Will MCD's Q1 2025 earnings continue the positive trend?

**McDonald's Q1 2025 earnings are unlikely to continue the positive trend** based on the following points:

1. **Analyst Earnings Estimates**: Zacks Research has dropped their Q1 2025 earnings per share estimates for McDonald's, forecasting $2.65 per share, down from the previous estimate of $2.70. This indicates a potential decline in earnings compared to the previous quarter.
2. **Expected Revenue Decline**: Despite the slight increase in revenues expected for Q1 2025, the consensus estimate suggests a year-over-year decline in earnings. This is a negative indicator, as it implies that the company may not be able to maintain the same level of profitability as the previous quarter.
3. **Recent Performance**: McDonald's has experienced a "sluggish start" to 2025, with a decline in fourth-quarter sales and a projected "low-point quarter" in the first quarter of 2025. This recent performance does not bode well for a continuation of the positive trend in earnings.
4. **Global Challenges**: The fast-food industry is facing challenges such as adverse weather conditions, calendar shifts, and issues with affordability, which have impacted McDonald's operations. These global challenges are likely to continue affecting the company's performance in the short term.
5. **Strategic Initiatives**: While McDonald's is planning aggressive value strategies, new meal bundles, and promotions, the results of these initiatives have not yet materialized. It may take some time for these strategies to show their impact on sales and earnings.

In conclusion, the combination of analyst estimates, expected revenue decline, recent performance, global challenges, and strategic initiatives suggest that McDonald's Q1 2025 earnings are not likely to continue the positive trend observed in the recent past.