Month: December 2025

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Lubrizol

Lubrizol Expands Latin American Presence with New São Paulo Office

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Lubrizol, a Berkshire Hathaway company and global leader in specialty chemicals, has opened a new office in São Paulo, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Latin America and its focus on innovation and customer collaboration.

The new facility will host a wide range of business functions and corporate teams, including both local and global roles. Equipped with advanced infrastructure, the office is designed to enhance collaboration, support innovation, and deliver added value to customers, while fostering strategic partnerships across the industries Lubrizol serves.

As part of the same complex, Lubrizol is expanding its Beauty & Home applications laboratory and will open a new in vivo research lab dedicated to hair and skin research. Scheduled to open in March 2026, this facility will become the company’s third Beauty Research Institute worldwide, strengthening its global R&D capabilities and leveraging the region’s ethnic diversity to drive locally relevant innovation.

“Latin America plays a crucial role in our global strategy, particularly due to its growth potential, diverse talent, and rich ethnic and biodiversity,” said Bernardo Medeiros, Vice President of Lubrizol Latin America. “The opening of our new São Paulo office reaffirms our commitment to this important market and to working closely with customers and partners to deliver innovative solutions.”

Lubrizol has operated in Brazil for nearly 50 years and is recognized for its technical leadership and strong customer partnerships. The company operates two manufacturing plants in Belford Roxo (RJ) and Paulínia (SP), maintains an office in Rio de Janeiro, and runs R&D laboratories in São Paulo and Paulínia. The new São Paulo office will collaborate closely with these locations to ensure the continued delivery of high-value solutions and excellence in local customer service.

© 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 Highlights 2025 Charitable Giving Efforts

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s McLane Company, Inc., one of the nation’s largest distributors, announced its 2025 charitable giving highlights, showcasing a year of impactful service and generosity. Together with its teammates, supplier partners and customers, McLane raised more than $1 million to support nonprofit organizations nationwide, including Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Folds of Honor North Texas and the North Texas Food Bank.

“Service has always been at the core of who we are as a company,” said Tony Frankenberger, chief executive officer at McLane. “The generosity of our teammates and partners continues to make an extraordinary difference, strengthening the communities we serve.”

A major contributor to this year’s impact was the McLane Retail Charity Golf Classic, held in April in San Antonio, Texas. The annual event raised more than $830,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, continuing a decades-long commitment to supporting hospitals that provide critical care to children and families.

In September, McLane built on that momentum with the McLane Restaurant Charity Golf Classic in Trophy Club, Texas, benefiting Folds of Honor North Texas and the North Texas Food Bank. Earlier in the year, McLane’s Restaurant team surpassed $1 million in total donations to Folds of Honor North Texas, which provides educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members.

McLane also launched its inaugural Month of Giving in November, uniting distribution centers across the country to support local nonprofits aligned with the company’s key focus areas, including child health and welfare, veterans, education, food security, food waste reduction and disaster relief. Beneficiaries included United Way chapters, Boys & Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, local children’s hospitals and food banks.

Through fundraising events, volunteer efforts and direct contributions, McLane teammates demonstrated a strong commitment to service in 2025. These efforts reflect a long-standing culture of giving that has generated more than $100 million in charitable support over the years.

© 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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NetJets

NetJets to Equip 600 Aircraft With Starlink High-Speed Internet by 2026

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s NetJets has signed a multi-year agreement with Starlink to bring high-speed, low-latency internet to 600 aircraft across its global fleet by the end of 2026. The deal marks a significant upgrade in onboard connectivity, aimed at enhancing both productivity and comfort for passengers traveling for business or leisure.

NetJets President Patrick Gallagher said the partnership reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering a seamless travel experience. “With Starlink, travel is elevated with reliable connectivity…critical to the experience our Owners need and deserve,” he noted.

Installations are expected to begin this month across NetJets aircraft in the U.S. and Europe. The rollout will include Cessna Citation Latitudes, Embraer Praetor 500s, Cessna Citation Longitudes, Bombardier Challenger 350s and 650s, and the full Bombardier Global fleet.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, uses a vast low-Earth-orbit satellite network—now numbering more than 8,000 satellites—to deliver broadband speeds up to 500 Mbps, even on remote global routes. “With Starlink onboard your NetJets flight, you’ll be able to boost productivity, have seamless video calls, stream on demand, and game just as you can on the ground,” said Jason Fritch, VP of Starlink Enterprise Sales.

The agreement positions NetJets to offer one of the most advanced in-flight connectivity experiences in private aviation, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

© 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: Don’t Try to Predict the Market

“Where Are Markets Headed? Six Pros Take Their Best Guess,” read a headline in The Wall Street Journal—a familiar question in the world of investing. From financial news shows to market commentaries, speculation about whether stocks are peaking or bottoming is constant. But Warren Buffett has long warned against trying to time the market.

“I know of no one that has been successful at, and really made a lot of money, predicting the actions of the market itself,” Buffett said at the 1999 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. “I know a lot of people who have done well picking businesses and buying them at sensible prices.”

Buffett’s message is clear: real investment success comes not from guessing market moves, but from identifying strong businesses and buying them at good value. While market predictions may grab headlines, long-term discipline and business-focused investing remain the timeless strategy.

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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Marmon Group UTLX

UTLX Donates Rail Tank Car to Enhance First Responder Training in Chicagoland

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Union Tank Car Company (UTLX), a leading rail tank car manufacturer and lessor, has donated a full-size rail tank car to strengthen hands-on training for the Chicago Fire Department, the Calumet City Fire Department, and neighboring municipalities. The 43-foot-long, 15-foot-high, 61,100-pound car has been permanently installed at the Calumet City Public Safety Training Center.

An official handover ceremony will be held December 8 at the center, located at 24 State St. in Calumet City. The addition of a real tank car will allow first responders to practice emergency response techniques involving rail equipment and hazardous materials in a realistic setting.

UTLX, headquartered in Chicago along with parent company Marmon Holdings, emphasized the importance of supporting local emergency personnel. “This rail tank car donation will provide invaluable hands-on training opportunities for Chicagoland firefighters and emergency personnel,” said Neil Finn, President of UTLX.

First responders say the resource will significantly enhance preparedness. “Rail incidents are complex, and firefighters need to understand the real hazards they’ll face in the field,” said Lt. Matt Drew of the Chicago Fire Department. “This rail tank car gives us the ability to practice safe, methodical response techniques before we ever encounter a true emergency, which ultimately protects both our firefighters and the community.”

© 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
Appointments

Berkshire Hathaway Announces Wide-Ranging Leadership Updates, Exit of Todd Combs

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway has unveiled a series of major leadership appointments across its non-insurance, insurance, and corporate divisions, marking a significant evolution in its senior ranks. It also announced the leaving of long-time investment manager and GEICO head Todd Combs.

Non-Insurance Operations
Adam M. Johnson, longtime CEO of NetJets, has been named President of Berkshire’s Consumer Products, Service and Retailing group. Johnson will continue leading NetJets while supporting the CEOs of 32 businesses in the consumer portfolio. Gregory E. Abel, Vice Chairman for Non-Insurance Operations, praised Johnson’s record of delivering long-term value and strengthening global operations. Abel will continue overseeing the remaining non-insurance units—including BNSF, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Pilot, McLane, and industrial and building products—as he prepares to assume the role of Berkshire’s President and CEO in 2026.

Insurance Operations
Nancy L. Pierce has been appointed CEO of GEICO. A GEICO veteran since 1986, Pierce rises from her role as COO, bringing decades of experience across claims, underwriting, product management, and regional leadership. Ajit Jain, Vice Chairman for Insurance Operations, emphasized her practical and results-driven leadership.

The move coincides with the departure of Todd A. Combs, GEICO’s CEO since 2020, who is leaving Berkshire to take a senior role at JPMorgan Chase. Warren E. Buffett credited Combs with expanding GEICO’s capabilities and making strong leadership hires.

Corporate Leadership
Marc D. Hamburg, Berkshire’s long-serving CFO, will retire in 2027 after four decades with the company. Buffett called Hamburg’s contributions “indispensable” and praised his integrity and judgment. Charles C. Chang, currently CFO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, will succeed Hamburg in June 2026, with a yearlong transition underway.

Berkshire is also creating a new corporate role: Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Michael J. O’Sullivan will step into the position on January 1, 2026. O’Sullivan joins from Snap Inc. and previously spent over twenty years at Munger, Tolles & Olson advising on governance, litigation, and major transactions.

Together, these appointments underscore Berkshire Hathaway’s longstanding focus on selecting leaders who embody its culture, demonstrate strong judgment, and preserve the company’s distinctive decentralized approach.

© 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 Calls on Federal Regulators to Enforce Decades-Old Merger Conditions

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

BNSF Railway has asked the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to immediately review and enforce conditions established during the 1996 Union Pacific–Southern Pacific merger, saying Union Pacific (UP) has spent decades undermining competition and limiting customer choice.

In a new petition, BNSF argues that UP has repeatedly obstructed efforts to preserve competitive rail service that the STB required as a condition of approving the historic merger. Despite negotiations, oversight proceedings, and formal petitions over the years, BNSF says many shippers now have fewer rail options than before UP absorbed Southern Pacific.

“With UP now proposing another unprecedented merger, this time with Norfolk Southern, the stakes for shippers nationwide could not be higher,” said Jill Mulligan, BNSF’s Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. She urged the STB to ensure that commitments made nearly 30 years ago are honored before regulators consider any new consolidation.

BNSF’s filing asks the STB to review how the original merger conditions have been implemented, enforce BNSF’s competitive access rights, and modify existing conditions if necessary to protect the public interest. The railroad is also seeking a procedural schedule so all parties can fully present evidence.

BNSF argues that fair competition is essential for reliable service and reasonable rates, and says UP’s persistent resistance to the 1996 conditions must be resolved before any new merger reshapes the industry and impacts supply chains 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.

Categories
Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: When Accounting Is Confusing, Stay Away

When it comes to investing, Warren Buffett doesn’t believe in guesswork—especially when it comes to financial statements. At the 1995 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett cautioned investors against putting money into companies with confusing or unclear accounting.

“I would say that when the accounting confuses you, I would just tend to forget about it as a company,” he said. “We have never had any great investment results from companies whose accounting we regarded as suspect. I can’t think of a one. It’s a very bad sign.”

Buffett’s message is simple: if a company’s financials aren’t transparent, it’s not worth the risk.

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’s First Asia-Pacific Innovation Summit, Showcases Breakthrough Technologies for Sustainable Growth

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol marked a major milestone with its inaugural Asia-Pacific Innovation Summit in Shanghai, bringing together more than 150 industry leaders, technical experts, and partners. The event highlighted how material science is evolving from technology-led development to a collaborative, value-driven catalyst for sustainable industry growth.

Henry Liu, Vice President of Lubrizol Asia Pacific, emphasized the region’s unique role in shaping next-generation innovation.

“Diversified and rapidly evolving market demands are reshaping traditional industry models,” he said, noting that Asia-Pacific’s fast innovation cycles and rich application scenarios make it fertile ground for breakthroughs. Liu reiterated Lubrizol’s commitment to combining global expertise with local engagement, describing the company’s “R&D–manufacturing–co-creation” model as key to accelerating the path from ideas to real-world solutions.

The summit follows Lubrizol’s recent regional investments, including the launch of its Southeast Asia Innovation Center in Singapore, a new office in Jakarta, and expanded medical-grade TPU production capacity in Shanghai.

Breakthrough Technologies Debut in Asia-Pacific

Lubrizol unveiled several innovations aimed at advancing sustainability and performance across multiple industries:

Next-Generation Mobility Additives: New additive packages address China VII commercial vehicle standards and evolving needs in hybrid and electric vehicles. The CV1150 diesel engine oil solution delivers low-ash durability with proven field performance, while the PV3610 platform provides balanced lubrication for internal combustion, PHEV, and range-extended engines.

Sustainable Packaging Coatings: A new PFAS-free, PE-film-free waterborne acrylic emulsion for food packaging offers high oil and water resistance with recyclability, biodegradability, and compliance with China GB9685, U.S. FDA, and EU food-contact regulations.

Biotech Skincare Innovation: Lectroglaze™, the first cosmetic active ingredient powered by electrogenic bacteria, helps neutralize free radicals by stimulating bioelectricity production in the skin microbiome. Clinical tests showed visible reductions in pore size after four weeks.

Advanced TPU Foam for Footwear: New ESTANE® BCX TPU grades support lightweight, high-rebound midsoles using physical foaming processes, promoting both performance and circularity. Lubrizol’s Foam Application Centers in China and Korea will help accelerate sustainable footwear development.

Through panel discussions and technical showcases, the summit underscored the industry’s shift toward collaborative innovation. Lubrizol reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to turn emerging ideas into scalable, sustainable solutions that drive future growth.

© 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.