Is the McDonald's Slump Ending?

McDonald's (MCD - option chain) shares are rising today after the company announced this morning that its January same-store sales rose 5.3% worldwide, while US same-store sales rose 3.1%. Analysts were expecting sales to rise 4.5%. MCD cited January snowstorms for the disappointing US performance, but super strong performance in Europe, up 7%, is offsetting the weaker US. This stock has been in a bit of a downward slide over the past month or so, but today's data and the stock's reaction could signal a change in fortunes. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on MCD. MCD opened this morning at $74.37. So far today the stock has hit a low of $74.20 and a high of $75.97. As of 12:00, MCD is trading at $75.70 up $2.25 (3.0%). The chart for MCD looks neutral and S&P gives MCD a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold ranking. Continue reading the article.