About Face: In a notable reversal, Kraft Heinz announced this week that it is pausing plans to split the company in two, a strategy first outlined in September. That proposal had been widely viewed as an unwinding of the blockbuster Kraft-Heinz merger nearly a decade ago, a deal backed by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and private equity firm 3G Capital. While initially celebrated, the merger ultimately underperformed across most key financial metrics. Critics have long argued that...

Passing the Torch (Again): Disney announced this week that Josh D’Amaro will succeed Bob Iger as CEO, bringing an end to a long and closely watched succession process. D’Amaro, who currently leads Disney’s Parks and Experiences division, will step into the role on March 18, while Iger remains on as a senior advisor and board member through the end of the year before fully retiring. The transition seems familiar because it is. Iger first stepped down in 2020 after a 15-year run defined by...

Profit Over Perks: Southwest posted a strong earnings report this week, and from a profitability standpoint, its controversial business model changes are clearly working. The airline delivered solid results and projected a sharp increase in profits next year, sending the stock meaningfully higher. That outcome comes after a period of intense criticism, as Southwest moved away from long-standing policies like open seating and free checked bags in favor of assigned seats, premium cabins, and...