Arcos Dorados Projects Higher Q1 Sales Growth
- Performance Revision: Arcos Dorados anticipates higher systemwide comparable sales growth in Q1 2026 compared to Q4 2025, demonstrating the company's resilience and adaptability in the face of macroeconomic pressures.
- Currency Impact Analysis: The company highlights that local currencies in its main markets have appreciated at the start of 2026 compared to early 2025, which will support total revenue growth in US dollars, further boosting investor confidence in future performance.
- Earnings Release Schedule: Arcos Dorados plans to publish its Q4 2025 and full-year results on March 19, 2026, which is expected to provide clearer performance guidance for investors, aiding in the assessment of the company's financial health.
- Market Position Consolidation: As the largest restaurant chain in Latin America and the world's largest independent McDonald's franchisee, Arcos Dorados operates over 2,500 restaurants across 21 countries and territories, continuously driving local economic development and job creation, showcasing its leadership in the industry.
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McDonald's Q4 Earnings Report: McDonald's reported strong Q4 earnings, showcasing significant growth driven by accelerated comp-store sales and an increase in store count, indicating resilience among consumers despite economic pressures.
Stock Buybacks and Price Action: The company has a history of stock buybacks, reducing its share count by approximately 25% since 2016, which has contributed to the recent upswing in stock price, supported by solid cash flow and capital returns.
Analyst Upgrades and Market Sentiment: Following the Q4 release, several analysts issued upgrades and increased price targets for McDonald's, reflecting a positive shift in sentiment and suggesting continued stock price growth.
Dividend Stability and Institutional Interest: McDonald's maintains a high dividend payout ratio and is on track for Dividend Kings status in 2026, attracting institutional interest and indicating a solid support base for its stock amidst market fluctuations.

- Stock Performance: McDonald's shares increased by about 2% following the release of their Q4 results.
- Earnings Report: The company's earnings exceeded expectations, leading to positive reactions from several brokerages.
- Significant Revenue Growth: McDonald's reported a 10% year-over-year revenue increase in Q4, reaching $7 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $6.84 billion, demonstrating the company's strong performance in a value-driven environment.
- Strong Same-Store Sales: Global same-store sales rose by 5.7%, significantly exceeding analyst projections of 3.9%, with U.S. same-store sales climbing 6.8%, reflecting the success of promotional activities.
- Successful Promotions: The launch of the Grinch Meal and the McValue platform resonated well with consumers, with over 50 million pairs of Grinch socks sold within days, driving sales growth.
- Future Expansion Plans: McDonald's aims to open approximately 2,600 new restaurants in 2026, including 750 in the U.S., with an overall unit count growth of 4.5%, indicating the company's confidence in future growth.
- Same-Store Sales Surge: McDonald's Q4 revenue increased by 10% to $7 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $6.84 billion, indicating strong performance in a value-driven environment that is likely to enhance market share further.
- Profitability Boost: Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose by 8% to $3.12, surpassing the $3.05 analyst estimate, reflecting effective strategies in cost control and sales growth, which bolster investor confidence.
- Successful Promotions: U.S. same-store sales climbed 6.8%, driven by the Grinch Meal and promotional items, with over 50 million pairs of Grinch socks sold shortly after launch, demonstrating the direct impact of innovative promotions on sales.
- Future Expansion Plans: McDonald's aims to open approximately 2,600 new restaurants in 2026, including 750 in the U.S., with an overall unit count growth of 4.5%, indicating strong confidence in future growth and positive market demand.
- Significant Sales Growth: McDonald's Q4 revenue increased by 10% year-over-year to $7 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $6.84 billion, demonstrating the company's strong performance in a value-driven promotional environment, thereby reinforcing its market leadership.
- Strong Same-Store Sales: Global same-store sales rose by 5.7%, well above the analyst forecast of 3.9%, with U.S. same-store sales climbing 6.8%, reflecting positive consumer response to promotional activities, particularly the success of the Grinch Meal and the launch of the McValue platform.
- Future Expansion Plans: The company plans to open approximately 2,600 new restaurants in 2026, with 750 in the U.S. and 1,000 in China, indicating McDonald's confidence in future markets and its strategic expansion plans, aiming for a 4.5% growth in unit count overall.
- Innovation Driving Sales: McDonald's will continue to introduce innovative beverage items and expand its chicken offerings to drive sales growth, and combined with its current value strategies, this is expected to further enhance its competitiveness in the fast-food market.

Stock Sale Announcement: McDonald's Director Christopher Kempczinski plans to sell 26,276 shares of the company's common stock on February 13, with a total market value of approximately $8.73 million.
Reduction in Shareholding: Kempczinski has reduced his shareholding in McDonald's by 26,277 shares since February 12, 2026, with a total value of around $8.71 million.





