Month: July 2025

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Lubrizol

Lubrizol Opens Southeast Asia Innovation Center in Singapore

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol has unveiled its Southeast Asia Innovation Center in Jurong, Singapore, strengthening the company’s regional presence and innovation capabilities. Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the new 15,000-square-meter facility will serve as a regional hub for research, development, and collaboration, accelerating the delivery of high-value solutions across Southeast Asia and beyond.

The multi-floor center features state-of-the-art laboratories, immersive experience zones, and training spaces, enabling Lubrizol scientists and product developers to co-create with partners across industries such as mobility, infrastructure, beauty, healthcare, and data technology.

“This new Innovation Center represents a significant commitment to our innovation locally,” said Henry Liu, Vice President, Lubrizol Asia Pacific. “It will accelerate technologies that meet the region’s evolving needs.”

President and CEO Rebecca Liebert emphasized Singapore’s role in Lubrizol’s global innovation network, citing the city-state’s strong R&D ecosystem and collaborative environment.

The launch builds on Lubrizol’s 65-year legacy in the region and follows the recent opening of its Asia Pacific Center of Excellence for Suncare Formulation in Singapore. As part of the initiative, Lubrizol signed MOUs with United Oil Company and the EDB to drive collaborative product development and explore future investments.

“This center is a strong endorsement of Singapore’s position as a launchpad for innovation and sustainability,” said EDB Executive Vice President Lim Wey-Len, highlighting the facility’s potential to foster R&D and create high-quality jobs.

Lubrizol’s expansion reinforces its long-term commitment to Southeast Asia as a strategic region for growth, partnership, and advanced materials innovation.

© 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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Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Think for Yourself, Not the Crowd

At the 2006 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Warren Buffett emphasized a core principle of successful investing: independent thinking grounded in solid facts and reasoning.

Quoting his mentor Ben Graham, Buffett reminded investors that being right isn’t about consensus—it’s about accuracy. “You’re neither right nor wrong because people agree with you or disagree with you,” he said. “You’re right because your facts and reasoning are right.”

Buffett stressed the importance of focusing only on what is both important and knowable. Investors should avoid being distracted by speculation or public opinion and instead concentrate on verifiable facts and what those facts truly mean. He warned against wasting energy on unknowable variables—no matter how important they might seem—or knowable facts that don’t actually matter.

Ultimately, Buffett’s message is clear: investing is not about following the crowd. It’s about finding valuable opportunities through disciplined, independent analysis—regardless of what others think.

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.

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McLane

McLane Unveils HiBird Premium Chicken Program at Annual Engage Event

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s McLane Company, Inc., one of America’s largest supply chain providers for retail and foodservice, has launched HiBird, a new premium chicken program designed specifically for convenience stores. The unveiling took place at McLane Engage, the company’s annual trade show, held July 22–24 in New Orleans.

HiBird is the latest addition to the McLane Fresh brand family and features a crave-worthy menu of chicken sandwiches, strips, potato wedges, and white cheddar mac and cheese. The lineup is highlighted by HiBird’s signature sauce—a creamy, tangy, mildly spicy take on the classic comeback sauce.

Engineered for ease of execution, HiBird offers turnkey support for retailers, including training, merchandising, and equipment, enabling stores to deliver restaurant-quality meals with minimal complexity. Products are adaptable to fryers or rapid cook ovens and boast long shelf lives, offering flexibility across store formats.

“We’re proud to introduce HiBird to help convenience retailers meet the growing demand for premium chicken,” said Vito Maurici, McLane’s Chief Customer Experience Officer. “The program is designed for speed and simplicity, making it easy to bring top-tier offerings to market.”

Engage 2024 features nearly 200 exhibitors, including Hershey and Altria, and highlights McLane’s Emerging Brands marketplace, which now spans 330 brands and 3,900 products. This includes recent category expansions in Health/Beauty/Wellness and General Merchandise. New beverage samplings include Kohana, a ready-to-drink coffee energy drink.

McLane’s private label subsidiary, Consumer Value Products Inc., also debuted updated products such as:

YUMBEES: A variety of chewy, gummy, and hard candies

Divinely Sweet: On-the-go mini cookie cups

Beau Dacious: Premium upcycled pet treats and toys

In addition to food and beverage innovations, McLane is spotlighting new data-driven tech tools designed to help retailers and suppliers make faster, smarter business decisions.

“This year’s Engage shows how we’re helping retailers of all sizes innovate and grow,” said Chris Smith, President of McLane Retail. “We’re not just a distributor—we’re a strategic partner committed to shaping the future of retail.”

© 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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McLane

McLane Company Launches National Commissary Program to Elevate Fresh Food in Convenience Retail

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

McLane Company Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary and one of the nation’s largest distributors, has unveiled its new National Commissary program—a major expansion of its McLane Fresh offerings. Designed to deliver fresh, never-frozen, grab-and-go meals with a seven-day refrigerated shelf life, the program brings high-quality food options to convenience stores across the country.

“McLane’s new National Commissary program represents our investment in shaping the future of food in convenience retail,” said Jon Cox, vice president of retail foodservice at McLane. “It’s built for today’s consumers and delivers what operators need: safety, efficiency, and simplicity.”

The launch responds to growing demand for fresh food that rivals fast-casual and grocery store offerings. Under the Central Eats brand, the National Commissary line includes:

Cold handhelds like sandwiches, wraps, and sliders

Protein-packed snacks and sweet-and-salty combos

Health-conscious choices such as veggie cups, salads, oatmeal, and parfaits

Globally inspired flavors for adventurous eaters

All items are fresh, individually wrapped, and ready to merchandise in coolers or meal zones for all-day convenience—from breakfast through late-night.

Key to the program’s success is McLane’s nationwide commissary network and proprietary cold-chain logistics, which ensure consistent quality and food safety. Retailers benefit from flexible ordering, minimal in-store prep, and streamlined delivery integrated with McLane’s existing distribution schedule.

Major chains are already seeing the benefits. “Participating in McLane’s National Commissary program has allowed us to scale our grab-and-go foodservice offerings with premium, fresh items that align with our brand,” said Brian Ferguson, Chief Marketing Officer of EG America.

The program is positioned to help both national and independent retailers grow foodservice sales with ease, meeting modern consumer expectations without adding operational complexity.

© 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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Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Why Forecasting the Market Is a Fool’s Game

Will the stock market go up or down? Flip on the television, open a newspaper, or browse the internet, and you’ll find no shortage of confident predictions. Some say a crash is imminent; others foresee a roaring bull market. It’s tempting to weigh the arguments, form an opinion, and adjust your investments accordingly. Warren Buffett advises against it.

“Charlie and I never have an opinion about the market because it wouldn’t be any good and it might interfere with the opinions we have that are good,” Buffett said at the 1994 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting.

His reasoning is simple: The future of the market is unknowable, but the value of a great business is not. A sound company with strong earnings, a durable competitive advantage, and competent management will perform well over time—regardless of market swings. To hold off on a promising investment just because of macroeconomic uncertainty is, in Buffett’s view, sheer folly.

“If we’re right about a business… it would be very foolish for us not to take action because we thought something about what the market was going to do,” he explained. “Because we just don’t know.”

The lesson is clear: Don’t let noise drown out knowledge. Market movements are unpredictable, but great businesses endure. The wise investor ignores the forecasts and focuses on what can actually be known.

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.

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BNSF

BNSF Launches Expedited Rail Service from Los Angeles to Houston

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

BNSF Railway has introduced a new expedited rail service connecting Los Angeles to Houston in just three days. The service officially began operations on July 10 and marks a significant step forward in offering fast, reliable alternatives to traditional over-the-road shipping.

“Our expedited service from Los Angeles to Houston is a strategic development that not only extends BNSF’s market reach but also connects two major metropolitan areas more effectively,” said Jon Gabriel, BNSF Group Vice President, Consumer Products.

The new service runs between BNSF’s Hobart intermodal facility in Los Angeles and its Pearland facility in the Houston area. It is designed to meet growing demand for faster and more consistent freight movement, especially for shippers currently trucking freight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Houston.

Leveraging BNSF’s busy Southern Transcon route, the service offers improved transit times, expanded capacity, and a compelling rail alternative for time-sensitive shipments. The initiative is part of BNSF’s broader effort to convert more over-the-road freight to rail, providing cost-effective, environmentally friendly supply chain solutions.

© 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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Forest River

Forest River Marine and Margaritaville Set Sail with New Chill Series Pontoons

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Forest River Marine, a division of Berkshire Hathaway’s Forest River, Inc. and a leading name in pontoon manufacturing, has teamed up with Margaritaville to launch the Chill Series — a new line of pontoon boats designed to bring the laid-back, island-inspired spirit of Margaritaville to the water.

Blending Forest River Marine’s renowned craftsmanship with Margaritaville’s carefree vibe, the Chill Series features seven distinct floorplans built for relaxation and fun. Each model offers custom Margaritaville-themed designs, premium sound systems, and comfort-focused layouts perfect for everything from lazy sunset cruises to weekend gatherings with friends.

“Our teams share a love for the water, good times, and memorable experiences,” said Philip Podgorny, General Manager of Forest River Marine. “The Chill Series was created to deliver those moments effortlessly.”

Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, Chief Marketing Officer of Margaritaville, added, “These thoughtfully designed pontoons capture Margaritaville’s signature fun and escapism, making every offshore trip feel like a vacation.”

Starting at $45,169, the Chill Series is available now through Forest River Marine’s network of authorized dealers and brands — Berkshire, South Bay, and Trifecta.

© 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: Applying 600 B.C. Wisdom to 21st Century Markets

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Warren Buffett credits an ancient storyteller with delivering one of the earliest — and most enduring — lessons in investing: Aesop.

At the 2000 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett highlighted the fable writer’s well-known proverb: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” According to Buffett, this simple line captures the core of investment thinking.

“It’s an investment equation,” Buffett explained. “You trade a bird in the hand — your money today — for the possibility of more birds in the bush — future returns. But the decision hinges on a few critical factors: how many birds are actually in the bush, when you’ll get them, and the prevailing interest rates.”

Buffett illustrated that if you expect to receive two birds in five years, and interest rates are low (say, 5%), it may be a good trade. But if rates are high (like 20%), holding onto the bird in hand and compounding it could yield a better return.

He emphasized that evaluating growth — or future gains — always requires context: timing, alternative opportunities, and the cost of capital.

In essence, Buffett said, investing is all about value: “What is it worth? How many birds are in the bush? When will you get them? And what are the interest rates?”

Aesop may not have had a finance degree, but Buffett believes his fable laid the groundwork for 2,600 years of investment insight.

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
Lubrizol

Lubrizol Unveils High-Performance PUD for Advanced Wood Coatings

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol has announced the launch of Sancure™ 942 Polyurethane Dispersion, a new water-borne, high-solids polymer designed to deliver advanced performance in wood coatings for both residential and commercial applications.

The latest addition to Lubrizol’s growing coatings portfolio, Sancure 942 offers excellent wear protection, strong chemical resistance, and superior adhesion to a variety of substrates. Ideal for OEM and wood floor finishes, its high-solids formulation also allows for greater coverage per application—reducing the number of coats needed and enabling a faster return to service.

“The entire value chain will experience benefits,” said Israel Skoff, technical marketing manager, resin technologies. “From lower shipping emissions and enhanced performance to fewer coats and faster project completion, Sancure 942 delivers across the board.”

When used with external crosslinkers, the product’s performance is further enhanced, making it a powerful solution for formulators seeking both sustainability and durability.

Lubrizol continues to innovate in polymer technology, providing solutions that support eco-friendly initiatives while exceeding performance expectations in demanding markets.

© 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: CEOs Should Understand Investing

Warren Buffett believes one of the most valuable skills a CEO can develop is a solid understanding of investing. What puzzles him, however, is how some top executives shy away from managing their own personal finances but still feel equipped to make billion-dollar corporate decisions.

At the 2005 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett shared his thoughts on this contradiction. “I have friends who are CEOs, and they’ll let someone else handle their money,” he said. “Ask them whether to invest in Coca-Cola or Gillette, and they’ll say, ‘That’s too tough. I don’t know anything about investing.’”

Yet, the very next day, these same executives may greenlight a $3 billion acquisition after a brief presentation from an investment banker. “They’ll hand it over to a strategic planning group and believe they’re fit to make a decision on a multibillion-dollar deal,” Buffett said, “when they don’t even feel confident making $10,000 decisions with their own money.”

Buffett’s point is clear: true business leadership should include a deep understanding of investment principles—especially when the stakes are high.

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.