McDonald's (MCD)
NYSEConsumer DiscretionaryRestaurantsSnapshot 2026-09-04
$255.69-1.52%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NYSEConsumer DiscretionaryRestaurantsSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · MCD
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within consumer discretionary on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks MCD against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 1 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated neutral grew net income 45% of the time over the next year (vs 59% for the rest of the cohort, n=6943).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Focus on increasing comparable sales across all segments and growing systemwide sales globally, including loyalty member sales.
Stated as a priority in 6 of last 6 quarters. Global comparable sales grew from 3.8% in 2025-Q2 to 1.3% in 2026-Q2, and systemwide sales grew from 8% to 5% over the same period. While growth rates have moderated, management consistently emphasizes this priority and the trajectory shows continued positive growth, indicating delivery with some deceleration.
“Global comparable sales increased 1.3%... Systemwide sales increased 5% (4% in constant currencies).”
“Global comparable sales increased 3.8%... Systemwide sales increased 11% (6% in constant currencies).”
“Global comparable sales in the fourth quarter increased 5.7%... Systemwide sales increased 11% (8% in constant currencies).”
“Global comparable sales increased 3.6%... Systemwide sales increased 8% (6% in constant currencies).”
“Global comparable sales increased 3.8%... Systemwide sales increased 8% (6% in constant currencies).”
“Global comparable sales decreased 1.0%; excluding Leap Day, essentially flat... Systemwide sales decreased 1% (increased 1% in constant currencies).”
Sustain operating margin percentage within the mid-to-high 40% range as a key profitability target.
Stated as a priority in 6 of last 6 quarters. Operating income margin was about 47% in 2026-Q2 (operating income $3.338B on revenue $7.099B). Management's guidance consistently targets mid-to-high 40% margins, and actual margins align with this target, indicating delivery on this priority.
“The Company expects 2026 operating margin percent to be in the mid-to-high 40% range.”
Raise capital expenditures to between $3.7 billion and $3.9 billion for fiscal year 2026 to support growth and modernization.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management raised capital expenditure guidance from $3.0-$3.2 billion in 2025 to $3.7-$3.9 billion in 2026. This reflects a clear increase in planned investment, consistent with stated priorities and delivering on capital allocation plans.
“The Company expects 2026 capital expenditures to be between $3.7 and $3.9 billion.”
Grow the number of net restaurant units globally to contribute approximately 2.5% to systemwide sales growth in 2026.
Stated as a priority in 2 of last 2 quarters. Management expects net restaurant unit expansion to contribute about 2.5% to systemwide sales growth in 2026. While this is a clear stated growth driver, no specific unit count or progress data is provided, indicating a recurring focus with limited detailed delivery evidence.
“The Company expects net restaurant unit expansion will contribute approximately 2.5% to 2026 Systemwide sales growth.”
Appoint new President of McDonald's USA to accelerate performance and execution in the largest market.
Newly stated in 2026-Q2. Management announced the appointment of Skye Anderson as President of McDonald's USA to bring focus and urgency to improve performance. This is a recent leadership change with no financial impact data yet available, indicating an early-stage priority.
“Skye Anderson appointed as President of McDonald’s USA to lead the Company's largest market.”
Over the trailing year it converted 1.29x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated neutral grew net income 49% of the time over the next year (vs 49% for the rest of the cohort, n=4864).
Not enough signal yet.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, the broad stock market, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, long-term interest rates, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
8 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by executive changes. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated stable grew net income 47% of the time over the next year (vs 53% for the rest of the cohort, n=1906).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“The Company expects 2026 operating margin percent to be in the mid-to-high 40% range.”
“The Company expects 2025 operating margin percent to be in the mid-to-high 40% range.”
“The Company expects 2025 operating margin percent to be in the mid-to-high 40% range.”
“The Company expects 2025 operating margin percent to be in the mid-to-high 40% range.”
“The Company expects 2025 operating margin percent to be in the mid-to-high 40% range.”
“The Company expects 2026 capital expenditures to be between $3.7 and $3.9 billion.”
“The Company expects 2025 capital expenditures to be between $3.0 and $3.2 billion.”
“The Company expects net restaurant unit expansion will contribute approximately 2.5% to 2026 Systemwide sales growth.”