{"id":1283111,"date":"2026-08-07T11:22:52","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T08:22:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etoro.com\/?p=1283111"},"modified":"2026-08-07T22:27:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T19:27:42","slug":"deep-dive-are-mcdonalds-golden-arches-still-shining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.etoro.com\/en-us\/news-and-analysis\/market-insights\/deep-dives\/deep-dive-are-mcdonalds-golden-arches-still-shining\/","title":{"rendered":"Deep Dive: Are McDonald\u2019s Golden Arches Still Shining?"},"content":{"rendered":"

On a total-return basis, McDonald’s has climbed in 11 straight years. Now down almost 10% in 2026, The Daily Breakdown takes a closer look.<\/p>\n

Before we dive in, let\u2019s make sure you\u2019re set to receive The Daily Breakdown each morning. <\/span><\/i>To keep getting our daily insights<\/i><\/b>, all you need to do is <\/span><\/i>log in<\/span><\/i><\/a> to your eToro account.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Interested in more Deep Dive content? Check out <\/span><\/i>our latest research<\/span><\/i><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Deep Dive<\/b><\/h2>\n

McDonald\u2019s<\/a> is the world\u2019s largest restaurant chain, serving fast-food staples across a global network of company-operated and franchised locations. Its scale, brand recognition, and standardized operating model allow it to serve millions of customers across dozens of markets.<\/span><\/p>\n

The business is increasingly driven by franchising rather than directly operating restaurants. In fiscal 2025, franchise revenue accounted for roughly 61.5% of total revenue, while the US contributed about 40.2%, highlighting both the company\u2019s asset-light model and its broad international reach.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of McDonald\u2019s strong brand and consistency, the company has become a staple among investors looking for capital return in the form of dividends and share buybacks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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McDonald\u2019s could join the Dividend Kings later this year, an exclusive group of companies that have raised their dividends for at least 50 consecutive years. The company has increased its payout for 49 straight years, while its annual dividend has doubled over the past decade. During that same period, outstanding shares have fallen by more than 100 million.<\/span><\/p>\n

Future Growth Projections<\/b><\/h4>\n

While McDonald\u2019s is a consistent dividend payer, its earnings growth has been less steady. Net income has increased in three of the past five years and seven of the past 10. Looking ahead, analysts project the following, according to Bloomberg:<\/span><\/p>\n