McDonald's has received permission to begin franchising restaurants in China.
But analysts are split over the wisdom of the move.
Eric Jemetz, of Rockefeller & Co, believes there is potential for profitable and rapid growth.
He says it is probably one of the biggest bull arguments for owning McDonald's stock.
Morningstar's Carl Sibilski, though, believes the business environment may not be solid enough to rely on.
Meanwhile McDonald's is hoping to halt falling sales in Europe by introducing salads and healthier dishes.
The formula has already worked in the States since the share price slumped to $12 in 2002.
Sibilski said business picked up as the company paid "more attention to what customers want as opposed to telling customers what they are going to eat".
The Business 03/10/04 page 7
