Red Browne - Buzzberg

Date	Ticker	Direction	Thesis	Source
Feb 12, 2026	MCD	LONG	McDonald's sales grew at the fastest pace in two years following the introduction of value meals and promotions (e.g., Grinch meal). The consumer is not dead, but they are "trading down." McDonald's has successfully repositioned itself as the value leader, winning traffic from higher-priced competitors. LONG Value-Based Fast Food. Rising food costs forcing price hikes that alienate the value consumer.	Bloomberg Markets Old Economy Stocks Surge Again \| Open Interes...
Feb 11, 2026	KHC	AVOID	The company is pausing its separation plan because it is not yet in a "strong position," evidenced by "four straight quarters of double digit declines in earnings" and falling volumes. Additionally, "Berkshire starting to unwind their position earlier this year" signals that the most prominent investor is backing away. The cancellation of the split removes a key bullish structural catalyst. Fundamentally, the admission that they need to "invest in price" indicates future margin compression as they lower costs to stop volume bleed. The combination of deteriorating fundamentals and a major shareholder (Buffett) selling creates a negative feedback loop. The stock faces headwinds from both operational restructuring (lower margins) and capital flows (Buffett selling). It is an "avoid" until the new CEO proves the turnaround is working. If the "investment in price" rapidly restores volume growth without destroying margins, the stock could re-rate.	Bloomberg Markets Why Kraft Heinz Is Halting Plans to Split in ...

Red Browne — Bloomberg Reporter (2 trade ideas)