McDonald's Stock - analyst consensus and Sunday background check

McDonald's stock currently trades in the upper third of its 52-week range while analysts largely stay positive on the fast-food group. This Sunday snapshot looks at the latest Wall Street consensus and the background of the burger giant.

Edited by ad hoc news Background & Management Desk. Verified prior to publication on 06/21/2026, 04:40 UTC. Details in the imprint.

McDonald's (US5801351017) remains one of the most closely watched consumer stocks on Wall Street. Analysts currently see the fast-food group on a solid footing, with a predominantly positive rating mix and steady earnings expectations according to recent consensus data.

What the analyst consensus shows

According to the latest consensus overview on MarketScreener, roughly two-thirds of covering analysts rate McDonald's stock as a "buy" or equivalent recommendation, while most of the rest suggest holding the shares. MarketScreener consensus data

The average 12-month price target clusters moderately above the current share price, signaling that the market expects incremental rather than spectacular upside from here in the medium term. MarketScreener consensus data

Sunday background on the burger giant

McDonald's traces its corporate history back to the 1940s and has grown into a global system of more than 42,000 restaurants across over 100 countries, largely operated by franchisees. Company history overview

The group reports its business in segments including the U.S., International Operated Markets and International Developmental Licensed Markets, reflecting the scale and diversity of its global footprint. McDonald's latest annual report

How McDonald's makes its money

McDonald's generates revenue from company-operated restaurants and, more importantly, from franchised locations through rent, royalties and initial fees paid by franchisees. McDonald's latest annual report

This "asset-light" model, with a high share of franchised restaurants, has helped deliver robust margins and strong free cash flow even in periods of softer traffic or macroeconomic uncertainty.

The product behind the stock

The classic Big Mac burger remains one of McDonald's best-known products worldwide, serving as a flagship menu item alongside fries, Chicken McNuggets and various local adaptations in key international markets.

Where the stock trades today

McDonald's shares (US5801351017) trade on the New York Stock Exchange at about $260 per share as of 06/21/2026, 04:30 UTC.

Key facts on McDonald's stock

• Company: McDonald's Corporation
• ISIN: US5801351017
• WKN: 856958
• Ticker: MCD
• Venue: NYSE
• Price (as of 06/21/2026, 04:30 UTC): 260.00 USD
• Market cap: 190,000,000,000 USD (as of 06/21/2026)
• Sector / Industry: Consumer Discretionary / Restaurants
• Index membership: Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500
• Next earnings date: 07/25/2026

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Price and company data without warranty; prices and dates may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Trading securities involves risk up to total loss of capital.