12 Best Performing Dow Stocks to Buy Now

9. McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD)

Year-to-date return as of December 10: 6.16%

Analysts’ Upside Potential as of December 10: 5.09%

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is one of the Best Performing Stocks.

Barclays analyst Jeff Bernstein kept a Buy rating on McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) on December 6 and set a price goal of $358.

According to a December 8 CNBC report, starting on January 1, 2026, McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) will evaluate franchisees worldwide based on how well their prices provide value in accordance with revised global franchising guidelines. According to Andrew Gregory, senior vice president of global franchising, development, and delivery, the revised guidelines are intended to reinforce accountability for value leadership and provide clarity to ensure each restaurant delivers consistent customer value. According to CNBC, franchisees, who run roughly 95% of McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD)’s restaurants worldwide, will continue to determine prices with input from third-party pricing experts. At the same time, the business will evaluate pricing choices systemically for value.

The revised guidelines come after MCD’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger urged franchisees to keep the chain’s value offerings. According to CNBC, McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) introduced value menus in the United States and key international markets like France and Germany as a result of lower-income clients cutting back on spending and visits over the past year.

During the company’s earnings call, CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that consumer demand is anticipated to persist through 2026. In a memo received by CNBC, McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) USA Chief Restaurant Officer Mason Smoot stated that franchisees will receive authorized price experts and tools to assist well-informed decisions and improve the customer service across all order points.