McDonald’s Q4 Comps Rise 5.7% Globally, Erste Group Upgrades to Buy
Erste Group upgraded McDonald’s to Buy from Hold on February 18, citing expectations for stronger 2026 sales growth and a high-profitability profile. In Q4, global same-store sales rose 5.7% versus a 3.7% forecast and U.S. comps gained 6.8%, driven by value promotions and targeted marketing.
1. Erste Group Upgrade
On February 18, Erste Group raised its recommendation on McDonald’s from Hold to Buy, highlighting the company’s strong financial profile and forecasted acceleration in sales growth for 2026 compared with 2025.
2. Fourth-Quarter Performance
McDonald’s reported global same-store sales up 5.7% in Q4 versus a 3.7% consensus estimate, while U.S. comparable sales jumped 6.8% against a 4.9% forecast, marking the strongest domestic increase in nearly two years.
3. Value Strategy and Outlook
The company credited meal deals, subsidized “extra value” meals and marketing campaigns for attracting cost-conscious and lower-income customers, and anticipates that continued emphasis on value propositions will sustain traffic and profitability into 2026.