Stockchase Opinions

Colin StewartMcDonaldsMCDDON'T BUYFeb 17, 2015

Long on McDonald’s (MCD-N) and Short on Restaurant Brands (QSR-T). Good strategy? He could see intuitively how it could do well, but he would advise against it. This company has a lot of headwinds. It is not seen as a health conscious menu and a place where people go to eat healthy. Restaurant Brands have Tim Hortons which has a lot of growth potential and a lot of potential for cost-cutting.

$94.35

Stock price when the opinion was issued

$277.66

As of Jun 05, 2026. Market Open.

food services
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TOP PICK

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%.

(Analysts’ price target is $330.15)
BUY ON WEAKNESS

The chart is breaking down. Trades at only 21x PE, but their last quarter was only okay. Pays a 2.75 dividend. Would buy at 3%.

DON'T BUY

Has been a stalwart name, except now. Is waiting to hear how they will use AI and robots in the future. When inflation is high, people spend less on fast food. The chart trend is broken. If it recovers, he'd be all over this.

HOLD

Recent weakness could be explained by excitement of owning momentum stocks, which ripped in April. As well, NA consumer is wrestling with higher prices.

Very consistent company, terrific brand. He prefers QSR at its cheaper multiple and faster growth, or DPZ.

BUY

 She owns MCD instead, because MCD owns the real estate of their branches, so they collect rent. Because they are global, MCD enjoys economies of scale. It's defensive. 

BUY

It reports today. A steady eddy. It benefits from the market move into value stocks. Strong cash and dividend levels.

COMMENT

 It reports on Wednesday. Trump cutting Brazilian tariffs could ease beef prices and help MCD.

BUY

Cattle prices have peak in a generational high, so prices will decline, making MCD a buy.

BUY

Run by a good CEO. He sees upside.

BUY

It reports Wednesday. The stock is out of synch from the company which is offering new, limited food items.

WATCH

Ability to source domestically is quite high, so impact of tariffs would be neutral. Extremely well run. Very good at pivoting to whatever the customer wants. Keeps a close eye on it. Likes the business; valuation a bit high for pedestrian, yet predictable, growth.

BUY

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.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

He always says buy on dips. A machine, well-run by fine managers.

DON'T BUY

Well managed. Super-competitive environment. Noted consumer weakness in US and globally. Great job adapting to changing environment over the last 30 years. Growth only about 5-7%. More expensive US mortgages have reduced disposable income.

WATCH

They report Thursday. Restaurants have struggled because of high prices, but MCD rolled out some cheaper offerings and customers responded, he hopes.