McDonald's stock gains as dividend rises and U.S. sales slip
Published on 11/05/2026 at 17:14 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSMcDonald's faces a mixed recovery
- Adjusted third-quarter earnings exceeded expectations, but revenue growth remained modest.
- U.S. comparable sales declined as higher average checks offset weaker guest counts.
- Management lowered its gross restaurant-opening target while maintaining its net-addition outlook.
McDonald's reported stronger-than-expected adjusted earnings for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, while U.S. demand remained uneven. The company announced the results before the U.S. market opened on Wednesday, November 4.
Profit growth outpaced sales
Revenue increased 1 percent to 7.157 billion US dollars, while net income rose 9 percent to 2.486 billion US dollars. Adjusted diluted earnings per share reached 3.57 US dollars, above the 3.38 US dollar consensus cited by Fidelity's report. Revenue fell short of the 7.28 billion US dollar estimate.
Global comparable sales increased 1.5 percent, led by International Developmental Licensed Markets at 4.2 percent and International Operated Markets at 1.4 percent. U.S. comparable sales declined 0.2 percent as negative guest counts were largely offset by higher average checks.
McDonald's said comparable sales in the United States turned positive in September after slightly negative results in July and August. The company linked the improvement to renewed digital offers, value-focused marketing and closer restaurant-level execution.
Guidance shifts toward expansion
Management now expects about 2,500 gross restaurant openings worldwide in 2026, below its earlier target of 2,600, while maintaining an outlook for approximately 2,100 net additions. Capital spending is expected at 3.7 billion US dollars, the low end of the previous 3.7 billion to 3.9 billion US dollar range.
The company also declared a 4 percent increase in its quarterly cash dividend to 1.93 US dollars per share. That supports shareholder returns, but the central operating test remains whether value offers can convert higher checks into a sustained recovery in U.S. visits.
McDonald's stock traded at 248.95 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 17:04 CET on Thursday, November 5, 2026, 0.62 percent above the Xetra close of 247.42 euros on Wednesday, November 4. The Xetra comparison is based on the closing price reported for McDonald's euro listing by De Belegger. Investors can follow the real-time quote of McDonald's stock for the latest trading indication.
McDonald's Corporation
- ISIN: US5801351017
- Ticker: MCD
- Home exchange: NYSE
- Lang & Schwarz quote: 248.95 euros at 17:04 CET on November 5, 2026
- Xetra close: 247.42 euros on November 4, 2026
- Third-quarter period: Ended September 30, 2026
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