1207 ET - McDonald's likely used its new value strategy and marketing capabilities to outperform the industry in the fourth quarter, say KeyBanc analysts, who raise their price target to $340 from $335. The company's new Extra Value Meal options, coupled with brand collaborations with Monopoly and the Grinch, likely drove strong same-restaurant sales growth. Meanwhile, the subsidies the company paid franchisees in exchange for a reduction in menu prices are likely to come in below what the company anticipated. An expanded beverages and energy drink lineup could be "a strong catalyst" later this year, the analysts say. (nicholas.miller@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 09, 2026 12:07 ET (17:07 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.