Loading...
Loading...
McDonald's
MCD, the biggest fast food chain in the world, was
downgraded to Hold on Wednesday by Goldman Sachs.
It is a surprising turn of events, as McDonald's has received hefty praise in recent weeks.
That big downgrade, along with a price target reduction to $92 from $100 suggests a 5% upside to the closing price.
Goldman Sachs said that McDonald's shares have underperformed the market year-to-date, and that it sees better opportunities elsewhere in the restaurants sector. Goldman named Starbucks
SBUX and Chipotle Mexican Grill
as better alternatives.
The investment bank went on to say that McDonald's recent same store sales numbers prompted the decision. Goldman Sachs elaborated by saying that, among other things, McDonald's shares are trading at a relative premium to the S&P 500 - even after the recent sell-off and despite lowered forward growth prospects.
Perhaps the most surprising statement is that McDonald's is not currently outgrowing its key competitors. "One of the primary tenets of our previously bullish stance on MCD shares was an expectation of continued US market share gains from ongoing remodels and a share of voice advantage. However, this no longer appears to be the case. MCD's SSS in the current quarter have decelerated back to the 2%-3% range."
Meanwhile, Burger King, Wendy's
WEN, and Yum! Brands'
YUM Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell have all seen accelerated rates of growth.
Despite the downgrade, McDonald's traded up about 1% on Wednesday.
Follow me @BCallwood.Loading...
Loading...
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
date | ticker | name | Price Target | Upside/Downside | Recommendation | Firm |
---|
Posted In: Analyst ColorLong IdeasNewsShort IdeasDowngradesRetail SalesRestaurantsGlobalAnalyst RatingsMoversTrading IdeasGeneralGoldman Sachs
Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing
Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.
Join Now: Free!
Already a member?Sign in