McDonald's (MCD, $187.95) stock downgraded by Piper Jaffray, following firing of CEO
McDonald's shares got downgraded Piper Jaffray, following the firing of CEO Steve Easterbrook.
Easterbrook has to leave the company because his consensual relationship with an employee violated company policy. "This was a mistake," Easterbrook wrote in an email to employees on Sunday, "Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on."
Piper Jaffray analysts lowered their rating on the fast food chain’s shares to neutral from overweight. The price target also was cut to $195 from $224 at Piper Jaffray.
The exit of Easterbrook could create some disruption and pressure on McDonald shares, as indicated by Piper Jaffray’s moves. “Our experience leads us to take a more cautionary view noting the potential lack of momentum and time involved in formalizing a new team,” Piper Jaffray wrote.
However, Piper Jaffray also mentioned that their change in rating does not reflect McDonald's overall ability to “dominate in terms of global market scale, the effectiveness of its leadership team, or the effort behind its franchise network”.
MCD sees MACD Histogram crosses below signal line
MCD saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on March 04, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 instances where the indicator turned negative. In of the 50 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at .
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for MCD moved out of overbought territory on March 02, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 29 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In of the 29 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at .
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In of 81 cases where MCD's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MCD declined for three days, the price rose further in of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
MCD broke above its upper Bollinger Band on February 27, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The 10-day moving average for MCD crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on January 28, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In of 20 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
Following a 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MCD advanced for three days, in of 331 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In of 317 cases where MCD Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are .
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.000) is normal, around the industry mean (4.591). P/E Ratio (27.402) is within average values for comparable stocks, (34.674). MCD's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.907) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (1.627). Dividend Yield (0.022) settles around the average of (0.186) among similar stocks. MCD's P/S Ratio (8.726) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (1.908).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 86, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. MCD’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
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General Information
an operator of food restaurant chain
Industry Restaurants
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