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McDonaldsMCDBUY ON WEAKNESSNov 19, 2012Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Aug 28, 2026. Market Open.
Restaurant and consumer staples sectors have been under pressure, partly due to "Ozempic effect". Also, low-end consumer feeling pinched by inflation.
Limited success with value meals. That end of the economy is under pressure, unlikely to change in near future. Fuel prices are high, and likely going higher over the winter. It's actually a REIT, and they have a hard time when interest rates rise. Technically, trading below long-term MA.
Half its business is NA, half international. Not a huge amount of growth, perhaps 5-6%. EPS growth of 7-8%. Opens a few new stores a year. More of a landlord, with over 90% franchised. Very high ROIC.
Only 20x PE today, down from historically high 20s. In his world, it's a staple not discretionary :) Yield is 2.65%.
$84.92 is reasonable but you have to look at the overhangs. The highly competitive value menu has to be looked at. This is clearly the market leader. Excess amount of cash flow to put WiFi in their restaurants. He would look for some level of support in the low eighties. You have to be careful of input cost inflations – bread, eggs and beef. They have been good in the past at passing increasing costs through to the consumer. Dividend income is a great way to mitigate risks.