MCD

McDonald's

Fundamental data last updated:March 30, 2026

company profile

SECTOR

Consumer Cyclical

industry

Restaurants

Exchange

NYSE

County of HQ

United States

Next Earnings Date

05/07/26

Business Summary

McDonald's operates in the Restaurants industry within the Consumer Cyclical sector and is listed on the NYSE. The company operates and franchises quick-service restaurants that sell food and beverages globally.

VALUATION

P/E

25.6

Market Cap ($M USD)

$217,848

Forward P/E

21.3

PEG

2.3

PRICE TO SALES

8.2

PRICE TO BOOK

-

EV / EBITDA

18.8

5-Year Average P/E

DIVIDEND

Yield

2.40%

Annual Payout

$7.44

Payout Ratio

60.10%

Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth

10+

5-Year Dividend Growth Rate

7.60%

Financial Health & Profitability

Earnings Per Share

$11.78

Next Year EPS Growth Estimate

$14.39

Next Year Revenue Growth Estimate

5.60%

Return on Equity (ROE)

-389.00%

Operating Margin

46.10%

Debt-to-Equity

-

Piotroski F-Score

7

Altman Z-Score

4.8

Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)

18.60%%

Current Ratio

1

Quick Ratio

Gainseekers Quantitative Analysis

Summary

McDonald’s has a market capitalization of $217,848M and trades at a P/E of 25.6 with a forward P/E of 21.3, reflecting expectations of earnings improvement. The company reports EPS of 18.8, while EPS next year is estimated at $11.78, alongside a PEG forward of 2.3. Profitability metrics show a return on equity of 5.60% and an operating margin of -389.00%, with debt to equity at 46.10%.

AI Exposure / Tech Reliance

As a large consumer cyclical company in the restaurant industry, McDonald's may rely on technology for operational efficiency and customer engagement, though specific AI exposure metrics are not provided. Its scale and institutional ownership of $346.82 suggest significant integration of systems and data across operations.

The Bull Case

The stock trades at a forward P/E of 21.3 compared to a current P/E of 25.6, indicating anticipated earnings dynamics that could support valuation. A dividend per share of 2.40% and a 5-year average dividend growth of 10+ may appeal to income-focused investors.

The Bear Case

Operating margin is reported at -389.00%, and return on equity stands at 5.60%, which may raise profitability concerns. Debt to equity of 46.10% and a short float of 7.60% could indicate balance sheet leverage and bearish sentiment.

Market Sentiment & Smart Money

Short Interest %

1.30%

Analyst Consensus

2.03

Average Analyst Price Target

$346.82

Institutional Ownership %

75.60%

1-Year Beta

0.17

Insider Buying % (6 Mo)

0.30%%

Distance to 52-Week High

89.50%%

Distance to 52-Week Low

107.90%%