Sector: Consumer Discretionary|Industry: Restaurants|Market Cap: $212.19B|Employees: 150K
McDonald's Corporation is a global franchisor and operator of restaurants, offering a menu of food and beverages. The company operates in over 100 countries with a heavily franchised business model, which is designed to generate stable and predictable revenue. McDonald's competes in the informal eating out segment, focusing on price, convenience, service, and menu variety.
McDonald's Corporation ("the Company") franchises and operates McDonald's restaurants, serving a locally-relevant menu. Of the 41,822 restaurants at year-end 2023, ~95% were franchised. The Company's reporting segments align with its strategic priorities: 1) the United States ("U.S."), 2) International Operated Markets, and 3) International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate. The Company emphasizes franchising as key to its business model, believing it essential for delivering high-quality food and localized customer experiences while driving profitability. Company-operated restaurants allow for operational testing and training, enhancing the System's overall performance. Revenue comes from sales at Company-operated restaurants and fees from franchised restaurants (conventional, developmental licensees, and affiliates). The Company also generates revenue from technology platform fees, brand licensing, and (prior to April 1, 2022) its Dynamic Yield business.
McDonald's offers a substantially uniform menu with some geographic variations. Core offerings include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Filet-O-Fish, chicken products (McChicken, McCrispy, McSpicy, McNuggets), World Famous Fries, shakes, McFlurry desserts, sundaes, cones, cookies, pies, soft drinks, coffee, and McCafé beverages. Breakfast is offered in many locations, including sandwiches (Egg McMuffin, Sausage McMuffin with Egg, McGriddles), biscuits, bagels, oatmeal, hash browns, and hotcakes. Limited-time promotional items are also offered.
McDonald's has three main operating segments:
McDonald's "Accelerating the Arches" strategy focuses on maximizing marketing, core menu items, and the 4 D's (Digital, Delivery, Drive-Thru, and Restaurant Development). Key initiatives include enhancing the customer experience through technology, accelerating restaurant openings, and developing a modern operating platform. The company aims to provide a seamless and personalized experience across all channels. It also prioritizes running great restaurants, empowering employees, and modernizing work practices through "Accelerating the Organization."
McDonald's competes in the Informal Eating Out (IEO) segment, including quick-service restaurants, home delivery/takeaway providers, and other diverse food vendors. Key competition is based on price, convenience, service, experience, menu variety, and product quality.
(Generated from latest 10-K filing)