{"version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "title": "Sharemaestro Newsreel: Brazil Restaurants news", "home_page_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/newsreel/br/consumer-cyclical/restaurants/", "feed_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/newsreel/br/consumer-cyclical/restaurants/feed.json", "description": "Latest Restaurants company headlines from Brazil, newest first, with source links and direct routes to company research and sentiment.", "language": "en", "items": [{"id": "source:371f4ed8cff99113447fb0e01ab0d9b44bdd967d80fde62385879d3366a08339", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/article/why-taco-bells-former-ceo-just-dissed-mcdonalds-133600091.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/article/why-taco-bells-former-ceo-just-dissed-mcdonalds-133600091.html", "title": "Why Taco Bell's former CEO just dissed McDonald's", "content_text": "Taco Bell's former CEO is dishing out a spicy take on his longtime competitor McDonald's (MCD). \"McDonald's just announced a new beverage line up of 'Refreshers' and a Red Bull collaboration,\" former Yum! Brands (YUM) CEO Greg Creed said in a new LinkedIn post. \"I get that beverages are hot right now and they are definitely very profitable but 6-8 new drinks adds a lot of operational complexity but the bigger point is what's distinctively 'McDonalds' about these drinks \u2026 and the answer is I can't think of anything that is , any brand could have come up with these flavors and I think that Red B", "date_published": "2026-08-14T13:36:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "YUMR34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "YUMR34", "name": "Yum! Brands, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/20c4a9b5-d862-4c5e-875e-5cde13f9f66c/"}]}}, {"id": "source:cc86863e183e9b86ba37abda6eb7ed3619d36fc02ed62b5865e7f6caeca935d8", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/chipotle-eyes-low-single-digit-151700266.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/chipotle-eyes-low-single-digit-151700266.html", "title": "Chipotle Eyes Low-Single-Digit 2026 Comps: Is the Worst Over?", "content_text": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. CMG is showing early signs of recovery after a difficult start to 2026. The company raised its full-year comparable sales outlook to the low-single-digit range, supported by improving traffic and stronger execution. In the second quarter, comparable sales increased 2.2%, helped by 1% transaction growth. Revenues climbed 9.3% to $3.3 billion, while digital sales reached 38.3% of total sales. Several initiatives are beginning to support demand. Chipotle's Recipe for Growth strategy focuses on menu innovation, restaurant execution, loyalty and digital engagement. The ", "date_published": "2026-08-13T15:17:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "C1MG34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "C1MG34", "name": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/8bafb534-af12-4fb0-aee2-4e71ac5f3641/"}]}}, {"id": "source:ae5eedb3df87debb135220f36db60823a6bdfdae650a507eebbe29e9f8effe73", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/commodities/articles/lettuce-prices-fell-record-16-134500138.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/commodities/articles/lettuce-prices-fell-record-16-134500138.html", "title": "Lettuce prices fell a record 16.4% in July amid cyclospora outbreak", "content_text": ".The lettuce price index fell 16.4% in July from June, the largest one-month decline on record for the category in the consumer price index, as a multistate cyclospora outbreak drove consumers away from the leafy green. Within the CPI's food category, no item fell harder month-over-month in July than lettuce, a month in which overall food prices rose just 0.1%. Even after July's plunge, lettuce prices are still up 7.5% compared with a year earlier, outpacing the 3.4% rise in the broader CPI over the same stretch. \"It's very likely due to the cyclospora outbreak and consumers just not wanting t", "date_published": "2026-08-13T13:45:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Regulatory and legal", "YUMR34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "YUMR34", "name": "Yum! Brands, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/20c4a9b5-d862-4c5e-875e-5cde13f9f66c/"}]}}, {"id": "source:2d1144a29b4342284bd5e8f37c5552b390c2fabfa2caeabd7d253693e2f1b72d", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/starbucks-korea-q2-operating-loss-124515149.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/starbucks-korea-q2-operating-loss-124515149.html", "title": "Starbucks Korea Q2 operating loss after Tank Day scandal", "content_text": "SCK Company, the operator of Starbucks Korea, posted an operating loss of 18.4 billion won ($13.4 million) in the second quarter, swinging from the 40.3 billion won operating profit it earned in the same period last year and the 29.3 billion won profit it recorded in Q1 of this year. Parent company Emart, which holds a 67.5% stake in SCK Company, attributed the decline in part to fallout from a marketing controversy that drew widespread public criticism. The trouble began when Starbucks Korea designated May 18 \u2014 the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising \u2014 as \"Tank Day\" to promote", "date_published": "2026-08-13T12:45:15+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "SBUB34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "SBUB34", "name": "Starbucks Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/480607d6-a78d-43f8-bc23-9db03b80f88a/"}]}}, {"id": "source:9e33d0863b27934bcda558b100562c01607c17875b117ee0a72037fb2cd0358e", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/chipotle-debuts-saudi-arabia-first-115300950.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/chipotle-debuts-saudi-arabia-first-115300950.html", "title": "CHIPOTLE DEBUTS IN SAUDI ARABIA WITH FIRST RESTAURANT IN RIYADH", "content_text": "The opening at Sidra in Riyadh marks Chipotle's entry into the Kingdom and continues the brand's expansion across the Middle East with franchise partner Alshaya Group NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced the opening of its first restaurant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) later this month in partnership with Alshaya Group, a leading international franchise retail operator. Located at Sidra, the premier dining destination in Riyadh next to the Granada Mall, the restaurant marks Chipotle's entry into Saudi Arabia and another ", "date_published": "2026-08-13T11:53:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Deals and strategy", "C1MG34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "C1MG34", "name": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/8bafb534-af12-4fb0-aee2-4e71ac5f3641/"}]}}, {"id": "source:e8d1635d2bc3482328133dd440c9355e6808c76f205ab0a822440ef56c8b2086", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/article/cheesecake-factory-is-crushing-chipotle-in-a-restaurant-rotation-not-seen-in-a-decade-chart-of-the-day-100000651.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/article/cheesecake-factory-is-crushing-chipotle-in-a-restaurant-rotation-not-seen-in-a-decade-chart-of-the-day-100000651.html", "title": "Cheesecake Factory is crushing Chipotle in a restaurant rotation not seen in a decade: Chart of the Day", "content_text": "Wall Street is rewriting the restaurant pecking order. This time, established chains are beating the growth stars. Over the past 60 trading, roughly three months, Darden (DRI), Texas Roadhouse (TXRH), Brinker (EAT), Cheesecake Factory (CAKE), and BJ's Restaurants (BJRI) have gained roughly 62% at the median. Meanwhile, Chipotle (CMG), Wingstop (WING), and Shake Shack (SHAK) have gone essentially nowhere. That 62-percentage-point gap is wider than anything seen from 2016 through 2025, according to Yahoo Finance data. It reached a record 66 points on Aug. 7, topping the previous high of 50 point", "date_published": "2026-08-13T10:00:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "C1MG34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "C1MG34", "name": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/8bafb534-af12-4fb0-aee2-4e71ac5f3641/"}]}}, {"id": "source:070097b838cecf9e055e8e4bfb9adc85ebc9a25724d3fda2813b703348fe8d9a", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/starbucks-korea-suffers-first-loss-081248860.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/starbucks-korea-suffers-first-loss-081248860.html", "title": "Starbucks Korea Suffers First Loss in 27 Years on PR Debacle", "content_text": "(Bloomberg) -- Starbucks Korea posted its first quarterly loss since it started operations 27 years ago after a marketing debacle triggered a boycott, criticism from President Lee Jae Myung, and a police raid of its corporate offices. Most Read from Bloomberg Walter Sells Lakers, Seeks More Cash to Pay Loans Amid DOJ Probe Phoebe Gates Knew Phia Shopping App Took Credit for Sales It Didn't Drive Trump Seeks Immediate Halt to Judge's Penalties in IRS Case Trump Weighs Call for Capital Gains Tax Cuts as Midterm Boost Iran Takes More Robust Military Stance With US Talks Frozen SCK Company Co., wh", "date_published": "2026-08-13T08:12:48+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "SBUB34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "SBUB34", "name": "Starbucks Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/480607d6-a78d-43f8-bc23-9db03b80f88a/"}]}}, {"id": "source:33bd28fa1f3064fe6ba6b42042dfabeb425063567fecbe32aa51538403fc95cf", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/5-insightful-analyst-questions-mcdonalds-050100440.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/5-insightful-analyst-questions-mcdonalds-050100440.html", "title": "5 Insightful Analyst Questions From McDonald's\u2019s Q2 Earnings Call", "content_text": "5 Insightful Analyst Questions From McDonald's's Q2 Earnings Call McDonald's second quarter results landed in line with Wall Street's revenue expectations, with earnings slightly above consensus. Management attributed the quarter's muted U.S. performance to inconsistent execution of value menus and operational complexity at the restaurant level. CEO Chris Kempczinski stated, \"We simply didn't execute at the level we needed to in the second quarter,\" highlighting that U.S. restaurant teams struggled with too many simultaneous deployments and underwhelming marketing programs. Internationally, menu innovation and value offerings in countries like Germany, Australia, and the U.K. helped support steady growth, even as the broader consumer environment remained challenging. Is now the time to buy MCD? Find out in our full research report (it's free). McDonald's (MCD) Q2 CY2026 Highlights: Revenue: $7.1 billion vs analyst estimates of $7.13 billion (3.8% year-on-year growth, in line) Adjusted EPS: $3.38 vs analyst estimates of $3.32 (1.8% beat) Operating Margin: 47%, in line with the same quarter last year Locations: 46,028 at quarter end, up from 44,113 in the same quarter last year Same-Store Sales rose 1.3% year on year (3.8% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $193.7 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls is the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From McDonald's's Q2 Earnings Call Dave Palmer (Evercore): Asked about the near- and medium-term opportunities for improving U.S. value perception. CEO Chris Kempczinski detailed recent pricing and menu changes, acknowledging execution missteps and emphasizing upcoming alignment with franchisees. Dennis Geiger (UBS): Questioned the pace of operational and marketing fixes in the U.S. Kempczinski said operational improvements should be quick, but marketing enhancements will take longer, with full impact expected by 2027. Brian Harbour (Morgan Stanley): Inquired about franchisee participation in value programs. Kempczinski cited the flexible EDAP menu structure as a challenge, noting ongoing education and business reviews to drive better compliance. Sara Senatore (Bank of America): Asked if rapid expansion could affect same-store sales. CFO Ian Borden said growth pace was modestly adjusted due to inflation, but expects new openings and comps to remain balanced. Jon Tower (Citi): Probed operational overload from numerous launches. Kempczinski acknowledged too many initiatives in Q2 and outlined plans for a more focused deployment schedule. Story Continues Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters Our analyst team will be watching (1) the pace and effectiveness of operational improvements in U.S. restaurants, (2) the impact of renewed digital and value marketing efforts on guest traffic and loyalty engagement, and (3) international market momentum from new menu launches and beverage platform expansion. Progress on franchisee alignment and the execution of McDonald's > NEXT initiatives will also be key indicators of future performance. McDonald's currently trades at $273.75, up from $265.23 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it's free for active Edge members). High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions ONE MORE THING: Top 5 Growth Stocks. The biggest stock winners almost always had one thing in common before they ran. Revenue growing like crazy. Meta. CrowdStrike. Broadcom. Our AI flagged all three. They returned 315%, 314%, and 455%, respectively. Find out which 5 stocks it's flagging this month \u2014 FREE. Get Our Top 5 Growth Stocks for Free HERE. Stocks that have made our list include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well a", "date_published": "2026-08-13T05:01:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:9a524fe1c925437f937958372e4c76a7065751cf27ef79effe4d91224b2f56f7", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/mcdonalds-mcd-stock-gets-fair-221044356.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/mcdonalds-mcd-stock-gets-fair-221044356.html", "title": "McDonald's (MCD) Stock Gets Fair Value Trim As Analysts Split On US Execution", "content_text": "Track your investments for FREE with Simply Wall St, the portfolio command center trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide. Recent price target moves for McDonald's span from the high US$280s to the mid US$300s, reflecting a wide range of views on where the stock should trade. Analysts lifting targets toward the mid US$300s point to potential upside from U.S. same store sales catalysts, while those trimming targets into the high US$280s to low US$300s flag softer U.S. execution, mixed quarters, and questions around the new McDonald's NEXT strategy. As you read on, you will see ", "date_published": "2026-08-12T22:10:44+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:53012fe004cf0dd9dd988571a8c9c625c36071a9a849814e742ec1bad4a8f390", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/lw-stock-gains-13-1-153300926.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/lw-stock-gains-13-1-153300926.html", "title": "LW Stock Gains 13.1% in a Month as Volume Growth Supports Momentum", "content_text": "Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. LW shares have gained 13.1% in the past four weeks, bringing the durability of that advance into focus. The move comes as operating trends improve, especially in North America. Investors still have to weigh better volume, customer execution and cost savings against persistent price/mix pressure, subdued restaurant traffic and weakness in the International segment. LW's 13.1% Gain Puts Operating Progress in Focus The advance follows six consecutive quarters of sales-volume growth. Consolidated volume increased 7% in fiscal fourth-quarter 2026, while North America volume rose 11% as customer contract wins, share gains, strong retention and an extra week supported demand. North America net sales increased 9% to $1,206.2 million, and segment adjusted EBITDA rose 17% to $304.7 million. McDonald's Corporation MCD, Lamb Weston's largest customer, represented approximately 15% of fiscal 2026 net sales, underscoring the importance of major quick-service relationships to the company's execution. Lamb Weston Price, Consensus and EPS SurpriseLamb Weston Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Lamb Weston price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Lamb Weston Quote Lamb Weston Volume Growth Strengthens the Core Story Management expects North America volume to increase in the low single digits in fiscal 2027, while its companywide sales outlook assumes flat global restaurant traffic. That combination implies continued reliance on customer wins and market-share gains rather than a broad traffic recovery. The company has also extended several large strategic customer contracts and supported new customer rollouts. Sysco Corporation SYY, a major food-away-from-home distributor, operates in the same restaurant-demand ecosystem, making foodservice activity an important backdrop for Lamb Weston's volume outlook. LW Cost Savings Could Support Further Earnings Progress Lamb Weston exceeded its fiscal 2026 milestone of $100 million in savings under a three-year Cost Savings Program targeting at least $250 million of annualized run-rate savings by the end of fiscal 2028. The program has lowered manufacturing costs per pound and reduced selling, general and administrative costs. In North America, higher sales volume and lower manufacturing costs helped more than offset inflation and unfavorable price/mix in the fiscal fourth quarter, supporting adjusted EBITDA margin expansion. Lamb Weston Pricing and Global Weakness Temper the Rally Companywide price/mix declined 3% in fiscal fourth-quarter 2026. North America price/mix fell 2%, reflecting modest price and trade support and a shift toward faster-growing chain customers and private-label products. Story Continues International adjusted EBITDA dropped 81% to $11.8 million. Lower net sales, higher manufacturing costs and operating expenses weighed on results, while EMEA faced weaker demand, competitive capacity and freight pressure tied to Middle East disruption. Fiscal 2027 guidance still calls for International net sales to decline in the low single digits.Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research LW's Mixed Signals Call for Measured Expectations The recent share-price gain is backed by clearer evidence of volume momentum and cost improvement, but the next phase depends on whether those gains can overcome weaker pricing and International pressure. With global restaurant traffic assumed to remain flat, execution remains central. LW currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), with a Value Score of B, Growth Score of B, Momentum Score of D and VGM Score of B. The favorable Value, Growth and VGM readings contrast with weaker momentum, while the Hold rank points to a balanced near-term view rather than a clear directional signal. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Lamb Westo", "date_published": "2026-08-12T15:33:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:95943893d708ca690aaa9842fa34262f62a3ed42ae66c6a433a5abd27c55bf14", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/yuno-raises-45-million-series-140900289.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/yuno-raises-45-million-series-140900289.html", "title": "Yuno Raises $45 Million Series B to Scale the AI-Native Operating System of Global Payments and Financial Services", "content_text": "Yuno Yuno Series BYuno Raises $45 Million Series B to Scale the AI-Native Operating System of Global Payments and Financial Services The round, led by Global PayTech Ventures, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz, Tiger Global, QuantumLight Capital, Monashees, Kaszek, Rasmal Ventures, GrowthX Capital, and Further Ventures, is funding Yuno's path to profitability. The raise answers growing customer demand and funds continued product expansion, from agentic commerce to accelerating momentum in the banking sector. The Colombia-founded company is on a trajectory to process $100 billion in annual transaction volume within the next 12 months, serving customers including McDonald's, NetEase Games, GoFundMe, inDrive, and Rappi. SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yuno, AI-native operating system of global payments and financial services, powering the financial infrastructure of enterprise merchants, banks, and wallets, today announced a $45 million Series B round led by Global PayTech Ventures, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz, Tiger Global, QuantumLight Capital, the AI-driven venture firm founded by Revolut CEO Nik Storonsky, Monashees, Kaszek, and Endeavor Catalyst, among others. Strategic regional investors Rasmal Ventures, Qatar's first investment firm backed by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), bridging Gulf capital with global innovation, Further Ventures, the sovereign-backed investment firm based in Abu Dhabi, and GrowthX Capital, backed by tech investor and entrepreneur Hamad Al-Hajri, also participated in the round. The capital will be used to accelerate Yuno's path to profitability and cement its position as the category leader in global financial infrastructure. The funding will be directed toward research and development, next-generation payments technology, and the continued expansion of Yuno's global infrastructure, serving as the payments backbone of enterprise companies across the world. Over the past year, Yuno recovered more than $5 billion in otherwise-failed transaction volume for merchants on its network, lifted authorization rates by ~5 percent, and saved customers more than $500 million in processing costs. In the same period, the company added 150 new integrations and deepened local coverage across every continent. Agnostic by design, Yuno connects businesses through a single API to over 1,000 payment methods and more than 460 integrations across 190+ countries, with intelligent routing, one-click checkout, and AI-powered fraud detection built in. In practice, that means a business can switch on a new market in a matter of days. Few industries test that promise like gaming. Take one of the world's largest gaming publishers: when a new title launches, players arrive from dozens of countries in the same hour and pay with their preferred local method: wallets in Southeast Asia, vouchers in Latin America, carrier billing in the Middle East. Yuno accepts all of it through one integration, so each launch day runs smoothly and every dollar is captured. For global enterprises, the network consolidates every market into a single integration, layering fraud prevention, KYC/KYB, and real-time optimization, so acceptance improves and routing gets faster with every transaction. Story Continues The company, founded in Colombia in 2022, increasingly partners with banks and payment providers that white-label its technology, including dLocal, the NASDAQ-listed cross-border payments platform, and Prosa, Mexico's largest payments processing network, letting a single contract serve an entire market. Product expansion is poised to be a core use of this funding: customers are asking Yuno to cover more of their stack, and the company is responding by extending the platform to in-person payments, deepening its agentic commerce capabilities, and scaling its presence in the United States. \"Most companies raise a Series B to buy growth. We're raising ours to meet our customers' growth, and extend our l", "date_published": "2026-08-12T14:09:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:afa94202333ff84d0918fe9d73e8a9cbac176850e5418a5ff8dff4a55226101b", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/article/why-fast-food-chains-like-mcdonalds-and-starbucks-are-going-all-in-on-energy-drinks-140403330.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/article/why-fast-food-chains-like-mcdonalds-and-starbucks-are-going-all-in-on-energy-drinks-140403330.html", "title": "Why fast food chains like McDonald's and Starbucks are going all in on energy drinks", "content_text": "Fast food chains in search of a sales pick-me-up are back to rolling out energy drinks. The research New research from Citi restaurant analyst Jon Tower on Wednesday easily explains the energy drink push by fast food giants. Here are a few key findings from his survey of 2,400 US consumers: 60% of energy beverage consumption at restaurants/coffee shops is incremental. 49% of respondents suggested an energy drink purchased at a restaurant would replace one purchased elsewhere. 74% of total respondents are very or somewhat interested in purchasing energy drinks from a restaurant or coffeeshop, including 44% who are very interested. 60% of energy drink purchases at restaurants/coffee shops are made before lunch. The majority of respondents said they order food alongside their energy beverage (packaged food at 53%, prepared food at 47%). Quick industry snapshot The energy drink launch rush is well underway. McDonald's (MCD) just announced the nationwide Aug. 17 rollout of its Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer. Starbucks (SBUX) introduced its new Energy Refreshers lineup in April, integrating iced green tea, sparkling fruit juice, and plant-based caffeine sources to offer a functional alternative to espresso-based drinks. Regional powerhouses like Dave's Hot Chicken and 7 Brew have aggressively scaled their own branded energy bases and Red Bull-infused slushers.Menu display featuring Starbucks iced energy drinks at a Starbucks location in San Francisco. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)\u00b7Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images Bottom line There are two ways to think through the fast food push into energy drinks if you are an investor. One, the drinks are a nice-to-have margin and sales boost for fast food companies. On their own, they won't make or break a quarter for a company. But the sales and profit gains could begin to build as the drinks gain repeat buyers who also purchase other items on the menu. The purest way to play this is through Dutch Bros (BROS), a growing beverage chain that promotes energy drinks, which recently began offering grab-and-go food, as CEO Christine Barone said on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid. Two, there is a yawning risk to pure-play energy drink sellers such as Celsius Holdings (CELH) and Coca-Cola-backed (KO) Monster (MNST). As consumers buy very large energy drinks from fast food stops, they are less likely to reach for a can from a refrigerator section at a convenience store. One would perhaps proceed with more caution on these names. Brian Sozzi is Yahoo Finance's Executive Editor, host of the Power Players with Brian Sozzi podcast, and a member of Yahoo Finance's editorial leadership team. Follow Sozzi on X @BrianSozzi, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Tips on stories? Email brian.sozzi@yahoofinance.com. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance View Comments", "date_published": "2026-08-12T14:04:03+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "SBUB34", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "SBUB34", "name": "Starbucks Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/480607d6-a78d-43f8-bc23-9db03b80f88a/"}, {"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:d371bbce2c077c2dea8e83db401503253137fc6a188d5b3e1bea3a5812ff6f8a", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/m/40f8217a-f7b0-32b6-bf58-7ef09b3299e2/cava-stock-leaps-as-growth.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/m/40f8217a-f7b0-32b6-bf58-7ef09b3299e2/cava-stock-leaps-as-growth.html", "title": "Cava Stock Leaps As Growth Returns; Chili's Parent Brinker Misses But Outlook Crispy", "content_text": "Chili's parent Brinker International undershot fiscal Q4 earnings forecasts early Wednesday, but EAT stock rose on the strength of its 2027 outlook. Cava Group shares surged after the Mediterranean fast-casual chain topped Q2 forecasts and said trends have firmed up after a slow start to the quarter amid public concerns related to the Cyclospora outbreak involving Yum! Brands' Taco Bell. Continue Reading", "date_published": "2026-08-12T12:51:37+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "YUMR34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "YUMR34", "name": "Yum! Brands, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/20c4a9b5-d862-4c5e-875e-5cde13f9f66c/"}]}}, {"id": "source:705a6726d8ede3e2c3716783cbcc0dfd58e3fae4019ba57812e3b3a93bd10c10", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/articles/scott-bessent-tells-robert-reich-100108620.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/articles/scott-bessent-tells-robert-reich-100108620.html", "title": "Scott Bessent Tells Robert Reich 'McDonald's Problem Is Called Burger King, Professor' Amid Clash Over the 'K-Shaped' Economy: 'No Wonder Bill Clinton...'", "content_text": "Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Economist Robert Reich's analysis, arguing that McDonald's Corporation issues are not due to structural inequality but rather competition from rivals like Burger King, whose parent company is Restaurant Brands International Inc.. Bessent's post on X on Monday was a response to Reich highlighting the existence of a two-tier economy and widening income inequality in the U.S. Bessent also took a swipe at Reich, claiming that former President Bill Clinton had \"fired\" him and suggesting that UC Berkeley should reconsider his position due to the quality of his economic research. Don't Miss: A single bad hire can set a startup back years. Here are the 5 hires founders most often misjudge \u2014 and why Still Learning the Market? These 50 Must-Know Terms Can Help You Catch Up Fast \"McDonald's problem is called Burger King, Professor. No wonder Bill Clinton fired you,\" Bessent wrote. Notably, Reich served as Secretary of Labor from 1993 to 1997 under Clinton. He left the administration at the end of Clinton's first term, and Alexis Herman succeeded him as Labor secretary in 1997. McDonald's problem is called Burger King, Professor. No wonder Bill Clinton fired you. UC Berkeley should too, if that's what passes for \"research.\" https://t.co/2XHXR2XWCS \u2014 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) August 10, 2026 Trending: Avoid the #1 Investing Mistake: How Your 'Safe' Holdings Could Be Costing You Big Time Reich Challenges Bessent's C-Economy Claim Bessent's comments come in the wake of his recent interview on CNBC's \"Squawk Box\", where he declared that the U.S. economy is transitioning from a K-shaped divide to a C-economy, signifying a regain of ground by lower-income workers. The K-shaped economy, a term often used to describe a widening gap between higher- and lower-income Americans, has been a contentious topic among economists and corporate leaders. Reich rejected Bessent's claim that the K-shaped economy is over, arguing that the U.S. economy remains divided. He cited McDonald's, saying visits from lower- and middle-income customers fell by double digits in Q1 2025 as these consumers struggled with affordability. Reich said higher earners remain stronger while stagnant wages and inflation continue to squeeze lower-income households, weakening consumer spending. See Also: Skip the Regrets: The Essential Retirement Tips Experts Wish Everyone Knew Earlier. Story Continues McDonald's Stumbles as Burger King Gains Ground Earlier this month, McDonald's reported mixed second-quarter results, with earnings beating Wall Street estimates but revenue falling slightly short. U.S. comparable sales rose 0.8%, driven by higher average spending and product mix, but lower customer traffic weighed on results. CEO Chris Kempczinski said the company was \"not satisfied\" with the performance, pointing to inconsistent execution and weak consumer awareness of its new under-$3 Everyday Affordable Price (EDAP) menu. McDonald's also said reduced digital offers and the removal of its buy-one, add-one-for-$1 promotion hurt visits. At the same time, Restaurant Brands International delivered a strong Q2, beating estimates on adjusted EPS and revenue, with comparable sales up 3.8% and system-wide sales rising 6.4% year over year. Burger King led growth, posting 8.6% comparable sales growth and 8.5% U.S. same-store sales growth. CEO Josh Kobza credited the brand's \"Reclaim the Flame\" strategy, which includes Whopper-focused marketing, restaurant upgrades, stronger operations and franchisee investments. Burger King now plans to invest up to $700 million through 2028, including $550 million under its \"Royal Reset\" initiative, of which $194 million had been invested as of June 30, 2026. Image via Shutterstock Read Next: Think you're saving enough for your kids? You might be dangerously off \u2014 see why Building Wealth Acro", "date_published": "2026-08-12T10:01:08+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:2469e741ae6f1d609d951a3779b5980c980370ef309e0edc210d99192c87e687", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/sweetgreen-yum-brands-two-restaurant-035127595.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/sweetgreen-yum-brands-two-restaurant-035127595.html", "title": "Sweetgreen and Yum Brands: Two Restaurant Stocks Still Reeling From the 2026 Cyclospora Outbreak", "content_text": "The US restaurant industry is dealing with the aftermath of the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak on record, caused mostly by shredded iceberg lettuce provided by Taylor Farms de Mexico. Since Taylor Farms is privately held, the market's punishment has fallen almost exclusively on its restaurant customers, and, in a pattern similar to previous food-safety concerns, on chains that had nothing to do with the contaminated product at all. Investors have been forced to distinguish between true supply-chain vulnerability and reflexive \"fresh produce\" hysteria, and the two clearest indicators of that g", "date_published": "2026-08-12T03:51:27+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "YUMR34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "YUMR34", "name": "Yum! Brands, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/20c4a9b5-d862-4c5e-875e-5cde13f9f66c/"}]}}, {"id": "source:c91dec8b1e7bc6203b2341a8c620ea6f5a1de76640777b36100721d18e038531", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/computer-modelling-group-announces-first-001000545.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/computer-modelling-group-announces-first-001000545.html", "title": "Computer Modelling Group Announces First Quarter Results and Quarterly Dividend", "content_text": "Computer Modelling Group Ltd CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Computer Modelling Group Ltd. (\"CMG Group\" or the \"Company\") announces its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2026, and the approval by its Board of Directors (the \"Board\") of the payment of a cash dividend of $0.01 per Common Share for the first quarter ended June 30, 2026. FIRST QUARTER 2027 CONSOLIDATED HIGHLIGHTS Select financial highlights Total revenue decreased by 6% (16% Organic decline(1) and 10% growth from acquisitions) to $27.8 million; Recurring revenue(2) decreased by 3% (12% Organic decline and 9% growth from acquisitions) to $20.3 million; Adjusted EBITDA(1) decreased by 10% to $6.4 million; Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1) was 23%, compared to 24% in the comparative period; Earnings per share was $0.02, a 50% decrease; Free Cash Flow(1) decreased by 22% to $3.5 million; Free Cash flow per share decreased to $0.04 from $0.05 (1) Organic growth/decline, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Recurring revenue, Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow per share are not standardized financial measures and might not be comparable to measures disclosed by other issuers. For more description see under Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures\" heading. (2) Recurring revenue includes Annuity/maintenance licenses and Annuity license fee and excludes Perpetual licenses and Professional Services OVERVIEW On August 11, 2026, the company announced that the board of directors has approved a substantial issuer bid (SIB) pursuant to which the Company will offer to purchase for cancellation up to $20,000,000 of its common shares. It is anticipated that the SIB will commence on August 14, 2026, and will expire on September 21, 2026, unless extended, varied or withdrawn. In the first quarter of 2027, total revenue declined 6%. Total Recurring revenue declined 3%, as 9% growth from acquisitions was offset by 12% negative organic growth. The organic decline reflects primarily the previously disclosed customer loss incurred in the second quarter of fiscal 2026. The current quarter represents the final quarter lapping that contract loss after which year-over-year comparisons are expected to normalize. Professional services revenue declined 16%, with a 29% organic decline partially offset by 13% growth from acquisitions. The organic decline was driven by previously disclosed factors including the absence of CoFlow related development funding in the current quarter but that was recognized in the prior year, and the ongoing reduction in non-core professional services activity at Bluware. Story Continues Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter declined to $6.4 million, a result of lower revenue and partially offset by disciplined cost management. Both acquisitions completed in fiscal 2026 (SeisWare and Rose & Associates) contributed positively to Adjusted EBITDA in the quarter, despite the seasonal weighting of their software revenue recognition to the second half of the year. Free Cash Flow declined to $3.5 million, impacted by lower revenue and higher income taxes which had a negative impact on net income. In the second quarter, we expect Recurring revenue to increase sequentially from Q1 driven by a higher renewal cycle in Q2 relative to Q1. Professional services revenue is expected to decline sequentially in the second quarter, and to represent the lowest quarter of the fiscal year. This reflects the completion of the wind down of the non-core services at Bluware and lower activity levels during the summer months. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margins in the second quarter are expected to decline sequentially reflecting the trough in professional services revenue and an expected increase in sales and marketing expense tied to agent commissions paid on contract renewals that happen regularly in Q2. For fiscal 2027, we are updating our outlook for professional services revenue which is now expected to decline between $6-7 mi", "date_published": "2026-08-12T00:10:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "C1MG34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "C1MG34", "name": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/8bafb534-af12-4fb0-aee2-4e71ac5f3641/"}]}}, {"id": "source:6a33eb576f7e8e309e569eeae07144eabc79d67642b27caddb16639cc50034f2", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/chipotle-mexican-grill-cmg-faces-231744008.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/chipotle-mexican-grill-cmg-faces-231744008.html", "title": "Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) Faces Salmonella Lawsuit, Is The Stock Fully Valued?", "content_text": "Make better investment decisions with Simply Wall St's easy, visual tools that give you a competitive edge. Chipotle Mexican Grill stock reacts to Salmonella lawsuit and outbreak concerns Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) is back under the spotlight after a Minnesota federal lawsuit tied to a 2026 multistate Salmonella outbreak, raising fresh questions for investors about food safety risk and potential legal exposure. See our latest analysis for Chipotle Mexican Grill. The latest Salmonella headlines arrive after a stretch of weaker momentum for Chipotle Mexican Grill, with the share price down 5.3", "date_published": "2026-08-11T23:17:44+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Regulatory and legal", "C1MG34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "C1MG34", "name": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/8bafb534-af12-4fb0-aee2-4e71ac5f3641/"}]}}, {"id": "source:dbf83f06c694f16ed560b4316a09ca76e3ae937ed2209a1506a48c20fac0f890", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/does-yum-brands-yum-finalizing-210951712.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/does-yum-brands-yum-finalizing-210951712.html", "title": "What Does Yum! Brands (YUM) Finalizing Its Pizza Hut Exit Change?", "content_text": "Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St. Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) has completed its review of the Pizza Hut business and agreed to sell it to two separate buyers. The transactions follow a wider assessment of Yum! Brands' portfolio and will shift the company's operational focus away from direct ownership of Pizza Hut. The sale is expected to reshape relationships with franchise partners and could influence competitive positioning in the quick service pizza segment. To find more ideas in a similar corner of the market,", "date_published": "2026-08-11T21:09:51+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "YUMR34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "YUMR34", "name": "Yum! Brands, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/20c4a9b5-d862-4c5e-875e-5cde13f9f66c/"}]}}, {"id": "source:496d4c3f6b41e075e0ea7e01df16c62fd22495289f2c57b40aa1a17b83ffe189", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/video/mcdonalds-still-tasty-pick-investors-195030182.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/video/mcdonalds-still-tasty-pick-investors-195030182.html", "title": "McDonald's still a tasty pick for investors, market expert says", "content_text": "View Comments", "date_published": "2026-08-11T19:50:30+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:5c4168b8d951311358a17f2df2a2da1073fe7aa54e77b892e083f8c56f22af10", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/book-inspired-warren-buffett-14-164421605.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/book-inspired-warren-buffett-14-164421605.html", "title": "How a book that inspired Warren Buffett and a $14,000 side hustle helped billionaire Bill Ackman get started as an investor", "content_text": "Billionaire Bill Ackman has built a $35 billion hedge fund, led high-profile overhauls at companies like Chipotle, and boasts an eye-watering investment portfolio through his firm, ranging from Amazon to Microsoft. Now, he's revealing the two things that moved the needle in his career: A book that inspired Warren Buffett and a $14,000 side hustle. \"One early formative experience was at Harvard, where I took a job at Harvard Student Agencies selling advertising for the Let's Go travel guides\u2014a series of books where Harvard students wrote reviews of hotels around the world,\" Ackman recently told Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell during Fortune's Titans and Disruptors of Industry podcast. \"It was a commission-based business, and I turned out to be a good salesman,\" he continued. In fact, he was so good at the job that the student agency was afraid he would out-earn his superiors. \"I made $14,000, which felt like a huge amount of money.\" As a teenager, Ackman told his dad that he'd be a millionaire by 30, have $100 million by 40, and be a billionaire by 50. And that commission check was his first taste of business success. Then, after graduating, he returned home to work for his father, who cofounded and ran New York-based commercial real estate firm Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group. Ackman wasn't too thrilled about the job, but it pointed him toward the career he wanted to build. \"I found the entrepreneurs and developers on the other side of the phone more interesting, and I decided I wanted to be an investor,\" he said. And his father\u2014an entrepreneurial success in his own right\u2014led him further down the investing rabbit hole. \"My dad introduced me to a man named Leonard Marks, who recommended 'The Intelligent Investor' by Ben Graham.\" Graham is known as the \"Father of Value Investing\" and profoundly influenced the young Warren Buffett's investing style, which Ackman came to greatly admire. Ackman completed his MBA at Harvard Business School in 1992, and that same year co-founded his first investment firm Gotham Partners with fellow Harvard graduate David Berkowitz. \"I went to business school to learn how to be an investor and just followed that path\u2014fortunate to find something I was excited about,\" Ackman added. Now, Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management is a $35 billion titan In 2004, after winding down his Gotham Partners venture, Ackman founded New York-based investment firm Pershing Square Capital Management. Over more than two decades under his leadership as CEO, the company has grown to become a $35 billion titan of industry. Story Continues Its long-term returns have crushed the market\u2014those who stayed in since inception have seen their investments compound nearly 16.5% annually for two decades, compared to a 10% return on the S&P 500 over the same period. However, in 2026, the company has recently been underperforming, with Pershing Square Holdings down 11% year-to-date this February compared to the S&P 500's roughly 1% gain. Still, in April of this year, Pershing Square raised $5 billion in the largest closed-end fund listing in U.S. history through its combined IPO. The 60-year-old hedge fund mogul has also grown his own net worth to $11.5 billion, and his influence has grown commensurately. A well-timed 2020 bet on corporate credit markets during the COVID-19 crash reportedly turned $27 million into $2.6 billion in a matter of weeks. His 2016 bet on Chipotle also paid off handsomely, with Pershing Square nearly doubling its original $1.2 billion investment within a few years, and later selling off its stake. And around a decade ago, his activist campaign at Canadian Pacific Railway became one of the most celebrated turnarounds in modern investing. Ackman is a 'Warren Buffett devotee' looking to emulate his success Ackman is still a self-proclaimed \"Warren Buffett devotee\" who has looked up to the legendary investor as an \"unofficial mentor.\" In March of this year, he sought to replicate Buffett's success with Berk", "date_published": "2026-08-11T16:44:21+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "C1MG34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "C1MG34", "name": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/8bafb534-af12-4fb0-aee2-4e71ac5f3641/"}]}}, {"id": "source:a03d9f467dd2e89715a6351437acbade309769f46d9f509761a139b61079e009", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/mcdonalds-pushes-50-000-store-144100878.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/mcdonalds-pushes-50-000-store-144100878.html", "title": "McDonald's Pushes 50,000-Store Goal to 2028: Is It Slowing Growth?", "content_text": "McDonald's Corporation MCD is taking a slightly more measured approach to restaurant expansion, pushing its goal of reaching 50,000 locations globally to 2028 from the end of 2027. The shift may raise concerns that growth is losing momentum, but management characterized the move as a disciplined adjustment rather than a change in its long-term expansion strategy. Management said cumulative inflation in development costs and a more pressured consumer environment prompted a review of the restaurant pipeline. The company is prioritizing attractive returns and quality of new locations over simply adding units. Importantly, McDonald's still expects to open roughly 2,600 gross restaurants in 2026, which management described as the fastest period of restaurant growth in its history. The more notable growth concern currently lies in the U.S. business. Second-quarter U.S. comparable sales increased just 0.8%, as inconsistent execution of value offerings, reduced digital promotions and an overly crowded marketing calendar weighed on traffic. U.S. comparable sales were also slightly negative in July, indicating that the recovery could take time. Still, management remains confident in the growth opportunity. New beverages are generating encouraging incremental traffic and higher checks, while the upcoming McDonald's > NEXT strategy is designed to improve food quality, hospitality and restaurant productivity. QSR and YUM Maintain Aggressive Restaurant Growth McDonald's is moderating its expansion pace, but competitors continue to pursue substantial unit growth. The owner of Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs, Restaurant Brands International QSR targets 5% or more net restaurant growth by 2028. Restaurant Brands International's strategy combines new-store development with investments in existing locations, particularly Burger King's U.S. turnaround program. Through KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill, Yum! Brands YUM has an even larger global footprint, with more than 63,000 restaurants across 155 countries and territories. Yum! Brands' franchise-heavy model continues to support international expansion and provides significant scope for adding units. Against this backdrop, McDonald's decision to move its 50,000-store milestone to 2028 reflects a more selective approach rather than an abandonment of growth. Management emphasized that inflation-driven development costs and softer consumer conditions require greater focus on returns. With about 2,600 gross openings still expected in 2026, MCD's expansion engine remains active. Story Continues MCD's Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates McDonald's shares have lost 17.6% in the past six months, underperforming the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry, the broader Retail and Wholesale sector and the S&P 500 index. Price PerformanceZacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research In terms of its forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio, MCD is trading at 20.23, down from the industry's 21.65. MCD P/E (F12M)Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research MCD's earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 have trended downward in the past 30 days. The revised estimates for 2026 and 2027 imply year-over-year growth of 5.6% and 8.1%, respectively.Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research MCD currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report McDonald's Corporation (MCD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Restaurant Brands International Inc. (QSR) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research View Comments", "date_published": "2026-08-11T14:41:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "MCDC34", "YUMR34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}, {"symbol": "YUMR34", "name": "Yum! Brands, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/20c4a9b5-d862-4c5e-875e-5cde13f9f66c/"}]}}, {"id": "source:beeb3a8fd99e760291881ebd2350dcfb19052cb2c3a622a75829e4ad19ecdc26", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/mcdonalds-mcd-faces-fresh-us-131342220.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/mcdonalds-mcd-faces-fresh-us-131342220.html", "title": "McDonald's (MCD) Faces Fresh US Growth Questions As Valuation Debate Heats Up", "content_text": "Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St. McDonald's (MCD) just reported second quarter results that kept revenue and earnings growing, while also revealing slower US comparable sales and rising competitive pressure from Burger King. At the same time, management is reshaping leadership and execution. See our latest analysis for McDonald's. Against that backdrop, McDonald's share price has softened, with the year to date share price return down 9.7% even though the stock has seen a 27.4% total shareholder return over five years. This figure reflects dividends and buybacks alongside price moves. If you are weighing McDonald's slower US momentum against other opportunities in the market, it can be helpful to scan for new ideas using our screener of 19 top founder-led companies McDonald's now trades below the average analyst price target after a softer share price and modest US comps. Is that a reasonable discount for slower momentum, or is the market leaning too far toward caution on a very profitable business? Most Popular Narrative: 15% Overvalued Compared with the last close at $273.72, the most followed narrative for McDonald's pegs fair value at $238.97, implying a premium at today's price. \ud83d\udcc8McDonald's is unique. Its fast food franchise has taken the world by storm (for a long time now) and its \"tasteful\" uniqueness and wide moat is shown on its stellar projected operating margins of around ~50%. This margin expansion projection, from the current 40-45%, is also justified by the fact that this is one of the companies that will take advantage of the AI to improve its efficiency and increase its margins in the process. Read the complete narrative. The narrative from andre_santos leans heavily on very high profitability, modest growth and a detailed blend of cash flow, earnings, dividend and historical multiples. Want to see how those moving parts fit together and arrive at one number for McDonald's fair value? Result: Fair Value of $238.97 (OVERVALUED) Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts. However, this McDonald's narrative could be challenged if US comparable sales soften further or if health focused consumer shifts begin to pressure long term demand. Find out about the key risks to this McDonald's narrative. Next Steps With sentiment on McDonald's split between strong profitability and possible demand risks, it makes sense to look at the full picture for yourself, including the 3 key rewards and 1 important warning sign Story Continues Looking for more investment ideas beyond McDonald's? If you are reassessing McDonald's position in your portfolio, it helps to line it up against fresh ideas that match your risk tolerance and income goals. Target resilient cash generators by scanning companies in the 51 high quality undervalued stocks that combine quality fundamentals with prices below their estimated worth. Prioritise consistency in your portfolio by reviewing the 83 resilient stocks with low risk scores to see stocks with lower overall risk profiles. Spot potential future leaders early by using the screener containing 21 high quality undiscovered gems before attention and capital move on to the next opportunity. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include MCD. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the cont", "date_published": "2026-08-11T13:13:42+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:9de8d86ee2977917f2df1385f13fbb8e861b66ee1a7ba80bf46595630432f461", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/wall-street-sees-22-upside-130058455.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/wall-street-sees-22-upside-130058455.html", "title": "Wall Street Sees 22% Upside in Chipotle (CMG) Despite Recent Drop. Is It a Buy This August?", "content_text": "Quick Read CMG sits more than 26% below Wall Street's $44 consensus target, yet 24 of 33 analysts still rate it a Buy. Boatwright noted 60% of Chipotle's core users earn over $100,000 annually, giving the brand pricing power most fast-casual peers can't match. Restaurant-level margins fell 220 basis points to 25.2%, with management guiding just 1% comparable-sales growth in Q3 amid ongoing Cyclospora headwinds. Act now: the analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks \u2014 and Chipotle Mexican Grill didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:", "date_published": "2026-08-11T13:00:58+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Analyst action", "C1MG34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "C1MG34", "name": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/8bafb534-af12-4fb0-aee2-4e71ac5f3641/"}]}}, {"id": "source:1f18a14287956e020fc6ebe4aa82ab8cf0c77e38ff5bebe27adff9d9337aec84", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/chipotle-iq-returns-more-1-115300024.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/chipotle-iq-returns-more-1-115300024.html", "title": "CHIPOTLE IQ RETURNS WITH MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN FREE CHIPOTLE, PLUS NEW DAILY STREAKS, SILVER TICKETS AND A COLLECTIBLE CARD GAME", "content_text": "From August 18 through August 20, Chipotle Rewards members can put their brand knowledge to the test for a chance to win BUY-ONE-GET-ONE (BOGO) free entr\u00e9e codes, free Cilantro Lime Sauce offers, free Queso Blanco offers and Chipotle Rewards points1 New Daily Streaks will reward fans with bonus points and exclusive Chipotle Rewards badges for playing on consecutive days1 Through the new Silver Ticket Sweepstakes, 53 players will receive a Silver Ticket for a chance to win free burritos for a year2 Chipotle is introducing a new, limited-edition physical Chipotle IQ card game, available through a Chipotle Rewards sweepstakes3 NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced the return of Chipotle IQ, the brand's fan-favorite interactive trivia experience that gives Chipotle Rewards members in the U.S. and Canada the chance to compete for more than $1 million in free Chipotle while testing their knowledge of Chipotle's real ingredients, culinary techniques, community engagement and more.Chipotle IQ returns August 18\u201320 with more than $1 million in free Chipotle and new ways for Chipotle Rewards members to put their brand knowledge to the test. The 2026 experience introduces Daily Streaks, a Silver Ticket Sweepstakes offering 53 fans the chance to win free burritos for a year, and, for the first time, a limited-edition physical Chipotle IQ card game. Beginning August 18, Chipotle Rewards members in the U.S. and Canada can visit ChipotleIQ.com to play for a chance to win BUY-ONE-GET-ONE (BOGO) free entr\u00e9e codes, free Cilantro Lime Sauce offers, free Queso Blanco offers or Chipotle Rewards points.1 New this year, Chipotle IQ introduces Daily Streaks, a Silver Ticket Sweepstakes2 that gives 53 fans the chance to win free burritos for a year, and a limited-edition physical Chipotle IQ card game available through a Chipotle Rewards sweepstakes.3 \"Fans completed more than 1.8 million Chipotle IQ quizzes last year, nearly double the number completed in 2024,\" said Stephanie Perdue, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing at Chipotle. \"With new challenges, more opportunities to earn rewards and our first-ever collectible card game, we're creating an expanded Chipotle IQ experience that rewards real fandom while giving guests new ways to engage with Chipotle beyond the restaurant.\" What to Expect Fans can test their knowledge by visiting ChipotleIQ.com and signing in with the email linked to their Chipotle Rewards account to begin playing. Chipotle Rewards members can play Chipotle IQ from 6:00 a.m. PT to 5:59 p.m. PT on Tuesday, August 18, through Thursday, August 20. Each hour, the first 8,000 Chipotle IQ players who score a 5 out of 5 will win a food reward. Hourly prizes include 5,000 BOGO entr\u00e9e offers, 1,500 free Cilantro Lime Sauce offers and 1,500 free Queso Blanco offers. Players who score 5 out of 5 may be randomly selected to receive one of 53 Silver Tickets featuring a bonus question. Players who answer the bonus question correctly will win free burritos for a year.2 Players who score 4 out of 5 will earn 25 Chipotle Rewards points, while supplies last. Plus, fans who earn a perfect score but do not win a food prize will receive 50 bonus points, while supplies last. Up to 5 million Chipotle Rewards points are available each day.1 Daily Streaks reward fans with bonus points and exclusive Chipotle Rewards badges for playing two and three consecutive days. Chipotle IQ features multiple-choice and true-or-false questions. Fans can play once per day, with a new opportunity to win each day. Story Continues Chipotle IQ Comes to Life as a Limited-Edition Card Game For the first time, Chipotle is bringing Chipotle IQ beyond the screen with a limited-edition physical card game inspired by the brand's interactive trivia experience. Designed for fans to play with friends and family while enjoying Chipotle, the collectible card set features more fun Chipotle trivia. Through \"The Game Night Sweepst", "date_published": "2026-08-11T11:53:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "C1MG34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "C1MG34", "name": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/8bafb534-af12-4fb0-aee2-4e71ac5f3641/"}]}}, {"id": "source:c8839bdea1a479ef60acb962902f15c002f3cdcae4a815adb9de0401f6eab98f", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/business-chief-opens-speaker-applications-090000144.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/business-chief-opens-speaker-applications-090000144.html", "title": "Business Chief Opens Speaker Applications for CXO Summit 2026", "content_text": "BizClik Media Limited London, 11 August 2026 - Business Chief, a BizClik Media brand, has opened speaker applications for the CXO Summit 2026, inviting Chief HR Officers, People & Culture Leaders, Chief Marketing Officers, Chief Finance Officers and CEOs to join its flagship executive event. The summit, which brings together C-suite leaders to address critical challenges facing modern enterprises, from AI disruption to economic uncertainty. The event has already secured an impressive lineup of speakers from global organisations including McDonald's, Radisson Hotel Group, Wise, Siemens, WPP and the House of Commons. With keynotes and panel discussions spanning leadership strategy, AI integration and workforce transformation, the summit provides a platform for senior executives to share insights and drive industry dialogue. Business Chief are calling for additional speakers to join panels and deliver keynotes across multiple tracks, including the CEO Summit, the CFO Summit, the CMO Summit and the CHRO Summit. Driving strategic conversations across the C-suite Confirmed speakers include Alex Snelling, Chief People Officer at McDonald's IMO Business Unit; Rafael Sueiro, EVP and Global Chief Financial Officer at Radisson Hotel Group; and Isabel Naidoo, Chief People Officer at Wise. Other notable participants include Lisette Danesi, Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Functions at WPP; James Murnieks, Chief Financial Officer UK&I at Siemens; and Jamie Anderson, CEO at Parliamentary Knowledge Foundation, House of Commons. Enquire today and join the speaker line up. Leadership in the age of AI and transformation Industry leaders are preparing to tackle pressing topics including AI integration, data-driven people strategies and sustainable finance. Isabel Naidoo, Chief People Officer at Wise, commented: \"At Wise, we've learned that the best people strategies are grounded in data, closely connected to business outcomes and designed to help teams solve meaningful customer problems. I'm looking forward to sharing some of those lessons.\" Lisette Danesi, Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Functions at WPP, added: \"I'm very excited to join this event. While every organisation is on its own AI journey, our universal challenge remains: how to truly embed AI while keeping humans - the heart of our businesses - at the forefront. My focus here is on empowering our people to 'learn, unlearn, and relearn,' so we can responsibly harness AI for the future.\" Available speaking opportunities The summit offers numerous speaking slots across dedicated tracks. Panel discussions include Leadership & Strategy Summit, Future of AI in Marketing, Data Driven People Strategy, Financing a Sustainable Future, AI-Ready Workforce and Leadership in Times of Economic Uncertainty and AI Disruption. Keynote opportunities are also available for qualified senior executives. If you're interested in attending as a delegate, early bird tickets are available here. Story Continues The CXO Summit will be held on 7-8 October 2026, at 155 Bishopsgate, London. To apply to become a speaker, visit our website here. Shaping the future of executive leadership The CXO Summit 2026 represents Business Chief's commitment to connecting the world's most influential business leaders. (Suggest including: Information about what attendees can expect from the event, any special features, networking opportunities or unique aspects of the summit that differentiate it from other executive events) About BizClik BizClik is a global B2B media and events company producing sector-specific content across technology, sustainability, procurement, fintech, AI and more. Through digital magazines, websites, newsletters, webinars and award-winning events, BizClik connects enterprise leaders with executive audiences to drive strategic business engagement. For more information, visit:www.bizclikmedia.com About Business Chief Magazine The focus of Business Chief's Digital Community is to provide our users", "date_published": "2026-08-11T09:00:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:0bd4c96747f84b46ee04a74d4402647e0b9383b6654069695839dab2d9328550", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/inflation-hasn-t-disappeared-yet-060314292.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/inflation-hasn-t-disappeared-yet-060314292.html", "title": "Inflation Hasn\u2019t Disappeared, Yet Chipotle (CMG) Raised Guidance", "content_text": "According to the latest economic reading, America's GDP growth slowed to 1.5% in Q2 from 2.1% in Q1. Meanwhile, headline PCE inflation remained elevated at 3.7% year over year in June, while core PCE inflation stood at 3.3%. Although America's consumer spending ticked up a little in Q2, it came at the expense of savings. The personal savings rate fell to 2.7%, a sign of households turning to their savings to make ends meet. These are certainly not normal times for businesses as consumers become more value-conscious. For restaurant operators, in particular, this means they cannot rely only on menu price increases to drive revenue growth. That's why Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) stands out with its latest quarterly results. The results portray a restaurant company drawing more diners and getting them to spend more on menu items despite the economic uncertainty.Inflation Hasn't Disappeared. Yet Chipotle (CMG) Still Raised Guidanc Suzi Pratt/Shutterstock.com Chipotle Raises Outlook as Traffic and Expansion Drive Growth Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) reported a 9.3% jump in Q2 revenue to $3.35 billion, ahead of the $3.33 billion that Wall Street anticipated. Adjusted EPS of $0.33 topped analysts' estimates of $0.32. Drilling deeper into the earnings report shows comparable restaurant sales rose 2.2%. The growth accelerated from 0.5% in Q1. Chipotle reported a 1% increase in transactions, while the average check expanded 1.2%. On the back of these solid results, Chipotle raised its full-year comparable sales outlook to low-single-digit growth. The company previously expected sales to stay flat, and so the upgraded guidance points to the management's growing confidence in its strategy. Chipotle's Recovery Looking More Credible Than Ever Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) is working through a transformation strategy to boost sales and expand margins. The strategy, dubbed Recipe for Growth, is built around menu innovation, brand messaging, restaurant network expansion, and operational improvements. As part of this strategy, Chipotle opened 100 restaurants during Q2 and remained on pace to hit its target of opening up to 370 locations this year. As it gets more creative around menu items and takes a measured approach to price hikes, Chipotle is bringing more customers through the door and encouraging larger spending. Although higher food, freight, and labor costs weighed on profitability, Chipotle's strategy is starting to pay off. Hedge Funds Love Chipotle More Than Cava Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) and Cava Group Inc (NYSE:CAVA) have a lot in common. To begin with, both are growth restaurant stocks. Also, both companies operate in the fast-casual segment and focus on expanding store footprints and driving strong comparable-store sales. Story Continues From a forward PE standpoint, Chipotle compares favorably with Cava Group Inc (NYSE:CAVA). Chipotle trades at 29.41 times forward earnings, compared to Cava's multiple of 119.05 times. The valuation gap indicates that investors are getting exposure to Chipotle's more established earning base at a lower earnings multiple. Chipotle is also favored more by elite investors than Cava. Some 68 hedge funds held positions in Chipotle stock during Q1, compared to 37 funds with stakes in Cava. Chipotle's top hedge fund investor, Arrowstreet Capital, boosted its stake by 20% to $527.5 million. D E Shaw and Two Sigma Advisors also increased their holdings by 219% and 185%, respectively. Short interest metrics also point to greater investor confidence in Chipotle. As of July 15, Chipotle' short interest represented 3.96% of Chipotle's float, compared with 12.31% for Cava. Is Chipotle Still a Long-Term Winner? Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG)'s latest quarter results seem to lend credibility to its transformation strategy. Also, with its store expansion and menu adjustments that align better with demand, Chipotle appears well-positioned to capture a larger share of the $1.6 trillion in US ", "date_published": "2026-08-11T06:03:14+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "C1MG34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "C1MG34", "name": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/8bafb534-af12-4fb0-aee2-4e71ac5f3641/"}]}}, {"id": "source:736bed8e2dd25eb7d2d130d2d5feeafc3650f1faf8295efd01112c21c614bcd4", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/articles/scott-bessent-says-americas-k-233102162.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/articles/scott-bessent-says-americas-k-233102162.html", "title": "Scott Bessent Says America's 'K-Shaped' Economy Is Dead, But Robert Reich Fires Back With a McDonald's Warning: 'Very Much Alive, Even CEOs are Admitting It's a Problem'", "content_text": "Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the U.S. economy is moving beyond the K-shaped divide, but economists and corporate leaders continue to offer mixed views on the health of American consumers. Bessent said in a CNBC \"Squawk Box\" interview last week that the \"K-shaped\" economy is over and that a \"C-economy\" is emerging, with lower-income workers beginning to regain ground. Bessent Makes His Case The K-shaped economy refers to a widening gap between higher- and lower-income Americans, with the two groups experiencing different trends in income, spending and wealth. Don't Miss: A single bad hire can set a startup back years. Here are the 5 hires founders most often misjudge \u2014 and why Still Learning the Market? These 50 Must-Know Terms Can Help You Catch Up Fast Bessent pointed to Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing weekly earnings for full-time workers at the 25th percentile rose 5.5% from a year earlier in the second quarter, compared with a 1.5% increase for workers at the 75th percentile. He said lower-wage earners are beginning to benefit from faster wage growth, including from policies such as the elimination of taxes on tips. He said the data showed lower-income workers are \"finally clawing it back, just like they did in President Trump's first term.\" The Consumer Price Index rose 3.9% over the same period, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Reich Points To McDonald's Economist Robert Reich pushed back against Bessent's view in a post on X on Sunday, calling the idea that the K-shaped economy is \"dead\" wrong. In a video accompanying the post, Reich pointed to McDonald's Corp and its comments about consumer behavior. Trump Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this week the K-shaped economy \u2014 the widening economic gap between the rich and the poor \u2014 is \"dead.\" Hogwash. Not only is the K-shaped economy very much alive, even CEOs are admitting it's a problem. Watch. pic.twitter.com/rgqp6L2md5 \u2014 Robert Reich (@RBReich) August 8, 2026 Trending: Avoid the #1 Investing Mistake: How Your 'Safe' Holdings Could Be Costing You Big Time According to Reich, McDonald's said fast-food chains saw a double-digit decline in visits from lower- and middle-income customers in the first quarter of 2025 because those consumers could not afford it. Reich said the contrast showed a \"two-tier economy,\" with consumers earning more than $100,000 in a stronger position while middle- and lower-income consumers faced greater pressure. Story Continues He also argued that about 70% of the U.S. economy depends on consumer spending and said stagnant wages and inflation were weakening the buying power of lower-income households. Economists See A Nuanced Picture Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi said in June that the K-shaped economy remained \"firmly intact,\" arguing that the top 20% of income earners, those making more than $175,000, continued to drive the economy. Mark Matthews, chief economist at the National Retail Federation, offered a more measured view in a recent analysis. \"The K-shape persists, but lower-income consumers have increased their spending versus last year,\" Matthews wrote. He said that among six of the bottom eight spending groups, discretionary spending grew faster than spending on staples. Consumers \"seem to be willing to focus more of their spending on the things they want rather than the things they need,\" Matthews wrote. Matthews also warned that \"softening wage growth\" and \"sticky inflation\" could make the second half of the year less positive. See Also: Skip the Regrets: The Essential Retirement Tips Experts Wish Everyone Knew Earlier. Corporate Spending Shows The Divide Earlier corporate results also offered evidence of a split in consumer behavior. Ralph Lauren Corp. said its \"core consumer continues to be resilient,\" while Walmart Inc.'s said lower-income consumers were \"more budget conscious and perha", "date_published": "2026-08-10T23:31:02+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:333169037159618e5210b175adae732d770994b8df4e9b83351bd6a38793f938", "url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/yum-dividend-yield-pushes-past-2", "external_url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/yum-dividend-yield-pushes-past-2", "title": "YUM Dividend Yield Pushes Past 2%", "content_text": "Looking at the universe of stocks we cover at Dividend Channel, in trading on Monday, shares of Yum! Brands Inc (Symbol: YUM) were yielding above the 2% mark based on its quarterly dividend (annualized to $3), with the stock changing hands as low as $146.27 on the day. Dividends are particularly important for investors to consider, because historically speaking dividends have provided a considerable share of the stock market's total return. To illustrate, suppose for example you purchased shares of the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) back on 12/31/1999 \u2014 you would have paid $146.88 per share. Fast forward t", "date_published": "2026-08-10T19:09:59+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "nasdaq.com"}], "tags": ["Capital return", "YUMR34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "YUMR34", "name": "Yum! Brands, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/20c4a9b5-d862-4c5e-875e-5cde13f9f66c/"}]}}, {"id": "source:6fc226c47d7746e21f8f837a95e42ce89f7a2099bef3240bef36068bfa645433", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/1-surging-stock-competitive-advantages-190922994.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/1-surging-stock-competitive-advantages-190922994.html", "title": "1 Surging Stock with Competitive Advantages and 2 We Find Risky", "content_text": "1 Surging Stock with Competitive Advantages and 2 We Find Risky The stocks in this article are all trading near their 52-week highs. This strength often reflects positive developments such as new product launches, favorable industry trends, or improved financial performance. But not every company with momentum is a long-term winner, and plenty of investors have lost money betting on short-term fads. All that said, here is one stock with lasting competitive advantages and two not so much. Two Stocks to Sell: Starbucks (SBUX) One-Month Return: +1.4% Started by three friends in Seattle's historic Pike Place Market, Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) is a globally-renowned coffeehouse chain that offers a wide selection of high-quality coffee, beverages, and food items. Why Are We Wary of SBUX? Poor same-store sales performance over the past two years indicates it's having trouble bringing new diners into its restaurants Sales are projected to tank by 1.6% over the next 12 months as demand evaporates Costs have risen faster than its revenue over the last year, causing its operating margin to decline by 3 percentage points Starbucks's stock price of $105.05 implies a valuation ratio of 35.9x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including SBUX in your portfolio, it's free. Gates Industrial Corporation (GTES) One-Month Return: +9.4% Helping create one of the most memorable moments for the iconic \"Jurassic Park\" film, Gates (NYSE:GTES) offers power transmission and fluid transfer equipment for various industries. Why Does GTES Give Us Pause? Organic revenue growth fell short of our benchmarks over the past two years and implies it may need to improve its products, pricing, or go-to-market strategy Earnings growth underperformed the sector average over the last two years as its EPS grew by just 5.2% annually Below-average returns on capital indicate management struggled to find compelling investment opportunities At $28.59 per share, Gates Industrial Corporation trades at 16.1x forward P/E. If you're considering GTES for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more. One Stock to Watch: Amalgamated Financial (AMAL) One-Month Return: +9.5% Founded in 1923 by labor unions seeking a financial institution aligned with worker values, Amalgamated Financial (NASDAQGM:AMAL) operates a values-oriented bank that provides commercial banking, trust services, and investment management to socially responsible organizations and individuals. Why Do We Like AMAL? 12.9% annual net interest income growth over the last five years surpassed the sector average as its loans resonated with borrowers Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 17.3% to outpace its revenue gains Impressive 10% annual tangible book value per share growth over the last five years indicates it's building equity value this cycle Story Continues Amalgamated Financial is trading at $50.15 per share, or 1.7x forward P/B. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it's free. High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. The best stocks don't just beat the market once. They do it again. And again. Robust revenue growth, rising free cash flow, returns on capital that leave their competition in the dust. The market has already rewarded these businesses. But our AI platform says the party isn't over. Find out which 9 stocks made the cut this week \u2014 FREE. Get Our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks for Free HERE. Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,552% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. View Comments", "date_published": "2026-08-10T19:09:22+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "SBUB34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "SBUB34", "name": "Starbucks Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/480607d6-a78d-43f8-bc23-9db03b80f88a/"}]}}, {"id": "source:bbd72afa2a6c84b0517242a1c6e598a7ad0234d7f0c6f79b2508077e5a784678", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/article/wendys-has-a-massive-problem-its-closing-restaurants-left-and-right-171131528.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/article/wendys-has-a-massive-problem-its-closing-restaurants-left-and-right-171131528.html", "title": "Wendy's has a massive problem: It's closing restaurants left and right", "content_text": "Wendy's (WEN) nearly two years of struggles competing with the likes of behemoths McDonald's (MCD) and Yum! Brands' (YUM) Taco Bell, plus upstarts such as Shake Shack, are creating one big problem. Franchisees are closing their locations and heading for the hills. The reality Buried inside Wendy's brutal second quarter earnings call last week was a mention that 289 locations closed in the US during the first half of the year. There are about 5,700 Wendy's in the US. It doesn't sound like US closures will be abating. \"Understand that the health of franchisees certainly is pressured right now be", "date_published": "2026-08-10T17:11:31+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "MCDC34", "YUMR34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}, {"symbol": "YUMR34", "name": "Yum! Brands, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/20c4a9b5-d862-4c5e-875e-5cde13f9f66c/"}]}}, {"id": "source:60837e426c1667164b8463a606b7a5871bc3428a50321fd960101db8fcfa0b9a", "url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/mcdonalds-still-good-stock-buy-2026", "external_url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/mcdonalds-still-good-stock-buy-2026", "title": "Is McDonald's Still a Good Stock to Buy in 2026?", "content_text": "Key Points McDonald's reported comparable sales growth of just 1.3% in Q2. The business has grown modestly in recent years. It continues to offer an attractive dividend, which pays more than double the S&P 500 average.10 stocks we like better than McDonald's \u203a McDonald's(NYSE: MCD) is a leader in the fast-food industry, and it's an iconic brand all over the world. The challenge, however, is that when a business reaches a massive size, it becomes much harder for it to grow quickly. And the company's recent results highlight that, as they were fairly modest. Can McDonald's still be a top stock t", "date_published": "2026-08-10T16:01:52+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "nasdaq.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:a242d5e5e3c688ede3e03ea4af3895fbb9d62a6f89c06c99af316b1d246dc434", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/yum-china-completes-1-2bn-141710372.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/yum-china-completes-1-2bn-141710372.html", "title": "Yum China completes $1.2bn acquisition of Pizza Hut brand in China", "content_text": "Yum China Holdings has finalised the purchase of the Pizza Hut brand rights in Mainland China from Yum! Brands in a deal valued at $1.2bn. First announced in June, the transaction transfers ownership of the Pizza Hut brand in this market to Yum China, which has been operating the chain locally for 36 years. Yum China CEO Joey Wat said: \"Becoming the owner of the Pizza Hut brand in Mainland China is a major breakthrough for us, after operating the brand in the market for 36 years. \"In the near term, the savings in licence fee payments to Yum! Brands are expected to make Pizza Hut's restaurant m", "date_published": "2026-08-10T14:17:10+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "YUMR34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "YUMR34", "name": "Yum! Brands, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/20c4a9b5-d862-4c5e-875e-5cde13f9f66c/"}]}}, {"id": "source:588fb28e9d77ca1badc622de289325228fd5a959053f0e1959f570db6b307e55", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/campaign-asia-agency-awards-2026-030000520.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/campaign-asia-agency-awards-2026-030000520.html", "title": "Campaign Asia Agency of the Year Awards 2026 Unveils Its Most Extensive Regional Judging Panel as Final Entry Deadline Nears", "content_text": "More than 80 senior marketing leaders from leading brands across Asia-Pacific to evaluate the region's best agencies. HONG KONG, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Campaign Asia-Pacific, Haymarket Media Asia's leading media, marketing and advertising title, has unveiled its most extensive regional judging panel for the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards 2026, bringing together more than 80 senior marketing leaders from some of the world's most respected brands to recognise and evaluate the region's leading agencies.Campaign Asia-Pacific Agency of the Year Awards 2026 Representing Australia/New Zealand, Greater China, Japan/Korea, South Asia, Southeast Asia and APAC, this year's judging panel brings together senior decision-makers across a diverse range of industries, including financial services, FMCG, technology, telecommunications, hospitality, automotive and healthcare. Judges represent leading organisations including Citi, The Coca-Cola Company, Henkel, HSBC, IBM, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Lenovo, Mars, Mondelez International, Nestl\u00e9, Pernod Ricard, Reckitt, Samsung, SAP, Starbucks, Unilever, Visa, and Volvo Cars, among others. The Campaign Agency of the Year Awards recognise agencies that demonstrate excellence across creativity, innovation, effectiveness, talent development, business performance and client partnerships. With the final entry deadline on Friday, 4 September 2026, agencies have one final opportunity to showcase their strongest work, teams and achievements to a panel of senior brand leaders who shape marketing strategies and appoint agency partners across the region. \"The Campaign Agency of the Year Awards continue to set the benchmark for recognising agency excellence across Asia-Pacific,\" said Atifa Silk, Managing Director, Campaign Asia-Pacific. \"What makes these awards distinctive is that entries are judged by the marketers who partner with agencies, build long-term relationships and drive business growth every day. Recognition from this calibre of senior marketing leaders is a powerful endorsement of an agency's creativity, capabilities, business performance and impact. We encourage agencies across the region to showcase their strongest work before the final deadline.\" Judges reveal what makes a standout entry As the communications landscape evolves, so do the expectations for award-winning work. Ahead of the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards 2026, members of this year's judging panel shared what they look for in standout entries and the qualities that distinguish the region's best agencies. Rvisra Chirathivat, Chief Marketing Officer, Central and Robinson Department Store said: Story Continues \"The marketing and communications landscape across Asia is evolving faster than ever, driven by AI, data, and changing consumer expectations. The agencies that will succeed in this complex environment are those that combine strategic thinking, data, and creativity to help clients solve real business challenges while keeping the human connection at the centre of everything they do. I'm interested in understanding how an agency solves a genuine commercial challenge, influences customer behaviour, and contributes to long-term brand and business growth. The entrants that stand out will be those creating lasting value for both customers and the business - agencies that become genuine business partners. I believe genuine business excellence is reflected in the positive and sustainable impact an agency creates for the brands they serve.\" Meanwhile, Josette Addinall, Vice President Marketing, Pacific, Schneider Electric, shares her perspective: \"I see the landscape being shaped by three defining forces: AI, shifting customer expectations, and rising expectations around measurable business outcomes. In my opinion, the best agencies position themselves as growth partners rather than suppliers. They demonstrate a deep understanding of the industry context, customer dynamics, competitive environment and commercial objectives. A", "date_published": "2026-08-10T03:00:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "SBUB34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "SBUB34", "name": "Starbucks Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/480607d6-a78d-43f8-bc23-9db03b80f88a/"}]}}, {"id": "source:5818aacc58ce6513ebae32762d55865351d758878463da41a31b95e7380142a0", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/healthcare/articles/taylor-farms-pulls-salsa-guacamole-222513483.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/healthcare/articles/taylor-farms-pulls-salsa-guacamole-222513483.html", "title": "Taylor Farms Pulls Salsa and Guacamole Over Salmonella Concerns", "content_text": "(Bloomberg) -- Taylor Farms is pulling more than a dozen prepared food items containing jalape\u00f1os, including salsas and guacamole, from retailers due to concerns over salmonella, just weeks after federal health officials tied the produce company to a separate outbreak of cyclospora. Most Read from Bloomberg Trump Amps Up Pressure on Billionaire Sargeant to Exit Venezuela Iran Rejects US Talks as Trump Displays Patience for Hormuz Deal Iran Says Hormuz Deal Close But Its Conditions Must Be Met OpenAI's New Device Will Be Hockey Puck-Sized and Cost Over $300 America's Cyber Forces Grapple With C", "date_published": "2026-08-09T22:25:13+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Regulatory and legal", "YUMR34", "C1MG34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "YUMR34", "name": "Yum! Brands, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/20c4a9b5-d862-4c5e-875e-5cde13f9f66c/"}, {"symbol": "C1MG34", "name": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/8bafb534-af12-4fb0-aee2-4e71ac5f3641/"}]}}, {"id": "source:0e0740b53db2dbb831066257c6edc2d4883fc0a84833bde193f2b3b882a5224a", "url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/six-darden-executives-sold-within-week-heres-what-make-it", "external_url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/six-darden-executives-sold-within-week-heres-what-make-it", "title": "Six Darden Executives Sold Within a Week. Here's What to Make of It", "content_text": "Key Points One Darden executive sold 2,226 shares for about $463,386 based on the July 29 weighted average execution price. The transaction reduced the executive's direct common stock holdings by 35% in this filing. The insider maintains significant equity exposure with 4,165 shares held directly and nearly 3,000 additional derivative securities.10 stocks we like better than Darden Restaurants \u203a Susan M. Connelly, the chief communications and public affairs officer at Darden Restaurants, Inc.(NYSE:DRI), sold 2,226 shares of common stock on July 29, according to a recent SEC Form 4 filing. Tran", "date_published": "2026-08-09T20:52:49+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "nasdaq.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "D1RI34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "D1RI34", "name": "Darden Restaurants, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/3b93a48c-7d47-46d4-9296-cbd907c25844/"}]}}, {"id": "source:508b080a82769d8c51eee44997a9095d548db703365872a8f8fd5d30dc047039", "url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/darden-executive-kept-just-742-shares-directly-after-selling-heres-what-investors-should", "external_url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/darden-executive-kept-just-742-shares-directly-after-selling-heres-what-investors-should", "title": "A Darden Executive Kept Just 742 Shares Directly After Selling. Here's What Investors Should Know", "content_text": "Key Points The transaction involved the sale of 4,373 shares at $210.42 per share on July 29 for a total value of roughly $920,200. The sale represented an 85% reduction in King's total direct common stock holdings. King maintains a residual equity position of 742 directly held shares and additional derivative securities as of the filing date.10 stocks we like better than Darden Restaurants \u203a Sarah H. King, chief people officer of Darden Restaurants, Inc.(NYSE:DRI), reported a sale of 4,373 shares of the company on July 29, according to an SEC Form 4 filing. Transaction summary MetricValueTran", "date_published": "2026-08-09T20:39:32+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "nasdaq.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "D1RI34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "D1RI34", "name": "Darden Restaurants, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/3b93a48c-7d47-46d4-9296-cbd907c25844/"}]}}, {"id": "source:fd605ab9102e1e74aa8d5e34635601285069eea2fa377dec9c4c5be8c3399d91", "url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/olive-gardens-president-cashed-options-struck-124-heres-what-know", "external_url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/olive-gardens-president-cashed-options-struck-124-heres-what-know", "title": "Olive Garden's President Cashed In Options Struck at $124. Here's What to Know", "content_text": "Key Points The transaction resulted in a total sale value of approximately $1.8 million based on execution prices realized on August 5. The activity was structured as a derivative exercise of options at a strike price of $124.24, followed by an immediate open-market sale. Wilkerson still holds 18,793 shares of common stock directly, in addition to 614 held via a 401(k).10 stocks we like better than Darden Restaurants \u203a John W. Wilkerson, president of Olive Garden of Darden Restaurants, Inc.(NYSE:DRI), sold 8,864 shares of common stock at $208.33 per share on August 5, according to an SEC Form ", "date_published": "2026-08-09T20:17:32+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "nasdaq.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "D1RI34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "D1RI34", "name": "Darden Restaurants, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/3b93a48c-7d47-46d4-9296-cbd907c25844/"}]}}, {"id": "source:2fa59cdee9d499860ae8476b433362b802076d774c5d1f6237391605411e7f80", "url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/longhorns-president-sold-darden-stock-after-95-sales-jump-heres-what-know", "external_url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/longhorns-president-sold-darden-stock-after-95-sales-jump-heres-what-know", "title": "LongHorn's President Sold Darden Stock After a 9.5% Sales Jump. Here's What to Know", "content_text": "Key Points The disposition of 1,553 shares generated a total estimated value of $318,000 on the July 31 transaction date. The disposed shares included 1,110 held directly and 443 held indirectly through a spouse. The transaction was completed with the stock reflecting a one-year return of roughly 1% as of the transaction date.10 stocks we like better than Darden Restaurants \u203a Laura B. Williamson, president of LongHorn Steakhouse at Darden Restaurants, Inc.(NYSE:DRI), sold 1,553 shares of common stock on July 31, according to a recent SEC Form 4 filing. Transaction summary MetricValueTransactio", "date_published": "2026-08-09T20:07:45+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "nasdaq.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "D1RI34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "D1RI34", "name": "Darden Restaurants, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/3b93a48c-7d47-46d4-9296-cbd907c25844/"}]}}, {"id": "source:14d21df3c94e9b85c881e71733322c2c9feb0f804f592e8d9244de183f1a3a85", "url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/darden-insider-cut-his-direct-holdings-heres-how-long-term-investors-should-read-it", "external_url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/darden-insider-cut-his-direct-holdings-heres-how-long-term-investors-should-read-it", "title": "A Darden Insider Cut His Direct Holdings. Here's How Long-Term Investors Should Read It", "content_text": "Key Points The disposition involved 8,478 shares valued at $1.8 million based on a weighted average price of $210.00 per share on July 29. The transaction reduced the CFO's direct common stock holdings by 50%, but he retains additional restricted stock and options. Following the transaction, the executive retains a direct position of 8,569 shares.10 stocks we like better than Darden Restaurants \u203a Rajesh Vennam, CFO of Darden Restaurants, Inc.(NYSE:DRI), sold 8,478 shares of common stock on July 29, according to a recent SEC Form 4 filing. Transaction summary MetricValueTransaction value$1.8 mi", "date_published": "2026-08-09T19:58:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "nasdaq.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "D1RI34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "D1RI34", "name": "Darden Restaurants, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/3b93a48c-7d47-46d4-9296-cbd907c25844/"}]}}, {"id": "source:62127460fa4f3659dfad3614f28116d0dba146f85ed57551b8cfbae26aa8d3c4", "url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/dardens-ceo-sold-stock-options-struck-124-heres-how-read-it", "external_url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/dardens-ceo-sold-stock-options-struck-124-heres-how-read-it", "title": "Darden's CEO Sold Stock With Options Struck at $124. Here's How to Read It", "content_text": "Key Points The CEO of Darden reported selling 39,134 shares on July 28 at a weighted average price of $209.06. The transaction was, in part, executed as an option exercise at $124.24 per share followed by an immediate sale, with no indirect holdings reported. Post-transaction, the executive maintains a direct position of 86,145 shares valued at $17.83 million, ensuring continued alignment with the company's performance.10 stocks we like better than Darden Restaurants \u203a Ricardo Cardenas, president and CEO of Darden Restaurants, Inc.(NYSE:DRI), sold 39,134 shares of common stock on July 28, acco", "date_published": "2026-08-09T19:34:50+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "nasdaq.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "D1RI34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "D1RI34", "name": "Darden Restaurants, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/3b93a48c-7d47-46d4-9296-cbd907c25844/"}]}}, {"id": "source:a6b4d9a384c76411310646c899621ab264fd1f5e267bd4d0bc5f2a538a0d531a", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/darden-restaurants-dri-stock-looks-190823549.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/darden-restaurants-dri-stock-looks-190823549.html", "title": "Darden Restaurants (DRI) Stock Looks Reasonable Rather Than Cheap After 77% Gain", "content_text": "Find winning stocks in any market cycle. Join 7 million investors using Simply Wall St's investing ideas for FREE. Darden Restaurants stock has produced a strong 77.5% return over the past five years, and at around US$213.76 per share the company now looks closer to fairly valued on both its intrinsic value estimate using a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) approach and its market multiples, rather than clearly cheap or clearly expensive. The 77.5% five year return shows that long term shareholders have already captured a solid gain, which can limit how much upside is left if expectations are already", "date_published": "2026-08-09T19:08:23+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "D1RI34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "D1RI34", "name": "Darden Restaurants, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/3b93a48c-7d47-46d4-9296-cbd907c25844/"}]}}, {"id": "source:fbf34f61b0f6beeae65dba88f98fec3289f28a8d80f55fc69eb58d6ea7c80396", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/starbucks-shutters-another-seattle-store-151736448.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/starbucks-shutters-another-seattle-store-151736448.html", "title": "Starbucks shutters another Seattle store as closures and layoffs mount", "content_text": "Starbucks has closed another store in Seattle, this time downtown. The coffeehouse at 999 Third Ave. closed on Friday, The Puget Sound Business Journal reported. Starbucks closed the downtown location shortly after DocuSign made plans to move out of the building by next July. The coffee giant has gone through a series of store closures and layoffs leading up to the closure of the downtown store. Starbucks lays off around 900 employees, closes at least 28 stores in WA In September, Starbucks announced it was laying off around 900 employees and closing at least 28 stores in Washington, including", "date_published": "2026-08-09T15:17:36+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "SBUB34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "SBUB34", "name": "Starbucks Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/480607d6-a78d-43f8-bc23-9db03b80f88a/"}]}}, {"id": "source:1b10656fda1dff22b7c6d6381ceec87bca528707d2e9f133c6575d6b01edf317", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/does-mcdonalds-mcd-us-menu-002025685.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/does-mcdonalds-mcd-us-menu-002025685.html", "title": "Does McDonald's (MCD) Have A US Menu Problem After Weak Same Store Sales?", "content_text": "Never miss an important update on your stock portfolio and cut through the noise. Over 7 million investors trust Simply Wall St to stay informed where it matters for FREE. McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) is facing fresh questions in its core US market after Burger King's US business significantly outpaced it in same-store sales growth. Burger King's focus on quality and marketing produced much stronger US sales growth than McDonald's recent value menus and specialty items. McDonald's newer menu efforts did not produce the traffic lift many investors expected, in contrast to Burger King's US results. The gap in US performance is drawing attention to McDonald's execution, brand positioning and growth outlook in its largest market. For a wider view on how changing consumer tastes and competition can affect more mature brands, compare McDonald's situation with a broader group of resilient, lower-volatility stocks via 79 resilient stocks with low risk scoresNYSE:MCD 1-Year Stock Price Chart McDonald's sits at the center of the US quick service restaurant industry, where small shifts in customer traffic can matter a lot for long term growth plans. The stock trades at US$274.48 and has delivered a mixed picture for investors, with returns over the past year and year to date both in decline, but a gain of 28.9% over five years that reflects its longer record as a large global brand. Does the team leading McDonald's have what it takes? See our full breakdown of the management team's track record and compensation. What actually changed for McDonald's in this report? For the quarter to 30 June 2026, McDonald's reported US$7,099 million of revenue compared with US$6,843 million a year earlier. Net income was US$2,362 million compared with US$2,253 million, and diluted EPS from continuing operations was US$3.32 compared with US$3.14. The company also repurchased 3,000,000 shares for US$858 million in the quarter, bringing total buybacks under its current program to 10,906,194 shares for US$3,267.85 million. These figures point to a business that is still generating large profits and cash returns to shareholders, even as Burger King posted stronger US same store sales growth. Does Burger King's outperformance change the McDonald's Narrative? The Narrative around McDonald's centers on McDonald's NEXT, digital ordering, automation and long term cash generation. Burger King's 8.5% US comparable sales growth versus McDonald's 0.8% highlights pressure on that story in the core US market, especially on menu appeal, value perception and execution. The appointment of Skye Anderson as President of McDonald's USA, with experience in modernising over 5,700 restaurants and lifting average unit cash flow, points to a focus on operational delivery rather than a reset of the broader Narrative. Story Continues What should investors watch next to test this read on McDonald's? The clearest test will be US same store sales and traffic trends in the next few quarterly updates, now that Anderson is in the role as of 4 August 2026. If the gap with Burger King's US performance narrows and McDonald's reports steadier guest counts while maintaining its profit levels, that would support the view that execution under McDonald's NEXT is improving. If US comparable sales remain close to the recent 0.8% level while rivals continue to post much higher growth, it would raise tougher questions about the current menu and marketing approach. For the full picture including more risks and rewards, check out the complete McDonald's analysis. Alternatively, you can check out the community page for McDonald's to see how other investors believe this latest news will impact the company's narrative. Do you think there's more to the story for McDonald's? Head over to our Community to see what others are saying! This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not int", "date_published": "2026-08-09T00:20:25+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:371f34d335fed1c2e54f13226e5f7929f90cde389f17dd2c07bfb59350ad8c4c", "url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/chipotle-mexican-grill-vs-walt-disney-comparing-revenue-trends-between-these-consumer", "external_url": "https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/chipotle-mexican-grill-vs-walt-disney-comparing-revenue-trends-between-these-consumer", "title": "Chipotle Mexican Grill vs. Walt Disney: Comparing Revenue Trends Between These Consumer Companies", "content_text": "Key Points Walt Disney generates a larger baseline of total revenue in absolute terms, but Chipotle Mexican Grill demonstrates a more consistent upward trajectory in recent sales performance across the observed time frame. Chipotle has delivered continuous quarter-over-quarter revenue growth over recent reporting periods, while Disney displays a more variable quarter-over-quarter pattern characterized by recurring periodic seasonal fluctuations. Individual investors reviewing these two companies should carefully watch whether the clear difference in revenue growth stability continues to persis", "date_published": "2026-08-08T23:23:01+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "nasdaq.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "C1MG34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "C1MG34", "name": "Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/8bafb534-af12-4fb0-aee2-4e71ac5f3641/"}]}}, {"id": "source:273ea6ac565d15177ba559120a4fa7e2bad79ac42bc310ce24d3cf0d5070e839", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/starbucks-sbux-justify-valuation-earnings-201140598.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/starbucks-sbux-justify-valuation-earnings-201140598.html", "title": "Can Starbucks (SBUX) Justify Its Valuation As Earnings And Guidance Move Higher?", "content_text": "Track your investments for FREE with Simply Wall St, the portfolio command center trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide. Starbucks earnings and guidance move back into focus Starbucks (SBUX) is back in the spotlight after reporting fiscal third quarter results on July 29, 2026, with revenue of US$9.32b and net income of US$1.05b. Earnings per share from continuing operations were US$0.92 basic and US$0.91 diluted. For the first nine months of the fiscal year, Starbucks reported revenue of US$28.77b and net income of US$1.85b. Basic and diluted earnings per share from continu", "date_published": "2026-08-08T20:11:40+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "SBUB34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "SBUB34", "name": "Starbucks Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/480607d6-a78d-43f8-bc23-9db03b80f88a/"}]}}, {"id": "source:229c65fe0ce3ffe56782adfc4760d98e1926fd50728d97cd57d67bc8b8c48396", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/mcdonalds-says-alienated-most-loyal-141700213.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/mcdonalds-says-alienated-most-loyal-141700213.html", "title": "McDonald's says it alienated its most loyal customers", "content_text": "Earlier this year, I reported on McDonald's launch of a $3 or less meal deal in an effort to win back its value status, targeting budget-conscious customers. McDonald's new \"McValue 2.0\" meals included: The $4 meal deal: Consumers can order breakfast options with a McMuffin, hash browns and coffee. The $3 and less: Customers will also find cheaper menus with items like a sausage biscuit or a 4-piece chicken McNuggets. This replaces the buy-one-add-one-for-a-dollar menu launched in 2025. After years of price increases, last year the fast food giant started pushing on new value deals as a means ", "date_published": "2026-08-08T14:17:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:aa36f0ae1a8f67237059a619f3a4830e9ba1a7105bea4b85711931ca8353edb6", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/bear-day-krispy-kreme-dnut-083000550.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/bear-day-krispy-kreme-dnut-083000550.html", "title": "Bear of the Day: Krispy Kreme (DNUT)", "content_text": "Krispy Kreme (DNUT), the iconic doughnut chain, has been a major disappointment since returning to the public markets in 2021. Shares have lost the vast majority of their value as weak unit economics, slowing US growth and an increasingly burdensome debt load overwhelmed what initially looked like an attractive expansion story. The failed McDonald's rollout only added to those problems. Krispy Kreme had hoped its hub-and-spoke distribution network could dramatically expand product availability, but the strategy proved costly to operate and many delivery locations failed to generate sufficient returns. At the same time, elevated interest expense and years of negative earnings left the company with very little financial flexibility. There are finally some signs of improvement. Krispy Kreme's turnaround plan is focused on refranchising international markets, reducing debt and concentrating investment on its most profitable opportunities. First-quarter adjusted EBITDA increased 38%, free cash flow turned positive and net leverage fell to 5.5x from 6.7x the previous quarter. Unfortunately, Wall Street is not yet convinced the turnaround will translate into sustainable earnings growth yet. Analysts have continued to cut estimates, while revenues are expected to contract this year and again next year, earning DNUT a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). It pains me somewhat to make Krispy Kreme the Bear of the Day, I remain a huge fan of the product, but the stock and the doughnuts are two very different things. There may ultimately be an attractive recovery story here, especially if deleveraging continues, but it is difficult to get constructive until earnings estimates finally begin trending higher.Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Analysts Downgrade DNUT Stock Earnings estimates for Krispy Kreme have been trending lower for several years, and that negative revision cycle remains intact. Over the recent period, the consensus estimate for next quarter has fallen 14.9%, while next year's estimate has been cut by 43%. The current-year outlook was revised slightly higher, but only from a loss of $0.07 per share to a loss of $0.06. Krispy Kreme did manage to beat expectations in its latest quarterly report, but those estimates were already set at depressed levels. More importantly, the broader growth outlook remains weak. Sales are currently projected to decline 13.1% this year and another 9% next year. Until those revenue trends stabilize and analysts begin raising earnings expectations more meaningfully, it is difficult to make a convincing case that DNUT's fundamental turnaround has taken hold. Story Continues Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Should Investors Avoid DNUT Stock? For now, I think the answer is yes. Krispy Kreme is making progress on debt reduction and cash flow, but the operating outlook remains too weak to overlook. Revenue is still expected to contract, earnings estimates continue to move lower and leverage remains elevated. That does not mean the turnaround cannot eventually work. If sales stabilize, deleveraging continues and estimate revisions finally turn positive, DNUT could become an interesting recovery story. Until then, however, there is not enough fundamental evidence to justify stepping in front of the negative earnings trend. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Krispy Kreme, Inc. (DNUT) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research", "date_published": "2026-08-08T08:30:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "MCDC34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Provider-linked mention", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "MCDC34", "name": "McDonald's Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/d4c712b3-c941-46c5-b19c-e92ba53dc405/"}]}}, {"id": "source:e39e4180052fdaf5690d456f04f5b9571127f79da6506b7ee1d4118ef89f4d65", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/options/articles/implied-volatility-surging-dominos-pizza-194800162.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/options/articles/implied-volatility-surging-dominos-pizza-194800162.html", "title": "Implied Volatility Surging for Domino's Pizza Stock Options", "content_text": "Investors in Domino's Pizza, Inc. DPZ need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Sept. 18, 2026 $230 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today. What is Implied Volatility? Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off.", "date_published": "2026-08-07T19:48:00+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Market update", "D2PZ34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "D2PZ34", "name": "Domino's Pizza, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/ee330808-54ec-491d-96af-edf19cf33cf1/"}]}}, {"id": "source:d3c510c684937a5b056ac137c8f6ac2ad5e15b25139eaa2bf26725c04c44e411", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/jim-cramer-says-merit-starbucks-183707712.html", "external_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/jim-cramer-says-merit-starbucks-183707712.html", "title": "Jim Cramer Says There\u2019s Merit To Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)\u2019s Turnaround Efforts", "content_text": "Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)'s turnaround has seen Cramer discuss the firm on several occasions. On most of these, he has been optimistic about the firm and its prospects. The shares are up by 16% over the past year and by 26% year-to-date. On July 29th, Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) reported its fiscal third-quarter earnings, and on the 30th, the shares closed 1.64% higher. The results saw the firm post $9.32 billion in revenue and $0.85 in adjusted earnings per share to beat analyst estimates of $9.16 billion and $0.66. As the results indicated that the turnaround was potentiall", "date_published": "2026-08-07T18:37:07+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "finance.yahoo.com"}], "tags": ["Earnings", "SBUB34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "SBUB34", "name": "Starbucks Corporation", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/480607d6-a78d-43f8-bc23-9db03b80f88a/"}]}}, {"id": "source:4fd97db411b0224bf65427b09202f24355ab22b72820fcb34d7f1d32411b6a67", "url": "https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiUkFVX3lxTE5NSDRLVzNkdUtDX293SG02cll3Nm5EcUtBanc2cGVXT2JaU1JwRDBKdnZ3R1IyeUo0WGRqVnJ0NzNlVG9CVk1sNHpGZ3VjdE80X0E?oc=5", "external_url": "https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiUkFVX3lxTE5NSDRLVzNkdUtDX293SG02cll3Nm5EcUtBanc2cGVXT2JaU1JwRDBKdnZ3R1IyeUo0WGRqVnJ0NzNlVG9CVk1sNHpGZ3VjdE80X0E?oc=5", "title": "BDR Yum Brands - YUMR34 - Resultados, Dividendos, Cota\u00e7\u00e3o e Indicadores", "content_text": "BDR Yum Brands - YUMR34 - Resultados, Dividendos, Cota\u00e7\u00e3o e Indicadores", "date_published": "2021-06-24T11:45:29+00:00", "authors": [{"name": "Investidor10"}], "tags": ["Market update", "YUMR34"], "_sharemaestro": {"country": "Brazil", "coverage": "Main company", "market_context": null, "companies": [{"symbol": "YUMR34", "name": "Yum! Brands, Inc.", "sentiment_url": "https://sharemaestro.com/sentiment/20c4a9b5-d862-4c5e-875e-5cde13f9f66c/"}]}}]}