McDonaldsMCDCOMMENTJul 25, 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.
Just had an earnings miss. From a practical point of view, this has been a wonderful franchise, especially in the English section part of the world. Thinks they struggle to get the growth internationally. Longer-term, he feels this is a challenged franchise but it will continue to grow and continue to do well. Not in the right sweet spot to be a big grower and is challenged to grow in Asia. Yum Brands (YUM-N) would be a better alternative.