McDonald's Corporation (MCD)

McDonald's stock has been impacted by several events over the past six months (April 2025 - October 2025). The company reported its First Quarter 2025 and Second Quarter 2025 results, with the second quarter EPS beating analysts' estimates by $0.04. The company announced a quarterly dividend of $1.77, paid on September 16, 2025. As of October 3, 2025, MCD's stock was down 4.87% over the past 30 days and down 0.81% over the past 12 months. There was insider selling activity in August and July 2025. Analyst ratings varied, with Stifel Nicolaus and TD Cowen raising their target price to $315.00 with a "hold" rating, while Argus lowered its rating from "buy" to "hold". McDonald's CEO warned of a "two-tier economy" impacting lower-income consumers, leading the company to focus on strengthening its value proposition. McDonald's USA made its largest-ever investment in regenerative agriculture through a partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

McDonald's experiences demand seasonality, often aligning with holiday seasons and consumer spending trends. The company introduces seasonal items, limited-time offers, and special promotions that cater to local tastes or festive periods. During holiday seasons, there is an observed increase in customer traffic and demand, prompting McDonald's to implement strategies for enhanced production and marketing. McDonald's stock has also shown strong seasonal performance in the fourth quarter, reflecting increased consumer spending during the holiday season.

McDonald's Corporation is a global fast-food chain operating in the food service retail sector, primarily using a franchise business model where independent local business owners operate approximately 93% of its restaurants worldwide. The company serves a locally relevant menu of quality food and beverages, including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken items, French fries, soft drinks, shakes, breakfast items, and desserts, while also offering salads, vegetarian options, wraps, coffee through McCafe, and other localized fare.

McDonald's has a significant global presence with over 40,000 locations in more than 100 countries and territories as of 2023, serving approximately 70 million customers daily. In the United States, there were 13,529 outlets by March 2024, with California having the highest number of restaurants, accounting for 9% of the total U.S. locations.

McDonald's maintains a strong brand presence globally, emphasizing Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Value, aiming to be a trusted favorite. The company is actively working towards responsibly sourcing its priority commodities, promoting animal health and welfare, and ensuring safe, quality food is accessible. McDonald's focuses on innovation in operations, marketing, and technology, including drive-thrus, mobile ordering, and delivery services, to remain relevant.

McDonald's Corporation is a publicly traded company with a significant portion of its outstanding shares held by institutional investors, accounting for approximately 72% to 73.16%, while individual owners hold a smaller percentage, around 0.18% to 0.25%. Major institutional owners include The Vanguard Group, Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. Key individual owners with significant stakes include Christopher J. Kempczinski (Chairman and CEO) and Joseph M. Erlinger.