McDonald's Corporation Stock Performance
McDonald's Corporation shares closed at $263.04, reflecting a daily decline of 2.26% per SID market data. Over the trailing one-month period, MCD has gained $14.55, though the stock remains down $12.66 over the past twelve months, indicating sustained longer-term pressure. The stock currently trades well above its 50-day moving average of $248.17 but significantly below its 200-day moving average of $284.25, according to SID market data. The 14-day relative strength index stands at 85.5, placing MCD firmly in overbought territory following its recent short-term rally. McDonald's maintains a beta of 0.521, reflecting substantially lower volatility than the broader market, consistent with its defensive consumer positioning. Average daily trading volume registers at approximately 3.13 million shares. The company's market capitalization stands at approximately $221.3 billion, positioning it among the largest companies in the Consumer Cyclical sector.
McDonald's Corporation Valuation Analysis
McDonald's Corporation currently trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.37, according to SID market data, reflecting a premium valuation relative to broader market averages. The PEG ratio stands at 8.83, suggesting that the current earnings multiple is elevated relative to the company's projected growth rate, per SID market data. McDonald's carries a negative price-to-book ratio of -80.18, which results from the company's negative shareholders' equity driven by extensive share repurchase programs and debt-financed capital returns, as documented in SEC filings. The company offers a dividend yield of approximately 2.31%, providing income to shareholders amid the stock's underperformance over the trailing year. Classified within the Consumer Cyclical sector, McDonald's valuation metrics reflect its franchise-heavy business model, which generates significant cash flows but has resulted in a balance sheet where accumulated buybacks have pushed book value into negative territory.
Smart Money Activity for MCD
McDonald's Corporation registers a smart money score of 55 out of 100, generating a neutral overall signal according to SID market data. The institutional component scores a perfect 25 out of 25, indicating robust accumulation and sustained confidence among large asset managers per 13F institutional filings. The insider trading component scores 13.6 out of 25, with SEC Form 4 filings revealing 8 insider transactions over the past 90 days, comprising 5 purchases and 3 sales. The net buying bias among insiders suggests a modestly constructive outlook from corporate leadership. Dark pool activity scores 12.0 out of 25, reflecting moderate levels of off-exchange institutional trading. Congressional trading activity registers at 4.8 out of 25, indicating minimal recent legislative interest in the stock. The divergence between the maximum institutional score and more muted readings across other categories produces the composite neutral signal, with institutional holders demonstrating the strongest conviction among tracked smart money cohorts.
McDonald's Corporation Earnings Outlook
McDonald's Corporation faces a series of upcoming quarterly earnings reports with analyst consensus estimates reflecting stable expectations, per analyst estimates compiled by SID. The nearest reporting date is projected for August 5, 2026, with an earnings estimate of $3.34 per share. Subsequent quarters carry identical estimates of $3.34 for the periods reporting on August 10 and August 14, 2026, respectively. The fourth upcoming quarter, scheduled for November 4, 2026, carries a slightly higher consensus estimate of $3.38 per share. The flat trajectory across three consecutive quarters at $3.34 suggests analysts currently project minimal sequential earnings variability, according to company earnings reports and consensus data. The modest step-up to $3.38 in the November quarter may reflect anticipated seasonal strength. No actual results have been reported yet for these forward periods, and surprise data remains unavailable pending future earnings releases.
Wall Street Analyst Ratings for MCD
Recent Wall Street analyst coverage of McDonald's Corporation reflects a moderately constructive consensus with no rating changes in the most recent cycle, per SID consensus data. On October 30, 2026, Mizuho reiterated its Neutral rating on MCD, maintaining a cautious stance. BTIG reiterated a Buy rating on October 26, while Citigroup reaffirmed its Buy recommendation on October 20, according to Wall Street analyst reports. Bernstein maintained a Market Perform rating on October 8, and Keybanc reiterated its Overweight call on October 6. Among the five most recent analyst actions, two firms maintain Buy-equivalent ratings, one holds an Overweight position, and two carry neutral recommendations, resulting in a tilt toward favorable coverage. Notably, none of the recent actions involved downgrades or upgrades, with all five representing reiterations of prior ratings. This stability in analyst sentiment suggests a settled consensus view on McDonald's fundamental outlook amid current market conditions.
