Consumer advocacy letters are always fun. And, in case those of you felt that McDonald’s was not unique in its cordial response to my letter, here’s a follow up with a letter I wrote to Burger King (BKC). Forgive me, I wrote this letter last summer, but haven’t had a reason to share it on this blog for until today.

To whom it may concern:

I recently returned from a trip to China and had several terrific experiences at Burger King locations there. With the hype of the Olympics still in the air and increased interest by Americans in all things Chinese, I think it’s a great time for your Company to think about bringing one of your best menu items in the world to the US – the Spicy “Ma-La” Whopper.

To be honest, when here in the US, I

...

Above is a 5-year weekly chart for McDonald’s (MCD). As described by David Gordon of The Deipnosophist, MCD seems to have entered a hesitation after a strong, multi-year bull run. Over the last year, however, a symmetrical triangle seems to have formed which is a type of intermediate term base which is expected to end in a breakout or breakdown, though usually symmetrical triangles signal a brief pause before the continuation of the primary trend. But, I’ll leave the discussion of technical analysis for another post. If you’re interested in an extensive analysis of MCD’s chart patterns do follow the above link to David’s post.

While this technical strength as well as McDonald’s 3.7% dividend are tempting to me, I am typically reticent to invest in a stock which has had such

...

MCD: May Sales Sizzle but FX to Take Bite Out of EarningsCurrency headwinds temper growth but MCD shares remain a good value in a dangerous marketMcDonald's Corporation (MCD) continues to report strong worldwide same-store sales but, as expected, foreign currency translation remains a drag on earnings.Much of the foreign exchange [FX] drag -- expected to be $0.20 for 2009 -- was already factored into estimates or offset by anticipated declines in commodity costs in 2H09. In turn, we are trimming our 2009 EPS estimates by just $0.04 to $3.78 and maintaining our Buy rating on what we consider a defensive safe haven in a dangerous market.McDonald's announced today that global same-restaurant sales jumped 5.1% in May, with overseas operations remaining strong and those in the U.S. moderating. Comps in in the U.S. grew 2.8% in May -- respectable given the ...

McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) said “2009 is off to a good start” as the world’s leading foodservice retailer announced that same-store sales in January increased by 7.1%.

Shares of this Zacks #3 Rank company ended Monday’s session with a gain of almost 1%.

Same-store sales in the U.S. gained 5.4%, while Europe and APMEA (Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa) gained 7.1% and 10.2%, respectively.

Meanwhile, systemwide sales for MCD’s worldwide restaurants advanced 2.6%, or 9.1% in constant currencies.

The company said its “Plan to Win” strategy is paying off in every area of the world as customers seek out affordable, yet high quality meal options in this difficult environment.

Earnings estimates for this year and next are $3.84 and $4.20, respectively, accounting for slight gains over the past 30 days. However, analysts currently expect profit to grow more than 9% in 2010 over 2009.

“MCD” Free Stock …

Blockbuster (NYSE: BBI) - Another Nail In The Coffin

Can you hear that, Blockbuster (NYSE: BBI)? It’s the sound of obsolescence.

With the news that LG Electronics will be producing high-definition televisions that will stream movies from Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX), you can add another nail in the coffin for Blockbuster.

At first, Netflix’s threat to Blockbuster seemed laughable. But now, with more consumers cutting back and looking for instant entertainment, low monthly costs and the ease of Netflix are really starting to squeeze Blockbuster.

And that’s not to say that Blockbuster hasn’t given its rivals a hand. There was the misguided and disastrous attempt to merge with financial-albatross Circuit City (OTC: CCTYQ), the botched roll-out of the “no more late fees - just other fees” program and the complete failure to see how a vindictive fee and collection system could alienate its customers.

But the competition isn’t

...

McDonald's Corp.'s (LMT) share price has advanced above a key level of resistance that had been under pressure since early October. Shares of MCD created a short-term bottom on Oct 10, and have since continued to consolidate into a wedge formation, logging higher lows and pressuring the $57 level. As the market strengthened over the last 2 weeks, MCD was on board for the ride. Take a look at the chart below.

Colgate Palmolive Company (CL) is also pressuring a key level, but has yet to advance into higher territory. This stock has been locked into a very tight trading range since dropping lower in early October. Since then, shares have oscillated between $59 and $65. Estimates have ticked marginally higher within the last month, with the current-year estimate advancing by 3 cents to $3.63 per share. Take a look at the chart.

...

Founded in 1955, the Oak Brook, Illinois-based McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) is a leading fast food chain operating 31,439 restaurants in over 118 countries as of March 31, 2008.

Recent Events

The company recently reported that worldwide same-store sales surged 8.5% in August.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, which saw the Dow shed 280 points, but MCD jumped 1.2%.

Menu additions drive sales growth

McDonald s has increased the variety of choices on its menu to cater to changing customer tastes and dietary inclinations. The company has introduced Chicken Selects made from chicken breast in response to the increased consumer proclivity for white meat in recent years. The chain has also successfully introduced a large number of healthier menu items such as salads, granola and yogurt, and apple slices. The premium coffee, now offered in 12,800 restaurants, rollout has been very successful and the company plans this year to introduce a cappuccino bar in many of its stores, priced below

...

In Fast Money’s Web Extra segment “Najarian’s Sweet Trade” which food & beverage purveyor did Pete Najarian praise?

In Wednesday’s Web Extra Pete Najarian reveals why sweet tea makes him sweet on McDonald’s.

I haven’t tried MCD’s sweet tea. However, I like the strong scores it posted for earnings momentum, earnings quality and price momentum. It’s score on return potential, however, is low.