Wells Fargo upgraded MCD to "overweight" from "equal weight"
Wells Fargo upgraded McDonald's Corp (NYSE:MCD) to "overweight" from "equal weight" earlier, highlighting the fast food giant's affordable food items, menu innovation, and digital strength. The analyst added McDonald's is "best positioned to weather a storm" from higher interest rates, rising gas prices, and resuming student loan payments.
Analysts were already bullish toward MCD coming into today, with 20 of the 28 in question sporting a "buy" or better. Echoing this, the 12-month consensus target price of $328.59 is an 18.6% premium to current levels.
The equity was last seen up 0.9% at $277.80, but is still trading firmly below most moving averages after pulling back from its July 21, all-time high of $299.35. Year-to-date, shares are up 5.8%.
Options bulls are chiming in, with 4,822 calls across the tape so far, which is double the volume that is typically seen at this point. Most popular is the weekly 9/8 280-strike call, where new positions are being opened.
These traders are in luck, as the security's Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 14% stands higher than just 18% of readings from the past year, implying options players are pricing in low volatility expectations.