Q1 26 EPS
$2.83
BEAT +3.11%
Est. $2.74
Q1 26 Revenue
$6.52B
BEAT +0.79%
Est. $6.47B
vs S&P Since Q1 26
-9.5%
TRAILING MARKET
MCD -3.9% vs S&P +5.6%
Market Reaction
Did MCD Beat Earnings? Q1 2026 Results
McDonald's kicked off 2026 with a confident beat on both top and bottom lines, posting first-quarter earnings per share of $2.83 against a consensus estimate of $2.74, a 3.11% beat, while revenue of $6.52 billion edged past expectations by 0.79% and … Read more McDonald's kicked off 2026 with a confident beat on both top and bottom lines, posting first-quarter earnings per share of $2.83 against a consensus estimate of $2.74, a 3.11% beat, while revenue of $6.52 billion edged past expectations by 0.79% and climbed 9.4% year over year. The headline driver was a broad-based global comparable sales recovery, with worldwide comps rising 3.8% after a negative 1.0% reading in the year-ago period; all three operating segments contributed positively, led by U.S. Comps of 3.9% on positive check growth and matching gains in International Operated Markets. Loyalty program momentum added further texture, with systemwide sales to members exceeding $9.00 billion in the quarter alone. A strengthening Euro also provided a $313.00 million favorable currency tailwind. Despite some pre-earnings caution from analysts who had flagged profit growth running below sector peers, the results spoke clearly. Looking ahead, McDonald's targets operating margin in the mid-to-high 40% range for full-year 2026, with approximately 2,600 new restaurant openings and capital expenditures of $3.70 to $3.90 billion.
Key Takeaways
- • Global comparable sales increased 3.8%, with consistently solid growth across all segments
- • U.S. comparable sales driven by positive check growth
- • International Operated Markets led by U.K., Germany and Australia
- • International Developmental Licensed Markets led by Japan
- • Higher sales-driven franchised margins across all segments
- • Favorable foreign currency translation impact of $313 million on revenues, primarily from strengthening Euro
- • Systemwide sales to loyalty members exceeded $9 billion for the quarter across 70 markets
MCD YoY Financials
Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025, source: SEC Filings
MCD Revenue by Segment
With YoY comparisons, source: SEC Filings
MCD Revenue by Geography
With YoY comparisons, source: SEC Filings
“McDonald's delivered this quarter. Our 6% global Systemwide sales growth shows how we executed with discipline, proving that we can drive results even in a challenging environment. And it's our commitment to going three-for-three that sets McDonald's apart. Our value leadership, breakthrough marketing, and menu innovation continue to serve up what customers want.”
— Chris Kempczinski, Q1 2026 Earnings Press Release
MCD Earnings Trends
MCD vs Market 30 Day Price Reactions
30-day stock return vs benchmark after each earnings
MCD EPS Trend
Earnings per share: estimate vs actual
MCD Revenue Trend
Quarterly revenue: estimate vs actual
MCD Quarterly Results
6 quarters of earnings data
| Quarter | EPS Est. | EPS Act. | Surprise | Revenue | Rev. Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 26 BEAT | $3.32 | $3.38 | +1.77% | $7.10B | -0.39% |
| Q1 26 BEAT | $2.74 | $2.83 | +3.11% | $6.52B | +0.79% |
| Q4 25 BEAT FY | $3.05 | $3.12 | +2.22% | $7.01B | +2.50% |
| FY Full Year | $12.14 | $12.20 | +0.49% | $26.89B | +0.73% |
| Q3 25 MISS | $3.33 | $3.22 | -3.38% | $7.08B | -0.16% |
| Q2 25 BEAT | $3.15 | $3.19 | +1.31% | $6.84B | +2.10% |
| Q1 25 MISS | $2.67 | $2.67 | -0.02% | $5.96B | -2.78% |