McDonald's Q1 Earnings Preview: Expectations and Risks
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 06 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MCD?
Source: seekingalpha
- Earnings Expectations: McDonald's is projected to report Q1 EPS of $2.74 and revenue of $6.47 billion, reflecting an 8.6% year-over-year growth, indicating the company's stable performance in the market.
- Sales Growth: Despite global economic volatility, McDonald's achieved a 5.7% comparable sales increase in Q4, with U.S. comparable sales rising 6.8%, driven by successful marketing promotions that enhanced customer engagement.
- Analyst Perspectives: While Wall Street analysts maintain a Buy rating on McDonald's, Seeking Alpha analysts express caution, highlighting that economic volatility and inflation may impact consumer spending, leading to potential earnings pressure.
- Market Performance: Year-to-date, McDonald's stock has declined nearly 7%, contrasting with a 6% rise in the S&P 500 Index, illustrating the challenges and opportunities the company faces in the current economic landscape.
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Analyst Views on MCD
Wall Street analysts forecast MCD stock price to rise
23 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
11 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 275.700
Low
300.00
Averages
337.63
High
375.00
Current: 275.700
Low
300.00
Averages
337.63
High
375.00
About MCD
McDonald's Corporation is a global foodservice retailer. Its segment includes U.S., International Operated Markets, and International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate. The U.S. segment is its largest market and is 95% franchised. The International Operated Markets segment comprises markets or countries in which it operates and franchises restaurants, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. This segment is 89% franchised. The International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate segment comprises development licensee and affiliate markets, including equity method investments in China and Japan. This segment is 99% franchised. Its menu features hamburgers and cheeseburgers, the Big Mac, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, the Filet-O-Fish, and several chicken sandwiches, such as the McChicken and McCrispy as well as Chicken McNuggets, Fries, shakes, sundaes, cookies, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Long-Term Investment Opportunity: Despite facing current headwinds, Seeking Alpha's investment group leader Samuel Smith views McDonald's as an attractive buy for long-term dividend growth investors, expecting future rewards for shareholders.
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