May 28, 2025 a 12:38 pm
MCD: Analysts Ratings - McDonald's Corporation
The McDonald's Corporation system, renowned for its extensive global footprint and iconic fast-food menu, stands as a strong contender in the fast-food sector. With its substantial restaurant network and enduring brand loyalty, McDonald's continues to attract robust analyst interest. Analyst ratings suggest a prevailing confidence in its market strategies, though recent trends indicate a slight shift in sentiment.
Historical Stock Grades
- In the most recent data for May 2025, McDonald's has received 6 Strong Buy, 16 Buy, and 15 Hold ratings, with no Sell or Strong Sell ratings.
- This indicates a generally positive sentiment, although there is a notable presence of Hold ratings, suggesting some caution among analysts.
| Rating | Count | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Buy | 6 | |
| Buy | 16 | |
| Hold | 15 | |
| Sell | 0 | |
| Strong Sell | 0 |
Sentiment Development
Over recent months, the overall analyst sentiment for McDonald's has seen some fluctuations. While the number of Strong Buy ratings has decreased slightly from its peak, there has been a steady increase in Hold ratings. This may reflect caution among analysts amidst broader market conditions or company-specific factors.
- The overall number of ratings has remained relatively stable.
- Strong Buy ratings have seen a modest decline, translating to a more balanced sentiment among analysts.
- A noticeable increase in Hold ratings suggests some analysts are tempering expectations for short-term performance.
Percentage Trends
The distribution of analyst recommendations has shifted subtly over recent months. The percentage of Strong Buy ratings has declined from mid-2024 highs, with Hold ratings gaining relative share. This suggests a more tempered outlook among some analysts.
- By May 2025, Strong Buy ratings represent approximately 15.4% of total recommendations, down from 30% in mid-2024.
- Buy ratings make up 41% of the recommendations, whereas Hold ratings account for about 38.5%.
- The trend indicates increased caution with fewer aggressive Buy calls and more conservative outlooks.
Over the last 12 months, the most significant change is the drop of Strong Buy ratings, with a parallel increase in Hold ratings, likely reflecting the broader market sentiment or specific concerns about growth drivers.
Latest Analyst Recommendations
Recent analyst recommendations for McDonald's continue to show a broad consensus around existing ratings. The latest recommendations reflect consistent sentiment without significant downgrades or upgrades, indicative of a stable outlook.
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-05-05 | Outperform | Outperform | BMO Capital |
| 2025-05-02 | Neutral | Neutral | Piper Sandler |
| 2025-05-02 | Buy | Buy | Citigroup |
| 2025-05-02 | Overweight | Overweight | Barclays |
| 2025-05-02 | Neutral | Neutral | Baird |
Analyst Recommendations with Change of Opinion
Analysts have made several changes in their recommendations, with upgrades primarily seen in 2025. Such changes often follow developments in the company's strategic initiatives or financial results, signaling periods of re-evaluation by analysts.
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-10 | Buy | Neutral | Citigroup |
| 2024-10-23 | Neutral | Buy | Guggenheim |
| 2024-10-23 | Neutral | Outperform | Baird |
| 2024-10-08 | Buy | Hold | Argus Research |
| 2024-04-03 | Hold | Buy | Erste Group |
Interpretation
Overall, the analyst sentiment toward McDonald's suggests a steady confidence in its market position, albeit with a slightly cautious tilt. Despite the dominance of Buy ratings, the rise in Hold sentiments may indicate concerns around competitive pressures or growth sustainability. While there are no Sell ratings, increased Holds reflect a prudent approach by analysts. Nonetheless, stable upgrades and aligned consensus imply a balanced outlook without significant risk escalation.
Conclusion
McDonald's maintains a robust standing with analysts, supported by its global presence and strong brand portfolio. Recent months show a balanced sentiment with a slight conservative drift, as seen through the rising Hold recommendations. While the drop in Strong Buy ratings could denote cautious optimism, consistent Buy ratings and absence of Sells reaffirm fundamental confidence. Analysts appear to recognize challenges ahead but maintain faith in McDonald's ability to navigate them effectively. Investors should consider these trends alongside their investment strategies, given the stable yet vigilant analyst outlook.