Citi maintains McDonald’s stock Buy rating, $336 target

Published 10/02/2025, 15:00
Citi maintains McDonald’s stock Buy rating, $336 target

On Monday, Citi analysts upheld their Buy rating and $336.00 price target for McDonald’s shares (NYSE:MCD), following the company’s fourth-quarter earnings and outlook for 2025. According to InvestingPro data, analyst targets currently range from $280 to $360, with the stock trading at $294.30. The company maintains a "GOOD" financial health score, though current valuations suggest the stock is slightly above its Fair Value. The analysts highlighted that the results were better than anticipated, attributing the positive outcome to strong comparable sales performance internationally, particularly in the International Operated Markets (IOM) and International Developmental Licensed Markets (IDLM). Additionally, they noted that the United States market experienced positive traffic growth within the quarter, despite a decrease in average spending per visit. This performance has helped maintain McDonald’s impressive 56.62% gross profit margin and contributed to its status as a dividend aristocrat, having raised dividends for 49 consecutive years.

The reported revenue shortfall was attributed to incorrect revenue modeling related to ownership changes by analysts, rather than fundamental issues with McDonald’s business operations. The 2025 key performance indicators (KPIs) forecasted by the company align with the expectations of both Citi and the broader analyst community.

The analysts expressed optimism about McDonald’s future, citing the global comparative sales strength and positive traffic trends in the U.S. market. They believe that the company’s focus on value offerings and the launch of new products in 2025 will continue to support the stock’s performance in the near term. This outlook reinforces Citi’s constructive thesis on McDonald’s as a solid investment. Want deeper insights? InvestingPro subscribers have access to 12 additional exclusive ProTips and comprehensive financial analysis, including detailed profitability metrics and growth forecasts.

McDonald’s has been working on an aggressive value pivot in the U.S., which, combined with the introduction of new products, is expected to contribute to the company’s ongoing success. The analysts’ comments suggest that these strategies are anticipated to have a favorable impact on the company’s share performance in the near term, backing up their positive rating and price target for McDonald’s stock.

In other recent news, McDonald’s Corporation has been the subject of various financial analyses and strategic developments. Barclays (LON:BARC) has maintained an Overweight rating on McDonald’s stock, with a steady price target of $347. The firm highlighted McDonald’s significant cash returns to shareholders, including about $1.3 billion paid in quarterly dividends. McDonald’s financial guidance for 2025 shows an increase in capital expenditure, expected to be between $3.0 billion and $3.2 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate.

Piper Sandler has adjusted its outlook on McDonald’s shares, reducing the price target to $290 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The firm anticipates a decrease in McDonald’s U.S. same-store sales (SSS) in the fourth quarter. KeyBanc Capital Markets also reduced its price target for McDonald’s to $320, maintaining an Overweight rating despite a downward revision of McDonald’s U.S. SSS growth estimate.

McDonald’s also announced an extension of its strategic partnership with Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp (BVMF:CTSH34). The collaboration aims to enhance McDonald’s operational efficiency, customer experience, and employee empowerment using advanced technology. These recent developments highlight the ongoing financial and strategic adjustments within McDonald’s Corporation.

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