McDonald's Real Estate Value and Business Model
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Source: Fool
- Real Estate Asset Value: McDonald's real estate is valued at approximately $120 billion, while its balance sheet shows a net asset value of only $27.5 billion, indicating that the company has built one of the most valuable property portfolios in retail by holding these assets for decades.
- Stable Cash Flow: The company generates around $10 billion in annual revenue from international markets, resulting in approximately $7.5 billion in net rental income, utilizing triple net leases to shift tax and maintenance responsibilities to franchisees, thereby ensuring stable cash flow to support dividends.
- Sales Growth Momentum: McDonald's reported a 5.7% year-over-year increase in global same-store sales for the fourth quarter, with the U.S. market achieving a 6.8% growth, the fastest in over two years, demonstrating the company's resilience and adaptability in the face of economic pressures.
- Dividend King Status: Having raised its dividend for 49 consecutive years, McDonald's is expected to announce its 50th increase this fall, solidifying its status as a 'Dividend King', while its stock trades at 24 times forward earnings, reflecting strong market confidence backed by its substantial property portfolio.
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Analyst Views on MCD
Wall Street analysts forecast MCD stock price to rise
23 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
11 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 327.110
Low
300.00
Averages
337.63
High
375.00
Current: 327.110
Low
300.00
Averages
337.63
High
375.00
About MCD
McDonald's Corporation is a global foodservice retailer. Its segment includes U.S., International Operated Markets, and International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate. The U.S. segment is its largest market and is 95% franchised. The International Operated Markets segment is comprised of markets, or countries in which it operates and franchises restaurants, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. This segment is 89% franchised. The International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate segment is comprised of developmental licensee and affiliate markets, including equity method investments in China and Japan. This segment is 99% franchised. Its menu features hamburgers and cheeseburgers, the Big Mac, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, the Filet-O-Fish, and several chicken sandwiches, such as the McChicken and McCrispy as well as Chicken McNuggets, Fries, shakes, sundaes, cookies, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
McDonald's Real Estate Value and Business Model
- Real Estate Asset Value: McDonald's real estate is valued at approximately $120 billion, while its balance sheet shows a net asset value of only $27.5 billion, indicating that the company has built one of the most valuable property portfolios in retail by holding these assets for decades.
- Stable Cash Flow: The company generates around $10 billion in annual revenue from international markets, resulting in approximately $7.5 billion in net rental income, utilizing triple net leases to shift tax and maintenance responsibilities to franchisees, thereby ensuring stable cash flow to support dividends.
- Sales Growth Momentum: McDonald's reported a 5.7% year-over-year increase in global same-store sales for the fourth quarter, with the U.S. market achieving a 6.8% growth, the fastest in over two years, demonstrating the company's resilience and adaptability in the face of economic pressures.
- Dividend King Status: Having raised its dividend for 49 consecutive years, McDonald's is expected to announce its 50th increase this fall, solidifying its status as a 'Dividend King', while its stock trades at 24 times forward earnings, reflecting strong market confidence backed by its substantial property portfolio.
See More
McDonald's Steady Growth and Asset Value
- Stable Rental Income: McDonald's secures a stable rental income from franchisees by owning 80% of its buildings and 56% of the land, creating a high-margin recurring cash flow that enhances its competitive edge in the fast-food industry.
- Global Sales Growth: In 2025, McDonald's reported a 5.7% increase in global same-store sales, with the U.S. market achieving a 6.8% growth rate, the fastest in over two years, demonstrating the company's strong performance amid market recovery.
- Asset Value Appreciation: According to Macquarie Asset Management, McDonald's real estate is valued at approximately $120 billion, significantly higher than its net asset value of $27.5 billion on the balance sheet, indicating the substantial worth of its holdings in the retail sector, further supporting long-term shareholder interests.
- Cash Flow and Dividends: The company generated $7.2 billion in free cash flow in 2025, providing ample capital to sustain its 49-year dividend streak, with a 50th increase expected this fall, solidifying its status as a Dividend King.
See More
Wendy's Shares Reach Lowest Price Since 2008, According to Nelson Peltz, Who Claims They're Undervalued.
- Wendy's Stock Attention: Wendy's stock has gained renewed interest following comments from activist investor Nelson Peltz.
- Undervalued Shares: Peltz believes that Wendy's shares are undervalued and may seek strategies to improve shareholder returns.
See More
Erste Group Upgrades McDonald's to Buy Amid Strong Sales Outlook
- Rating Upgrade: Erste Group has upgraded McDonald's (MCD) from Hold to Buy, reflecting optimism about its future sales growth, with expectations for a stronger performance in 2026 compared to the previous year.
- Operational Advantage: The analyst team highlighted that McDonald's boasts a very high and stable operating margin, significantly above its competitors, which provides strong support for its competitive position in the market.
- Valuation Potential: While McDonald's P/E ratio is noted to be around the sector average, analysts believe that due to its high profitability and favorable outlook, there is potential for the multiple to expand, leading to further increases in share price.
- Market Consensus: Wall Street analysts have a consensus Buy rating on McDonald's, whereas Seeking Alpha analysts are more cautious with a Hold rating, indicating differing perspectives on the company's outlook.
See More
Fast Casual Market Reversal: Chili's Rises
- Market Trend Reversal: As prices for fast food and fast-casual dining rise, American consumers are returning to traditional sit-down restaurants in 2026, with Chili's reporting an 8.6% same-store sales growth while Chipotle's declined by 2.5%, indicating a significant shift in consumer preferences.
- Strong Performance by Brinker: Brinker International's stock has surged nearly 300% over the past three years, reflecting the success of its Chili's brand in attracting diners, particularly against the backdrop of rising fast-food prices that have driven customers back to sit-down options.
- Challenges for Fast-Casual Brands: Fast-casual brands like Chipotle are facing pressure from discounted low-end fast food and price competition from higher-end sit-down restaurants, threatening their market share, especially as they grapple with rising prices and declining product quality.
- Investor Strategy Adjustment: In the dynamically changing restaurant market, investors should focus on the specific value propositions of individual restaurants rather than overall categories, as Chipotle struggles while Texas Roadhouse and Brinker International thrive by offering good value at reasonable prices.
See More
Wendy's Shares Are Inexpensive, But Will the Recovery Efforts Succeed?
Wendy's Stock Performance: Wendy's stock is currently undervalued, trading at 12 times its earnings, presenting a potential opportunity for investors despite concerns about its ability to regain market share against competitors like McDonald's.
Management and Market Challenges: The company is addressing internal issues and recognizing past missteps, but faces challenges from declining U.S. comps and market share losses, which may impact its performance this year.
Analyst Sentiment: Analysts are generally bearish on Wendy's stock, with a high conviction rate for holding, but some trends indicate potential for a rebound, especially if earnings improve and cash flow strengthens.
Consumer Trends and Future Outlook: Early data suggests consumer spending may improve in 2026, supported by larger tax refunds, which could benefit Wendy's if they can enhance operational efficiency and revenue generation.
See More
McDonald's Real Estate Value and Business Model
- Real Estate Asset Value: McDonald's real estate is valued at approximately $120 billion, while its balance sheet shows a net asset value of only $27.5 billion, indicating that the company has built one of the most valuable property portfolios in retail by holding these assets for decades.
- Stable Cash Flow: The company generates around $10 billion in annual revenue from international markets, resulting in approximately $7.5 billion in net rental income, utilizing triple net leases to shift tax and maintenance responsibilities to franchisees, thereby ensuring stable cash flow to support dividends.
- Sales Growth Momentum: McDonald's reported a 5.7% year-over-year increase in global same-store sales for the fourth quarter, with the U.S. market achieving a 6.8% growth, the fastest in over two years, demonstrating the company's resilience and adaptability in the face of economic pressures.
- Dividend King Status: Having raised its dividend for 49 consecutive years, McDonald's is expected to announce its 50th increase this fall, solidifying its status as a 'Dividend King', while its stock trades at 24 times forward earnings, reflecting strong market confidence backed by its substantial property portfolio.
See More
McDonald's Steady Growth and Asset Value
- Stable Rental Income: McDonald's secures a stable rental income from franchisees by owning 80% of its buildings and 56% of the land, creating a high-margin recurring cash flow that enhances its competitive edge in the fast-food industry.
- Global Sales Growth: In 2025, McDonald's reported a 5.7% increase in global same-store sales, with the U.S. market achieving a 6.8% growth rate, the fastest in over two years, demonstrating the company's strong performance amid market recovery.
- Asset Value Appreciation: According to Macquarie Asset Management, McDonald's real estate is valued at approximately $120 billion, significantly higher than its net asset value of $27.5 billion on the balance sheet, indicating the substantial worth of its holdings in the retail sector, further supporting long-term shareholder interests.
- Cash Flow and Dividends: The company generated $7.2 billion in free cash flow in 2025, providing ample capital to sustain its 49-year dividend streak, with a 50th increase expected this fall, solidifying its status as a Dividend King.
See More
Wendy's Shares Reach Lowest Price Since 2008, According to Nelson Peltz, Who Claims They're Undervalued.
- Wendy's Stock Attention: Wendy's stock has gained renewed interest following comments from activist investor Nelson Peltz.
- Undervalued Shares: Peltz believes that Wendy's shares are undervalued and may seek strategies to improve shareholder returns.
See More
Erste Group Upgrades McDonald's to Buy Amid Strong Sales Outlook
- Rating Upgrade: Erste Group has upgraded McDonald's (MCD) from Hold to Buy, reflecting optimism about its future sales growth, with expectations for a stronger performance in 2026 compared to the previous year.
- Operational Advantage: The analyst team highlighted that McDonald's boasts a very high and stable operating margin, significantly above its competitors, which provides strong support for its competitive position in the market.
- Valuation Potential: While McDonald's P/E ratio is noted to be around the sector average, analysts believe that due to its high profitability and favorable outlook, there is potential for the multiple to expand, leading to further increases in share price.
- Market Consensus: Wall Street analysts have a consensus Buy rating on McDonald's, whereas Seeking Alpha analysts are more cautious with a Hold rating, indicating differing perspectives on the company's outlook.
See More
Fast Casual Market Reversal: Chili's Rises
- Market Trend Reversal: As prices for fast food and fast-casual dining rise, American consumers are returning to traditional sit-down restaurants in 2026, with Chili's reporting an 8.6% same-store sales growth while Chipotle's declined by 2.5%, indicating a significant shift in consumer preferences.
- Strong Performance by Brinker: Brinker International's stock has surged nearly 300% over the past three years, reflecting the success of its Chili's brand in attracting diners, particularly against the backdrop of rising fast-food prices that have driven customers back to sit-down options.
- Challenges for Fast-Casual Brands: Fast-casual brands like Chipotle are facing pressure from discounted low-end fast food and price competition from higher-end sit-down restaurants, threatening their market share, especially as they grapple with rising prices and declining product quality.
- Investor Strategy Adjustment: In the dynamically changing restaurant market, investors should focus on the specific value propositions of individual restaurants rather than overall categories, as Chipotle struggles while Texas Roadhouse and Brinker International thrive by offering good value at reasonable prices.
See More
Wendy's Shares Are Inexpensive, But Will the Recovery Efforts Succeed?
Wendy's Stock Performance: Wendy's stock is currently undervalued, trading at 12 times its earnings, presenting a potential opportunity for investors despite concerns about its ability to regain market share against competitors like McDonald's.
Management and Market Challenges: The company is addressing internal issues and recognizing past missteps, but faces challenges from declining U.S. comps and market share losses, which may impact its performance this year.
Analyst Sentiment: Analysts are generally bearish on Wendy's stock, with a high conviction rate for holding, but some trends indicate potential for a rebound, especially if earnings improve and cash flow strengthens.
Consumer Trends and Future Outlook: Early data suggests consumer spending may improve in 2026, supported by larger tax refunds, which could benefit Wendy's if they can enhance operational efficiency and revenue generation.
See More
