McDonald's
McDonald's is a leading global food service retailer that operates and franchises a vast network of restaurants serving a locally relevant menu of quality food and beverages. The company leverages a heavily franchised business model to generate stable and predictable revenue streams through royalties, rent, and initial fees. Its core value proposition centers on providing convenience, value, and a consistent brand experience across more than 100 countries.
Financials
Based on Q1 2026 filing
Revenue
View metricGross Profit
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Franchised Restaurants
primaryThe primary business driver where independent entrepreneurs operate restaurants under conventional franchise, developmental license, or affiliate structures. The company provides the brand, operating system, and often the real estate, while receiving royalties and rent.
Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Filet-O-Fish, McChicken, McCrispy, McSpicy, Chicken McNuggets, World Famous Fries, Egg McMuffin, McGriddles, McFlurry
Individual consumers, Families
Company-Operated Restaurants
majorRestaurants owned and managed directly by the company to act as a venue for operations training, testing innovations, and refining marketing and pricing strategies. These locations contribute significantly to the company's credibility as a franchisor.
Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Chicken McNuggets, World Famous Fries, McCafé beverages, Soft serve cones
Individual consumers, Families
Brand Licensing & Technology Services
minorActivities involving the licensing of the McDonald's brand for consumer packaged goods and the recovery of costs from franchisees for digital and technology platforms.
Consumer packaged goods, Digital platforms, Technology services
Franchisees, Retail consumers
Segment Financials
U.S. Market — Franchised restaurants occupancy expenses
View metricBusiness Overview
Competitive Position
A dominant global leader in the informal eating out (IEO) segment, competing primarily on price, convenience, and brand recognition.
Geographies
Global, United States, China, Japan, Europe
Customer Segments
Mass Market, Value-conscious consumers
Upstream Dependencies
Independent food suppliers, Packaging manufacturers, Equipment providers, Logistics and distribution partners
Downstream Customers
Retail consumers, Franchisees, Developmental licensees
Competitors & Partners
Competitors
Starbucks
SBUX
Competitor in the specialist coffee and breakfast segment
Restaurant Brands International
QSR
Direct global quick-service restaurant competitor
Yum! Brands
YUM
Global multi-brand restaurant competitor (KFC, Taco Bell)
Chipotle Mexican Grill
CMG
Quick-service restaurant competitor
Wendy's
WEN
Major North American hamburger chain competitor
Partners
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Global non-profit partner for community and philanthropic initiatives
McDonald's FAQ
Common questions about McDonald's
McDonald's is a leading global food service retailer that operates and franchises a vast network of restaurants serving a locally relevant menu of quality food and beverages. The company leverages a heavily franchised business model to generate stable and predictable revenue streams through royalties, rent, and initial fees. Its core value proposition centers on providing convenience, value, and a consistent brand experience across more than 100 countries.
McDonald's (MCD) has a market capitalization of $200.55B and trades on NYSE.
McDonald's generated $27.4B in trailing twelve-month revenue with net income of $8.7B, representing a net margin of 31.6%. Gross margin stands at 86.6%, with free cash flow of $7.0B. These figures are based on the Q1 2026 filing.
McDonald's's key competitors include Starbucks, Burger King, Yum! Brands, and others. These companies compete in similar markets and product categories.
McDonald's has approximately 150,000 employees.