McDonaldsMCDHOLDAug 10, 2017Stock 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.
There was a lot of negativity around it two years ago and since then management have done a magnificent job and it has come back. All day breakfast has spurred traffic. They are tacking on mobile apps and home delivery. They brought back the $1 any drink size. It is a bit of a safety stock. Investors hide in stocks like this. You are still going to buy your Big Mac for lunch whether the markets are up or down. He is neutral on it at these prices.