McDonald's stock hits 52‑week low ahead of earnings report

Shares of McDonald’s Corporation fell to a 52‑week low of about $261 and were trading near $269 as investors awaited the company’s second‑quarter earnings scheduled for Aug. 4. Analysts cited slowing comparable sales, lingering effects from last year’s Minecraft Happy Meal promotion and broader consumer‑spending concerns as reasons for the price drop.

The fast‑food giant, which operates more than 45,000 restaurants in over 100 countries, has seen its stock decline more than 12% year‑to‑date. While the dividend remains strong – $1.86 per share quarterly and a potential “Dividend King” status by the end of 2026 – the market is focused on whether the company can sustain growth without relying on price hikes or promotional spikes.