MCD Stock: McDonald’s Corporation — Profile, Analysis & Investor Guide (2026)
McDonald’s Corporation is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with over 40,000 locations serving millions of customers daily across more than 100 countries. — Updated June 2026 with current price, P/E ratio, analyst ratings, financials, and investor insights.
McDonald’s (MCD) remains the undisputed titan of the quick-service restaurant industry, leveraging an iconic brand and a massive global footprint to deliver consistent value. As a primary constituent in the Complete List Of Food & Beverage Companies Listed On U.S. Exchanges, the company operates a highly profitable business model centered on franchising and real estate. This asset-light approach allows McDonald’s to maintain industry-leading net margins of over 31% while insulating the corporate balance sheet from the rising operational costs of individual restaurant locations.
For many conservative investors, McDonald’s serves as a core defensive holding due to its low beta of 0.72, providing a level of price stability rarely seen in the high-growth tech sectors represented by the Complete List Of Semiconductor Companies Listed On U.S. Exchanges. Furthermore, McDonald’s massive marketing engine and global cultural influence often place it alongside the major consumer-facing brands found in the List Of Publicly Traded Sports Companies. As the company continues to invest in digital ordering and loyalty programs, it bridges the gap between traditional retail and modern data-driven commerce.
Key Takeaways — MCD Stock
Over 95% of McDonald’s restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, a model that minimizes corporate overhead and maximizes profit margins.
With a current yield of 2.45%, McDonald’s continues its long history of returning capital to shareholders through consistent quarterly dividends.
Beyond burgers, McDonald’s is one of the world’s largest real estate owners, often owning the land and buildings where its franchises operate.
The “MyMcDonald’s” app and loyalty program have become massive growth drivers, increasing customer frequency and average check sizes.
MCD Stock Health Score
Scores out of 10 based on current fundamentals, valuation, momentum and income data.
MCD — Live Stock Chart
Real-time price chart powered by TradingView.
MCD — Key Statistics & Valuation
Core financial data as of June 2026.
| Valuation | Value | Financials | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | $197.36B | Revenue (TTM) | $27.45B |
| P/E Ratio (TTM) | 22.81 | Net Income | $8.68 billion |
| Forward P/E | 21.40 | EPS (TTM) | $12.18 |
| Price/Sales | 7.19 | Gross Margin | 57.20% |
| Price/Book | N/A | Net Margin | 31.62% |
| PEG Ratio | 2.45 | ROE | N/A |
| Beta | 0.72 | Debt/Equity | High (Aggressive Buybacks) |
| 52-Week High | $334.82 | 52-Week Low | $243.50 |
| Avg Daily Volume | 2.85 million | YTD Return | 9.10% |
| 1-Year Return | 4.92% | 5-Year Return | 18.52% |
| Dividend Yield | 2.45% | Payout Ratio | 53.20% |
| Analyst Rating | Moderate Buy | Price Target | $318.50 |
| Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Industry | Restaurants |
| CEO | Chris Kempczinski | Employees | 150,000 |
| Founded | 1955 | Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois, US |
MCD — Business Overview
A wide range of fast-food staples including hamburgers, chicken products, french fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, and desserts.
Rent and royalty payments from franchisees, along with sales at company-operated restaurants.
Unparalleled brand recognition, global supply chain scale, and a massive real estate portfolio that creates high entry barriers.
Continued expansion in emerging markets and the implementation of AI-driven automation in drive-thrus and kitchens.
MCD — Financial Performance Snapshot
| 📈 Growth | Value | 📊 Profitability | Value | 🎯 Valuation | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth YoY | 4.20% | Gross Margin | 57.20% | P/E Ratio | 22.81 |
| EPS Growth YoY | 5.10% | Net Margin | 31.62% | Forward P/E | 21.40% |
| 5Y Revenue CAGR | 4.85% | ROE | N/A | PEG Ratio | 2.45 |
| Free Cash Flow | $7.2B | Operating Margin | 46.10% | Price/Sales | 7.19 |
MCD — Analyst Ratings & Price Target
Based on 32 analysts covering MCD as of June 2026.
High: $355.00 | Low: $280.00 | Upside from current: 14.66%
22 Buy | 8 Hold | 2 Sell ratings from covering analysts.
Most analysts maintain a “Moderate Buy” rating, citing the company’s resilient pricing power in an inflationary environment.
MCD Technical Analysis
Real-time buy/sell signals from TradingView.
MCD — Pros & Cons
✓ Resilient Business Model
The global franchise model ensures a steady flow of royalty income even during economic downturns.
✗ Inflation Sensitivity
Rising labor and raw material costs can squeeze franchisee margins and lead to higher menu prices.
✓ Real Estate Powerhouse
Ownership of prime commercial real estate worldwide provides significant asset backing for the company.
✗ Health Consciousness Trends
Increasing global focus on health and nutrition may lead to declining demand for traditional fast food.
✓ Digital & Delivery Growth
Heavy investment in mobile ordering and delivery services has significantly expanded the customer base.
✗ Market Saturation
In many developed markets, growth is capped due to the already high density of McDonald’s locations.
Who Should Consider MCD?
Income-seeking and defensive investors looking for a “Dividend Aristocrat” with low volatility.
Hyper-growth investors seeking explosive returns or those uncomfortable with companies carrying high debt levels.
Long-term (5+ years) to fully benefit from the compounding effect of quarterly dividend reinvestment.
Tax-advantaged accounts like a Roth IRA or 401(k) to maximize the benefit of consistent dividends.
MCD vs Competitors
| Company | Ticker | Market Cap | P/E | Rev Growth | Net Margin | Dividend | 1Y Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s Corp ★ | MCD | $197.36B | 22.81 | 4.20% | 31.62% | 2.45% | 4.92% |
| Yum! Brands, Inc. | YUM | $38.50B | 24.50 | 3.80% | 18.40% | 1.95% | 3.10% |
| Wendy’s Company | WEN | $4.20B | 19.10 | 2.10% | 9.50% | 4.80% | -2.50% |
| Restaurant Brands Intl | QSR | $31.10B | 20.40 | 5.20% | 11.20% | 3.15% | 6.20% |
MCD — Key Risks
Economic Downturn Impact
While fast food is relatively recession-proof, a deep economic contraction could still reduce discretionary dining-out frequency.
Debt Load Concerns
Aggressive share buybacks and dividend payments have resulted in negative shareholder equity, making the company sensitive to interest rate hikes.
Global Regulatory Risk
New laws targeting “ultra-processed” foods or mandatory minimum wage increases could significantly impact operational costs.
Supply Chain Disruptions
As a global operation, McDonald’s is vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and climate-related disruptions in beef, wheat, and produce supplies.