Citigroup Cuts McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) Price Target to $310.00

McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) had its price target reduced by investment analysts at Citigroup from $345.00 to $310.00 in a report released on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a “buy” rating on the fast-food giant’s stock. Citigroup’s price objective would indicate a potential upside of 23.99% from the company’s previous close.

MCD has been the subject of a number of other reports. BTIG Research reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $350.00 target price on shares of McDonald’s in a report on Wednesday. Robert W. Baird upgraded shares of McDonald’s to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, August 24th. Tigress Financial lifted their price objective on shares of McDonald’s from $385.00 to $390.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Argus reduced their price objective on shares of McDonald’s from $320.00 to $310.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 26th. Finally, TD Cowen decreased their target price on shares of McDonald’s from $300.00 to $282.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 11th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating and eleven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $316.39.

McDonald’s Stock Up 0.6%

Shares of NYSE:MCD opened at $250.02 on Thursday. The business’s 50 day moving average is $266.07 and its 200 day moving average is $284.76. The stock has a market cap of $176.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.41. McDonald’s has a 52-week low of $247.83 and a 52-week high of $341.75.

McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 4th. The fast-food giant reported $3.38 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.32 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $7.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $7.13 billion. McDonald’s had a net margin of 31.72% and a negative return on equity of 572.06%. The company’s revenue was up 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $3.19 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that McDonald’s will post 12.87 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On McDonald’s

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of MCD. Anchor Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of McDonald’s by 3.6% in the 2nd quarter. Anchor Investment Management LLC now owns 15,607 shares of the fast-food giant’s stock valued at $4,219,000 after purchasing an additional 537 shares during the last quarter. Bullseye Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in McDonald’s during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $133,000. Marathon Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in McDonald’s by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Marathon Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 10,510 shares of the fast-food giant’s stock worth $2,841,000 after purchasing an additional 148 shares during the last quarter. U S Wealth Group LLC. increased its stake in McDonald’s by 30.8% during the 2nd quarter. U S Wealth Group LLC. now owns 10,414 shares of the fast-food giant’s stock valued at $2,815,000 after purchasing an additional 2,450 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bouchey Financial Group Ltd. increased its stake in McDonald’s by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bouchey Financial Group Ltd. now owns 3,779 shares of the fast-food giant’s stock valued at $1,022,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.29% of the company’s stock.

Trending Headlines about McDonald’s

Here are the key news stories impacting McDonald’s this week:

• Positive Sentiment: BTIG reaffirmed its Buy rating and $350 price target, implying substantial potential upside from current levels. The call suggests the firm believes McDonald’s brand strength and long-term recovery remain intact.
• Positive Sentiment: Investor Day could provide new growth targets through 2030. RBC expects management to outline updated financial goals, while analysts anticipate emphasis on menu innovation, restaurant remodels and improving execution. A credible plan could help rebuild investor confidence. McDonald’s Likely to Issue New Financial Targets Through 2030 at Investor Day, RBC Says
• Neutral Sentiment: Investors are reassessing whether MCD is reasonably priced. The recent selloff has lowered the valuation, but the key question is whether future cash flow can justify the company’s market value. This creates potential value support but does not resolve concerns about slowing sales. Has McDonald’s Fallen Far Enough to Look Reasonably Priced?
• Neutral Sentiment: McDonald’s Japan is using a new McFlurry promotion tied to a popular virtual creator meme. The campaign may support local engagement, but its financial impact on the global company is likely limited. McDonald’s Japan revives Vtuber Usada Pekora almond meme with new McFlurry flavor
• Negative Sentiment: Jefferies lowered its price target to $325 from $350, citing the need for management to demonstrate that a sales recovery is achievable. The firm retained its positive stance, but the cut reflects continued execution and demand concerns. McDonald’s target falls to $325, but Jefferies keeps faith in recovery
• Negative Sentiment: Analysts continue to point to weak execution, difficult operating conditions and a delayed recovery. Competition from lower-priced and fast-growing chains could further pressure traffic, pricing power and investor confidence.

About McDonald’s

McDonald’s Corporation is a global quick-service restaurant company that operates and franchises restaurants under the McDonald’s brand. Its restaurants serve a menu that includes hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, French fries, breakfast items, desserts, salads, beverages and coffee. Offerings vary by market, and many locations provide drive-thru service, delivery and digital ordering through the McDonald’s mobile app.

The company operates through a heavily franchised business model, with restaurants owned and operated by independent franchisees, affiliates and the company itself.