Latest news with #AltonStump
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Top Analyst Downgrade McDonald to 'Hold' After McCrispy Backlash
June 6 - McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) introduced its first permanent menu item in over four years with the McCrispy Strips, according to a Friday press release. Early reactions from food critics described the new chicken strips as bland, soggy, and overpriced, likening them to high school chicken strips rather than the crispy tenders offered by rivals such as Chick-fil-A and Popeye's. Meanwhile, some observers noted that McCrispy Strips scored better on value compared to competing offerings, though the appearance and portion size drew criticism. On Wall Street, Loop Capital cut McDonald's stock to Hold from Buy, citing worries that domestic comparable sales may not recover as anticipated. Analyst Alton Stump said franchisees have shared that the strips' lighter breading delivers a purer chicken taste but results in a less appealing and smaller product than those of top competitors. Loop Capital maintained its 2025 earnings estimates but lowered its price target on McDonald's to $315 from $346, equating to about 18 times its projected EV/EBITDA for the year. Traders are watching customer feedback on McCrispy Strips for signs of potential earnings pressure. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chipotle Gains as Analyst Calls It a 'Buying Opportunity' With Price Target Boost
Chipotle (NYSE:CMG) climbed more than 2% on Friday after Loop Capital's Alton Stump upgraded the stock from Neutral to Buy, calling it an "attractive buying opportunity." Stump also raised his price target from $58 to $65, citing eight straight quarters of solid sales growth. He believes Chipotle could beat earnings estimates by 10 cents per share, thanks to its strong financial position. Another big factor? Menu innovation. Chipotle's limited-time offerings have been a hit, and Stump expects its new honey chicken to boost sales this month. Chipotle has kept its momentum going with smart menu updates and steady consumer demand, which has analysts feeling optimistic. As the company expands its digital presence and opens more locations, investors are watching closely to see if this growth streak continues. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
