Topic: How To Invest

What is Pat’s commentary for the week of March 29, 2022

Article Excerpt

McDonald’s was the first Western fast-food chain to enter Russia (then the Soviet Union) in January 1990. However, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, McDonald’s recently announced that it is temporarily closing its outlets in both countries: 847 in Russia (84% of which are owned by the company) and 108 in Ukraine (100% company owned). In 2021, those stores accounted for about 9% of the company’s total revenue and less than 3% of its gross earnings. Despite those closures, McDonald’s will continue to pay all its 62,000 Russian employees. It will also keep paying leases for its locations as well as other expenses. The company expects the closures will cost it $50 million a month. While it’s not a positive development, the company can afford the related costs. It also could stop those support payments, particularly if the Russian government acts on its threat to nationalize restaurants. I asked our Successful Investor research department to draw up this Inner Circle Spotlight report on…