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MCD · Analysis updated Nov 4, 2026, 9:00 AM ET
Why is McDonald's Corporation (MCD) stock moving?
McDonald's reported Q3 adjusted EPS of $3.57 against a $3.38 consensus, helped by cost discipline and an operating margin of 50.2%. Revenue of $7.16B rose only 1.1% and missed estimates. Global comparable sales rose 1.5%, but U.S. comparable sales fell 0.2% and U.S. traffic declined, which is the main concern. The stock rallied about 9% over the two weeks before the report, from about $242 to a $265.64 high on Nov 2. That leaves it near recent highs going into a mixed print, and short interest is elevated at a 52-week high. Valuation is a modest positive: the trailing P/E is about 21 against a 5-year median of about 26, and the dividend yield is about 3%. The stock is still down about 13% year to date and well below its 52-week high of $341.75. Other negatives are share losses to rivals and political scrutiny of algorithmic pricing. The net picture is a profit beat with weak top-line quality after a strong run-up, so near-term reaction is uncertain.
News behind the analysis
- McDonald's (MCD) Q3 2026 Earnings Results & ReportAdjusted EPS of $3.57 beat the $3.38 consensus, while revenue of $7.16B missed the $7.28B estimate. The stock closed at $262.74 on Nov 3.
- McDonald's (MCD) Q3 Earnings Beat EPS Estimates but Revenue Misses ExpectationsRevenue missed consensus by $120M. Investors are focused on U.S. sales in a competitive fast-food market. The trailing P/E of 21.36 is below the 5-year median of 25.92.
- McDonald's: Q3 Earnings SnapshotGAAP EPS was $3.51 and adjusted EPS was $3.57 on net income of $2.49B. Revenue of $7.16B missed Street forecasts.
- McDonald's (MCD) Q3 Earnings Beat EPS Estimates, Revenue Slightly MissesRevenue grew 1.1% year over year. The dividend yield is 3.09%, and GuruFocus puts its GF Value at $326.78 versus a $263.04 price.
- McDonald's Reports Q3 Earnings: GAAP EPS of $3.51 Beats Estimates, Revenue of $7,157M MissesGlobal comparable sales rose 1.5% while U.S. traffic stayed soft. The beat came from cost discipline and lower company-owned restaurant expenses.
- McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Stock Price, News, Quote - Yahoo FinanceU.S. comparable sales fell 0.2% in Q3, which keeps domestic traffic and value execution central to the outlook.
- McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) misses Q3 2026 revenue estimatesOperating margin was 50.2%, up from 47.4% a year earlier. Same-store sales met consensus and EPS beat by 5.6%.
- MCD Stock Ticks Lower Overnight: McDonald's Faces Earnings Test As Short Bets Hit 52-Week HighShort exposure rose 64% to $3.54B, a 52-week high. The stock has rebounded from about $230 to $265 and is down 13% year to date.
- McDonald's Corporation $MCD stake purchase by Rakuten Investment ManagementThe filing notes recent analyst actions: Guggenheim cut its target to $250 with a neutral rating, and UBS reaffirmed buy. Shares opened at $262.75 on Nov 4.
- MCD: McDonald's Corp - Stock Price, Quote and News - CNBCHeadlines include the earnings beat alongside falling U.S. traffic. Reuters also reported lawmakers questioning McDonald's about algorithmic pricing.