McDonaldsMCDTOP PICKSep 17, 2015Stock 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.
They struggled the last few years since users have gone to more fresh and healthy food. You are betting on their ability to make the transition. This is the not the first time they have turned the business around. The new CEO is rolling out new innovation. You can buy this and live with it in bad times. Good dividend, good valuation and they are executing a turnaround.