautioned investors to steer clear of declining businesses, regardless of how cheap they may appear. He acknowledged that early in his career, he sought out what he called “cigar butt” businesses — companies with just a little life left. However, he later realized that the same effort and intelligence applied to healthier, growing businesses would yield far better returns.

“You’d be amazed at the offerings of businesses we get where they say it’s only six times EBITDA,” Buffett remarked, dismissing optimistic projections of struggling companies. He emphasized that the real profits lie in businesses with strong growth potential, not those in decline.

For investors seeking long-term success, Buffett’s advice is clear: focus on companies with bright futures rather than chasing fleeting value in dying enterprises.

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 into UK Programs Market, Appoints Rob Munden as Head of Programs

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has officially entered the UK Programs market with the appointment of Rob Munden as Head of Programs, UK. This strategic move marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to broaden its reach beyond large enterprises to include small and midsized businesses across the UK and Europe.

“This move further rounds out our capabilities in the UK and Europe, and reflects our long-term strategy to expand our business,” said Mark Walker, Head of National Business, UK, at BHSI. “With Rob at the helm, we look forward to building a robust Programs business.”

In his new role, Munden will lead the development of BHSI’s Programs business in the UK, leveraging the firm’s underwriting strengths in property, casualty, marine, executive and professional lines, and accident and health insurance. He will also support expansion efforts across Europe.

With 30 years of insurance industry experience and deep expertise in the Programs space, Munden brings strong MGA relationships and a proven track record. He most recently served as CEO of a specialist managing general agent and is based in London.

© 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
Pilot Flying J

Pilot Travel Centers to Hire Over 7,500 Team Members Nationwide

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Pilot, a Berkshire Hathaway company and one of the nation’s leading travel center operators, is launching a major hiring initiative to bring more than 7,500 new team members on board. The company is recruiting for a wide range of positions across its travel centers, on-site restaurants, and tanker fleet, aiming to fuel exceptional guest experiences for the 1.2 million travelers it serves daily.

Open roles include hourly jobs, leadership positions, maintenance technicians, and fuel tanker drivers. Pilot offers competitive weekly pay and a robust benefits package designed to support and uplift its team members. Perks include gas discounts, meal credits, paid time off, comprehensive health plans, parental leave, tuition assistance, and 24/7 on-demand healthcare for U.S. employees.

“At Pilot, we’re more than a workplace — we’re a community of journey makers,” said Julius Cox, executive vice president and chief people officer. “We’re looking for driven, reliable, authentic, and welcoming individuals to join our team this summer and beyond.”

With a strong commitment to a people-first culture, Pilot continues to invest in its workforce through training, recognition programs, and support services like the Pilot Cares hardship assistance program. Whether beginning a new career or seeking the next step, Pilot welcomes applicants ready to make a difference in the journeys of others.

© 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: The Power of Flexibility

While many mutual funds and ETFs focus on specific market segments, Warren Buffett takes a different approach. He prioritizes flexibility, ensuring that investment decisions are driven by opportunity rather than restrictions.

At the 2007 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett explained his stance:

“We think the most logical fund is the one we have at Berkshire where, essentially, we can do anything that makes sense and are not compelled to do anything that we don’t think makes sense.”

Buffett believes that funds limited to a specific asset class, such as bonds or futures, operate at a disadvantage compared to those with broad authority—provided they have the right leadership. By maintaining an open investment strategy, Buffett ensures that Berkshire Hathaway can capitalize on the best opportunities across all financial markets, rather than being confined to any single category.

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
Brooks

Brooks Running Sets the Pace with Record-Breaking Q1 Performance

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway-owned Brooks Running posted a record-breaking first quarter in 2025, with global revenue climbing 15% year-over-year. All regions contributed double-digit growth or better, marking a strong start to the year for the performance running brand.

In North America, Brooks continued its eight-year growth streak, with Q1 revenue rising 13% and an impressive 38% surge in Canada. Internationally, the brand saw record quarterly revenue in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, up 11% on a currency-neutral basis, and a staggering 221% year-over-year growth in Asia Pacific and Latin America (APLA).

Brooks also claimed the top spot in the U.S. adult performance running footwear market, with seven of the top 25 best-selling styles. In the highly competitive U.S. specialty retail channel, Brooks grew 20% year-over-year. The brand saw notable success in Europe as well, with Q1 growth of 37% in France and 28% in Germany for adult running shoes priced above €90. In Germany, Brooks reached a milestone by tying for No. 1 in the high-end running footwear segment—a first in any European market.

“Our record results are an outcome of real product innovation, brand demand at an all-time high, and execution excellence across our teams,” said CEO Dan Sheridan. “I am so proud of the Brooks team and the strategy we’re executing to invite more people into the brand.”

© 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
Corporate

Buffett Explains Berkshire’s Buyback Pause

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

At Saturday’s Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, Warren Buffett addressed the company’s noticeable pause in share repurchases. Berkshire hasn’t bought back any stock since May 2024, marking its longest break from buybacks since 2018. Buffett explained that the company only repurchases shares when they are clearly undervalued—a condition not currently met, with Berkshire stock reaching an all-time high on May 2. He also cited the new 1% tax on repurchases as an added hurdle, making buybacks less appealing from a capital allocation standpoint.

© 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.