McDonald’s: Value Meets Sales Growth (MCD)

>McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is trading lower this morning after its global same-store sales rose by +3.9% in February.  Europe led the growth with a gain of +5.1%; Asia-Pacific, Middle-East and Africa rose by +4.0%; and U.S. was up by +2.7%.

What is interesting is that this represents gains in all regions.  The 3.9% total compares to Bloomberg consensus of 3.8%, but the drag in the U.S.-region was smaller than expected.  A continued concern is a push-back against cheap high-calorie foods here in the U.S. that is culminating with slower growth.  It has been changing its menu to at least have some healthier options, but the growth has been so robust for so long that some concerns are merited.

Another interesting aspect at McDonald’s is that analysts are still looking for all-time highs.  The consensus price target from Thomson Reuters is currently $85.11.  What McDonald’s also has going for it over peers is a 3.2% dividend yield.

With shares down about 0.6% at $75.85 in pre-market trading, the 52-week trading range is $64.23 to $80.94.

JON C. OGG