Fast-food giants continue to expand in China

Article Excerpt

Even though China’s economic growth as slowed lately, these two fast-food giants continue to expand in that country. We feel these investments will ultimately pay off, which will let them keep raising their dividends. STARBUCKS CORP. $75 is a buy for aggressive investors. The company (Nasdaq symbol SBUX; High-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 1.13 billion; Market cap: $84.8 billion; Dividend yield: 3.0%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.starbucks.com) is a leading seller and roaster of specialty coffee. It has 38,900 outlets in more than 80 countries. Its strong international growth includes China. Starbucks has increased its annual dividend rate each year since it began paying dividends in 2010. It last raised the quarterly payment in November 2023 by 7.5%, to $0.57 a share from $0.53. The annual rate of $2.28 yields 3.0%. Despite China’s slowing economy, Starbucks opened 850 new stores (net of closures) in the 12 months ended March 31, 2024. That has helped it compete with Luckin Coffee, its biggest Chinese competitor. Starbucks…