Month: October 2025

Categories
GEICO Insurance

GEICO Expands into Commercial Trucking with New Data-Driven Insurance Program

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

GEICO, one of the largest and most recognized insurers in the United States, has teamed up with Daimler Truck Financial Services USA (DTFS) to launch Connected Insurance, a new telematics-based insurance program designed for Freightliner and Western Star owner-operators and small fleets.

The program enhances GEICO’s DriveEasy Pro by using real-time data to reward safe driving. Customers who choose to share their Detroit Connect telematics data can receive more accurate underwriting, faster claims processing, and savings of up to 10% on commercial vehicle premiums—all without installing additional hardware.

“Real-time data from Daimler Truck’s telematics platform allows us to better assess risk, reward safe driving, and deliver meaningful savings to our customers,” said Chris Sions, GEICO’s head of partnerships. “Expanding our commercial trucking insurance nationwide requires strong partnerships like the one we’ve built with Daimler Truck Financial Services.”

The initiative comes as insurance costs remain one of the trucking industry’s top challenges, according to the American Transportation Research Institute. By combining GEICO’s 90 years of auto insurance experience with Daimler Truck’s advanced telematics capabilities, Connected Insurance aims to make quality coverage more accessible and affordable for small fleets and independent drivers.

With the launch of Connected Insurance, GEICO officially enters the commercial trucking market, offering specialized coverage tailored to Freightliner and Western Star vehicles. Backed by Berkshire Hathaway, the program integrates cutting-edge data analytics and GEICO’s trusted claims service to deliver a smarter, safer, and more cost-effective insurance experience for truckers nationwide.

© 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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Jazwares

Berkshire’s Jazwares Named Official Plush Partner for FIFA World Cup 2026

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Plush meets the pitch as the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets a softer, more collectible twist. Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares—the company behind the globally adored Squishmallows brand—has been announced as the official worldwide plush licensee for the tournament.

The exclusive collection will bring fans a lineup of competition-themed plush, including the much-anticipated official mascot, celebrating every goal and unforgettable moment of football’s biggest event. Hosted across 16 cities in North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026, the 39-day tournament will see Jazwares cheering alongside fans with plush designed for participating nations and their supporters.

The range will feature plush collectibles, wearables, and novelties inspired by the spirit and unity of the World Cup. Highlights include mascot plush for the host countries—Canada, Mexico, and the USA—and limited-edition items available exclusively at select events.

“The FIFA World Cup is more than a competition; it’s where the world comes together,” said Sam Ferguson, Senior Vice President of Global Licensing at Jazwares. “To have our creations become part of that story is an incredible honor. This collection celebrates the passion, pride, and imagination that define the beautiful game.”

The official FIFA World Cup 2026 Jazwares collection will debut in June 2026, available online and at select retailers worldwide—offering fans timeless keepsakes from football’s greatest stage.

© 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: You Don’t Need to Know What Happens Monday

Warren Buffett is a firm believer that successful investing doesn’t require predicting the stock market’s next move. In fact, he openly admits he has no idea what the market will do in the short term. “We haven’t the faintest idea what the stock market is going to do when it opens on Monday,” he once said.

Speaking at Berkshire Hathaway’s 2022 Annual Meeting, Buffett reflected on how he missed opportunities during the COVID-19 market crash in March 2020. “We have not been good at timing,” he acknowledged. “We’ve been reasonably good at figuring out when we were getting enough for our money.”

For Buffett, the key isn’t timing—it’s value. He focuses on buying stocks when they’re undervalued and holding them for the long term. “That’s stuff you can learn in fourth grade,” he said. “But it’s not what’s taught in school.”

His approach is simple but powerful: don’t try to guess the market. Instead, look for businesses you understand, assess their true worth, and buy when the price is right.

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
Jazwares

Jazwares and Warner Bros. Unveil Spooky and Nostalgic Plush Collection

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares, one of the world’s leading toy companies, has teamed up with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to launch a brand-new plush collection. Inspired by iconic franchises such as IT, Beetlejuice, Gremlins, Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, and more, the new line is now available at major retailers including Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

This collaboration brings together fan-favorite characters from across Warner Bros.’ vast entertainment library—ranging from spooky cult classics to beloved series like Harry Potter, DC, The Wizard of Oz, FRIENDS, and Looney Tunes. The collection will feature over 50 characters, with new releases expected throughout the year.

“The horror and otherworldly genres have massive multigenerational appeal,” said Gerhard Runken, EVP of Brand & Marketing at Jazwares. “Our plush authentically captures the personality and spirit of these fan-favorite characters—whether you’re into superheroes, nostalgia, or a little horror flair, there’s something for everyone.”

With Jazwares’ innovation in plush and Warner Bros.’ legendary storytelling, fans of all ages can now collect soft, high-quality versions of the characters they love.

© 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 Lipofer™ Microcapsules Show Superior Iron Absorption and Tolerance in Preclinical Study

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol has announced promising preclinical results highlighting the superior performance of its microencapsulated iron ingredient, Lipofer™, compared to conventional iron sources. Published in Nature, the study found that Lipofer™ microcapsules significantly improved iron absorption and gastrointestinal tolerance in iron-deficient rats—reversing iron deficiency in just 14 days.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects more than 2 billion people worldwide, particularly women. While iron supplementation is essential, common forms like ferrous sulfate often cause digestive discomfort and poor adherence due to side effects such as nausea and gut irritation.

In the in vivo study, researchers compared Lipofer™ to ferrous sulfate, ferrous bisglycinate, and other encapsulated iron salts. Key indicators such as hemoglobin levels, transferrin saturation, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and gut barrier integrity were measured. Lipofer™ outperformed all comparators, showing no signs of gastrointestinal irritation or inflammation, even with prolonged use.

In contrast, ferrous sulfate supplementation led to elevated IL-6 levels—a marker of inflammation—and signs of gut barrier disruption.

Lipofer™ achieves its performance through micronized, microencapsulated technology that enables targeted release in the intestine, minimizing stomach discomfort and optimizing nutrient absorption. Its formulation includes lecithin and ultra-fine iron particles, improving bioavailability while ensuring stability in various formats.

“By combining advanced formulation science with consumer-centric design, Lipofer™ microcapsules bridge the gap between efficacy and tolerability,” said Isabel Gómez, Global Marketing Manager at Lubrizol. “This study reinforces our commitment to addressing real nutritional challenges with proven performance.”

Lipofer™ is water-dispersible, stable, and highly bioavailable—making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including powder sticks, gummies, capsules, and functional foods and beverages.

These findings support Lipofer™ as a next-generation iron supplement, potentially offering a more effective and gentle alternative to traditional iron sources.

© 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: How Coca-Cola’s Annual Report Led to a Billion-Dollar Bet

With thousands of public companies each producing dense annual reports, it can be overwhelming for investors to know where to begin. Warren Buffett offers a timeless, straightforward approach: start with companies you understand—and ignore the rest.

Speaking at Berkshire Hathaway’s 1998 Annual Meeting, Buffett emphasized that annual reports can provide all the information you need to make an investment decision. “We start by looking at the reports of companies that we think we can understand,” he said. Buffett explained that a well-written report should tell readers what they’d want to know if they owned the whole business.

He pointed to Coca-Cola as a prime example. “The Coca-Cola annual report over the last good many years is an enormously informative document,” Buffett noted. “We bought that stock based on an annual report. We did not buy it based on any conversation of any kind with the top management of Coca-Cola before we bought our interest.”

For Buffett, the clarity and transparency of an annual report—combined with a solid understanding of the business—can be all it takes to make a multi-billion-dollar investment.

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
Jazwares See's Candies

See’s Candies and Squishmallows Reunite for Spooky 2025 Halloween Bundle

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Two beloved Berkshire Hathaway companies are teaming up once again. See’s Candies, the iconic American chocolatier, is joining forces with Squishmallows, the wildly popular plush line from Jazwares, to launch a limited-edition 2025 Halloween bundle — a sweet and huggable collaboration fans won’t want to miss.

Returning for a second year, the See’s Candies x Squishmallows™ partnership brings a new, spooky-themed collectible bundle available starting October 4. Priced at $60, the bundle will be sold exclusively online at sees.com and in select See’s shops, while supplies last.

The 2025 bundle includes:

Soupy the Goblin (8″ Plush) – dressed for Halloween with a cape, fangs, and a See’s signature medallion.

Benny the Bigfoot Key Chain – a portable plush companion perfect for the season.

A collectible box of See’s Candies, shaped to feature Soupy and Benny, filled with a curated assortment of chocolates and Lollypops.

A transparent, reusable backpack to hold all the goodies in style.

“We were thrilled by the overwhelming enthusiasm from our customers last year,” said Pat Egan, President and CEO of See’s Candies. “We’ve created a collectible that brings joy to both chocolate lovers and Squishmallows superfans.”

© 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: Start Saving Early — Your Future Self Will Thank You

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When it comes to building wealth, timing matters — and according to Warren Buffett, the best time to start saving is as early as possible.

At the 1998 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett emphasized the power of saving before life’s bigger financial responsibilities kick in. “Any money you save before you get out and start having a family … any dollar is probably worth $10 later on simply because you can save it,” he said.

Buffett’s point is simple but powerful: saving when you’re young — especially before starting a family — gives your money more time to grow through compound interest. Once family life begins, expenses inevitably rise, making it harder to set money aside.

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
Jazwares

Berkshire’s Squishmallows Launches Joyful New Fragrance Collection at Ulta Beauty

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

The plush toy phenomenon Squishmallows is expanding its signature charm into a brand-new category: fragrance. In partnership with Blue Meadow Brands, founded by scent industry veteran Joel Ronkin, the beloved brand owned by Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares has launched Squishmallows Fragrances, a debut collection of three mood-boosting perfumes inspired by its most iconic characters.

Crafted in collaboration with renowned fragrance house DSM-Firmenich and designer Lance McGregor, the collection blends sweet nostalgia with cutting-edge scent technology. Each fragrance features the exclusive Squishmallows Accord—a fluffy marshmallow-inspired scent enhanced by EmotiWaves™, a patented technology scientifically proven to boost mood and well-being.

The three debut scents include:

Whisked Away: A cozy vanilla amber gourmand inspired by Cam the Cat, with notes of caramel drizzle, vanilla latte, and sandalwood.

Pink Possibilities: A fruity floral green inspired by Patty the Cow, blending strawberry, kiwi, and pink sugar.

Moonlit Mist: A floral fruity gourmand inspired by Zumirez the Bat, with green apple, lychee blossom, and soft musks.

Each fragrance is available in 100 mL ($58), 30 mL ($38), and a 3-piece coffret set ($40). The bottles, designed by McGregor, mirror the rounded shapes of Squishmallows characters and feature a collectible bulb atomizer for extra “squishability.”

Launched October 5, 2025, Squishmallows Fragrances is available exclusively at Ulta Beauty stores and Ulta.com. For a limited time, customers will receive a free Squishmallows plush with the purchase of a 3.4 oz fragrance.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Squishmallows Fragrances into the Ulta Beauty family,” said Linda Suliafu, VP of Merchandising at Ulta Beauty. “It’s a joyful blend of scent, self-expression, and collectibility.”

The fragrances are vegan, cruelty-free, made with upcycled ingredients, and certified under four Conscious Beauty pillars at Ulta.

“Squishmallows continues to expand beyond toys into lifestyle,” said Gerhard Runken, EVP of Brand & Marketing at Jazwares. “This collaboration with Blue Meadow captures the essence of the brand—comfort, joy, and connection—now through scent.”

© 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 Launches New Foam Centers of Excellence in Asia to Drive Footwear Innovation

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has announced the launch of new Foam Centers of Excellence (COE) in Seoul, Korea, and Shanghai, China. These facilities, located within the company’s thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) innovation centers, mark a significant step in Lubrizol’s commitment to advancing innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the global footwear market.

The Foam COEs bring together material science experts, cutting-edge processing technologies, and robust testing capabilities to accelerate the development of high-performance, sustainable foam solutions for athletic midsoles. By integrating supercritical fluid and autoclave foam processing equipment, Lubrizol can streamline design-to-commercialization timelines and deliver rapid, data-driven insights for product validation.

“Asia Pacific is one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets,” said Jane Cai, Senior Business Director for Asia Pacific. “Our Foam COE combines global expertise with local insight to create industry-leading TPU foam solutions.”

Physical foaming technology is gaining traction for its performance benefits and environmental advantages. With a local-for-global strategy, Lubrizol aims to meet regional demands while contributing to global innovation. “These new capabilities illustrate our dedication to swift, localized support with a broad, international impact,” added Justin Park, Director of Global Footwear Marketing.

Beyond technical innovation, the COEs are designed to foster collaboration across the footwear value chain—supporting rapid prototyping, technical service, and efficient manufacturing. This initiative not only empowers processors and brands but also sets the stage for the next generation of sustainable footwear 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.