Core Insights - Wendy's plans to close hundreds of restaurants, representing 5% to 6% of its total U.S. locations, as part of a strategy to optimize its business following disappointing sales figures [1][1][1] Financial Performance - Total same-store sales for Wendy's fell by 10.1% in the last quarter, with U.S. same-store sales down 11.3%, compared to a 2% decline in international locations [1][1][1] - Global systemwide sales decreased to $3.4 billion, an 8.3% drop from the previous quarter [1][1][1] Store Closures - The company initially announced plans to close several hundred U.S. stores in November 2025, with 28 locations already closed in the fourth quarter of 2025 [1][1][1] - Wendy's expects to close between 300 and 360 locations, based on its U.S. operations of approximately 6,000 restaurants [1][1][1] - The closures are being conducted in collaboration with franchisees, who can identify underperforming locations [1][1][1] Strategic Focus - The interim CEO, Ken Cook, emphasized that the closures are part of a "system optimization" strategy to enhance franchisee profitability and overall brand performance [1][1][1] - The process of closing restaurants involves working with landlords to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes for both franchisees and the company [1][1][1]

Core Viewpoint - Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR) is a significant player in the fast-food industry, owning brands like Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes, and competes with McDonald's and Yum! Brands [1] Financial Performance - TD Cowen adjusted its price target for QSR from $74 to $72 following the Q4 2025 earnings call, indicating a strategic reassessment of the company's financial outlook [2] - The stock's current price of $66.35 reflects a decrease of approximately 6.15%, with a drop of $4.35 [2][5] Stock Performance - During trading, QSR's stock fluctuated between a low of $65.90 and a high of $69.47, with a yearly high of $73.70 and a low of $58.71 [3] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $21.75 billion, showcasing its substantial market presence [3] Investor Interest - The trading volume for QSR today is 9,099,036 shares, indicating active investor interest following the recent earnings call [4][5]

Core Insights - The earnings season has shifted focus from AI-related tech stocks to traditional industry leaders, which have been rewarded by the market for their favorable Q4 reports, reasonable valuations, and respectable dividends [1] Group 1: McDonald's (MCD) - McDonald's stock reached a 52-week high of $333 after exceeding Q4 expectations, driven by loyalty and digital engagement improvements [2] - Global comparable sales increased by 6% year-over-year in Q4, with U.S. comparable sales rising by 7%, indicating strong demand [3] - Systemwide sales to loyalty members grew by 20% year-over-year, with active users up by 19%, reflecting recurring demand [3] - MCD is close to becoming a Dividend King, having increased its dividend for 49 consecutive years [3] Group 2: T-Mobile US (TMUS) - T-Mobile's shares surged by 9% after surpassing Q4 expectations, with an additional 2% increase the following day [5] - The company reported industry-leading net customer additions of 2.4 million, including 962,000 postpaid phone net adds, marking an industry best [6] - TMUS has a forward P/E valuation of 18X, which is attractive compared to the industry average of 13X [7] Group 3: Marriott International (MAR) - Marriott's stock increased by 7% following mixed Q4 results, which included a slight EPS miss but a revenue beat and strong forward guidance [8] - Worldwide RevPAR increased by 2% in Q4, driven by 6% growth in international markets, with a 2026 RevPAR growth outlook of 1.5%-2.5% [9] - MAR trades at a forward P/E of 30X, slightly above the broader market but near its decade-long median of 24X [10] - The company has raised its dividend by 25.67% over the last five years, maintaining a low payout ratio of 27% [11]

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets faced a significant downturn on February 12, 2026, with the Nasdaq Composite experiencing the steepest decline of about 1.7% [2]. - The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both fell by approximately 1.1% [2]. - The market's decline reflects a cautious sentiment among investors, who are reassessing the profitability of the AI sector [1][2]. Technology Sector Performance - The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) increased, indicating heightened uncertainty among investors [3]. - Companies leading the AI revolution are facing scrutiny, with concerns about their immediate profitability and potential industry disruptions [4]. - AppLovin (APP) saw its stock plummet by 18.3% despite exceeding profit expectations, driven by fears that AI could disrupt its business model [5]. - Cisco Systems (CSCO) experienced an 11.6% drop in share price due to concerns over rising costs associated with the AI arms race [6]. Positive Performers - McDonald's (MCD) stock rose by approximately 2.2% after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly profits, attributed to successful value initiatives [7]. - Walmart (WMT) shares rallied by 2.9%, indicating a consumer focus on value, which may benefit discount retailers [8]. Upcoming Economic Indicators - Investors are awaiting key economic data, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and employment figures, which will influence Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates [9]. - Several companies are set to release earnings reports, particularly in the technology and consumer discretionary sectors, providing insights into corporate profitability [10]. Company Earnings Reports - PG&E Corporation (PCG) reported solid financial results for 2025 and provided an updated outlook for 2026 [11]. - Brookfield Corporation (BN) announced strong earnings and a dividend increase [11]. - Entergy Corporation (ETR) released its 2025 earnings and initiated guidance for the current year [11]. - Applied Materials (AMAT) reported strong first-quarter results, citing high demand related to AI [11]. Market Outlook - The coming days will be critical in determining whether the current market downturn is a temporary pullback or the start of a sustained correction [12]. - Economic data and ongoing earnings season will be closely monitored to assess market strength [12].

Core Viewpoint - Wendy's is implementing a turnaround plan called "Project Fresh" to address declining sales and stock performance, with earnings results expected on February 13 [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Wendy's stock has decreased nearly 46% over the past 12 months, with a forward P/E ratio around 9 and a price-to-sales ratio below 1, indicating it may be undervalued [2]. - Last quarter, global sales fell by 2.6%, and adjusted earnings per share decreased by 4% [1]. Group 2: Turnaround Strategy - The turnaround plan consists of four main pillars: brand revitalization, system optimization, operational excellence, and capital allocation [4]. - Wendy's is introducing new energy drinks, revamping coffee offerings, and focusing on chicken tenders to attract customers [4]. - The company is facing challenges with lower-income consumers, which is impacting sales, and may close up to 300 franchises in the U.S. [4]. Group 3: Market Context - The fast food and fast casual restaurant sectors have been struggling since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with reduced foot traffic and a shift towards remote work [3].

Market Overview - U.S. stocks experienced a significant decline on February 12th, 2026, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 1.03% to 49,605.19, the S&P 500 down 1.13% to 6,862.95, and the Nasdaq Composite dropping 1.61% to 22,695.23, driven by concerns over artificial intelligence's impact on corporate profits and anticipation of inflation data [1][2] Corporate Movers - Cisco Systems (CSCO) saw its stock drop approximately 10% despite exceeding earnings expectations, primarily due to disappointing forward guidance that raised growth concerns [3] - AppLovin (APP) experienced a dramatic sell-off, with shares tumbling around 18.3% despite reporting stronger-than-expected profits, reflecting market anxieties about AI disrupting software business models [4] - Micron Technology (MU) had a positive stock movement following optimistic comments from its CFO regarding next-generation HBM4 memory production, a key component for AI infrastructure [5] - McDonald's (MCD) shares rose after reporting stronger-than-anticipated profits, while Walmart (WMT) also performed well, contributing positively to the S&P 500 [6] - Tenet Healthcare Corporation (THC) surged after a strong earnings report, and T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) rose after beating earnings estimates, while Shopify Inc. (SHOP) and Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) faced declines due to missing earnings expectations and FDA decisions, respectively [7] Sector Movements - In the energy sector, coal stocks like Peabody Energy (BTU) and Hallador Energy (HNRG) gained momentum following executive orders from the Trump administration aimed at supporting the coal industry [8] Economic Outlook - The upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) release is expected to significantly influence market direction, with investors closely monitoring it for signs of inflationary pressures, which will impact the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions [9]

Market Overview - US stocks experienced a significant decline, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling over 500 points, approximately 1%, ending a three-day winning streak [1] - The S&P 500 dropped by 1.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite fell nearly 2% [1] Earnings and Sector Performance - Investors are closely analyzing earnings reports for insights into sectors at risk from AI disruption, which has negatively impacted software stocks [2] - Cisco Systems saw its stock decline over 11% due to a pessimistic profit outlook despite an increase in sales [2] - Major tech companies like Nvidia and Microsoft both experienced declines of over 1%, while Meta, Amazon, and Apple faced even larger losses [2] Economic Indicators - Attention is shifting towards the upcoming Consumer Price Index report, with expectations that a softer reading could indicate easing price pressures while maintaining economic growth [3] - Recent jobless claims data showed a smaller decline than anticipated, following a nonfarm payrolls report indicating the US economy added twice as many jobs as expected in January [4] - The robust labor market, combined with persistent inflation, is likely to complicate Federal Reserve policy expectations, reducing the chances of near-term interest rate cuts [4] Company Highlights - McDonald's shares increased after reporting earnings that exceeded expectations [5] - Upcoming earnings reports to watch include Coinbase, Applied Materials, and Rivian, all scheduled for release after market close [5]

Market Overview - Indian benchmark indices experienced declines, with Nifty closing at 25,807.20, down 146.65 points or 0.57%, and BSE Sensex falling by 558.72 points or 0.66% to 83,674.92, primarily due to heavy selling in IT stocks [13] - The volatility gauge India VIX ended at 11.73, down 1.53% from the last closing [13] Analyst Insights - Ajit Mishra from Religare Broking noted that market sentiment weakened due to significant selling in IT stocks and mixed global developments, with strong U.S. jobs data reducing expectations for imminent Federal Reserve rate cuts [2][13] - Mishra suggested that the downside risk may be limited due to strength in other sectors, with Nifty expected to hold the 25,600–25,700 zone, while the 26,000 level remains a key resistance [2][13] Technical Analysis - Bajaj Broking indicated that the index formed a bearish candle, signaling profit booking at higher levels around 26,000, and stock-specific movements are likely to remain in focus as the quarterly earnings season concludes [9][10] - The index is projected to consolidate in the range of 25,500-26,000, with a move above 26,000 potentially opening up upside towards the 26,200–26,300 resistance area [10][14] Stock Activity - Among the most active stocks by turnover were State Bank of India (SBI, Rs 842 crore), Bajaj Finance (Rs 434 crore), and ICICI Bank (Rs 357 crore) [14] - In terms of volume, Vodafone Idea (4.17 crore shares), SpiceJet (1.24 crore shares), and SBI (70.64 lakh shares) were among the most actively traded stocks [14] - 140 stocks reached their 52-week highs, while 111 stocks hit their 52-week lows, indicating mixed market performance [14]

Company Performance - Cisco Systems (CSCO) stock fell over 7% at the open due to a gloomy profit outlook despite a rise in sales, as the company expects margins to be squeezed by memory costs linked to AI datacenter spending [3] - McDonald's (MCD) shares nudged higher after the burger giant's earnings beat expectations [6] - Upcoming earnings reports to watch include Coinbase (COIN), Applied Materials (AMAT), and Rivian (RIVN), all scheduled for release after the market close [6] Economic Indicators - The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) increased by approximately 0.5%, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) and Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) both gained around 0.3% [2] - Jobless claims showed a smaller decline than expected, with nonfarm payrolls data indicating the US economy added twice as many jobs as anticipated in January, complicating expectations for Federal Reserve policy [5] - Attention is turning to the upcoming Consumer Price Index report, with hopes that a softer reading will indicate easing price pressures while maintaining economic growth [4]

McDonald's Corporation ( MCD ) is a stock I have been cautious on recently. Although it recently started reporting strong quarterly results, as we saw six months ago when we reviewed its first half. I was surely pleased by the fact that McDonald'sI’m a long-term investor focused on U.S. and European equities, with a dual emphasis on undervalued growth stocks and high-quality dividend growers. Through years of experience, I’ve learned that sustained profitability—evident in strong margins, stable and expandi ...