NYSE:MCD

McDonalds (MCD)

265.23
-5.41 (2.00%)
as of Aug 3, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
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Investor Insights
star iconAug 3, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 14 opinions in the last 12 months.

McDonald's (MCD) is currently experiencing headwinds due to inflation and changing consumer habits, making investment opinions mixed. While some experts note the company's strong fundamentals, including steady cash flow and international growth, concerns about its price-to-earnings ratio (around 20-21x) persist, particularly as US consumers grapple with economic challenges. A significant portion of its customer base is feeling the strain of a K-shaped economy, which could impact sales. Moreover, the increase in beef prices poses a challenge, although there's optimism surrounding potential price relief in the coming months. Despite these challenges, many analysts see McDonald's as a defensive investment with considerable brand strength and growth potential in the long run.

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Consensus
Mixed
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Valuation
Fair Value
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QSR
SELL
The business model isn't what it was 6 months ago. Does the stock price reflect the fundamentals of July 2020? Business is heavily challenged by government regulations for Covid.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 30/19, Down 1%) They sold in late-April when it was trading at mid-2019 market multiples. It did not seem to warrant that value during the pandemic, so they decided to exit.
TOP PICK
This is one of the ones he deployed cash into recently. It will be a survivor in the restaurant and fast-food industries. They were generating good sales through COVID. As incomes were being hurt, people could still afford to go to McDonalds. For a lot of independents, they could be out of business if they aren’t already. (Analysts’ price target is $202.60)
BUY
The share price has come back nicely. Delivery sales are way up and drive-thru's, too. MCD will endure and succeed, but expect an earnings dip.
COMMENT

MCD vs. Starbucks Can they increase locations and sales per location? MCD is saturated, so they are trying to increase the latter. Starbucks is doing both. MCD makes money from franchise fees. They're equal, leaders in their field. He can't choose one over the other.

HOLD
In the quick-serve restaurant space they have done well with drive thru business still doing well. More traffic will return, but they will need to make changes in seating first. A high quality name.
HOLD
Good company. Reaping benefits of a great turnaround. Will continue to do well as long as they can keep costs down. Stick with it. (Analysts’ price target is $230.00)
BUY ON WEAKNESS
An excellent business. He's owned this since 2003, but sold last summer when the yield curve steepened and the CEO turned over. Now looks like a buying opportunity. Inevitably, he comes back to MCD. MCD owns their real estate, so they have the best locations. MCD outperforms when investors look for defensive stocks, but it underperforms when the market takes on more risk (like now). They've added beverages very well in Canada, namely coffee.
TOP PICK
They continue to innovate with technology. They reported today good same-store sales. Like a REIT, it's a predictable money machine. (Analysts’ price target is $226.54)
DON'T BUY
He wouldn't buy McDonalds unless it dropped down to $90, which is substantially lower than were it's trading. It's only a good buy for the long term if you can buy it at the fair market value.
TOP PICK
Missed on earnings in October. He doesn't own it quite yet. It's a good stock that still owns the sector and brings in customers. A defensive stock. If it goes below $191, he would get out. He's looking to buy this in the next couple weeks. (Analysts’ price target is $222.63)
DON'T BUY
In their October report, earnings missed by 10 cents/share. In North America, MCD is cannabilizing their menu; with all-day breakfast, then what about lunch and dinner? He doesn't like food retailers in general. Decent dividend growth, but flagging sales are a red flag. Meanwhile, peers are building new stores internationally.
COMMENT

They own Yum! Brands in this space rather than McDonalds. One of the issues is that traffic into stores has been slowing in US locations. Arguably, growth with come in other emerging markets.

HOLD
Relatively defensive position, and the market's rotating more towards cyclicals. A great company. Likes it very much. It will have its time in the sun and its time in the shade. Growing earnings and cashflow very smartly. Be patient and let it work over a long time.
TOP PICK
38,000 restaurants across the world with 40 years of dividend growth. Over the last 5 years, it’s grown 9% compounded. It has a good growth rate. It’s come down around 10% for no reason and it is a leader in quick service. Has a good growth potential.
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