McDonald's Reports Strong Q4 Performance with Sales Growth
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 11 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MCD?
Source: seekingalpha
- Global Sales Growth: McDonald's reported a 5.7% increase in global comparable sales for Q4, with a notable 6.8% rise in the U.S., indicating the company's ability to attract customers and enhance market share in a competitive fast-food landscape.
- Value Menu Appeal: CEO Chris Kempczinski highlighted that the positive response from lower-income consumers to the value menu has driven market share improvements, demonstrating the company's commitment to value and affordability is yielding results.
- Promotional Traffic Boost: The demand for Minecraft promotions and Grinch collectibles significantly increased customer traffic, while marketing initiatives like the Monopoly event and Grinch meal supported the growth in U.S. comparable sales.
- Global Expansion Plans: McDonald's aims to open 50,000 restaurants worldwide by the end of 2027, with an acceleration in new openings, reflecting the company's confidence in future growth and strategic positioning.
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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: 307.290
Low
300.00
Averages
337.63
High
375.00
Current: 307.290
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.
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- Breakfast Meal Deal: The new menu features a $4 breakfast meal deal, allowing customers to choose a sausage McMuffin or sausage biscuit, served with hash browns and a small McCafé coffee, further catering to consumer demand for affordable meal options.
- Lunch and Dinner Options: Lunch and dinner value options start at $5, including a McChicken meal and 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, designed to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty through diverse offerings.
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- Breakfast Meal Deal: The new menu features a $4 breakfast meal deal, allowing customers to choose a sausage McMuffin or sausage biscuit, served with hash browns and a small McCafé coffee, further catering to consumer demand for affordable meal options.
- Lunch and Dinner Options: Lunch and dinner value options start at $5, including a McChicken meal and 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, designed to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty through diverse offerings.
- Competitive Market Pressure: McDonald's pricing strategy may impact other fast-food chains like Wendy's and Taco Bell, reflecting the company's focus on consumer sensitivity in a rapidly changing market environment.
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- Wide Advertising Reach: The campaign features commercials showcasing 13 different chains, including Arby's, Domino's, and Wendy's, emphasizing the importance of drinks as high-margin menu items, particularly as consumers cut back on dining out.
- Deepening Partnerships: Coca-Cola collaborates with restaurants to market combo meals, providing marketing funds to attract customers, especially amid intensified value competition in the fast-food sector, highlighting its role as a “business partner.”
- Sales Outlook: Despite a 4% organic sales growth in North America in 2025, Coca-Cola's domestic unit case volume fell by 1%, indicating weak demand, with modest sales growth projected for 2026, reflecting a challenging market environment.
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- McDonald's Resilience: McDonald's (MCD) excels during economic slowdowns with over 45,000 locations and a 2.4% dividend yield, while analysts project an 8% annual earnings growth, ensuring continued returns for shareholders.
- Procter & Gamble's Brand Loyalty: Procter & Gamble (PG) has demonstrated resilience with 69 years of dividend increases and a current yield of 3%, with expected annual earnings growth of 4%, ensuring the sustainability of its dividends during economic downturns.
- Walmart's Market Advantage: Walmart (WMT), the world's largest retailer, boasts a 53-year history of dividend growth, currently yielding 0.8%, with a projected annual growth of 9%, providing strong market adaptability and growth potential for investors.
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- McDonald's Resilience: McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) benefits from consumers opting for cheaper dining options during economic slowdowns, boasting a dividend yield of 2.4% and an expected 8% annual earnings growth in the coming years, ensuring its record of 49 consecutive annual dividend increases.
- Procter & Gamble's Brand Loyalty: Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) has achieved 69 consecutive years of dividend increases with a current yield of 3%, demonstrating strong brand loyalty during tough economic times, with analysts projecting a 4% annual earnings growth to support future dividend hikes.
- Walmart's Market Advantage: Walmart (NYSE: WMT), the world's largest retailer, has a track record of 53 consecutive annual dividend increases and a yield of 0.8%, with a projected 9% annual growth, leveraging its vast market presence to maintain competitiveness in e-commerce.
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