April 12, 2025 a 08:31 am
MCD: Analysts Ratings - McDonald's Corporation
Based on the recent analyst ratings, McDonald's Corporation (MCD) shows consistent investor confidence, predominantly positioned in the "Buy" and "Strong Buy" categories. The absence of "Sell" and "Strong Sell" ratings further underscores a positive sentiment around the stock. Such a stable perception suggests McDonald's current business strategy and market positioning are well-received by analysts.
Historical Stock Grades
| Rating Category | Number of Recommendations | Score Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Buy | 7 | |
| Buy | 17 | |
| Hold | 14 | |
| Sell | 0 | |
| Strong Sell | 0 |
Sentiment Development
Over recent months, the number of analyst ratings for McDonald's has remained fairly constant. The balance between "Strong Buy," "Buy," and "Hold" ratings suggests a robust and stable sentiment towards the stock. Notably, the consistent "Hold" ratings indicate a cautious optimism, with analysts possibly waiting for further positive business performance indicators.
- The total number of ratings remains steady, indicative of analysts' maintained interest in the stock.
- A notable trend is the slight stabilization in "Strong Buy" ratings, suggesting some analysts are moderating their positional strength.
- No increase in "Sell" or "Strong Sell" ratings signifies continued confidence in McDonald's market position.
Percentage Trends
The distribution of ratings reveals a shift in analyst sentiment. While "Strong Buy" ratings have slightly decreased, "Hold" ratings have seen a moderate increase, indicating increased caution. This trend might suggest analysts are waiting for new developments to reassess their positions.
- Percentage of "Strong Buy" ratings decreased from 20% to 17% over the last 6 months.
- "Hold" ratings increased from 36% to 41%, suggesting cautious optimism.
- Despite adjustments, the absence of "Sell" suggests stable long-term confidence.
- This reflects a repositioning towards moderate expectations for McDonald's near-term performance.
Latest Analyst Recommendations
The latest analyst recommendations indicate a consistency in sentiment, with most ratings being maintained. This stability points to a clear consensus on McDonald's current market standing, with firms like Citigroup and Baird consistently holding their positions.
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-04-07 | Neutral | Neutral | Baird |
| 2025-04-03 | Buy | Buy | Citigroup |
| 2025-03-17 | Overweight | Overweight | Morgan Stanley |
| 2025-02-11 | Neutral | Neutral | Baird |
| 2025-02-11 | Overweight | Overweight | JP Morgan |
Analyst Recommendations with Change of Opinion
Recent changes in analyst recommendations show some variability, with both upgrades and downgrades recorded. Such activity highlights McDonald's responsiveness to market influences, attracting varying perceptions about its growth prospects.
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-10 | Buy | Neutral | Citigroup |
| 2024-10-23 | Neutral | Outperform | Baird |
| 2024-10-23 | Neutral | Buy | Guggenheim |
| 2024-10-08 | Buy | Hold | Argus Research |
| 2024-04-03 | Hold | Buy | Erste Group |
Interpretation
The analyst sentiment towards McDonald's Corporation remains predominantly positive, characterized by a majority of "Buy" ratings supplemented by "Strong Buy" recommendations. The absence of "Sell" signals reinforces the confidence in the company's strategic direction and operational resilience. Nonetheless, an increase in "Hold" positions suggests a measured sentiment, reflective of broader market circumstances or company-specific strategic adjustments. In this context, the analyst sentiment seems stable, albeit with an underlying caution due to potential market or industry dynamism. Overall, analyst opinions depict confidence in McDonald’s sustained strategic posture, though mindful of broader economic conditions.
Conclusion
In summarizing the recent analyst activity surrounding McDonald's Corporation, the prevailing sentiment remains positive, yet with hints of cautious optimism. Analysts’ recommendations predominantly occupy the "Buy" and "Strong Buy" categories, suggesting confidence in McDonald’s continued market success. The slight uptick in "Hold" ratings reflects a prudent approach amid external market influences. No prevailing "Sell" sentiment captures ongoing belief in McDonald’s strategic execution and brand value. However, with external variables like economic conditions and competitive pressures in flux, analysts are poised for cautious optimism, balancing long-term potential against short-term uncertainties.