McDonald's (MCD) Tops Q4 EPS by 12c, Offers Outlook
McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) reported Q4 EPS of $2.95, $0.12 better than the analyst estimate of $2.83. Revenue for the quarter came in at $6.41 billion versus the consensus estimate of $6.45 billion.
- Global comparable sales have grown 9% for the year and over 30% since 2019
Fourth quarter financial performance: Global comparable sales increased 3.4%, reflecting positive comparable sales across all segments:
Outlook
- Based on current conditions, the following is provided to assist in forecasting the Company's future results for 2024.
- •The Company expects net restaurant unit expansion will contribute nearly 2% to 2024 Systemwide sales growth, in constant currencies.
- •The Company expects full year 2024 selling, general and administrative expenses of about 2.2% of Systemwide sales.
- •The Company expects 2024 operating margin percent to be in the mid-to-high 40% range.
- •Based on current interest and foreign currency exchange rates, the Company expects interest expense for the full year 2024 to increase between 9% and 11% driven primarily by higher average interest rates and a higher average debt balance.
- •The Company expects the effective income tax rate for the full year 2024 to be in the 20% to 22% range. Some volatility may result in a quarterly tax rate outside of the annual range.
- •The Company expects 2024 capital expenditures to be between $2.5 and $2.7 billion, more than half of which will be directed towards new restaurant unit expansion across the U.S. and International Operated Markets. Globally, the Company expects to open more than 2,100 restaurants. The Company will open about 500 restaurants in the U.S. and International Operated Markets segments, and developmental licensees and affiliates will contribute capital towards more than 1,600 restaurant openings in their respective markets. The Company expects over 1,600 net restaurant additions in 2024.
- •The Company expects to achieve a free cash flow conversion rate in the 90% range.
For earnings history and earnings-related data on McDonald's (MCD) click here.