McDonaldsMCDPAST TOP PICKJul 23, 2013Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 05, 2026. Market Open.
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%.
Was downgraded last Friday and today over fears they won't meet expectations this quarter, including disappointment over MCD's new chicken strips dish, that it won't turn things around. Rather, customer prefer heavily breaded chicken and the find these strips ugly. However, history says it has never paid to downgrade MCD. It's the king, offering good value and is highly well-run. The CEO will figure it out.
(A Top Pick Aug 20/12. Up 13.98%.) Bought this on a dip. This was followed by another dip in the fall and now we have another one. All of those were on slight earning misses. It is still innovative and is about 40% to Europe, which means Europe is now a positive. Still likes.