WEN

McDonald’s is a major component of the S&P 500 and Dow Industrials indexes. The company is also a dividend aristocrat, which has been consistently increasing its dividends for 32 consecutive years. From the end of 1998 up until December 2008 this dividend growth stock has delivered a negative annual average total return of 6.70% to its shareholders.

Ackmans latest big reductions in his portfolio.

Trian Partners is going to commence a tender offer to purchase up to 4mm shares at $4.15. They currently own 52mm+ shares now. Odd-lot provision hasnt been stated yet but should specify when filed with the SEC today.

"Everywhere we look we're finding really great bargains," says Whitney Tilson, managing partner of hedge fund T2 Partners and noted value investor.

The Tilson Focus Fund had produced a one-year total return of 29.84% and the Tilson Dividend Fund produced a one-year total return of 22.19%. Tilson shares his very sensible selling criteria in this annual letter.

It look's like Tilson's Focus Fund has added USG, Premier Exhibitions, Dell, M.D.C. Holdings, Canadian Tire Corporation, and Wendy's International. It looks like Lear Corporation and H.J. Heinz Company stock was sold.

An article discussing Wendy's (WEN) sale of its Baja Fresh chain. The company bought the chain for $275 million and sold it for $31 million four years later. The author criticizes the company for failing to mention the original purchase price when it announced the sale.

Special Situations Investing provides a brief analysis of Wendy's (WEN) in light of the news the company will attempt to repurchase 19% of outstanding shares in a modified Dutch auction tender. "Given their shareholder friendly management, strong financial position…and potential for operational improvements the company does seem like a good deal."

Bloggingstocks reports that Wendy's is selling Baja Fresh and focusing on its core franchise. The author points out that many of Wendy's current moves are borrowed from their competitors and it looks like they are picking the best ones.