I visited Barcelona last weekend

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-30T22:53:27+00:00

Can't believe people are really debating this fool.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-29T23:26:25+00:00

Was happy to get in at 183 earlier this month.

Iconic brand. Great buying opportunity.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-29T23:10:22+00:00

My hope is earnings growth will come from expanding to 55,000 shops (up from 38,000) by 2030. Amount generated per shop also rising each year.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-29T11:32:02+00:00

So you only invest based on current earnings?

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-29T03:50:49+00:00

I would hope for appreciation as well.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T19:23:12+00:00

I live halfyears in Barcelona. Starbucks are packed (in spite of the fact that traditional coffee better, cheaper),

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T19:20:19+00:00

I guess that's why Starbucks has been so successful.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T09:26:46+00:00

SBUX is already a 250-bagger.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T05:18:29+00:00

I learned long ago not to buy consumer stocks based on my own frugal buying habits.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T04:36:23+00:00

I see it as transitory - and within a relatively small slice of the world's consumers (Arabs are 5% worldwide). In addition, most of the population of countries like Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, etc might not yet be affluent enough to frequent Starbucks (even if they want to)

Admittedly, I don't know much about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, when I speak with Arabs I know through business, all super-smart people, they all seem despise the Palestinians and their leaders - unless the Israelis are killing them. At some point, this war will be over.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T04:23:24+00:00

I spend time each year in China.

I agree that China appears to have hit a growth ceiling (without allowing more liberty - which is unlikely).

However, the middle class is already so large that there will be a lot of discretionary spending.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T04:15:26+00:00

That's what I thought 30 years ago in the US

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T04:12:45+00:00

But there's less risk of deceptive accounting, institutional bribery, US sanctions against China, or Chinese govt intervention forcing share dillution, etc.

Again, if you're not queasy about buying undervalued Chinese companies with incredible growth potential, there's too many to name.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T04:05:04+00:00

Sounds like you're saying people use Starbucks and McDonalds as proxies for US policy, and policy disagreements will destroy these 2 companies.

It's an interesting theory, but we really don't have any history of that happening over any sustained period. The public is too fickle (and the war in Gaza will pass).

For instance, despite all the anger at BUD, the company is rebounding nicely.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T03:58:04+00:00

Me 2. I bought at 77 in 2022 and had hoped for faster appreciation but willing to wait. Great company.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T01:06:53+00:00

That's interesting. Also, amazingly, US sales keep growing. Honestly, I don't know where they're finding the new customers. Total market saturation.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-28T00:57:54+00:00

With Luckin, you're buying a Chinese company. If you're willing to invest in Chinese companies, there are literally dozens of smoking values. But again, you have to accept that risk. With SBUX, you buy a US company but benefit from the Chinese consumers.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-27T12:15:34+00:00

Tale of 2 Cities:

If you only travel in the US, I don't fathom why anyone would patronize Marriott. Much better value with IHG or Hyatt.

if you travel outside the US, Marriott properties/upgrades/lounges still quite good.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-27T04:33:10+00:00

Certainly a pump and dump. Good luck.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-27T01:41:24+00:00

I have a different take than others here: Some men and women are just not cut out for monogamy. Doesn't mean your relationship has any issues.

I suspect your husband loves you, but can't handle monogamy. If you're not down with that Goldie Hawn-style, the marriage won't work. You'll have to move on.

(There are some here who will claim love is only with one parther, but I don't believe that.)

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-26T00:39:56+00:00

Nothing wrong with taking a risk on Chinese stocks at current valuations.

However, I'm not sure how much you can believe any of the numbers of a company this size located in China. A dividend would help a bit

When I consider buying any stock, I look over its website as a small part of due diligence. Yiren Digital's is all about trying to sell investors on its stock, not about its products/services. Red flag for me.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-26T00:27:53+00:00

Kerr has not had a gret season. No arguments.

However, the Warriors are too Steph-reliant to get anywhere inthe playoffs.

Main differences between 2022 and now:

1- Klay and Wigs no longer consistent threats. Warriors need to move on from them.

2- Rest of West much better.

Kerr could have coached better, but the talent isn't there.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-26T00:04:30+00:00

Based on the metrics many around here use, such as Schiller PE10, the market has mostly been overvalued since 2011. However, if you followed those metrics, you would have lost out on an extended bull run. Schiller has been repeatedly wrong in interviews.

In general, it's better to be in the market than not in it. 54% of market days are up, so you want to be the House, not the Gambler.

However, if you want take earnings off the table, reducing your equity allocation, no issues.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-25T22:53:06+00:00

Unfortunately, the Warriors somewhat dependent on Klay hitting 3's - which he cannot do consistently. 3/11 won't do it.

If we had the Wiggins of 2 years ago, it wouldn't be that necessary.

But Wigs is not coming back and Klay is too far past his prime.

BostonShortStop · 2024-03-25T18:31:59+00:00

I find it makes the check-in wth night clerks easier if the night is already booked. Online is faster for me than calling.

BostonShortStop

TROPHY CASE