The lowdown

Here’s what you missed while you were living your were off the clock:

• 📣 Global ad revenue to top $1 trillion, dominated by Google and Meta: Advertising's digital duopoly tightens its grip as global ad spend rockets past $1 trillion.

• 💰 Mynt raises a cool $23M on a $210M valuation to build a smarter expense card for SMEs: Fintech startup Mynt secures $23M to redefine expense management for small and medium-sized businesses.

• 🍩 Krispy Kreme is latest to report a cyberattack that’s hampering its business: A cyberattack hits Krispy Kreme, disrupting operations and leaving sweet-toothed fans waiting.

Featured story

Boeing Restarts 737 MAX Production Amid Financial Turbulence

Boeing is resuming production of its flagship 737 MAX jets after a seven-week strike halted operations. The strike, led by factory workers demanding better conditions, ended in November. This marks a critical turning point for the company, which has faced a series of setbacks, including regulatory scrutiny, production delays, and financial instability. The planemaker’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, announced aggressive measures to stabilize the company: laying off 17,000 employees and issuing new stock to avoid a credit downgrade.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Boeing is sitting on 4,200 orders for the 737 MAX, its most popular model, which remains essential to the company’s long-term survival. The announcement of resumed production sent Boeing's shares up 4.5% on Tuesday, signaling investor optimism. However, the pressure is mounting as the company navigates a fragile recovery plan while maintaining the confidence of airlines and regulators. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remains a key player in overseeing the safety and quality of Boeing’s operations.

This development also highlights fierce competition in the aviation industry. Boeing faces growing challenges from rivals like Airbus, which has been capitalizing on Boeing’s recent struggles to secure its own market share. Meanwhile, the broader aerospace sector is grappling with supply chain issues and volatile demand. For Boeing, this is more than a production restart—it’s a litmus test of its ability to rebuild trust, streamline operations, and secure its future in an unforgiving market.

The content we're consuming today

Here’s what we’re reading this week:

• 🍔 RetailWire: From Cardi B to BTS, celebrity fast-food partnerships are raking in sales—but do they create loyal customers or just quick hype?

• 💸 Entrepreneur: Half of Americans are hustling with side gigs, redefining work-life balance in a gig economy.

• ❄️ Gizmodo: Harbor seals are experts at picking the perfect iceberg to lounge on, showcasing nature's surprising blend of strategy and chill.

Off-balance sheet items

The bottom line

Aquire new customers and drive revenue by partnering with us.

Balance Sheet is rapidly growing, with 1,500+ readers working in the world’s leading organizations. You can learn more about partnering with us here.