McDonald's Revamps Beverage Strategy via CosMc's Test
- Beverage Strategy Modernization: McDonald's leverages the CosMc's test to modernize its beverage strategy, with plans to launch a new McCafé beverage range in 2026 aimed at boosting drink sales and attracting more customers.
- Successful Test Concept: As McDonald's first new restaurant concept since Chipotle, CosMc's emphasizes customizable cold drinks and snacks, with test results exceeding expectations and driving more snack and dinner occasions.
- Strong Financial Performance: During the test, McDonald's noted an increase in average check sizes, particularly during snack and dinner periods, indicating high market acceptance of the new beverages and contributing positively to overall financial performance.
- Enhanced Competitive Advantage: By elevating beverages to a strategic pillar alongside burgers and kids' menus, McDonald's positions itself to compete more effectively with rivals like Starbucks and Dunkin’, particularly in the afternoon beverage market.
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- Beverage Strategy Modernization: McDonald's leverages the CosMc's test to modernize its beverage strategy, with plans to launch a new McCafé beverage range in 2026 aimed at boosting drink sales and attracting more customers.
- Successful Test Concept: As McDonald's first new restaurant concept since Chipotle, CosMc's emphasizes customizable cold drinks and snacks, with test results exceeding expectations and driving more snack and dinner occasions.
- Strong Financial Performance: During the test, McDonald's noted an increase in average check sizes, particularly during snack and dinner periods, indicating high market acceptance of the new beverages and contributing positively to overall financial performance.
- Enhanced Competitive Advantage: By elevating beverages to a strategic pillar alongside burgers and kids' menus, McDonald's positions itself to compete more effectively with rivals like Starbucks and Dunkin’, particularly in the afternoon beverage market.
Comparison of Companies: The article compares Jack in the Box and McDonald's, highlighting that while McDonald's has successfully leaned into digital strategies and gained market share, Jack in the Box has faced executive missteps leading to reduced shareholder value and increased debt.
Potential for Recovery: Analysts remain optimistic about Jack in the Box's potential turnaround, suggesting that corrective measures could reclaim lost glory and improve shareholder value, despite recent fiscal challenges.
Market Outlook: The stock's performance is under scrutiny, with a critical support level identified that could indicate a turning point for recovery, while analysts predict a potential rebound in share prices if operational improvements are realized.
Investment Recommendations: The article concludes with insights on investment strategies, suggesting that certain stocks are currently recommended for purchase, indicating a belief in their potential for growth amidst broader market fluctuations.
Market Volatility: Investors are facing prolonged market volatility, particularly influenced by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down emergency tariffs, which has led to oscillations between losses and gains in the markets.
Focus on Technology Stocks: The ongoing focus remains on technology stocks, especially those related to artificial intelligence (AI), as investors weigh geopolitical concerns and the implications of military presence in the Middle East.
Earnings Reports and Stock Performance: Companies like NVIDIA and Oracle are set to release earnings reports, with analysts predicting strong performance, while other stocks, such as Qualcomm, have faced skepticism due to recent downturns in the tech sector.
Investment Opportunities: Despite challenges, there are still opportunities for investors in beaten-down sectors, with analysts highlighting potential stocks that could deliver upside surprises amidst a difficult economic environment.
- 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.
- 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.

- 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.










