Last time I covered Premium Brands ( PBH:CA ), I ran the numbers on management’s $10 billion revenue goal for FY 2027 and got to about $110 per share already discounted to present value.I’m an equity analyst and founder of Goulart’s Restaurant Stocks, a research firm focused on the U.S. restaurant industry — from quick-service and fast casual to fine dining and niche concepts. I lead all thematic research and valuation efforts, applying advanced financial modeling, sector-specific KPIs, and strategic insigh ...

I’m an equity analyst and founder of Goulart’s Restaurant Stocks, a research firm focused on the U.S. restaurant industry — from quick-service and fast casual to fine dining and niche concepts. I lead all thematic research and valuation efforts, applying advanced financial modeling, sector-specific KPIs, and strategic insights to uncover hidden value across public equities. In addition to restaurants, I cover consumer discretionary, food & beverage, casinos & gaming, and IPOs, with a particular focus on mic ...

Group 1 - Lhasa City has exposed 25 fire hazard points related to electric bicycles, including residential areas, shopping malls, driving schools, and restaurants [1][2] - Four locations identified as high-risk due to fire hazards include iron craft product stores and construction sites [1][2] - Violations of the Fire Protection Law of the People's Republic of China were noted, particularly regarding the improper parking of electric bicycles blocking evacuation routes [1][2] Group 2 - Specific locations with identified hazards include residential complexes like Shibao Oujun and East City No. 1, where electric bicycles were found blocking evacuation routes [1][2] - Other locations include various small businesses and public rental housing, all of which have been cited for similar violations [1][2] - The report also highlights fire hazards in places with hot work operations, where personnel were found operating without proper certification [2]

Group 1 - KFC has adjusted the prices of its delivery products by an average of 0.8 yuan starting January 26, while dine-in prices remain unchanged [1] - The price adjustment is a response to changes in operational costs and aims to maintain stable and healthy operations [1] - Popular promotional meal prices, such as "Crazy Thursday" and "Weekend Crazy Combo," will remain unchanged [1] Group 2 - KFC's last price adjustment occurred on December 24, 2024, with an average increase of 2%, affecting prices by 0.5 to 2 yuan [1] - The number of KFC stores in China is expected to exceed 12,600 by September 2025, with "KFC Coffee" rapidly growing to over 1,800 locations [1] - In early 2024, KFC reduced its delivery fee from 9 yuan to 6 yuan and will charge a packaging service fee to enhance delivery service experience [2] Group 3 - McDonald's has also been adjusting its product prices, with increases of 0.5 to 1 yuan starting December 15, 2025, while maintaining certain combo prices [2] - McDonald's confirmed price adjustments for breakfast items and Happy Meals in February 2025, with increases of 0.5 yuan [2] - McDonald's delivery fee will also be adjusted to 6 yuan by the end of 2024, with additional packaging service fees based on the number of items ordered [2]

Core Insights - The article highlights the expertise of a seasoned equity analyst specializing in the U.S. restaurant industry, covering various segments from quick-service to fine dining [1] - The analyst employs advanced financial modeling and sector-specific KPIs to identify hidden value in public equities, particularly focusing on micro and small-cap companies often overlooked by mainstream analysts [1] Industry Focus - The research firm, Goulart's Restaurant Stocks, is dedicated to thematic research and valuation efforts within the restaurant sector, indicating a comprehensive approach to understanding market dynamics [1] - The analyst also covers related sectors such as consumer discretionary, food & beverage, and casinos & gaming, showcasing a broad understanding of interconnected industries [1] Academic and Professional Background - The analyst possesses an MBA in Controllership and Accounting Forensics, along with a Bachelor's in Business Administration, providing a strong academic foundation for investment analysis [1] - Specialized training in valuation, financial modeling, and restaurant operations enhances the analyst's capability to assess investment opportunities effectively [1]

Exec Edge hosted a fireside chat at the ICR Conference 2026 with Don Duffy, Chairman at ICR Capital. The in-person interview was joined by Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone, and they discussed the current state of IPOs in the consumer side of the economy, why private companies are taking longer to become public and the importance of liquidity, the expectation of upcoming IPOs like SpaceX which could be similar to the case of Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA), the value creation opportunities of AI in ...

This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Peregrine Hospitality has appointed restaurant industry executive Heather Stege as chief operating officer. In her new role, Stege will partner with executive leadership across Peregrine’s portfolio of resort, luxury, boutique and select-service hotels to drive portfolio performance and operational excellence, according to a release obtained by Hotel Dive. Stege join ...

Group 1 - President Trump has proposed multiple ways to provide cash to Americans, including direct payments and tax code adjustments, although many proposals are not finalized and require further legislative action [1][3] - One of the key proposals is a $2,000 "tariff rebate" aimed at low and middle-income households, contingent on congressional approval [3][4] - The rebate would be funded by revenue from new tariffs, with an income cutoff discussed at around $100,000 [3] Group 2 - Another proposal includes eliminating federal income tax on tips for workers in the restaurant, hospitality, and service industries, which would lead to larger tax refunds or smaller tax bills [4][5] - This change would not result in a separate check but would reduce taxable income, benefiting workers when they file their federal tax returns for the 2025 tax year [5][6] - Additionally, Trump has suggested that overtime pay should also be exempt from federal income tax, with similar income caps and phaseouts affecting eligibility [7]

Core Viewpoint - FAT Brands is facing significant financial challenges, with a complicated debt structure of $1.26 billion that is not guaranteed by the parent company, allowing for potential bankruptcy of individual brands without affecting the entire company [2][5]. Debt Structure - The company's debt is distributed across five securitization trusts and involves multiple layers of investors, which is intended to isolate financial risk [2]. - The debt restructuring process has been complicated by the involvement of approximately 25 different investors or note holders who have not reached a consensus on a solution [5]. Debt Restructuring Efforts - The CEO has been in discussions with note holders for 18 months to two years regarding debt restructuring, but negotiations have not been constructive [3]. - The company is exploring various avenues to lower its debt and make it more manageable, although the process may take several rounds to resolve [3]. Financial Performance - Despite the substantial debt, FAT Brands reported $60 million in free cash flow, indicating that the company is still in a relatively stable position [5]. - The CEO believes that restructuring the debt stack is essential for the company's financial health and urges note holders to reach a conclusion soon [5]. Impact of Legal Issues - A three-year federal criminal investigation into the CEO for fraud and money laundering, which concluded in his favor, has strained the company's financial resources and complicated the debt restructuring process [4].

Upgrades - UBS upgraded Brinker (EAT) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $175, up from $144, citing the company's strong same-store sales momentum [2] - Raymond James upgraded Stryker (SYK) to Outperform from Market Perform with a price target of $418, indicating that the current valuation presents an attractive entry point [2] - BofA upgraded Allegiant Travel (ALGT) to Neutral from Underperform with a price target of $95, up from $55, noting that potential economic stimulus could benefit low-cost carriers and that Allegiant is maintaining flat capacity growth in 2026 [3] - Stephens upgraded Saia (SAIA) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $414, up from $308, believing that the bulk of new terminal noise is now resolved [4] - William Blair upgraded Medtronic (MDT) to Outperform from Market Perform, highlighting several new and ramping product launches this year [4] Downgrades - Wolfe Research downgraded Shopify (SHOP) to Peer Perform from Outperform, removing the previous price target of $185, due to elevated expectations and full valuation [5] - Freedom Capital downgraded Chevron (CVX) and Exxon Mobil (XOM) to Sell from Hold with price targets of $165 and $123, respectively, arguing that the current optimism in the U.S. oil and gas sector is unjustified [5] - UBS downgraded Lennar (LEN) to Neutral from Buy with a price target of $122, down from $137, suggesting that a return to 20%-plus gross margins may be delayed without a stronger industry recovery [5] - Wells Fargo downgraded D.R. Horton (DHI) to Equal Weight from Overweight with a price target of $155, down from $180, following recent analysis [5] - Baird downgraded Wells Fargo (WFC) to Underperform from Neutral, maintaining a price target of $90, citing limited upside for bank stocks in 2026 [5]