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Minority Stock Positions Stock Portfolio

BYD Constructing Gigafactory in Guangzhou

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD is expanding its battery manufacturing capacity for a wide variety of applications.

The gigafactory, which will be located in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, will engage in the research and development, production and manufacturing of lithium polymer batteries for electric devices such as mobile phones, laptops and computers.

BYD estimates making a total investment of 4 billion yuan ($57.9 million U.S), and will realize an annual output of 13 billion yuan when it begins operation in 2020.

BYD also began construction of a gigafactory for vehicles in southwest China’s Chongqing in February.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2019 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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Minority Stock Positions Stock Portfolio

BYD #1 in China with Hot EV Crossover Vehicle

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

While Tesla has emphasized the sedan segment of the EV passenger car market with its Model 3, Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD is racking up huge sales in the China market with its new crossover vehicle, the BYD Yuan EV.

A stylish small crossover vehicle, the Yuan EV had 6,428 deliveries in April, making it number one in EV vehicles sold in China.

The company also had strong sales for its BYD e5, which ranked fourth with 4,602 units, and the BYD PHEV Tang, which was seventh with 3,833 moved.

Tesla’s lone vehicle on the list, the Model 3, just missed the top ten, with an estimated 3,000 units, which would place it in eleventh place.

Making a strong run at BYD’s first place spot is fellow Chinese carmaker Geely, which is headquartered in the city of Hangzhou. The Geely Emgrand EV was in the second spot 5,225 units sold in April.

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $230 million has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2019 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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Mouser Electronics

Mouser Electronics Named e-Commerce Distributor of the Year by Bourns

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Mouser Electronics, Inc., a global distributor of semiconductors and electronic components, has been named the 2018 e-Commerce Distributor of the Year by Bourns, Inc.

The global award was presented to Mouser executives at the recent 2019 EDS Leadership Summit in Las Vegas. This marks the third time that Mouser has received this top award.

Mouser, a leading global distributor of semiconductors and electronic components, received the prestigious award for helping Bourns achieve exceptional sales growth, as well as for Mouser’s best-in-class marketing activities and field engagement.

“The sales growth and heightened brand awareness achieved from Mouser’s groundbreaking internet marketing, ongoing development of useful web tools, and as an industry leader in New Product Introductions (NPIs) last year clearly earned them the Bourns e-Commerce Distributor of the Year award for 2018,” said Kelly Vogt, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Bourns, Inc. “Bourns highly values our long-standing relationship with Mouser. It is an honor to acknowledge their inventive e-commerce programs that have led to our mutual success.”

Andy Kerr, Mouser Vice President of Supplier Management, commented, “Mouser is honored to receive the top e-commerce award from the team at Bourns. We greatly value our partnership and will continue to fulfill these high standards by introducing the newest Bourns products, expanding our customer base, and growing our business globally together.”

Mouser is an authorized distributor for Bourns and continues to be a leading partner in offering Bourns’ newest products. Mouser stocks an impressive array of Bourns circuit protectors, sensors, controls, and resistive components. Bourns is known for their innovative development of new technologies and the ability to consistently expand manufacturing capabilities to meet their customers’ changing global needs.

Mouser has received multiple top awards in recent years from Bourns, including e-Commerce Distributor of the Year award for 2016, 2014 and 2012 top performance, as well as 2016 Distributor of the Year (Catalog Partner) in EMEA, 2012 European Distributor of the Year POS Growth Award and the 2012 Asia Distributor of the Year POS Growth Award.

© 2019 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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Precision Castparts

Lawsuit Against Precision Castparts Could Become a Class-Action Suit

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Since 2016, Berkshire Hathaway’s Precision Castparts, a manufacturer of investment castings, forged components, and airfoil castings for use in the aerospace, industrial gas turbine, and defense industries, has been facing a lawsuit over pollution from its South Portland, Oregon, operations.

The plaintiffs, Kelley Foster, Juan Prat-Sanchez, Kirk Gayton, and Debra Taevs, allege in their suit that the “South Portland Operations release significant amounts of pollution, including arsenic and nickel, into the surrounding neighborhood. PCC’s emissions have created a hotspot of pollution in South Portland.”

The plaintiffs all live in South Portland, and cite a 2013 study by the United States Forest Service that collected tree moss as a bioindicator of air pollution.

The suit maintains that a map created by the Forest Service “demonstrate that there is a significant air pollution hotspot surrounding PCC’s South Portland Operations, where nickel, arsenic, and other hazardous air pollutants appear in high concentrations.”

As of October 2016, the lawsuit has been consolidated with a similar lawsuit by plaintiffs Brian Resendez, Rodica Alina Resendez, Michelle Francisco and Matthew Talbot that is seeking $10 million in damages.

A motion before the Multnomah County Circuit Court is seeking to certify the litigation against Precision Castparts as a class-action lawsuit, which would potentially add the residents of roughly 5,000 residential properties to the suit.

A jury trial has been tentatively scheduled for mid-July 2020.

© 2019 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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Business Wire

Business Wire Partners with Q4

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Business Wire, the global leader in press release distribution, and Q4 Inc., the leading provider of cloud-based investor relations solutions, have created an exclusive, global partnership that combines Business Wire’s industry leading newswire and distribution services with Q4’s best-in-class advanced technology.

Under the agreement Business Wire and Q4, who jointly serve the world’s largest companies, will provide customers with access to a comprehensive suite of distribution, web hosting and design, webcasting, intelligence, analytics, and investor engagement solutions.

“As a trusted partner to the world’s largest global brands, we have a unique vantage point from which to identify and provide the most advanced solutions for our clients,” said Geff Scott, CEO, Business Wire. “In Q4, we chose a partner who not only provides best-in-class technology, but also shares our deep commitment to ensuring mutual clients have access to the most powerful, efficient, and effective solutions to meet the challenges of today’s complex business environment.”

“Helping our clients achieve their strategic investor relations’ objectives is our core focus and we continue to build out our suite of products and partnerships to support that mission,” said Darrell Heaps, CEO, Q4 Inc. “We are honored to be partnered with Business Wire, a respected and innovative brand that is entrusted with the world’s most important news. Q4 is excited to offer Business Wire’s services and together we look forward to delivering significant value to our clients.”

The companies will also collaborate on future solutions designed to help global organizations drive valuation, reduce volatility, deepen stakeholder engagement, and streamline the complex workflows involved in creating, distributing, hosting, and updating critical content for investors, influencers, and customers.

© 2019 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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Uncategorized

Realty Seven Merges with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England, New York and Westchester Properties has merged with Realty Seven, a residential real estate firm based in Wilton, Connecticut.

“Realty Seven is one of the most highly regarded independent brokerages in Fairfield County,” Candace Adams, CEO and president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England, New York and Westchester Properties, said. “The team’s rich local market expertise, combined with their proven track record of success, makes them a great addition to our growing network of sales professionals.”

A family-owned business founded in 1978, Realty Seven is one of the area’s most respected real estate firms, providing excellent client services and a dedication to being a philanthropic partner in the community. This transaction brings 22 agents, who all live, work, raise their families and volunteer in the local community, to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties.

“Since our inception, Realty Seven has been dedicated to providing the highest service and integrity to our clients, guiding them through all of the stages of selling a home. After meeting Candace and speaking with the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ team, many of which I’ve known for years, I knew this was the best opportunity to provide our team the resources and support to take client services to the next level,” says Peg Koellmer, owner/broker of Realty Seven.

© 2019 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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Minority Stock Positions Stock Portfolio

BYD’s Pure-Electric Refuse Trucks Come to Southern California

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

While Tesla focuses on passenger cars, Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD continues to expand its presence in the United States market through its buses and specialty vehicles.

The company has delivered its first BYD 8R Class 8 Automated Side Loader (ASL) all-electric collection truck to Waste Resources to serve its customers in the City of Carson, California.

The first all-electric refuse truck in residential collection operation in Southern California, it features BYD’s propriety electric-propulsion system designed specifically for refuse collection.

The refuse truck’s cab, chassis, and propulsion system were manufactured by BYD, with an ASL body made by Amrep, a leading manufacturer of waste handling equipment in North America.

Trash hauler Waste Resources currently runs 13 refuse trucks in the city of Carson, and if BYD’s refuse truck meets its service and environmental objectives, the company hopes to convert its entire fleet to BYD all-electric trucks.

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $230 million has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2019 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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TTI

TTI Named Molex 2018 Global Distributor of the Year

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Molex has announced that Berkshire Hathaway’s TTI is the recipient of its 2018 Global Distributor of the Year Award. This award recognizes one outstanding global channel partner each year for advancing Molex technology solutions through demonstrated growth in worldwide sales coupled with global financial, operational and executive management excellence. TTI grew 7% faster than the overall channel in 2018.

TTI serves an integral role in continuing the growth of Molex innovative technical solutions into the Global market. We are honored to recognize their significant contribution to our distribution channel,” said Fred Bell, vice president global distribution, Molex. “TTI has demonstrated a superior commitment to significant contributions for both companies.”

Molex Global Distributor of the Year Award recipients are evaluated and selected based on criteria in multiple categories, including year-over-year sales growth, inventory management, new product support, sales engagement, and accessibility to the management team at all levels of the organization. A leading global distributor of passive, connector, electromechanical and discrete components, TTI outpaced its peers to increase market share for Molex worldwide.

“TTI greatly appreciates our global partnership with Molex and the recognition that this award brings,” said Mike Morton, Chief Operating Officer, TTI, Inc., “We are honored to be recognized for bringing best-in-class Molex solutions to customers worldwide.”

© 2019 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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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Names John Roe as Head of Casualty Construction, North America

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has named John Roe as Head of Casualty Construction, North America, responsible for the company’s construction professional, homebuilders and construction casualty product lines and loss control.

“John has been integral to the build out of our casualty construction platform, and we are pleased to have him leading our efforts to bring BHSI’s financial strength, long term focus, and underwriting and service excellence to this sector,” said Meredith Bullock, Head of Casualty, North America, BHSI.

John, who spent the last six years as Head of Construction, Eastern Region, at BHSI, is taking the reins of Casualty Construction from Bill Sullivan. Bill is retiring after a distinguished 37-year career in the insurance industry, including most recently six years leading BHSI’s efforts in the North American casualty construction marketplace.

© 2019 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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HomeServices of America

Intero Selected for Membership in Leading Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Intero, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire’s HomeServices of America, Inc., has been awarded exclusive affiliate status for Silicon Valley in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and its luxury program, Luxury Portfolio International®.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is a global real estate community comprised of 565 of the best-known local and regional real estate firms, with 4,300 offices and 130,000 sales associates in over 70 countries. Collectively, these firms represent 1.1 million transactions annually.

Intero’s dominant #1 market share in Santa Clara County will be further enhanced by our exclusive affiliation with Leading RE. In addition to the business collaboration benefits, Leading RE will also extend and enhance Intero’s reach in the luxury market through Luxury Portfolio International.

Affiliates of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® are widely recognized as the premier providers of quality residential real estate and relocation services. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is the largest network of residential real estate firms, and network affiliates are widely recognized as the premier providers of quality residential real estate and relocation services. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® also excels in the upper-end market with its Luxury Portfolio International® marketing program.

Leading RE exists to make its members better by connecting them to opportunities and people around the globe, supporting them with an industry-leading international referral network, award-winning professional development programs and events, professional marketing resources and more.

Luxury Portfolio International® is the luxury face of Leading RE, with a unified collection of the world’s most respected experts in luxury real estate. Luxury Portfolio marketed over 50,000 of the world’s most remarkable homes last year and attracted over three million high-net-worth visitors by presenting a gallery of the finest luxury properties and brokerages worldwide.

Luxury Portfolio members offer extensive global reach for high-end properties through the award-winning website, LuxuryPortfolio.com; the Luxury Portfolio International magazine; targeted advertising reaching an affluent audience worldwide and professional marketing materials.

“We are delighted to have Intero as part of our distinguished network of premier brokerages. The company has an impeccable reputation in the Bay Area, and we are committed to helping the firm achieve even greater success,” said Paul Boomsma, president and CEO of Leading RE. “As a member of Leading RE and Luxury Portfolio, Intero aligns with other market-leading firms and expands its local expertise to deliver powerful marketing worldwide.”

“We are thrilled to be part of the Leading RE and Luxury Portfolio family,” said Brian Crane, Chief Executive Officer of Intero. “Real estate brokerage is a local business; aligning ourselves with the premier luxury real estate network in the world helps Intero agents to provide the best tools and results for our clients in the luxury market throughout Silicon Valley.”

© 2019 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.