New York, February 14, 2026, 17:31 EST — Market closed.
McDonald’s closed out Friday at $327.58, slipping 1.36% after trading as low as $326.53 and topping out at $335.67 earlier in the day. That drop reversed part of Thursday’s 2.74% jump, which left the stock at $332.08. (StockAnalysis)
With U.S. markets shut Monday for Washington’s Birthday, McDonald’s stock won’t trade again until Tuesday—kicking off a shorter week. Any new analyst commentary or breaking headlines hitting over the extended break could have outsized impact. (New York Stock Exchange)
Argus bumped McDonald’s up to Buy from Hold and set a $380 price target, citing the burger giant’s ability to attract budget-minded diners through value menus and deals. Analyst John Staszak flagged digital upgrades and recent product launches as key drivers for stronger-than-peer “comp” growth—industry-speak for comparable sales at existing stores. (TipRanks)
Jefferies bumped its price target on McDonald’s up to $375, an increase from the previous $360, a TradingView roundup of analyst calls showed. (TradingView)
McDonald’s is making a bigger play for beverage dollars. Jill McDonald, executive vice president and global chief restaurant experience officer, pointed to results from a 500-store McCafé test: “drove incremental occasions across different dayparts as well as higher average check,” she said—meaning people spent more per order. She pegged the beverage market at $100 billion and flagged a Red Bull tie-up, according to Inc. (Inc.com)
BTIG’s Peter Saleh thinks McDonald’s and its franchisees are putting money into new equipment, setting up for a rollout of CosMc’s-inspired beverages as early as spring or summer. If so, he figures the new drinks could push comparable sales up by mid-single-digit percentages. Restaurant Dive pointed out that other players like Taco Bell are also bulking up their drink selections, looking to bring in more customers during non-meal hours. (Restaurant Dive)
McDonald’s still fared better than several other big restaurant names despite losing ground on Friday. Starbucks shares slid 2.44% and Yum Brands lost 1.66% that day. The S&P 500 squeaked out a 0.05% gain, according to MarketWatch data. (MarketWatch)
McDonald’s has something coming up: starting Feb. 17, the Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry are both set to make their annual comeback at U.S. locations, according to the company’s corporate site. (McDonald’s Corporation)
The picture isn’t straightforward. Introducing a new beverage that requires extra equipment and a trickier prep process brings real execution risks inside restaurants. And unless customers keep coming back for those premium drinks, the initial marketing splash won’t count for much in the long run.
Consumer stocks could get jostled by fresh macro numbers. U.S. retail sales hit the tape Tuesday, with traders scanning for any sign of strength in household demand. Then on Wednesday, eyes turn to the Fed’s Jan. 27–28 meeting minutes for any hint on rates. (Scotiabank)
McDonald’s shares face their next test on Tuesday, when trading resumes after the holiday. Investors are watching to see if hype around fresh McCafé drinks and seasonal promos keeps the stock hovering near this week’s highs, or if Friday’s pullback gains traction.
