The fast-food restaurant chain McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) gained popularity among investment managers during the first quarter, with 89 investment firms holding positions in McDonald’s as compared to 75 at the end of 2014. The overall value of their investments was also up by 32.6% to $6.83 billion. McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is working on a turnaround plan that will focus on strategic changes to its menu and adding more options for a higher price tag. For instance, the McChicken sandwich with tomato and leaf lettuce is a new option, which is likely to cost $1.50 against the earlier sandwiches which were sold in the $1.20 to $1.39 range. The company is planning some new drinks for the summer season as well. Additionally, customers should expect a smaller menu available through McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD)’s drive-thrus, with expectations that a smaller menu will help the company boost its operational efficiency. The fast-food restaurant chain has attracted investments from the likes of Mason Hawkins‘ Southeastern Asset Management and Highfields Capital Management.
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Time Warner Cable Inc (NYSE:TWC) is another popular consumer services stock among the investment firms that we track. With 83 investors holding an aggregate investment of $10.18 billion, Time Warner Cable has seen a slight increase in popularity from the 82 investors holding $9.08 billion of the company’s stock at the end of 2014. The shares of Time Warner Cable Inc (NYSE:TWC) traded 7.23% higher for the day on Tuesday at $183.60, after its acquisition by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) was announced. Charter Communications will attempt to acquire Time Warner Cable Inc for $56 billion, with its offer including $195.71 in cash and stock against every share of Time Warner Cable Inc (NYSE:TWC). If the Federal Communications Commission approves this deal, the combined company would control 20% of the U.S broadband market. Childrens Investment Fund and John Paulson‘s Paulson & Co are among some of the major stockholders of Time Warner Cable Inc.
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