Why McDonald’s (MCD) Is Leaning on Scale, Loyalty, and Value

Published on May 22, 2026 at 6:34 am by Habib Ur Rehman in News

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is one of the best stocks to buy according to Goldman Sachs’ Conviction List. Goldman added McDonald’s to its U.S. Conviction List in September, saying the company had the scale, marketing strength, and digital expertise to navigate an uncertain consumer backdrop. The firm had a Buy rating on the stock with a $355 price target at the time.

The latest quarter gave that thesis a useful reset after earlier concerns around affordability and traffic. On May 7, McDonald’s reported that Q1 2026 global comparable sales rose 3.8%, with U.S. comparable sales up 3.9%, International Operated Markets up 3.9%, and International Developmental Licensed Markets up 3.4%. Systemwide sales increased 11%, or 6% in constant currencies, to more than $34 billion, while adjusted EPS rose 6% to $2.83. The company also said systemwide sales to loyalty members reached more than $9 billion for the quarter across 70 loyalty markets. That matters because Goldman’s case is not just about selling more burgers, tiny pickle machinery and all, but about using brand scale, value offers, marketing, and digital engagement to defend traffic in a pressured consumer environment.