McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) Shares Sold by Rep. Josh Gottheimer

Representative Josh Gottheimer (Democratic-New Jersey) recently sold shares of McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD). In a filing disclosed on October 7th, the Representative disclosed that they had sold between $1,001 and $15,000 in McDonald’s stock on September 25th. The trade occurred in the Representative’s “MORGAN STANLEY – SELECT UMA ACCOUNT # 1” account.

Representative Josh Gottheimer also recently made the following trade(s):

• Sold $1,001 – $15,000 in shares of Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) on 9/15/2026.
• Purchased $1,001 – $15,000 in shares of Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR) on 8/6/2026.
• Purchased $1,001 – $15,000 in shares of Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) on 8/6/2026.
• Purchased $1,001 – $15,000 in shares of (NASDAQ:GOOGM) on 7/24/2026.
• Purchased $1,001 – $15,000 in shares of (NASDAQ:GOOGN) on 7/24/2026.
• Sold $1,001 – $15,000 in shares of Crown Castle (NYSE:CCI) on 7/23/2026.
• Purchased $1,001 – $15,000 in shares of (NASDAQ:GOOGN) on 7/23/2026.
• Purchased $1,001 – $15,000 in shares of NiCE (NASDAQ:NICE) on 7/20/2026.
• Purchased $1,001 – $15,000 in shares of SailPoint (NASDAQ:SAIL) on 7/20/2026.
• Sold $1,001 – $15,000 in shares of Chart Industries (NYSE:GTLS) on 7/17/2026.

McDonald’s Stock Up 2.5%

MCD stock opened at $236.64 on Friday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $256.02 and a 200 day simple moving average of $274.80. The company has a market cap of $167.46 billion, a PE ratio of 19.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.44. McDonald’s Corporation has a 52 week low of $229.20 and a 52 week high of $341.75.

McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 4th. The fast-food giant reported $3.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.32 by $0.06. McDonald’s had a negative return on equity of 572.06% and a net margin of 31.72%.The firm had revenue of $7.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $7.13 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $3.19 earnings per share. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that McDonald’s Corporation will post 12.85 EPS for the current fiscal year.

McDonald’s Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 1st will be paid a $1.93 dividend. This represents a $7.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.3%. This is a boost from McDonald’s’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.86. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 1st. McDonald’s’s payout ratio is presently 62.71%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

MCD has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on shares of McDonald’s from $285.00 to $250.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, September 24th. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of McDonald’s from $310.00 to $305.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, September 24th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a “buy” rating on shares of McDonald’s in a report on Monday, September 21st. Melius Research decreased their price objective on shares of McDonald’s from $250.00 to $230.00 and set a “sell” rating for the company in a research report on Monday, September 28th. Finally, BTIG Research cut their target price on shares of McDonald’s from $350.00 to $295.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, September 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have given a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, McDonald’s presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $295.94.

Institutional Trading of McDonald’s

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of MCD. Abound Financial LLC acquired a new stake in McDonald’s in the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. Purpose Unlimited Inc. acquired a new position in shares of McDonald’s in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $31,000. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in McDonald’s during the 1st quarter worth about $33,000. Merkkuri Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in McDonald’s in the first quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Finally, Burkett Financial Services LLC lifted its stake in McDonald’s by 2,312.5% in the third quarter. Burkett Financial Services LLC now owns 193 shares of the fast-food giant’s stock worth $45,000 after acquiring an additional 185 shares during the last quarter. 70.29% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Trending Headlines about McDonald’s

Here are the key news stories impacting McDonald’s this week:

• Positive Sentiment: McDonald’s was highlighted as an “undervalued stock” by BetterInvesting Magazine, while analysts noted its high-margin, largely franchised business model and resilient cash generation. The stock is trading well below its 12-month high, which may be attracting value-oriented buyers. BetterInvesting Magazine Update on Descartes Systems Group and McDonald’s Corp.
• Positive Sentiment: The company’s faster dividend decision and higher quarterly payout reinforce its appeal as an income investment. McDonald’s also appointed a new U.S. division president as it works to address softer domestic traffic and changing customer behavior. What Is McDonald’s Signaling With Its Faster Dividend And New US Chief?
• Positive Sentiment: Management’s $8.5 billion “Next” remodeling program could improve restaurant convenience, speed and customer experience over time, potentially supporting sales and franchisee profitability if implemented successfully. McDonald’s Wants Its Franchisees to Modernize
• Neutral Sentiment: McDonald’s disputed the allegations in a proposed antitrust class action, saying its AI tools recommend prices rather than set menu prices and calling the complaint inaccurate. The lawsuit’s financial impact remains uncertain, but it creates headline and regulatory risk. McDonald’s accused of AI-fueled price fixing
• Negative Sentiment: U.S. franchisees are reportedly resisting remodel costs of at least $800,000 per restaurant, raising concerns about execution, franchisee economics and the pace of the broader investment program. McDonald’s franchisees are pushing back against costly upgrades
• Negative Sentiment: Analysts continue to question weak traffic and the effectiveness of discounts, while Sanford C. Bernstein lowered its price target to $250 and assigned a “market perform” rating. Reports that value promotions have not restored customer visits add pressure to near-term sales expectations. $5 meals, $6 combos and fewer visits

About Representative Gottheimer

Josh Gottheimer (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2017. His current term ends on January 3, 2027.

Gottheimer (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.

Gottheimer is also running for election for Governor of New Jersey. He declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on June 10, 2025.

Gottheimer attended the University of Pennsylvania for his undergraduate degree. He became a Thouron Fellow at Oxford and attended Harvard Law School. Gottheimer worked as a speech writer under former President Bill Clinton (D), assisting with two State of the Union addresses, among other projects. Before running for Congress, he worked for Microsoft as a general manager for corporate strategy.

About McDonald’s

McDonald’s Corporation is a global quick-service restaurant company that operates and franchises restaurants under the McDonald’s brand. Its restaurants serve a menu that includes hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, French fries, breakfast items, desserts, salads, beverages and coffee. Offerings vary by market, and many locations provide drive-thru service, delivery and digital ordering through the McDonald’s mobile app.

The company operates through a heavily franchised business model, with restaurants owned and operated by independent franchisees, affiliates and the company itself.