McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) is No. 1 on the worst-tasting burgers list, according to a new Consumer Reports ranking. But for a company whose stock is at an all-time high – with new deals and menu items that keep customers coming back – is that even a problem?

The poll of 28,000 online subscribers to the independent consumer advocacy magazine asked respondents to rate the burgers they had eaten on their last visit. Five Guys Burgers and Fries came in first, followed by In-N-Out Burger. Fuddruckers, Burgerville and Back Yard Burgers were also high on the list. Asked to rate the burgers on a scale of 1 to 10, McDonald’s came in No. 18 of 18 fast-food restaurants, with a ranking of 5.6.

But clearly, some people must think the burgers are good. A McDonald’s spokesperson said its selling more burgers than ever before, and that all of the company’s burgers – the cheeseburger to the Quarter Pounder – have retained their popularity.
And despite its low marks, McDonald’s is retaining its strong earnings, with rock-bottom prices aimed at consumers in an economic crunch. MCD is at a 52-week high – make that at its peak in the company’s entire history. In 2002 its shares were priced at $13 – now at $75.80. MCD is up +35.02% over just the last year. And it’s up +21.39% compared to the -0.8% for the Dow and -2% for the S&P 500.

While maybe not enjoying the burgers, investors are clearing enjoying MCD’s results. Diluted earnings per share were $1.13, up +15% in its second-quarter earnings report. And global sales were up +4.8%across the board. U.S. sales notched up +3.7%, Europe jumped + 5.2% and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa leapt +4.6%. The company returned $1.6 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. (MCD pays a dividend of $2.20, which is a yield of more than 3%.)
With more than 14,000 restaurants from coast to coast, the company is also giving consumers what they want in a poor economy – with big returns. With + 25% of sales from its ever-expanding breakfast menu, huge returns on its Starbucks-rivaling McCafe, and a Dollar-Menu that is seeing even more success during a recession, it’s no wonder the company is soaring.

So while it can’t boast having the best burgers, as long as consumers keep ordering other items on MCD menus, the returns will keep rolling in. But you may want to get the chicken sandwich next time.

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