Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) is included among the 11 Worst Performing Dividend Stocks Year-to-Date. Conagra (CAG) Shares Remain Under Pressure as Goldman Sachs Cuts Target On November 25, Goldman Sachs trimmed the firm’s price target on Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) to $16 from $18 and maintained a Sell rating on the shares. Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) is down by nearly 39% since the start of 2025 due to inflationary pressures, low growth, and high debt levels. In fiscal Q1 2026, the company p ...

Core Insights - Howard Johnson's, once the largest restaurant chain in the U.S. with around 1,000 locations in the 1970s, has closed its final restaurant in 2022 after 97 years of operation [2][3]. Company Overview - Founded in 1925 near Boston by Howard D. Johnson, the brand was known for its consistency, offering the same menu and service standards across all locations [2][3]. - The chain was characterized by its iconic orange-roofed restaurants, a wide variety of ice cream flavors, and classic American fare such as hot dogs and hamburgers [4]. Historical Significance - Howard Johnson's played a significant role in American dining culture, particularly for families traveling on highways, and was one of the first to standardize franchise operations in the U.S. [4]. - The brand is remembered for pioneering consistent fast-food dining and contributing to the family travel culture in mid-20th-century America [4].

Core Viewpoint - Nathan's Famous, Inc. has experienced a decline in stock performance following its earnings announcement, with shares down 9.9% since the release of quarterly results, contrasting with a 0.8% gain in the S&P 500 Index during the same period [1] Financial Performance - In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Nathan's Famous reported an 11.1% increase in revenues to $45.7 million, up from $41.1 million a year earlier, primarily driven by the Branded Product Program [2] - However, income from operations fell 22.1% to $7.5 million from $9.6 million, and net income decreased 13.8% to $5.2 million from $6 million, with diluted earnings per share dropping 14.3% to $1.26 from $1.47 [2] Segment Performance - The Branded Product Program saw revenues rise 18.4% to $29 million from $24.5 million, while product licensing revenue decreased 2.8% to $9.2 million from $9.5 million, and restaurant operations revenue increased 4.9% to $6.8 million from $6.5 million [3] - The Branded Product Program's operating loss was $1.1 million, compared to an operating income of $0.7 million a year earlier, due to a 26.9% increase in the cost of sales [4] Cost Pressures and Profitability - The cost of sales in the Branded Product Program rose significantly, driven by a 20% increase in the average cost per pound of hot dogs, leading to margin compression despite revenue growth [4] - Company-owned restaurants showed better profitability, with sales increasing 5.2% to $5.6 million, and operating income improving 11.9% to $1.9 million [5] Year-to-Date Performance - Year-to-date, the Branded Product Program revenue increased 14.7% to $58.1 million, with hot dog volume up 3% and average selling prices 10% higher, although the average cost per pound of hot dogs was about 16% higher [7] - Franchise-related revenues increased, with franchise restaurant sales rising 5.5% to $38.3 million [8] Management Insights - Management noted ongoing commodity inflation, particularly in beef markets, as a significant factor affecting margins, alongside broader economic factors like inflation and labor cost increases [9] - The importance of licensing partnerships and franchise expansion for long-term growth was emphasized, with the flagship Coney Island locations being key traffic drivers [10] Overall Results and Guidance - The stronger top-line performance was attributed to the Branded Product Program, but significant inflationary pressures on costs led to operating margin compression [11] - Nathan's Famous did not provide formal financial guidance for future periods, maintaining a cautious stance amid ongoing cost pressures and market uncertainties [12] Other Developments - The board declared quarterly dividends of $0.50 per share and a special cash dividend of $2.50 per share, payable in December 2025 [13]

Business Operations & Strategy - The individual, a lawyer specializing in retirement plan regulations, is temporarily operating a hot dog stand named "Shyers" due to a furlough [1] - The hot dog stand venture started a few weeks prior to the furlough notification, indicating a pre-existing interest in this business [1] - The individual expresses a strong connection with customers and enjoys the community aspect of running the hot dog stand [5] - The individual gains energy and satisfaction from positive customer interactions, highlighting the importance of personalized service [6] Community & Customer Engagement - Federal workers, including colleagues from IRS and Treasury, have visited the stand, expressing happiness and appreciation [2][3] - A specific customer regularly purchases a "correct hot dog with a moon pie and an RC cola" at 12:21 p.m., demonstrating customer loyalty and personalized service [6] - The individual's interest in customer interaction and community engagement dates back to a concession stand experience in 7th grade [4] Personal Motivation & Values - The individual's motivation stems from a desire to connect with people, learn about their lives, and feel part of the community [5] - The individual emphasizes the irreplaceable value of real-world interactions that cannot be digitized [6]

Group 1 - Portillo's CEO Michael Osanloo is departing the company after a long tenure of about seven years, with the board appointing Michael Miles as interim-CEO [4][7] - The company has faced underperformance in its recently opened units in Texas, leading to a reduction in projected openings and a downward revision of same-store sales growth forecast from 1%-3% to a decrease of 1%-1.5% [4][7] - Analyst Sharon Zackfia noted that Osanloo contributed to a 75% increase in store count and improved employee satisfaction, despite facing strategic challenges [5][6] Group 2 - The board, including Miles and other experienced members, will oversee the search for a new permanent CEO in collaboration with an executive search firm [7] - Portillo's stock price has declined by approximately 75% since its IPO, reflecting investor pressure and slow growth in same-restaurant sales [7]

SourceMuskonomy (@muskonomy):🚨UPDATE: Tesla Diner menu 🔥- Hot dogs- Burgers- Grilled tuna sandwiches- Breakfast sandwiches- Shakes- Floats- Cookies and more. ...

Menu Highlights - Tesla Diner 菜单包括热狗、汉堡、烤金枪鱼三明治等 [1] - 早餐三明治、奶昔、冰淇淋漂浮以及饼干也在菜单之列 [1] Food Service Industry - 餐饮服务可能成为特斯拉业务的新增长点 [1]

🚨UPDATE: Tesla Diner menu 🔥- Hot dogs- Burgers- Grilled tuna sandwiches- Breakfast sandwiches- Shakes- Floats- Cookies and more. https://t.co/IMdzMAPx0L ...

Core Insights - The annual Berkshire Hathaway meeting attracted 20,000 attendees, highlighting the interest in Warren Buffett's investment strategies [1] - A question regarding Portillo's, a Chicago-based hot dog company, was mistakenly directed at Buffett, as Berkshire Hathaway does not own the company [2][5] - Portillo's stock experienced a 10% increase following the meeting, possibly due to newfound interest from attendees [6] Company Overview - Portillo's is currently valued at a market capitalization of $721 million, with 94 restaurant locations generating $58 million in operating income over the past year [10] - The company trades at 12 times its operating income, indicating it is considered a value stock [10] Growth Potential - Portillo's plans to open 12 new restaurant locations this year, aiming for an annual growth rate of 12% to 15% in its restaurant base [12] - If successful, Portillo's could potentially triple or quadruple in size over the next decade, significantly increasing its profits [13] Investment Appeal - The restaurant industry has historically provided strong investment returns, particularly for companies that grow from regional to national chains [14] - The current valuation of Portillo's presents an attractive opportunity for investors looking for value stocks [14][15]

Core Viewpoint - Portillo's, despite a significant stock decline, shows strong business performance and growth potential, making it an attractive investment opportunity [1][2]. Company Overview - Portillo's originated as a local chain in Chicago, specializing in hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, and has a strong local following [3]. - The company was acquired by a private equity firm and went public in 2021, with plans for national expansion [4]. Growth Strategy - Portillo's is expanding its location count by over 10% annually, aiming to exceed 100 locations by the end of 2025, with a long-term goal of nearly 1,000 locations across the U.S. [4]. - The company is focusing on expanding into Sun Belt markets like Arizona, Texas, and Florida, where brand recognition is already established due to the migration of Chicagoans [5]. Financial Performance - Since going public, Portillo's revenue has increased by 43%, with management projecting 11% to 12% revenue growth for 2025 compared to 2024 [5]. - The average unit volume (AUV) for Portillo's is reported at $8.7 million in 2024, which is among the highest in the industry [10]. Comparable-Store Sales - Concerns have arisen regarding Portillo's comparable-store sales growth, which has seen declines in the first three quarters of 2024, with a slight positive growth of 0.4% in Q4 [6][7]. - Management anticipates flat to 2% growth in comparable-store sales for 2025, which is lower than competitors like Chipotle [7]. Long-Term Outlook - Despite current comparable-store sales challenges, the initial high traffic at new locations in new markets is expected to balance out over time, maintaining profitability [9][10]. - If Portillo's continues to grow its locations by 12% annually, it could reach approximately 132 locations and generate around $1.2 billion in revenue, leading to a projected net income of $120 million [13][14]. Investment Potential - The current market cap of Portillo's is approximately $888 million, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 7.4, indicating a potentially undervalued stock [14].