Categories
Lubrizol

Lubrizol Expands Partnership with Arihant Innochem into Nutraceuticals

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol Corporation has expanded its partnership with India’s Arihant Innochem to include its Nutraceuticals portfolio, extending a collaboration that has lasted more than 30 years.

The move gives Lubrizol broader access to India’s fast-growing health and wellness market, while Arihant adds to its distribution network in Health, Home, and Personal Care.

“The partnership combines Lubrizol’s expertise in science-backed Nutraceutical solutions with Arihant’s distribution capabilities to support continued expansion,” said Jayesh Vithalani, Senior Manager at Lubrizol.

Arihant Managing Director Jinesh Shah said the addition positions the firm to build a niche in the country’s wellness space.

Lubrizol operates more than 100 facilities worldwide and employs over 7,000 people.

© 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
Kraft Heinz

Kraft Heinz to Split Into Two Independent Companies

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

The Kraft Heinz Company (Nasdaq: KHC) has announced plans to separate into two independent, publicly traded companies through a tax-free spin-off. The move, unanimously approved by its Board of Directors, is aimed at simplifying operations and unlocking long-term growth by giving each business sharper focus and resources aligned with its strategy.

The two new entities will be:

Global Taste Elevation Co. – A global leader in sauces, spreads, seasonings, and shelf-stable meals with about $15.4 billion in 2024 net sales and $4.0 billion in adjusted EBITDA. Its portfolio will include Heinz, Philadelphia, and Kraft Mac & Cheese, with strong positions in both emerging markets and the Away From Home segment.

North American Grocery Co. – A North America-focused portfolio of grocery staples with $10.4 billion in 2024 net sales and $2.3 billion in adjusted EBITDA. Led by current CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera, the business will feature well-known brands such as Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, and Lunchables, generating steady cash flow and pursuing growth in core and adjacent categories.

Executive Chair Miguel Patricio said the separation will reduce complexity and allow each company to better allocate capital, focus on growth, and deliver long-term shareholder value. Abrams-Rivera added that the move “will unleash the power of our brands and unlock the potential of our business.”

Kraft Heinz emphasized that both companies are expected to maintain investment-grade capital structures, preserve the current dividend level, and retain financial flexibility for organic growth, shareholder returns, and strategic opportunities.

The separation follows a strategic review launched in May 2025, with the company concluding that creating two standalone businesses provides the best path to maximize value for shareholders.

© 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
McLane

McLane Opens Austin Tech Hub to Accelerate Digital Transformation

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

McLane Company Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary and one of the nation’s largest distributors, has opened a new technology hub in Austin, Texas, to support its growing Information Technology & Digital (IT&D) team and accelerate its AI-driven strategy.

The Austin hub will house about 100 specialists in cyber, data, AI, and cloud engineering, giving McLane access to the city’s deep tech talent pool. The move reflects the company’s push to strengthen its digital foundation through automation, frictionless experiences, and real-time visibility.

Leading the effort is Chief Information & Digital Officer Murat Genc, who joined McLane in September 2024 after senior roles at Whirlpool and Procter & Gamble. “Our investments in digital supply chain, cloud, data and AI are laying the groundwork for a future-ready logistics, retail and food services model,” Genc said.

McLane has also expanded its leadership team with four seasoned executives:

Tanya Coutray, VP & Retail CIDO, with experience at AWS, Walmart, and T-Mobile.

Nick Elizondo, VP of Enterprise & Supply Chain Platforms, formerly with PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper.

Juan Gomez-Sanchez, VP of Cybersecurity, recognized among the nation’s top CISOs.

Sid Kulkarni, VP of Data, Analytics & AI, with leadership experience at Intel, Lowe’s, Oracle, and FICO.

With its Austin expansion and strengthened IT&D leadership, McLane is positioning itself as a digital-first supply chain and distribution powerhouse.

© 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 Risk Hides in Plain Sight

Risk often hides in plain sight—unseen until something goes wrong. It’s only when markets crash, companies collapse, or insurers face massive claims that the true extent of risk becomes evident.

Warren Buffett famously captured this idea at the 1994 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting: “You don’t find out who’s been swimming naked until the tide goes out.” He emphasized that this principle applies not only to stocks but also to bonds and reinsurance.

Investors chasing high returns through risky bonds or insurers writing questionable policies may seem smart in calm conditions. But when adversity strikes, those decisions are quickly exposed, sometimes with devastating consequences.

Buffett notes that reinsurance, in particular, can be deceptive. “You can be doing dumb things and not know it,” Buffett warned. “Then all of a sudden wake up and find out the money is gone.”

The takeaway? Risk is often invisible—until it’s too late.

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
Marmon Group

Marmon Rail Launches ProTecht, Rail Industry’s First Mobile Autonomous Tank Car Cleaning System

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Marmon Rail has unveiled ProTecht, a proprietary mobile cleaning system that brings safer, more sustainable, and highly efficient on-site tank car maintenance to rail yards across the U.S. and Canada. Operated by Marmon Rail brands UTLX in the U.S. and Procor in Canada, ProTecht is the rail industry’s first mobile, autonomous cleaning solution for tank cars.

Tank car cleaning — traditionally a hazardous process requiring workers to enter confined spaces with potential chemical residues — is now automated with ProTecht’s patent-pending technology. Developed over four years by inventor Evan Ingram, the system is compatible with all tank car types and offers three cleaning modes: water filtration for light residues, steam injection for midgrade commodities, and a high-impact automated cannon for hardened residues.

By using a closed-loop system that filters and reuses water and detergent, ProTecht reduces waste, lowers environmental impact, and boosts operational uptime. The mobile design eliminates costly transport to fixed cleaning facilities, cutting downtime and improving fleet utilization.

“Marmon Rail has long led the industry in railcar repair,” said Jay McGill, President, Repair Services, On-Site & Mobile. “ProTecht builds on that legacy with a cutting-edge system that is safe, sustainable, versatile, and purpose-built for on-site deployment.”

© 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
Forest River

Forest River Marine Launches Dockside, an Entry-Level Pontoon Line for New Boaters

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Forest River Marine has introduced Dockside, a new pontoon boat brand designed to make boating more accessible for first-time owners while still appealing to seasoned enthusiasts.

With a starting price of $25,999, Dockside offers exceptional value without sacrificing quality. The line features standard blacked-out rails and a fully weather- and fade-resistant composite deck—avoiding the marine-grade plywood often used by competitors.

“Our mission with Dockside has been to create something truly accessible—without sacrificing quality or enjoyment,” said Philip Podgorny, General Manager of Forest River Marine. “It’s not only a great first boat—it’s the beginning of a lifelong adventure.”

Dockside focuses on delivering an easy, enjoyable experience rather than overwhelming buyers with complex options. The pontoons are versatile for cruising, fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing, and their user-friendly layout makes them inviting for all skill levels.

The new brand joins Forest River Marine’s portfolio alongside Berkshire, South Bay, and Trifecta, serving as a gateway into the boating lifestyle and paving the way for customers to grow within the company’s lineup.

© 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 and CSX Expand Coast-to-Coast Intermodal Services

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

BNSF Railway and CSX Transportation announced the launch of new intermodal service options designed to give shippers seamless, efficient coast-to-coast solutions.

The expanded offerings include direct domestic routes linking Southern California with Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida, as well as a new service connecting Phoenix, Arizona, and Atlanta, Georgia. The latter aims to shift freight from highway to rail through a smooth handoff between the two railroads.

On the international side, new direct intermodal services will connect the Port of New York and New Jersey, and Norfolk, Virginia, with Kansas City. To further support growth, BNSF will also add two new 10,000-foot sidings between Phoenix and Flagstaff, improving efficiency on its busy Southern Transcon corridor.

“This collaboration between BNSF and CSX demonstrates the power of partnership, delivering greater flexibility, efficiency, and value for our customers,” said Jon Gabriel, BNSF Group Vice President of Consumer Products.

Drew Johnson, CSX Vice President of Intermodal Sales and Marketing, added, “Together, we’re opening access to key markets and strengthening options for our mutual customers.”

© 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: Why Cash Is Like Oxygen

Investing is about making your money grow—but according to Warren Buffett, there are moments when preserving liquidity is more critical than chasing returns. In those situations, cash isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

At the 2022 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett compared cash to something even more fundamental: “It’s like oxygen. It’s there all the time, but if it disappears for a few minutes, it’s all over.”

He emphasized that while opportunities to invest and grow wealth are important, so is the ability to stay in the game. “There have been a few times in history, and there will be more… where if you don’t have [cash], you don’t get to play the next day.”

Buffett’s message is clear: cash might not earn high returns, but in times of crisis, it provides the flexibility and stability needed to survive—and eventually thrive.

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
Pilot Flying J

Pilot Company Expands with New Chicopee Travel Center

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Pilot Company, North America’s largest operator of travel centers, has broken ground on a new Pilot Truck Stop and Travel Center in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Located just off the Massachusetts Turnpike, the facility will create 90 jobs—70 full-time and 20 part-time—and is expected to contribute roughly $1 million annually in local tax revenue.

The project is part of Pilot’s ongoing expansion and investment in its network. In recent months, the company has opened new locations in Louisiana, Colorado, Texas, British Columbia, California, and Wisconsin, while also completing renovations at 11 existing travel centers across the U.S.

Pilot is also advancing its infrastructure for the future of transportation, adding EV fast-charging stations at 36 locations since March. The new charging sites extend Pilot’s coast-to-coast EV network to major routes across 35 states.

© 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
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

BHSI Names Irfan Esa Head of National Business in the UK

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has appointed Irfan Esa as Head of National Business in the UK.

Esa has played a key role in expanding BHSI’s National Property business since joining the company in 2020. With over 20 years of experience in the UK insurance market, including 12 years in senior roles at another insurer, he will now lead the growth of BHSI’s property, casualty, and specialty lines outside the London market.

“Irfan has been instrumental in building our National Property business,” said Nick Major, Country Manager, UK, BHSI. “His expertise, vision, and leadership make him the ideal choice to drive continued growth.”

Esa is based in Manchester.

© 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.