McDonaldsMCDBUYSep 18, 2014Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Aug 03, 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%.
There is no sense of urgency for the management to right the ship. The earnings have not gone anywhere in years and are manufactured because of share buybacks. If an activist came in and cuts costs and did more franchising there could be a material upside, and then they have to work on the menu.