MCD (Post-Call) Robust Q4 Results, But SG&A Will Weigh on 2020

By Mark Kalinowski Published on January 29, 2020 at 12:00 AM

Earlier today, McDonald’s (MCD; Buy) reported Q4 EPS (excluding an $0.11 worth of income tax benefits due to new regulations) of $1.97, below our $2.00 forecast, but one cent above sell-side consensus (according to Consensus Metrix) of $1.96. Closely-watched U.S. same-store sales rose by +5.1% in Q4, nearly matching our +5.0% projection, and coming in 40 basis points above consensus of +4.7%. Fourthquarter same-store sales for International Operated (+6.2% actual vs. our +5.5% estimate and +5.3% consensus) and International Licensed (+6.6% actual vs. our +6.0% estimate and +6.4% consensus) also came in above expectations.

Read More

PZZA (Post-Call) A Welcome Return to Positive Comps December 18th Field Trip

By Mark Kalinowski Published on November 6, 2019 at 12:00 AM

Earlier today, Papa John’s (PZZA; Buy) reported Q3 adjusted EPS of $0.21, short of our $0.23 forecast and sell-side consensus (according to Consensus Metrix) of $0.22. The company’s full-year 2019 adjusted EPS target range stays at $1.00-$1.20. We keep our Q4E EPS projection unchanged at $0.35. Given that Q3 missed our EPS estimate by two cents, this brings down our full-year 2019E EPS forecast by two cents, to $1.15. Please note that as of this writing, sell-side consensus is at $1.13. (Our full-year 2020E and 2021E EPS estimates remain unchanged at $1.55 and $1.75, respectively.)

Read More

DNKN (Post-Call) Not Spooked by a Favorable Q3 Tax Rate

By Mark Kalinowski Published on October 31, 2019 at 12:00 AM

Earlier today, Dunkin’ Brands Group (DNKN; Neutral) reported adjusted Q3 EPS of $0.90, surpassing our $0.81 forecast and sell-side consensus (according to Consensus Metrix) of $0.81. We attribute about $0.06-$0.07 of the EPS beat to a better-than-expected adjusted tax rate (21.9% actual vs. 27.7% forecasted and 27.8% consensus).

Read More