McDonald's Reports Q3 2026 Results: Diluted EPS Up 10% to $3.51, Global Comp Sales Up 1.5%

Executive Overview: McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) Q3 2026 Financial Results

On November 4, 2026, McDonald's Corporation submitted a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 2.02 (Results of Operations and Financial Condition) disclosing its operational and financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2026.

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Key Financial Highlights

Third Quarter 2026 Performance

• Consolidated Revenues: Reached $7,157 million, representing a 1% increase (1% in constant currency) compared to $7,078 million in Q3 2025.
• Consolidated Operating Income: Grew 7% year-over-year (7% in constant currency) to $3,595 million. Excluding pre-tax restructuring charges of $56 million related to the Accelerating the Organization initiative, adjusted operating income rose 8%.
• Net Income: Totaled $2,486 million, up 9% year-over-year compared to $2,278 million in the prior-year period.
• Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS): Reported at $3.51, up 10% (11% in constant currency). Excluding the $0.06 per share restructuring charge, Non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS was $3.57, up 11% compared to $3.22 in Q3 2025.
• Systemwide Sales: Increased 4% globally to more than $38 billion.
• Loyalty Program: Trailing twelve-month Systemwide sales to loyalty members across 70 loyalty markets exceeded $41 billion, with more than $11 billion generated during Q3.

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Comparable Sales Breakdown

• Global Comparable Sales: Increased 1.5% company-wide.
  • U.S. (-0.2%): Decreased slightly as negative comparable guest counts were largely offset by positive average check growth.
  • International Operated Markets (+1.4%): Positive growth led by Germany and Australia, partially offset by softer performance in France.
  • International Developmental Licensed Markets (+4.2%): Led by solid growth in Japan, partly offset by comparable sales weakness in China.

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Capital Returns & Corporate Developments

• Quarterly Cash Dividend: The Board declared a 4% increase in the quarterly dividend to $1.93 per share.
• Restructuring & Modernization: The company incurred pre-tax charges of $56 million ($0.06/share) in Q3 and $155 million ($0.17/share) year-to-date associated with the Accelerating the Organization program designed to modernize operational efficiency.