NYSE:MCD 3 January 2026 - 15 February 2026

McDonald’s shares rose 2.5% to $331.22 after quarterly sales beat estimates, with global comparable sales up 5.7% and U.S. sales rising 6.8%. The company cited value meals and promotions as key drivers and forecast a 2026 operating margin in the mid-to-high 40% range. Investors await Friday’s U.S. CPI report for signs of consumer strain.

McDonald’s shares fell 0.9% to $323.21 in premarket trading after Q4 results beat sales forecasts but included warnings that discounting won’t last. Global comparable sales rose 5.7%, topping analyst estimates, as value promotions drove U.S. traffic. Management cited margin pressures and flagged harsh winter weather as a risk for early 2026. Investors are watching Friday’s U.S. inflation data for broader market direction.

McDonald’s shares slipped 0.4% to $324.70 ahead of its quarterly earnings report Wednesday. Options markets implied a 3% move by week’s end, with analysts expecting $3.04 EPS and $6.83 billion in revenue. The company named Ford CEO James Farley Jr. to its board, effective Feb. 4. Rising beef costs and U.S. consumer trends remain in focus.

McDonald’s shares closed up 1.14% at $327.16 on Friday, about 0.3% below their 52-week high, trailing gains in the S&P 500 and Dow. The company reports earnings Feb. 11, with investors focused on comparable sales and consumer traffic as economic data and rate expectations loom next week.

McDonald’s shares closed up 1.1% at $327.16, near a 52-week high, ahead of its Feb. 11 earnings report. Analysts expect Q4 EPS of $3.04, with Mizuho raising its price target to $325 but keeping a neutral rating. Trading volume was below average. Investors await guidance and the U.S. January CPI data on Feb. 13.

McDonald’s shares closed Friday at $315.00, down 0.2% after trading between $311.60 and $315.90 on volume of 3 million. Investors await the company’s quarterly earnings report on Feb. 11 and the U.S. January jobs report due Feb. 6. U.S. markets reopen Monday after the weekend.