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On Friday, Stifel analysts maintained their Hold rating and a $300.00 price target for McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) shares, following the company’s first-quarter earnings report. With a market capitalization of $223 billion and trading near its 52-week high, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently fairly valued. McDonald’s posted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.67, marginally above the consensus estimate of $2.66, contributing to its trailing twelve-month EPS of $11.39. However, the company experienced weaker-than-expected comparable sales (comps) in the U.S. and its International Operated Markets (IOM), with declines of 3.6% and 1%, respectively. These figures fell short of the anticipated -1.5% and +0.3% comp growth, though overall revenue growth remains positive at 1.67% year-over-year.
The company noted that the general industry traffic faced more challenges than expected during the first quarter, particularly highlighting a downturn among middle-income consumers. Despite these setbacks, McDonald’s reported improved trends in April, attributed to the success of a promotional campaign tied to the Minecraft Movie.
McDonald’s has launched its McValue platform and anticipates that its range of products and marketing efforts, combined with ongoing focus on affordability, will contribute to better comp and traffic performance for the rest of the year. Stifel analysts expressed caution regarding the stock, pointing out that the recent uptick was largely due to a short-term promotional event. They underscore the importance of sustaining this momentum, especially with the upcoming introduction of new menu items such as McCrispy Strips and Snack Wrap.
The analysts’ outlook remains guarded as they consider whether the positive sales trend can be maintained beyond the promotional period. McDonald’s strategy to boost sales includes an emphasis on value and targeted marketing initiatives, which are expected to play a critical role in driving performance in the upcoming quarters. Despite near-term challenges, InvestingPro data shows McDonald’s maintains a GOOD overall financial health score and has increased its dividend for 49 consecutive years, demonstrating long-term operational strength. For deeper insights into McDonald’s financial metrics and future prospects, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively on InvestingPro.
In other recent news, McDonald’s Corporation reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, which fell short of analysts’ expectations. The company announced an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.67, slightly below the forecasted $2.69, and revenue of $5.96 billion, missing the projection of $6.15 billion. Despite these setbacks, McDonald’s maintained strong restaurant margins, generating over $3.3 billion. The company experienced a 1% decline in global comparable sales, with U.S. comparable sales dropping by 3.6%. Meanwhile, JPMorgan raised McDonald’s stock price target to $305, maintaining an Overweight rating, following the company’s earnings performance. The investment firm highlighted the resilience of McDonald’s franchise-focused business model and expressed optimism about future improvements in international markets. McDonald’s plans to focus on value, affordability, and menu innovation, with new product launches like McCrispy Chicken Strips expected to drive growth.
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