The overall sentiment of the call reflects a mixed performance in 2024, with positive developments in specific international markets and strategic initiatives set to drive growth in 2025. However, the adverse impact of the E. coli outbreak in the US and challenges in key markets like the UK and Australia weigh on the outlook.

Company Guidance

In McDonald's Fourth Quarter 2024 Investor Conference Call, the company provided several key metrics and guidance for the upcoming year. Global comparable sales decreased by 0.1% for the full year, though there was a 0.4% increase in the fourth quarter, driven by positive comps in the IDL and IOM segments. In the US, fourth-quarter comp sales were down 1.4% due to an E. coli outbreak, but the company anticipates a full recovery by the beginning of Q2 2025. McDonald's aims to maintain an operating margin in the mid to high 40% range for 2025, up from the 46.3% adjusted margin in 2024. The company plans to open approximately 2,200 new restaurants, contributing to a projected 4% unit growth. Despite challenges, McDonald's continues to focus on value and innovation, including the McValue platform and expanded chicken offerings, aiming for a return to positive guest count growth and increased market share.

Positive Global Comp Sales Growth in Q4

Global comp sales increased 0.4% in the fourth quarter, showing positive comps across IDL and IOM segments despite challenges.

Incremental Benefits from Strategic Technology Platforms

Deployment of new solutions from strategic technology platforms in Consumer, Restaurant, and Company segments is expected to yield benefits.

Strong Performance in Canada and Germany

Canada saw positive guest count performance driven by value propositions and cultural campaigns. Germany achieved market share gains with innovative menu offerings.

Positive Developments in France

France showed improvement with positive comp sales and guest count gaps to competitors, driven by successful marketing campaigns.

Growth in Middle East and Japan

IDL segment comp sales increased by over 4%, driven by positive results in the Middle East and Japan.

Continued Expansion Plans

McDonald's plans to open approximately 2,200 restaurants in 2025, contributing to over 4% unit growth.

---

McDonald's (MCD) Earnings, Revenues Date & History

The upcoming earnings date is based on a company’s previous reporting, and may be updated when the actual date is announced

Daily Earnings Calendar >

MCD Earnings History

Report Date	Fiscal Quarter	Forecast / EPS	Last Year's EPS	EPS YoY Change	Slides	Play Transcript
Apr 24, 2025	2025 (Q1)	2.70 / -	2.7	―	―	―
Feb 10, 2025	2024 (Q4)	2.85 / 2.83	2.95	-4.07% (-0.12)	―
Oct 29, 2024	2024 (Q3)	3.21 / 3.23	3.19	1.25% (+0.04)	―
Jul 29, 2024	2024 (Q2)	3.07 / 2.97	3.17	-6.31% (-0.20)	―
Apr 30, 2024	2024 (Q1)	2.72 / 2.70	2.63	2.66% (+0.07)	―
Feb 05, 2024	2023 (Q4)	2.83 / 2.95	2.59	13.90% (+0.36)	―
Oct 30, 2023	2023 (Q3)	3.00 / 3.19	2.68	19.03% (+0.51)	―
Jul 27, 2023	2023 (Q2)	2.78 / 3.17	2.55	24.31% (+0.62)	―
Apr 25, 2023	2023 (Q1)	2.33 / 2.63	2.28	15.35% (+0.35)	―
Jan 31, 2023	2022 (Q4)	2.46 / 2.59	2.23	16.14% (+0.36)	―

The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.

Beat

Missed

---

MCD Earnings-Related Price Changes

Report Date	Price 1 Day Before	Price 1 Day After	Percentage Change
Feb 10, 2025	$294.30	$308.42	+4.80%
Oct 29, 2024	$295.02	$293.24	-0.60%
Jul 29, 2024	$249.04	$258.35	+3.74%
Apr 30, 2024	$268.60	$268.10	-0.19%

Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.

---