McDonaldsMCDCOMMENTNov 01, 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.
Very intriguing about 1.5 years ago when the stock was $90 a share. It has had a great rally. Have done a lot of cost cutting, brought in a healthier product line, and brought in the All-Day breakfast. That is now priced into the stock, and now we are back into just same-store sales. The stock is fairly valued right now. It is a dividend grower which he likes. He would like to see a little more visibility on what is ahead on new menu options, etc. He owns a small amount.