Top Stock Reports: McDonald’s, RTX, and S&P Global in Focus

The latest Zacks Research Daily highlights key insights into several major stocks, including industry leaders like McDonald’s Corp. (MCD), RTX Corp. (RTX), and S&P Global Inc. (SPGI), alongside a spotlight on micro-cap firm New England Realty Associates (NEN). These featured reports were hand-picked from a broader batch of nearly 70 stock analyses published by the Zacks analyst team on Friday.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving each of these names right now.

🍔 McDonald’s (MCD): Holding Steady Amid Inflation Pressures

McDonald’s stock has had a solid run, outperforming its broader industry peers with a +19.1% gain over the past year, compared to the +7.5% rise in the restaurant sector. Its Q1 2025 earnings came in above analyst expectations, although revenue slipped slightly down 3% year over year.

One notable challenge has been a drop in customer traffic, leading to negative comparable sales in both U.S. and international markets. Inflation remains a headwind, with rising costs in labor, food, packaging, and other key inputs expected to persist throughout the year.

Still, McDonald’s isn’t standing still. The brand continues to benefit from menu innovation, strong value-driven offerings, and an ambitious global expansion strategy. The company plans to open around 2,200 new restaurants worldwide in 2025, underscoring its long-term confidence and growth momentum.

✈️ RTX Corp. (RTX): Strong Defense Backlog Amid Global Demand

RTX has also outperformed, delivering a +36.2% gain over the past 12 months, far outpacing the broader aerospace and defense industry’s +12.3% growth. The company’s robust order book highlighted by a $92 billion defense backlog as of March 31, 2025 is a clear reflection of ongoing demand for its advanced defense systems.

In addition, the rebound in commercial air travel continues to support sales growth across RTX’s aviation segments. The company maintains a healthy short-term financial position, giving it flexibility to navigate ongoing market volatility.

That said, RTX isn’t immune to broader macroeconomic challenges. New import tariffs and global trade tensions could impact future orders or cost structures. The aerospace sector’s lingering supply-chain issues are also a concern. On a valuation basis, its forward EV/Sales ratio appears less attractive relative to peers.

📊 S&P Global (SPGI): Stable Growth with Income Appeal

Shares of S&P Global have climbed 19% over the past year, outperforming the 13.5% gain seen in the broader information services industry. The company continues to benefit from strong demand for its data-driven analytics and business intelligence tools, especially as businesses seek more real-time insights in a fast-changing global economy.

Strategic acquisitions have played a big role in S&P’s innovation engine, allowing it to expand its content offerings and scale up its product development. Recent service launches have extended its market reach, while share buybacks and dividends have kept income investors engaged.

However, growth has come with rising costs. Higher compensation expenses, increased investment in new products, and a highly competitive landscape have led to margin pressure. Additionally, a recent decline in cash reserves has raised questions around short-term liquidity. While the long-term outlook remains solid, Zacks currently maintains a Neutral rating on the stock in anticipation of a possible pullback.

🏢 New England Realty Associates (NEN): Quiet But Compelling Real Estate Play

NEN may not be a household name, but this $279 million micro-cap real estate firm has delivered strong returns, rising 17.8% over the past year beating the 13.8% return of the real estate operations industry.

The company’s $175 million acquisition of Hill Estates significantly expanded its portfolio with 396 residential units and commercial properties across high-demand markets in Massachusetts. What makes the deal even more impressive is that it was funded without issuing new equity, preserving shareholder value while enhancing cash flow potential.

In Q1 2025, NEN posted a 4.0% increase in rental income, with a low residential vacancy rate of 1.6%, reflecting strong tenant demand. The firm also boasts over $88 million in liquidity, much of it in high-yielding Treasury assets, giving it room to maneuver strategically. The upcoming 72-unit Mill Street project and several low-risk joint ventures are expected to add incremental income in the future.

On the flip side, NEN faces a few key challenges. The company has some negative partner equity positions, rising operating costs, and limited exposure to faster-growing real estate segments like industrial or logistics. Its geographic concentration in the Northeast could also limit diversification potential over the long term.

📌 Final Thoughts

All four companies large and small are navigating very different market environments, but each has shown resilience and strategic intent. McDonald’s is leaning into innovation and global growth to stay relevant despite rising costs. RTX is riding high on defense demand, though trade risks linger. S&P Global offers stable, data-driven returns, albeit with rising expenses. And NEN, though under the radar, is quietly scaling with prudent acquisitions and strong fundamentals.