Topic: How To Invest

Wall Street Stock Forecaster Hotline – Friday, December 8, 2023

Article Excerpt

MCDONALD’S CORP., $285.52, New York symbol MCD, is your #1 Conservative Buy for 2023. The company is the world’s largest fast-food chain with over 40,000 restaurants in 119 countries. It serves a wide variety of food but is best known for its hamburgers and french fries. McDonald’s shares have gained over 50% in the past five years. That’s mainly due to its successful “3D” strategy: Digital involves expanding its online ordering systems and loyalty programs, from 150 million members currently to 250 million by 2027; Delivery focuses on expanding McDonald’s home delivery service; and Drive-Thru involves installing more drive-thru lanes at its existing locations. The company recently added a fourth D—Development. It now plans to expand the chain to 50,000 restaurants by the end of 2027. McDonald’s expects these initiatives will spur its systemwide sales by 2.5% annually, up from its earlier goal of 2% annual growth. The higher sales should also lift its projected earnings by about 6%, from $11.80 a share in 2023…