On the dividend front, Pepsi's 4% dividend yield is impressive. But I'd argue the company's 53-year track record of raising its dividend is even more impressive.Despite concerns that the company's business model is inherently cyclical, we've seen robust sales through past down markets. Thus, I'd argue his is a dividend stock with a solid defensive tilt.Pepsi's upside in the past has come from immense pricing power, which I'd argue hasn't gone away. The ability for Pepsi to raise prices on its core snack bus ...

Core Insights - CPE Yuanfeng has invested $350 million to acquire an 83% stake in Burger King China, marking a significant strategic partnership with RBI, the parent company of Burger King [1][3][4] Group 1: Market Context - Burger King China has shown signs of fatigue in business growth, with only 257 new stores opened in 2023 and a projected 109 in 2024, while only 26 new stores are expected to open from 2025 onwards [3] - The average annual sales per store in China for 2024 is projected to be $400,000, significantly lower than over $1 million in other international markets [3] Group 2: Strategic Plans - RBI plans to open 3,000 new stores in Asia over the next five years, with half of these expected to be in China, indicating a strong commitment to the Chinese market despite current challenges [3][5] - The partnership will involve a 20-year master development agreement granting exclusive rights to develop the Burger King brand in China, with CPE Yuanfeng holding 83% and RBI retaining 17% of the stake [4] Group 3: Investment and Growth Potential - CPE Yuanfeng will inject $350 million into Burger King China to support restaurant expansion, marketing, menu innovation, and operational improvements, aiming to capitalize on China's fast-growing consumer market [3][5] - The goal is to expand the number of Burger King locations in China from approximately 1,250 to over 4,000 by 2035, while achieving sustainable same-store growth [5]