Minimum Wage Battle Heats Up: What Does It Mean for Investors?

By Alison Southwick and Jason Moser – Dec 5, 2013 at 6:21PM

NYSE: MCD

McDonald's

Market Cap

$199B

Today's Change

(-0.42%) -$1.15

Current Price

$275.60

Price as of April 25, 2024, 4:00 p.m. ET

Fast-food workers across the nation are sounding off, calling for a higher minimum wage. The pros and cons could be many for both sides... but what does it mean for investors?

On Thursday's edition of Investor Beat, host Alison Southwick and Motley Fool One analyst Jason Moser dissect the hardest-hitting investing stories of the day.

In cities across the country, fast-food employees are protesting for a $15 minimum wage. McDonalds (MCD -0.42%), Burger King (BKW.DL), and Yum Brands (YUM -0.18%) are bearing the brunt of their anger. Industry opponents to the proposed wage increase argue that a hike would mean increased automation, fewer jobs, and higher costs for consumers; but how would it impact investors? In our lead story on Investor Beat, Jason discusses the likelihood of a minimum wage increase, and which restaurants are in the best shape to withstand a wage hike.

Alison Southwick has no position in any stocks mentioned. Jason Moser owns shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill and Starbucks. The Motley Fool recommends Burger King Worldwide, Chipotle Mexican Grill, McDonald's, Panera Bread, and Starbucks. The Motley Fool owns shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, McDonald's, Panera Bread, and Starbucks. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.