Loop Capital has maintained its Buy rating and $342.00 price target on McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) shares as the firm's latest checks with U.S. franchisees reveal that same-store sales are surpassing expectations for the third quarter of 2024.
According to the firm's analysis, sales growth has rebounded to 1.5-2.0% thus far in the quarter, outperforming both their initial projection of flat growth and the consensus estimate 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, which is consistent with or slightly higher than the 9.6% two-year stacks reported by McDonald's for the second quarter of 2024. Moreover, the implied three-year stacked growth rates of 15.7-16.2% mark a significant uptick from the 13.3% three-year stacks McDonald's posted in the previous quarter.
Loop Capital's positive stance on McDonald's is underpinned by the fast-food giant's performance metrics and the firm's expectation for continued growth. The price target of $342 is based on an 18 times multiple of the firm's 2025 enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EV/EBITDA) estimate. This valuation reflects the firm's confidence in McDonald's future financial prospects.
In other recent news, McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) has experienced several adjustments in its stock price targets following its second-quarter earnings report.
The fast-food giant 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, including a slight decline in U.S. sales and the company's first global sales decline in over three years, attributed to China's economic weakness.
Loop Capital maintained its Buy rating on McDonald's, despite reducing the price target to $342 from the previous $357. The firm's latest checks with U.S. franchisees revealed that same-store sales growth for McDonald's is surpassing expectations for the third quarter of 2024, showing a growth of 1.5-2.0% so far in the quarter. The firm's positive outlook is based on these encouraging sales trends, which suggest a recovery and growth trajectory for McDonald's U.S. operations.
BofA Securities, on the other hand, reduced the fast-food giant's price target from $288.00 to $278.00 but maintained a Neutral rating on the stock. The firm pointed out that while McDonald's $5 Value Meal is performing well, broader demand pressures are overshadowing these gains. BMO Capital Markets also adjusted its outlook on McDonald's, reducing the price target to $315 from the previous $330, while retaining an Outperform rating on the stock.
InvestingPro Insights
As McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) continues to surpass expectations with its same-store sales growth, it's worth noting that the company has maintained a consistent track record of dividend payments, having raised its dividend for 49 consecutive years, a testament to its financial resilience. With a market capitalization of $208.95 billion and a P/E ratio of 25.27, McDonald's is trading at a premium relative to its near-term earnings growth. Moreover, the company's revenue growth over the last twelve months stands at 6.46%, reflecting a steady increase in its financial performance.
InvestingPro Tips suggest that while analysts have revised their earnings downwards for the upcoming period, McDonald's still stands as a prominent player in the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. The stock generally trades with low price volatility, indicating a potential preference for investors seeking stability. For those interested in further analysis and metrics, InvestingPro offers additional tips on McDonald's, providing a comprehensive outlook on the company's financial health and stock performance.
According to InvestingPro, there are 13 additional tips available for McDonald's, which can offer investors deeper insights into the company's valuation and market position. As investors consider Loop Capital's optimistic outlook and $342 price target for McDonald's shares, these InvestingPro Tips and data metrics could serve as valuable tools for making informed investment decisions.
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