McDonaldsMCDPAST TOP PICKMay 13, 2016Stock 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.
(A Top Pick June 5/15. Up 37.16%.) There was a lot of pessimism priced into this company, and they have had a few things go their way. The main one is Steve Eastbrook who took over the business, and understands that the company needs to have a clear identity, as opposed to just being a generalist. Don’t expect the same upside. Pays a great dividend. Has a low beta.