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In the past, we’ve sometimes remarked to buysiders that it wouldn’t be a bad investment strategy — when choosing between large-cap restaurant stocks McDonald’s and Yum Brands — to simply pick the one with the more attractive (i.e., lower) valuation. In that frame of mind, we published note examining this simple strategy back on January 8, 2023 and on January 7, 2024. With this note, we take an updated look at that approach as a possible simple investment strategy.

In the past, we’ve sometimes remarked to buysiders that it wouldn’t be a bad investment strategy — when choosing between large-cap restaurant stocks McDonald’s and Yum Brands — to simply pick the one with the more attractive (i.e., lower) valuation. In that frame of mind, we published note examining this simple strategy back on January 8, 2023 and on January 7, 2024. With this note, we take an updated look at that approach as a possible simple investment strategy.

Looking back to the end of 2009, and through the end of 12/31/24, the value of $10,000 invested in the Kalinowski top picks would now be worth $108,600 (a CAGR of about +17.2%). The value of $10,000 invested in the S&P 500 over that time would now be worth $76,776 (a CAGR of about +14.6%).

With this report, we update our data-driven Kalinowski Quick-Service Other Index for Q4 to +2.0%. Comparing to Q4 2019 levels — a five-year (pre-pandemic) basis — the Kalinowski Quick-Service Other Index for Q3 2024 is at +19.2%. These numbers are based on our latest proprietary checks/data as regards same-store sales performance for this segment during October, November, and early-to-mid December.

With this report, we update our data-driven Kalinowski Fast-Casual Index for Q4 to +6.3%. Comparing to Q4 2019 levels — a five-year (pre-pandemic) basis — the Kalinowski Fast-Casual Index for Q4 2024 is at +44.7%. This +44.7% figure is the best of any major restaurant sector. Our latest fast-casual numbers are based on our proprietary checks/data as regards same-store sales performance for this segment during October, November, and December.