Disney Will Have a New CEO Soon. Who Is Josh D'Amaro? - Barron'sSkip to Main ContentThis copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.# Who Is Josh D'Amaro, the Potential Next CEO of Disney?By [Angela Palumbo]ShareResize---ReprintsIn this article[DIS]Josh D'Amaro is the cur ...

Core Insights - Crane reported exceptional fourth-quarter results for 2025, with adjusted EPS of $1.53, a 21% increase year-over-year, and full-year adjusted EPS growth of 24% compared to 2024, driven by strong performance in aerospace and advanced technologies [2][3][5] Financial Performance - The company achieved a 5.4% growth in core sales for Q4 and a 16% increase in adjusted operating profit, attributed to higher productivity and favorable pricing net of inflation [1][2] - Adjusted free cash conversion reached 102% for the year, indicating strong cash performance [1] - The adjusted operating margin for Process Flow Technologies expanded by 170 basis points to 22%, despite flat sales and softer chemical orders [5][7] Segment Highlights - Aerospace and Advanced Technologies (AAT) saw a 15% increase in Q4 sales to $272 million, with a record backlog exceeding $1 billion, up 25% year-over-year [6][8] - Process Flow Technologies (PFT) reported flat sales of $309 million in Q4, with core sales down 1.5%, but still managed to expand margins due to productivity and pricing [7][8] Acquisitions and Integration - Crane completed multiple acquisitions at the start of 2026, including Reuter-Stokes, Panametrics, Druck, and Optek-Danulat, which are expected to be slightly accretive to earnings in 2026 [4][9][10] - The integration of these businesses is progressing well, with expected cost and growth synergies [10] Leadership Transition - Alex Alcala will become CEO on April 27, 2026, with Max Mitchell transitioning to Executive Chairman [11] 2026 Guidance - Crane provided initial adjusted EPS guidance for 2026 of $6.55 to $6.75, reflecting a change in non-GAAP presentation to exclude acquisition-related intangible amortization [12] - The company anticipates Q1 2026 to be seasonally soft, with earnings weighted 45% to the first half and 55% to the second half of the year [13] Market Outlook - AAT is expected to achieve core sales growth at the high end of the long-term growth assumption of 7% to 9% in 2026, while PFT is projected to have flat to low single-digit core growth due to sluggish orders [16][17] - The nuclear sector is viewed as an increasingly attractive area for growth, particularly following the acquisition of Reuter-Stokes [18]

Core Viewpoint - IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. has announced the promotion of Michael (Mike) Erickson, PhD, to President and CEO effective May 12, 2026, as part of a planned succession process, with Jonathan (Jay) Mazelsky transitioning to Executive Chair of the Board [1][3] Group 1: Leadership Transition - Dr. Erickson has nearly two decades of leadership experience and has held senior positions at IDEXX since 2011, currently serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Global Point of Care Diagnostics and Telemedicine [2] - The Board's decision to appoint Dr. Erickson is based on a robust succession planning process, recognizing his deep understanding of the business and suitability to lead IDEXX forward [3] - Mr. Mazelsky will retire following the annual meeting of shareholders in May 2027 and will assist Dr. Erickson during the transition period [1][3] Group 2: Company Overview - IDEXX Laboratories is a global leader in pet healthcare innovation, providing diagnostic and software products that enhance veterinary medicine [4] - The company employs approximately 11,000 people and offers solutions in over 175 countries, contributing to the health and well-being of pets, people, and livestock [4]

Group 1 - Disney is expected to announce an internal CEO replacement for Bob Iger, who is set to step down at the end of 2026, with the announcement likely occurring in the first few months of this year [3][8] - The board's decision to publicly declare Iger's eventual replacement early is a strategic move to ensure a smoother transition compared to the abrupt handoff to Bob Chapek in 2020 [3][4] - Despite Disney shares rising only 26% since Iger's return in November 2022, compared to a 72% increase in the S&P 500, the company is likely to choose a high-ranking internal executive as the next CEO, as the business is performing better than its stock performance suggests [7][8] Group 2 - Disney's studio business is gaining momentum and is expected to be a leading draw at multiplexes this year, indicating a focus on its core business rather than engaging in external media bidding wars [8]

Core Insights - Berkshire Hathaway is set for a significant leadership transition as Warren Buffett announces Greg Abel will become CEO at the end of the year, while Buffett will remain as chairman in a more passive role [1][4][5] Group 1: Leadership Transition - The transition has been anticipated by shareholders, with Abel's selection as Buffett's successor first announced in May 2021 [4] - Buffett confirmed his resignation from the CEO position during the 2025 annual shareholder meeting, effective January 1, 2026 [4][5] - Buffett will still be available for consultation but emphasized that Greg will have the final say in decisions once he assumes the CEO role [5] Group 2: Greg Abel's Background - Greg Abel has been praised by Buffett for exceeding expectations and possessing a deep understanding of the company's operations and personnel [6] - Prior to his CEO appointment, Abel served as vice chairman, overseeing non-insurance operations [8] Group 3: Financial Position - Abel will inherit a substantial cash reserve, which provides him with the potential to significantly transform the company if desired [9] - The company maintains a conservative stock valuation, contrasting with the higher valuations seen in AI-related stocks [7]

Core Viewpoint - Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. announces the retirement of Owen Kratz, the President and CEO, who has been with the company since 1984 and has led it since 1997, marking a significant transition in leadership for the company [1][2]. Company Overview - Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. is an international offshore energy services company headquartered in Houston, Texas, focusing on well intervention, robotics, and decommissioning operations [4]. - The company plays a crucial role in supporting the global energy transition by maximizing production from existing oil and gas reserves and facilitating the decommissioning of end-of-life oil and gas fields [4]. Leadership Transition - Owen Kratz's retirement will ensure leadership continuity, as he plans to remain as CEO until a successor is appointed, emphasizing a smooth transition process [2][3]. - The Board of Directors is committed to selecting a new CEO with proven global business leadership experience, ensuring the company maintains its strategic direction [3]. Contributions and Legacy - Kratz is recognized as a pioneer in the offshore energy services industry, having transformed Helix from a small diving company into a global industry leader over nearly four decades [3]. - His leadership has successfully navigated the company through various business cycles, delivering value to shareholders and clients across multiple fields, including subsea diving, intervention, robotics, construction, exploration and production (E&P), and decommissioning [3]. Future Outlook - The company is well-positioned with a strong balance sheet, which provides opportunities for future growth, as expressed by Kratz in his remarks about the company's potential [3].

Core Insights - Tim Cook has significantly increased Apple's annual sales from $108 billion to $416 billion and operating profit from $34 billion to $133 billion since 2011, resulting in a market capitalization rise from approximately $350 billion to $4 trillion, creating nearly $1 trillion in cumulative net income [1][2] Group 1: Succession Challenges - The potential departure of Tim Cook raises concerns about how to replace a highly successful CEO, with reports suggesting he may step down as early as next year [2] - Other corporate giants like Walmart and Berkshire Hathaway are also preparing for leadership transitions, indicating a broader trend among major companies [3] Group 2: CEO Tenure and Performance - The average tenure of S&P 500 CEOs has decreased from 11 years in 2021 to eight years in 2024, yet companies led by long-serving CEOs tend to outperform, with a typical market value of $59 billion and five-year shareholder returns of 93% [4] - The difficulty of succeeding a long-serving CEO is highlighted by historical examples, where successors often struggle to maintain performance levels [5][6] Group 3: Succession Planning Strategies - Companies must take succession planning seriously, as many boards only pay lip service to the concept, despite its importance [7] - Early identification of potential successors, especially from younger generations, is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition [8] - Succession plans should be regularly updated to adapt to rapid changes in the business environment [9][10] Group 4: Consideration of External Candidates - Boards should consider external candidates, especially in volatile times, to bring fresh perspectives and strategies, as seen in the case of Apple needing to address challenges like supply chain reliance and AI strategy [11]

Core Viewpoint - Casella Waste Systems, Inc. announces a leadership transition with John W. Casella moving from CEO to Executive Chairman, and Ned Coletta appointed as the new CEO effective January 1, 2026 [1][2][4] Leadership Transition - John W. Casella has been with the company since its founding in 1976 and has played a crucial role in its growth into a leading waste management company in the eastern United States [2][3] - Ned Coletta, who joined the company in December 2004, has held various leadership roles and is well-prepared to lead the company into its next phase of growth [3][4] Company Background - Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, and provides resource management services including solid waste collection, disposal, recycling, and organics services primarily in the eastern United States [5]

Group 1 - The company's board is considering succession planning, but no specific successor has been named yet [1][4] - CEO Jamie Dimon emphasized the importance of maintaining the company's culture during the transition of leadership [2][3] - Dimon mentioned that the board has been interviewing several exceptional candidates for the CEO position, although no names were disclosed [4] Group 2 - Dimon indicated that he may remain in his role for several more years, suggesting he has the energy to continue leading [5] - The company has a deep bench of talent, which is crucial for a smooth transition when the time comes [1][3]