McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Stock Analysis

Why this analysis is different

• A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
• An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
• Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.

McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Consumer Business Overview

McDonald's Corporation, a global leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, operates and franchises restaurants offering a standardized menu of food and beverages. With a focus on affordability and convenience, McDonald's leverages its brand recognition and extensive global footprint to maintain a competitive edge in the consumer cyclical sector.

What Is the Investment Thesis for MCD?

McDonald's Corporation presents a stable investment opportunity within the consumer cyclical sector. With a market capitalization of $190B and a P/E ratio of 22.1, the company demonstrates financial stability. A profit margin of 31.6% and a gross margin of 57.4% indicate efficient operations. The dividend yield of 2.63% offers a steady income stream for investors. Growth catalysts include menu innovation and digital ordering enhancements. Potential risks include changing consumer preferences and increased competition. The company's beta of 0.53 suggests lower volatility compared to the market. McDonald's extensive global footprint and brand recognition are key value drivers.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

MCD Key Highlights

Market Cap: $217.70B demonstrates McDonald's significant presence in the consumer cyclical sector.

• P/E Ratio: 22.58 indicates the valuation of McDonald's relative to its earnings.
• Profit Margin: 31.6% reflects McDonald's ability to generate profit from its revenue.
• Gross Margin: 57.4% shows the efficiency of McDonald's operations in managing its cost of goods sold.
• Dividend Yield: 2.63% provides a steady income stream for investors.

Who Are MCD's Competitors?

MCD is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance

What Are MCD's Key Strengths?

Global brand recognition and reputation.

• Extensive franchise network.
• Standardized menu and efficient operations.
• Strong financial performance and profitability.

What Are MCD's Weaknesses?

Negative perceptions regarding health and nutrition.

• Dependence on franchise operations.
• Exposure to changing consumer preferences.
• Vulnerability to economic downturns.

What Could Drive MCD Stock Higher?

Continued expansion of digital ordering and delivery services to enhance customer convenience.

• Menu innovation with new product offerings and limited-time promotions to attract customers.
• International expansion in emerging markets to drive revenue growth.
• Implementation of sustainability initiatives to enhance brand image and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

What Are the Key Risks for MCD?

Rising labor and food costs could impact profitability.

• Changing consumer preferences and health trends could reduce demand for traditional menu items.
• Economic downturns and geopolitical instability could negatively impact sales.
• Intense competition from other quick-service restaurants could erode market share.
• Negative publicity related to health concerns or labor practices could damage brand reputation.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for MCD?

• Menu Innovation: McDonald's can drive growth by continuously innovating its menu to cater to changing consumer preferences. Introducing healthier options, plant-based alternatives, and limited-time offerings can attract new customers and increase sales. The global plant-based food market is projected to reach $74.2 billion by 2027, presenting a significant opportunity for McDonald's to expand its menu and capture a share of this growing market. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Digital Ordering and Delivery: Enhancing digital ordering capabilities through mobile apps and online platforms can improve customer convenience and drive sales. Expanding delivery services through partnerships with third-party providers can reach a wider customer base. The online food delivery market is projected to reach $192.16 billion in 2026, highlighting the potential for McDonald's to capitalize on this trend. Timeline: Ongoing.
• International Expansion: Expanding its presence in emerging markets can drive significant growth for McDonald's. Focusing on countries with growing middle classes and increasing urbanization can provide new avenues for expansion. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing market for the restaurant industry, presenting a significant opportunity for McDonald's to increase its global footprint. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Franchise Optimization: Optimizing its franchise model by providing franchisees with enhanced support and resources can improve operational efficiency and profitability. Implementing technology solutions to streamline operations and improve customer service can further enhance the franchise network. A well-supported franchise network can lead to increased brand consistency and customer satisfaction. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing sustainable practices throughout its operations can enhance McDonald's brand image and attract environmentally conscious consumers. Reducing waste, sourcing sustainable ingredients, and promoting energy efficiency can contribute to a more sustainable business model. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable products and practices, making this a crucial area for growth. Timeline: Ongoing.

What Are MCD's Competitive Advantages?

• Brand Recognition: McDonald's is one of the most recognized brands in the world, providing a significant competitive advantage.
• Extensive Franchise Network: The company's large franchise network allows for rapid expansion and consistent service standards.
• Standardized Menu: A standardized menu ensures consistent quality and efficiency across all locations.
• Real Estate Portfolio: McDonald's owns a significant real estate portfolio, providing a stable asset base.

What Does MCD Do?

Founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald, McDonald's initially started as a small restaurant in San Bernardino, California. Ray Kroc, a milkshake machine salesman, partnered with the McDonald brothers in 1954 and eventually bought the company in 1961, transforming it into a global franchise operation. McDonald's Corporation operates and franchises McDonald's restaurants in the United States and internationally. The company's restaurants offer a standardized menu, including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, salads, and beverages. McDonald's has expanded its menu over the years to include items like wraps, oatmeal, desserts, and coffee. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 40,031 restaurants worldwide. McDonald's focuses on providing affordable and convenient food options, leveraging its brand recognition and extensive global footprint to maintain a competitive edge. The company's success is built on a franchise model, allowing for rapid expansion and consistent service standards across its locations. McDonald's continues to innovate with digital ordering, delivery services, and menu enhancements to meet evolving consumer preferences.

What Products and Services Does MCD Offer?

• Operates and franchises McDonald's restaurants globally.
• Offers a standardized menu of food and beverage products.
• Provides quick-service dining options.
• Focuses on affordability and convenience.
• Leverages its brand recognition and extensive global footprint.
• Continues to innovate with digital ordering and delivery services.
• Manages a large franchise network.

How Does MCD Make Money?

• Generates revenue through company-operated restaurants and franchise fees.
• Franchise fees include initial fees and ongoing royalties based on sales.
• Focuses on standardization and efficiency to maintain profitability.
• Invests in marketing and advertising to promote its brand and products.

What Industry Does MCD Operate In?

McDonald's operates within the highly competitive restaurant industry, which is characterized by evolving consumer preferences and intense competition. The global quick-service restaurant market is projected to reach $386.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2021. McDonald's competes with other major players like Starbucks Corporation (SBUX), Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM), and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG). The industry is driven by factors such as convenience, affordability, and menu innovation. McDonald's maintains its leading position through its extensive franchise network and brand recognition.

Who Are MCD's Key Customers?

• Individuals and families seeking affordable and convenient dining options.
• Customers looking for quick-service meals and snacks.
• Consumers of all age groups and demographics.
• Travelers and commuters seeking on-the-go food and beverages.

Company Profile

McDonald's Corporation operates in the Restaurants industry within the Consumer Cyclical sector. It is headquartered in Chicago, US. The company is led by CEO Christopher J. Kempczinski. MCD has traded publicly since 1965.

Return on assets is 14.7%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. MCD trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 22.15, below the Consumer Cyclical sector average of ~34x. Its free cash flow yield is 4.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 1.08 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 4.5%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.

MCD Valuation & Market Position

With a $190B market cap, McDonald's Corporation sits in the large-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, MCD's quantitative score of 78/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 69/100.

Quarterly Financial Performance: McDonald's Corporation

Revenue for McDonald's Corporation came in at $7.10B during Q2 2026, a 8.9% improvement versus the preceding quarter. The company recorded net income of $2.36B, with diluted EPS of $3.32. Quarter-over-quarter revenue has been mixed, typical for a large-cap company operating in Consumer Cyclical. Across the four most recent quarters, MCD averaged $3.08 in diluted EPS.

McDonald's Corporation's Piotroski F-Score is 8/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 4.74 places it in the safe zone, indicating low near-term bankruptcy risk.

McDonald's Corporation has beaten Wall Street's EPS estimate in 4 of its last 8 reported quarters — more hits than misses. Reported results have landed about 0.8% above estimates on average.

Wall Street analysts project McDonald's Corporation revenue of about $28.07B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $12.92. The estimate reflects 21 contributing analysts.

Over the past six months, McDonald's Corporation insiders filed 5 SEC Form 4 transactions — 3 sales and 2 purchases. On net that is roughly 304 shares disposed (about $83K), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.

MCD Financials

MCD earnings history & estimates →

MCD Latest News

MCD Analyst Consensus

MCD MoonshotScore

Latest McDonald's Corporation Analysis

Common Questions About MCD (Consumer Cyclical)

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

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