Loop Capital has maintained its Buy rating on McDonald's Corp (NYSE: MCD) with a steady price target of $342.00.
The firm's latest checks with U.S. franchisees revealed that same-store sales growth for the fast-food giant is surpassing expectations for the third quarter of 2024.
According to the firm, same-store sales have shown a growth of 1.5-2.0% so far in the quarter, which is ahead of the previously estimated flat performance and counters the consensus forecast of a 0.6% decline.
The current quarter-to-date growth translates to a 9.6-10.1% increase on a two-year stacked basis, closely aligning with or slightly improving upon McDonald's reported two-year stacks of 9.6% in the second quarter of 2024.
More notably, the implied three-year stacked growth rates of 15.7-16.2% mark a significant acceleration from the 13.3% three-year stacks reported by McDonald's in the previous quarter.
Loop Capital's positive outlook is based on these encouraging sales trends, which suggest a recovery and growth trajectory for McDonald's U.S. operations.
The firm's price target of $342 is derived from an 18 times multiple of its 2025 enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EV/EBITDA) estimate for the company.
In other recent news, McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) has seen several adjustments in its stock price targets following its second-quarter earnings report. BofA Securities, Loop Capital, BMO Capital Markets, and Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) have all revised their price targets for McDonald's shares, maintaining positive ratings despite the adjustments.
McDonald's reported earnings per share (EPS) of $2.97 for the quarter, falling short of the consensus estimate by $0.10. This was attributed to weaker-than-expected comparable sales across various segments of the business.
McDonald's also reported its first global sales decline in over three years, attributed to China's economic weakness. The economic downturn in China has affected a range of companies worldwide. Companies such as Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX), General Motors (NYSE:GM), and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) have reported the negative impact of China's economic slowdown on their sales.
In response to these challenges, McDonald's is focusing on value, operational improvements, and digital growth.
Analysts from firms such as BofA Securities, Loop Capital, and Wells Fargo have expressed concerns about the economic pressures affecting consumer spending. However, they remain positive about McDonald's resilience and potential for outperformance in a challenging macroeconomic landscape. The company is also planning to introduce additional value programs and has set an ambitious target of 50,000 restaurants by the end of 2027.
InvestingPro Insights
McDonald's Corp's (NYSE:MCD) recent performance in the stock market and its business operations has caught the attention of investors and analysts alike. With a robust Market Cap of $208.95 billion, McDonald's is a heavyweight in the fast-food industry. Its Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio stands at 25.27, reflecting investor confidence in the company's earnings potential. Despite concerns about the stock being in overbought territory according to the Relative Strength Index (RSI), McDonald's has demonstrated a consistent commitment to shareholder returns, having raised its dividend for 48 consecutive years—a testament to its financial stability and investor-friendly approach.
The company's revenue growth over the last twelve months was 6.46%, indicating a healthy expansion in its operations. Additionally, McDonald's operates with a Gross Profit Margin of 56.97%, showcasing its ability to maintain profitability in a competitive market. Investors may also note the company's three-month price total return of 15.43%, suggesting a strong recent performance in the market.
For those seeking further insights, there are 14 additional InvestingPro Tips available, which provide a comprehensive analysis of McDonald's financial health and market position. These tips, available at InvestingPro, offer valuable perspectives for investors considering McDonald's as part of their portfolio.
The insights provided by Loop Capital, combined with the real-time data and InvestingPro Tips, paint a picture of a company that is not only a prominent player in its industry but also one that is managing to navigate the market with strategic finesse. As investors weigh their options, these metrics and insights serve as critical tools for making informed decisions.
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