I'm sure most of you know the big story of the day but I thought it might be fun to look at what some of the changes may be now that Warren Buffet has made his mark on the BNSF. No more faded pumpkins as Benjamin Moore Paint is now the sole paint supplier for the BNSF, increased loading of Xtra trailers will be seen on Z,Q and S trains, New uniforms supplied by Fruit of the Loom, soft serve ice cream and Blizzards in every break room, GEICO will insure and underwrite all policies for the railroad and a 20 carat diamond BNSF logo for 20 year employees from Helzberg. What??? Well these are just a few of the companies owned by Buffett that are well known and in business for many years, I can only hope that under new ownership we will see the company grow and become just as well know as the few I have listed here and that the forward thinking by M. Buffett that the economy is taking a turn for the better is just around the corner. What are the thoughts of other TCR members on the positive and negitive effects from the buyout by Warren Buffett?

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Milwaukee Road Matt

I just had to write a term paper on BNSF and turned it in on Monday (to a railfan professor). I predicted that BNSF wold only continue to grow as rail should increase in importance of being an efficient and attractive shipping method for a variety of factors such as fuel efficiency, declining US infrastructure (highway system), and just plain efficient in terms of how much you can move easily by rail.

The next day, Buffett agrees. I find that amusing.

Should be interesting to see. I'm guessing we'll see a lot more track work and capital upgrades with this recent inflow of cash....however many billions it was. What's his stake in the company up to now?


BUT, I just hope he knows what he's doing. He hit a big slump this recession. Hopefully this investment doesn't backfire and cripple the company somehow.

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Jared F.
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I don't know how Buffet will deal in day-to-day dealings (probably not much, but if they are going to have Blizzards, sign me up!), but I am just wondering if I have to sell my stock?

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The railfan side

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Jared F.
My | More

The BNI was reported as being converted into Class B. My financial guy advised to sell.

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The railfan side

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