📊 MCD Key Takeaways
Is McDonald's Corp. (MCD) a Good Investment?
McDonald's demonstrates exceptional operational profitability with 46.1% operating margins and strong free cash flow generation of $7.2B (26.7% FCF margin), indicating a highly efficient business model. However, the negative stockholders' equity of -$1.8B combined with substantial long-term debt of $40.0B raises significant concerns about capital structure and financial stability despite adequate interest coverage of 7.8x. The company shows modest revenue growth of 3.7% YoY with healthy net income growth of 4.1%, but liquidity metrics below 1.0x suggest near-term operational cash constraints.
McDonald's shows exceptional fundamental quality with very high operating and net margins, steady revenue and EPS growth, and strong free cash flow conversion. The business appears resilient and efficiently run, but the balance sheet is aggressive, with very high long-term debt, negative equity, and only modest liquidity, which keeps the rating below the highest tier.
Why Buy McDonald's Corp. Stock? MCD Key Strengths
- Exceptional operating margin of 46.1% demonstrating powerful pricing power and operational efficiency in the QSR industry
- Strong free cash flow generation of $7.2B with 26.7% FCF margin enabling capital returns and debt servicing
- Consistent profitability with net margin of 31.9% and net income growth of 4.1% YoY showing earnings stability
- Adequate interest coverage ratio of 7.8x indicating manageable debt service obligations despite high absolute leverage
- Very strong profitability, including 46.1% operating margin and 31.9% net margin
- Consistent growth profile with revenue up 3.7%, net income up 4.1%, and diluted EPS up 4.9% year over year
- Robust cash generation with $10.55B operating cash flow and $7.19B free cash flow, equal to a 26.7% FCF margin
MCD Stock Risks: McDonald's Corp. Investment Risks
- Negative stockholders' equity of -$1.8B indicates substantial negative net worth and highly leveraged balance sheet structure
- Current ratio of 0.95x and quick ratio of 0.94x both below 1.0x signal liquidity constraints and potential near-term solvency concerns
- Long-term debt of $40.0B against total assets of $59.5B reflects aggressive financial leverage that limits financial flexibility
- Modest revenue growth of only 3.7% YoY suggests limited organic growth capacity and potential market saturation
- Negative stockholders equity indicates an aggressively levered capital structure and reduces balance sheet flexibility
- Long-term debt of $39.97B is high relative to cash of $774M, increasing refinancing and interest burden risk
- Current ratio of 0.95x and quick ratio of 0.94x suggest limited short-term liquidity buffer
Key Metrics to Watch
- Stockholders' equity trajectory and deleveraging progress given negative book value position
- Free cash flow sustainability and debt reduction rates to assess capital structure improvement
- Revenue growth acceleration and same-store sales trends to validate business momentum
- Interest coverage ratio maintenance as market rates and refinancing activity could pressure debt service capacity
- Free cash flow and operating cash flow sustainability
- Interest coverage and long-term debt trend
McDonald's Corp. (MCD) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The 26.7% free cash flow margin provides substantial flexibility for dividends, buybacks, and strategic investments. The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
MCD Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
MCD vs Consumer Sector: How McDonald's Corp. Compares
How McDonald's Corp. compares to Consumer sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is McDonald's Corp. Stock Overvalued? MCD Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, McDonald's Corp. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Consumer sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
McDonald's Corp. Balance Sheet: MCD Debt, Cash & Liquidity
MCD Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: McDonald's Corp.'s revenue has grown significantly by 16% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $11.56 reflects profitable operations.
MCD Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
MCD Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $6.9B | $2.3B | $3.13 |
| Q2 2025 | $6.5B | $2.0B | $2.80 |
| Q1 2025 | $6.0B | $1.9B | $2.60 |
| Q3 2024 | $6.7B | $2.3B | $3.13 |
| Q2 2024 | $6.5B | $2.0B | $2.80 |
| Q1 2024 | $5.9B | $1.8B | $2.45 |
| Q3 2023 | $5.9B | $2.0B | $2.68 |
| Q2 2023 | $5.7B | $1.2B | $1.60 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
McDonald's Corp. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
MCD SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for McDonald's Corp. (CIK: 0000063908)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about MCD
What is the AI rating for MCD?
McDonald's Corp. (MCD) has a Combined AI Rating of BUY from Claude (HOLD) and ChatGPT (BUY) with 78% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are MCD's key strengths?
Claude: Exceptional operating margin of 46.1% demonstrating powerful pricing power and operational efficiency in the QSR industry. Strong free cash flow generation of $7.2B with 26.7% FCF margin enabling capital returns and debt servicing. ChatGPT: Very strong profitability, including 46.1% operating margin and 31.9% net margin. Consistent growth profile with revenue up 3.7%, net income up 4.1%, and diluted EPS up 4.9% year over year.
What are the risks of investing in MCD?
Claude: Negative stockholders' equity of -$1.8B indicates substantial negative net worth and highly leveraged balance sheet structure. Current ratio of 0.95x and quick ratio of 0.94x both below 1.0x signal liquidity constraints and potential near-term solvency concerns. ChatGPT: Negative stockholders equity indicates an aggressively levered capital structure and reduces balance sheet flexibility. Long-term debt of $39.97B is high relative to cash of $774M, increasing refinancing and interest burden risk.
What is MCD's revenue and growth?
McDonald's Corp. reported revenue of $26.9B.
Does MCD pay dividends?
McDonald's Corp. pays dividends, with $5,115.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find MCD SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for McDonald's Corp. (CIK: 0000063908) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is MCD's EPS?
McDonald's Corp. has a diluted EPS of $11.95.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is MCD a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, McDonald's Corp. has a BUY rating with 78% confidence. The AI analysis suggests favorable fundamentals based on SEC filings. This is not investment advice.
Is MCD stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for MCD: ROE of N/A (sector avg: 18%), net margin of 31.9% (sector avg: 8%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy MCD stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives McDonald's Corp. a combined BUY rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is MCD's free cash flow?
McDonald's Corp.'s operating cash flow is $10.6B, with capital expenditures of $3.4B. FCF margin is 26.7%.
How does MCD compare to other Consumer stocks?
Vs Consumer sector averages: Net margin 31.9% (avg: 8%), ROE N/A (avg: 18%), current ratio 0.95 (avg: 1.5).