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McDonaldsMCDTOP PICKJan 19, 2016Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Aug 28, 2026. Market Open.
Restaurant and consumer staples sectors have been under pressure, partly due to "Ozempic effect". Also, low-end consumer feeling pinched by inflation.
Limited success with value meals. That end of the economy is under pressure, unlikely to change in near future. Fuel prices are high, and likely going higher over the winter. It's actually a REIT, and they have a hard time when interest rates rise. Technically, trading below long-term MA.
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%.
A global consumer name. A giant ship that is slowly getting turned around and going in the right direction. Recently reported same-store sales up 4% in the last quarter, the strongest quarter since 2012. Once that starts to happen, it generally goes on for many quarters. They are trying lots of creative things in their stores. The breakfast is doing very well, and they can roll that out internationally. Culturally it is becoming much more flexible. Food inflation is a big benefit to them. Increased minimum wage in 20 states is good for their customer base. Dividend has grown about 9% a year over the last 5 years. Bought back 5% of their stock last year and are highly unlikely to be hurt by weakness in China and emerging markets. Dividend yield of 3%.