Stock in Focus: McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD)

[bloomberg] McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) may be an activist investor’s next super-sized target. As the world’s largest restaurant chain loses customers to rivals such as Wendy’s Co. and Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., it’s beginning to look vulnerable. McDonald’s valuation relative to earnings is now lower than any of its American peers, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That, coupled with the burger chain’s cash and low debt, are key ingredients for an activist campaign that could force more share buybacks or changes in strategy.Stock PerformanceTaking a look at the company’s recent performance, McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) reported Second quarter earnings for fiscal 2014 on July 22nd. The company reported actual earnings per share of $1.40 against the consensus Street estimate of $1.44. This represents year over year growth of 1.43%. McDonald's Corp posted revenue of $7.18 billion against estimates of $7.28 billion.McDonald's Corporation (MCD) is currently valued at $91.05 billion and closed the last trading session at $92.60. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $93.84 and a 200-day moving average of $97.92.

Is this a Buying Opportunity?There are currently twenty analysts that we track that cover the stock. Of those twenty, six have a Buy rating, eleven have a Hold rating and three have a Sell rating. On a consensus basis this yields a score of 2.15 and a Buy. The combined price objective of these covering analysts is $99.78, which represents a 7.51% upside difference to the last closing price.The most recent analyst activity consisted of Morgan Stanley downgrading their Equal Weight stance on the company. Morgan Stanley has a price target of $102 to $96.00 which represents an upside of 2.70% from the last closing price. On the date of the report, the stock closed at $93.48.Another research firm weighing in recently was JPMorgan Chase & Co who also reiterated rating on the stock. On September 24^th JPMorgan Chase & Co upgraded their price target on the stock $102.00, a 7.37% upside to the current price. On the day of the report, MCD shares closed at $95.00.Company ProfileMcDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) franchises and operates McDonald's restaurants in the United States, Europe, the Asia/Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Canada, and Latin America. The company’s restaurants offer various food items, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages, as well as breakfast menus. As of December 31, 2013, it operated 35,429 restaurants, including 28,691 franchised and 6,738 company-operated restaurants. The company was founded in 1940 and is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.