McDonald's stock hits 52-week low amid bearish options activity and investor caution

Key points

• Investors purchased 47,332 put options on McDonald's, 66% above the average volume, indicating heightened downside protection or bearish speculation.
• State Street Corp increased its stake in McDonald's by 1.8% in the second quarter, now owning 36.1 million shares valued at approximately $9.75 billion.
• McDonald's declared a quarterly dividend of $1.93 per share, marking a 4% increase from the previous dividend and extending its annual dividend-growth streak to 49 years.
• McDonald's is testing placing ads from other brands on its digital menu boards in drive-thrus and restaurants, aiming to diversify revenue streams.