Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol Corporation has sold its idled Warwick Chemical Mostyn, Wales, UK, site to International Process Plants, a leading global provider of pre-owned and new process plants and equipment.
The Warwick Chemical Mostyn site, which formerly produced stain removal ingredients for detergent products, features a robust infrastructure ideally suited for various chemical applications. IPP plans to sustainably redeploy these assets to its client facilities globally, making the site and its basic infrastructure available for redevelopment to support the local community needs.
The Mostyn site is the second facility that Lubrizol has also sold this month. The company also sold its surfactant plant in Paso Robles, California, to Texas-based Coast Southwest.
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 a 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.
For Warren Buffett, being a disciplined investor means staying within your circle of competence. How do you know the limits to your circle of competence?
“I would say this, if you have doubts about something being into your circle of competence, it isn’t,” Warren Buffett said at the 2002 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting. “If you get to something that your friend is buying, or that everybody says a lot of money’s going to be made, and you don’t, you’re not sure whether you understand it or not, you don’t. You know, I mean, and it’s better to be well within the circle than to be trying to tiptoe along the line. And you’ll find plenty of things within the circle. I mean, it’s not terrible to have a small circle of competence. I’d say my circle of competence is pretty small, but it’s big enough. You know, I can find a few things.”
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 a 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.
Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares has secured the exclusive global rights to produce figures, dolls, playsets, vehicles, plush, Squishmallows, Halloween costumes, pet costumes and accessories, everyday dress-up, role play, musical instruments, and novelty items based on the animated series Mermicorno: Starfall for all distribution channels, including mass-market, e-commerce and direct-to-consumer platforms.
Thunderbird Brands, the consumer products arm of Thunderbird Entertainment Group Inc., announced the appointment of Jazwares as global master toy licensee for Mermicorno: Starfall.
The concept of Mermicorno: Starfall is drawn from tokidoki’s hit Mermicorno characters. The first Mermicorno debuted in 2015 and the Mermicorno character family launched worldwide with collectibles, apparel, accessories and more in 2016.
The initial Mermicorno: Starfall toy line is set to launch with a limited product assortment in spring 2025, followed by a larger rollout in fall 2025.
Warner Bros. Discovery has secured exclusive rights to the series in the U.S., now in production at Thunderbird’s Atomic Cartoons, which will debut on Max in early 2025.
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 a 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.
Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol Corporation, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has sold its surfactant plant in Paso Robles, California, to Texas-based Coast Southwest.
No price of the transaction was announced.
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Coast Southwest is a leading full-service, chemical distribution and ingredient technology company.
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 a 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.
In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), one name continues to shine brighter than ever before – BYD. Backed by Berkshire Hathaway, this automotive powerhouse has been making waves, quite literally, with its BYD DOLPHIN. On September 22, 2023, BYD marked a momentous occasion, celebrating the production of its 500,000th BYD DOLPHIN, solidifying its place as a leader in the realm of new energy vehicles.
Since its debut in August 2021, the BYD DOLPHIN has maintained an iron grip on the title of the top-selling A0-level hatchback in China for an impressive 19 consecutive months. But its impact doesn’t stop at China’s borders; this aquatic-inspired marvel is making ripples worldwide.
In June 2023, Brazil felt the electrifying surge of the DOLPHIN as it gracefully glided onto its shores. Within just two months, over 4,000 units of this eco-champion found homes, setting an all-time record for EV sales in Brazil. It not only set records but also stole hearts by becoming the best-selling EV in the country for the month of August. Brazil was just the beginning of the DOLPHIN’s global voyage.
Thailand welcomed the DOLPHIN with open arms, and it didn’t take long for the EV to make a splash in the market, claiming the fifth spot in EV sales in its very first month, delivering an impressive 481 units. The United Kingdom got a taste of the DOLPHIN’s charm as it recently completed its first test drive event, garnering praise and applause from the media, and the DOLPHIN was unveiled in Mexico in September.
BYD has established six dealership stores in Mexico and plans to have 50 by the end of the year. The company has extended its presence to all 32 states.
What sets the BYD DOLPHIN apart from the sea of electric vehicles is its innovative e-Platform 3.0, a dedicated platform exclusively designed for pure electric vehicles. This platform prioritizes aerodynamics, rigidity, and cabin space, resulting in a harmonious blend of performance and comfort. With its 8-in-1 electric powertrain, the DOLPHIN achieves remarkable improvements in safety and range. And when it comes to power, the seamless integration of BYD’s ultra-safe Blade Battery within the e-Platform 3.0 ensures a secure and convenient driving experience for users.
But it’s not just about performance; the BYD DOLPHIN also captures the essence of nature’s beauty. Embracing the captivating Ocean Aesthetics design language, it draws inspiration from the fluidity of ocean waves and combines it with strong, charismatic lines for a dynamic and exuberant overall style. The interior is equally enchanting, with sustainable vegan leather adorning integrated sports seats. These seats offer not only long-distance comfort but also strong lateral support, all while showcasing ocean-inspired aesthetics.
In a world where sustainability meets style and innovation meets impact, the BYD DOLPHIN emerges as a true symbol of the future of electric mobility. With its global conquest and commitment to delivering premium green mobility, BYD continues to swim ahead in the electric vehicle race, setting benchmarks and leaving a trail of admirers in its wake. As the waves of change continue to wash over the automotive industry, one thing remains certain – the BYD DOLPHIN is riding high, leading the charge towards a greener and more electrifying future.
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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.
Warren Buffett is famous for saying that after he dies he wants his wife to put her money into an S&P 500 index fund. Why does Buffett say that? It is because Buffett doesn’t think the financial management field adds value above what investors can do themselves.
“Most professions have value added to them above what the laymen can accomplish themselves. In aggregate, the investment profession does not do that,” Warren Buffett noted at the 2006 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting. “So you have a huge group of people making, I put the estimate as $140 billion a year, that, in aggregate, are, and can only accomplish what somebody can do, you know, in ten minutes a year by themselves.”
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.
Nestled in the heart of Berkshire Hathaway’s Grandscape, near the vibrant city of Dallas, a remarkable transformation is currently underway. Come spring 2024, the Lone Star State will play host to an awe-inspiring creation that defies convention — WorldSprings, a nine-acre haven that blurs the boundaries between wellness spa and amusement park. It’s a venture poised to revolutionize the Texan landscape.
WorldSprings is on the cusp of marking its Texan debut, promising to be the largest outdoor mineral springs experience of its kind in the entire United States. A veritable Eden for wellness enthusiasts.
Described as “a sanctuary for the soul,” this extraordinary expanse will boast 45 outdoor soaking pools, each with its own unique inspiration from renowned hot springs across the globe. A mesmerizing mosaic of cold-plunge pools, Finnish saunas, and a sumptuous spa, WorldSprings is designed for indulgence and rejuvenation.
Here are the highlights that await:
The Family Pool: A gathering place for all generations, where the young and young at heart can revel in the mineral-infused waters.
Dead Sea Float Pool and South Pacific Region Mineral Pools: A taste of the exotic, offering a timeless journey through the world’s most celebrated mineral-rich waters.
The Asiatic, European, and Americas Region Mineral Pools: Reserved for those 18 and older, these pools promise a sophisticated, adults-only retreat.
The Spa: A realm of pampering, it boasts a menu brimming with body treatments and massages to soothe the weariest of souls.
The Sanctuary: A hallowed ground for spiritual wellness, it hosts sound baths, yoga sessions, breathwork, and guided meditation classes.
Aqua Classes: Dive into aqua aerobics, sculpting, yoga, and floating sessions in the therapeutic waters.
Performance-Enhancing Treatments: Embark on an extraordinary journey of recovery with cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers, and compression therapy.
WorldSprings Café: A tech-savvy solution for poolside dining, where guests can order delicacies and libations with a mere tap on their smartphones.
Guided by the expertise of their in-house functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Sara Gottfried, WorldSprings promises meticulously crafted pools that replicate the mineral composition of renowned springs worldwide. It’s a testament to the dedication to authenticity and quality that defines this one-of-a-kind venture.
As for access, WorldSprings is intent on inclusivity. Memberships and three-hour passes will be offered, tailored to ensure everyone can partake in this weekly ritual of well-being. While the pricing remains a closely guarded secret, a select few can avail of discounted Founding Memberships starting early next year.
Rob Kramer, the managing partner of WorldSprings’ owner, Off Road Capital, envisions a future where wellness is accessible to all. He expresses his ambition, stating, “Our ambition is that WorldSprings will democratize wellness by opening locations throughout the country.”
WorldSprings’ journey began in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and a similar concept found its roots in La Verkin, Utah, near the majestic Zion National Park. Now, Texas awaits its turn.
Mark your calendars, for the grand opening of WorldSprings Grandscape is set for March 2024. It will be located at 3240 Plano Pkwy., within the sprawling 433-acre Grandscape complex, which is the home of Berkshire’s largest of its mega-store Nebraska Furniture Marts and boasts not just shopping and dining, but also an escape room, immersive entertainment venues, an amphitheater, and much more.
In the words of Justin Foley, the general manager of the upcoming Grandscape location, “Bringing WorldSprings to this ideal location is a remarkable milestone.” Indeed, it is a milestone that promises to redefine the Texan landscape, offering a unique fusion of wellness and amusement that’s set to captivate the hearts and minds of all who venture within its embrace.
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 a 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.
Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares, one of the world’s fastest-growing toy companies, has secured a master toy agreement with popular fashion role-playing metaverse experience Royale High for an all-new toy line including game-inspired fashion dolls set to launch fall 2024. Jazwares will also serve as a licensing conduit for Royale High to create a robust portfolio of consumer products that will bring the popular gaming world to life via a 360-degree cross-category licensing program spanning apparel, beauty, home decor, and more.
As the biggest fashion-based property in gaming with over 105 million users and 9 billion play sessions, Royale High has taken the gaming world by storm, offering players a fun and engaging virtual environment where fashion and style take over. Jazwares will seamlessly translate the Royale High gaming experience into the world of toys with a line of dolls and accessories coupled with exclusive game codes for matching virtual items. Additionally, Jazwares Costumes Division will be designing and developing costumes and fashion-forward roleplay accessories timed to the fall Halloween season.
“At Jazwares, we keep our finger on the pulse of what’s trending for kids of all ages, and it’s clear that Royale High has already made a massive impact in the gaming realm,” said Judd Karofsky, Executive Vice President, Jazwares. “We know how to translate gaming properties into off-screen products better than anyone in the industry, masterfully translating IP into toys but also creating meaningful consumer products programs. Tapping into the popularity of Royale High is expanding our portfolio into the girls’ space in a big way, and we can’t wait to introduce our new line to the community of fans.”
In the Royale High fantasy world, players attend a magical castle high school where each student is handed a treasure trove of roleplay-enhancing items, including the glittery-winged keys to their dorm, their very own personal space to decorate however they wish. Royale High is a safe space where students are free to dress in their own unique styles to express their creativity, wherever their class schedule takes them — the sky’s the limit when they have unlimited creativity at their fingertips.
“Within the virtual world of Royale High, students are given the tools to live whatever fairytale life they wish to lead; it’s as close as their most enchanted dreams, just a mere mouse click or tap away,” added Royale High’s creative lead callmehbob. “We’re excited to spread the themes of creativity, self-expression, and the promotion of play to the real world by partnering up with Jazwares. Through the use of real toys, Royale High can fuel children’s fantasy dream life in a form that they’re able to touch and hold. This is a fantastic opportunity, and we’re eager to work alongside a company that’s equally as interested in understanding what makes Royale High so magical, so they can artfully translate it into a whole new medium.”
Toymaker Jazwares, which was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway as part of its acquisition of Alleghany Corp., is the company behind the toy sensation Squishmallows.
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 a 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.
We all have epiphanies that change our lives, and for Warren Buffett it was the moment that he realized the lengths that people will go to engage in gambling behavior, even when they know the odds insure that in the end they will lose. It was a moment that cemented the advantage the disciplined investor has over the gambler.
“I walked into this casino, the Flamingo, it was kind of a motel-like arrangement, and I was 21 and my bride was 19,” Warren Buffett said at the 2022 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting. “And I looked around the room and there were all of these people, and they were better dressed then, it was a more dignified group than, perhaps, currently, but they had flown thousands of miles in some cases, you know, in planes that weren’t as fast as the current ones and were more expensive, probably, on a per-mile basis, adjusted, then. They’d gone to great lengths to come out to do something that was mathematically unintelligent, and they knew it was unintelligent. And, I mean, they couldn’t do it fast enough, in terms of rolling the dice, you know, and trying to determine whether they were hot or whatever they may be. And I looked around at that group. And everybody there knew that they were doing something that was mathematically dumb, and they’d come thousands of miles to do it. And I said to my wife, I said, ‘You know, I’m going to get rich. I mean, how can you miss? If people are willing to do this, you know, this is a land of opportunity.'”
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.
Berkshire Hathaway’s Clayton, a national builder of off-site and site-built homes, is building a new facility for manufactured housing in Stanly County, North Carolina.
The $46.6 million project to be located in New London for Clayton’s subsidiary Clayton Supply, will add a projected 263 jobs.
The state of North Carolina will reimburse Clayton Supply roughly $2.1 million over the next 12 years if the company meets job projection and investment goals. The company will also receive a state grant of $229,300 for infrastructure upgrades.
The new facility is projected to grow the state’s economy by $649 million over the 12-year term of the grant.
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 a 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.