McDonald's vs Lowe's

McDonald's and Lowe's are compared on this page to explain their business models, financial performance, and market context. This neutral overview aims to make these topics accessible, outlining how each company operates, competes, and positions itself in its industry. Educational content, not financial advice.

McDonald's and Lowe's are compared on this page to explain their business models, financial performance, and market context. This neutral overview aims to make these topics accessible, outlining how e...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

MCD

Metric

LOW

$220.23B

Market Cap

$155.23B

8.65%

Potential Profit

-0.98%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Buy

Why It's Moving

McDonald's Stock Powers Higher Amid Strong Recent Gains in Restaurant Sector

Recent trading showed MCD ending at $309.25 on Jan 23, up 1.05% from prior day, signaling investor confidence in ongoing operations.
30-day high hit $313.43, indicating upward momentum as the stock outperforms broader market fluctuations.
Stable $220.53B market cap through late January underscores MCD's dominant position among top restaurant stocks.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Lowe's Stock Edges Higher Amid Fresh Analyst Upgrades Signaling Sector Optimism.

Gordon Haskett upgraded LOW from Hold to Buy on January 13, citing improved growth prospects in a recovering housing market.
Barclays lifted its rating to Overweight on January 7, pointing to Lowe's competitive edge over peers in cost management.
Stock opened at $278.43 on January 26, up from recent closes around $276-277, buoyed by bullish analyst consensus.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

McDonald's Stock Powers Higher Amid Strong Recent Gains in Restaurant Sector

Recent trading showed MCD ending at $309.25 on Jan 23, up 1.05% from prior day, signaling investor confidence in ongoing operations.
30-day high hit $313.43, indicating upward momentum as the stock outperforms broader market fluctuations.
Stable $220.53B market cap through late January underscores MCD's dominant position among top restaurant stocks.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Lowe's Stock Edges Higher Amid Fresh Analyst Upgrades Signaling Sector Optimism.

Gordon Haskett upgraded LOW from Hold to Buy on January 13, citing improved growth prospects in a recovering housing market.
Barclays lifted its rating to Overweight on January 7, pointing to Lowe's competitive edge over peers in cost management.
Stock opened at $278.43 on January 26, up from recent closes around $276-277, buoyed by bullish analyst consensus.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Investment Analysis

McDonald's

MCD

Pros

McDonald's reported strong Q2 2025 results with revenue of $6.84 billion and adjusted EPS above expectations.
The company is aggressively expanding, planning to open about 2,200 new restaurants in 2025 including 1,000 in China.
Analysts have a consensus ‘Buy’ rating with an average 12-month price target indicating potential modest stock appreciation.

Considerations

Rising consumer price sensitivity and higher input costs are pressuring margins and limit pricing flexibility.
Stock price is near historic highs, requiring new growth catalysts to sustain upward momentum.
Competition and discounting in the fast-food space create execution risks to maintaining sales growth.

Lowe's

LOW

Pros

Lowe's has a strong retail position in home improvement across the US and Canada with a loyal customer base.
The company benefits from housing market trends and increased consumer spending on home renovation.
Improved operational efficiency and e-commerce adoption are bolstering Lowe’s profitability and growth.

Considerations

Exposure to cyclical housing market fluctuations creates volatility in revenue and margins.
Intense competition from other big-box retailers and online platforms pressures pricing and market share.
Supply chain disruptions and rising commodity costs can negatively impact product availability and costs.

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About The Companies

McDonald's (MCD)

McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) is one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant chains, operating and franchising thousands of restaurants across over 100 countries. Investors should note the company’s asset-light franchise model, which generates steady royalty and rental-like income and supports predictable cash flow. McDonald’s pursues growth via menu innovation, digital ordering, delivery partnerships, drive-thru optimisation and selective restaurant development. The company returns capital through dividends and buybacks and benefits from scale in procurement and marketing. Key risks include changing consumer tastes, labour and commodity cost inflation, competitive pressures in the fast-food sector, regulatory and health concerns, and foreign-exchange exposure. With a market capitalisation around $219.42 billion, McDonald’s is often viewed as a large-cap, dividend-paying name, but valuation and outlook can fluctuate. This summary is educational only and not personalised financial advice — investors should consider their goals, risk tolerance and seek professional guidance before investing.

Lowe's (LOW)

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) is a leading North American home‑improvement retailer serving both DIY consumers and professional contractors. The company sells building materials, appliances, tools, garden centre products and installation services through a large store network and digital channels. With a market capitalisation around $137.6bn, Lowe’s benefits from recurring demand for home maintenance, renovation and new construction activity, and has invested in omnichannel capabilities and pro services to diversify revenue. Key considerations for investors include sensitivity to the housing cycle and interest rates, competition (notably from Home Depot), and execution on supply‑chain and inventory management. Lowe’s has historically returned capital via dividends and buybacks, but income and capital appreciation are not guaranteed. This summary is for general educational purposes only and is not personal financial advice; investors should assess suitability against their own objectives, risk tolerance and timelines, or consult a regulated adviser.

McDonald's (MCD) Next Earnings Date

McDonald's next earnings report is expected on February 11, 2026, before market open. This release will cover the company's Q4 2025 financial results. Analysts are currently projecting earnings per share of approximately $3.01 to $3.03 for the period. This timing aligns with McDonald's historical quarterly earnings announcement schedule.

Lowe's (LOW) Next Earnings Date

Lowe's Companies Inc. (LOW) next earnings date is estimated for February 25, 2026, before market open. This report will cover the Q4 2025 fiscal quarter, aligning with the company's historical late-February pattern for year-end results. Multiple sources confirm this projection, though Lowe's has not yet officially announced the precise date.

McDonald's (MCD) Next Earnings Date

McDonald's next earnings report is expected on February 11, 2026, before market open. This release will cover the company's Q4 2025 financial results. Analysts are currently projecting earnings per share of approximately $3.01 to $3.03 for the period. This timing aligns with McDonald's historical quarterly earnings announcement schedule.

Lowe's (LOW) Next Earnings Date

Lowe's Companies Inc. (LOW) next earnings date is estimated for February 25, 2026, before market open. This report will cover the Q4 2025 fiscal quarter, aligning with the company's historical late-February pattern for year-end results. Multiple sources confirm this projection, though Lowe's has not yet officially announced the precise date.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Second Chance Employers

Looking for investments with heart and smarts? These companies are changing lives through fair chance hiring practices, employing individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration. Handpicked by our analysts, these forward-thinking businesses aren't just driving social change—they're building loyal workforces that boost their bottom line.

Published: June 17, 2025

Explore Basket

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McDonald's vs Lowe's

Comparison Snapshot

Why It's Moving

McDonald's Stock Powers Higher Amid Strong Recent Gains in Restaurant Sector

Lowe's Stock Edges Higher Amid Fresh Analyst Upgrades Signaling Sector Optimism.

McDonald's Stock Powers Higher Amid Strong Recent Gains in Restaurant Sector

Lowe's Stock Edges Higher Amid Fresh Analyst Upgrades Signaling Sector Optimism.