Yesterday I ranted about layoffs, Baconators, and ketchup dividends. Today, I’m less angry and more focused. The headlines haven’t improved — layoffs are still the market’s favorite confetti — but my perspective has shifted. Investing isn’t about yesterday’s outrage; it’s about tomorrow’s positioning.
Efficiency Still Rules
The market continues to reward companies that cut costs and automate. That’s not changing. As much as it frustrates me, I can’t ignore the trend. Efficiency is the new currency, and AI is the mint. Fighting it is pointless; better to ride the wave with a defensive board than drown in principle.
Wendy’s: From Frustration to Fixes (Sort Of)
Yesterday I complained about Wendy’s digital ordering platform — the slow drive‑thru, the clunky kiosk, the lack of memory or loyalty integration. But after digging deeper, I realized their mobile app actually addresses most of these issues. It remembers orders, offers rewards, and gives customers a smoother experience. In other words, the tech exists — it’s just not being promoted where it matters most.
If Wendy’s wants to compete in the digital loyalty arms race, they need to connect the dots. Imagine if every kiosk prominently nudged customers toward the app: “Want faster orders and rewards? Download here.” That’s low‑hanging fruit.
So here’s where I stand: I still hold Wendy’s. I still love the food. But until they scale digital loyalty and speed across all touchpoints, WEN remains a speculative side dish in my portfolio, not the main course. If they prove they can bridge the gap between kiosk and app, I’ll gladly upgrade my position. Until then, it’s a nibble, not a feast.
Kraft Heinz: The Cushion I Trust
KHC remains my anchor. The dividend is fat, qualified, and reliable. The 2026 split is a catalyst I’m excited about. More importantly, it’s tied to what people must buy. In a market obsessed with efficiency, I want exposure to necessity. Moving forward, I’ll keep adding to KHC on dips, letting the dividend compound while the split story unfolds.
Tech Pullbacks: Watching the Giants
After the close, tech took a beating. That caught my eye. MSFT and META are on my radar for tactical trades. Unlike Wendy’s, these companies have moats that look more like oceans. Their pullbacks could be opportunities. I’m not chasing, but I’m watching closely. Moving forward, I’ll look for entry points that balance risk with the potential for a quick rebound.
The Real Battle: Investor Psychology
The hardest part of investing right now isn’t the headlines — it’s discipline. Outrage and fear are easy. Patience is harder. My strategy moving forward is simple:
Anchor in necessity (KHC).
Keep speculative plays small (WEN).
Watch for tactical trades in tech (MSFT, META).
Let dividends and compounding do the heavy lifting.
It’s not flashy, but it’s sustainable. And in a market that rewards ruthlessness, sustainability is its own quiet rebellion. Ironically, Hershey moved below my Buy Target and that's the Candy being given out today!
Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. This is not investment advice. These are my personal, humor‑laced investment musings. I currently hold shares in all companies mentioned, including WEN and KHC, and I fully intend to purchase more KHC because, clearly, I am addicted to qualified dividends.
