Billionaire Prem Watsa’s Top 15 Long-Term Stock Picks

14. Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 29  

Fairfax Financial Holdings’ Stake: $3 million  

Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR) is one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant companies, with over $40 billion in annual system-wide sales. The following attributes underline the company’s potential as an investment. The first and most compelling factor that makes this company worth investment is its positive financial growth depicted in the report for the third quarter of 2024. For instance, consolidated comparable sales were 0.3%, and net restaurants grew 3.8% versus the prior year, showing long-term growth and future prospects that may drive future revenue and expand market share. Additionally, Adjusted Operating Income was $652 million, showing an increase of 6.1% organically, versus the prior year, indicating strong operational performance and its ability to improve profitability without relying on external factors. Secondly, the company also plans to buy China’s franchise of its Popeyes brand and invest in Tims China along with private-equity firm Cartesian Capital. Moreover, the company has introduced a five-year growth outlook in 2024, targeting the opening of at least 7,000 new restaurants in international markets, with a focus on expanding the Burger King brand.