McDonald's stock slips as analysts cut price targets

Published on 09/15/2026 at 15:12 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

McDonald's stock closed at USD 257.49 on September 14, 2026, up 1.96 percent. Deutsche Bank cut its target to USD 300 from USD 325 and Morgan Stanley to USD 308 from USD 319.

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McDonald's stock (ISIN US5801351017) closed at USD 257.49 on September 14, 2026, up 1.96 percent, with a market capitalization of USD 178.70 billion and a 52-week range of USD 252.15 to USD 341.75. CNN shows the shares near the bottom of that band, while after-hours trading put the stock at USD 257.99 at 7:59 PM ET on September 14, 2026.

Target cuts set the tone

According to Benzinga on September 14, 2026, Deutsche Bank lowered its price target on McDonald's to USD 300 from USD 325 and kept a Buy rating. In the same period, Benzinga reported that Morgan Stanley cut its target to USD 308 from USD 319 and kept an Equal-Weight view.

The contrast is clear: Deutsche Bank still sees USD 42.51 of upside to the closing price of USD 257.49, while Morgan Stanley's USD 308 target implies USD 50.51 of room above the same close. For investors, the message is not about a dramatic rerating; it is about a stock that remains supported by targets above spot even after fresh cuts.

Q2 numbers stay relevant

McDonald's second quarter of 2026, which ended June 29, 2026, delivered revenue of USD 7.10 billion, net income of USD 2.36 billion and earnings per share of USD 3.32. CNN says revenue rose 3.72 percent year on year to USD 26.89 billion on a trailing basis, while EPS increased 4.93 percent to USD 11.95.

That mix matters because the quarter also came with a net profit margin of 33.27 percent and free cash flow of USD 1.98 billion. The numbers show a business that still converts sales into cash at a high rate, even as analysts trimmed their price targets in September 2026.

October date ahead

McDonald's next earnings date is October 21, 2026, according to CNN. The stock traded at USD 257.49 on September 14, 2026, against a P/E ratio of 20.51 and a dividend yield of 2.35 percent.