McDonald's Sees Strong 2025 Finish, Plans Accelerated Growth in 2026

Company touts digital gains, value menu, and marketing campaigns as drivers of sales and traffic growth.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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McDonald's executives told investors the company exited 2025 with 'strong momentum' and reiterated plans to accelerate restaurant growth and lean on a 'three for three' playbook of value, marketing, and menu innovation in 2026. The company reported nearly $140 billion in 2025 systemwide sales, up 5.5% in constant currency, driven by comparable sales growth of more than 3% for the year and over 5.5% in the fourth quarter, plus faster unit expansion.

Why it matters

McDonald's performance in 2025 and its plans for 2026 provide insights into the broader quick-service restaurant industry, which has faced challenges from inflation, changing consumer preferences, and competition from newer fast-casual chains. The company's focus on digital, value offerings, and innovative marketing campaigns suggests it is adapting to these shifts and positioning itself for continued growth.

The details

McDonald's CFO Ian Borden said global comparable sales rose 5.7% in the fourth quarter with positive comparable guest counts. In the U.S., comparable sales increased 6.8%, exceeding expectations and driven by positive check and guest count growth. Marketing initiatives like the Monopoly and Grinch Meal promotions helped drive sales. On the value front, the company's U.S. McValue platform and relaunched Extra Value Meals supported higher units sold for top meal combinations. Internationally, the company cited mid- to high-single-digit growth in key markets like the U.K., Germany, and Australia.

  • McDonald's generated nearly $140 billion in 2025 systemwide sales.
  • The company's global comparable sales rose 5.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
  • In the U.S., comparable sales increased 6.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
  • McDonald's plans to expand the Menu Heist promotion to more markets in 2026.
  • The company expects to open approximately 2,600 gross new restaurants in 2026.

The players

Chris Kempczinski

CEO of McDonald's Corporation.

Ian Borden

Chief Financial Officer of McDonald's Corporation.

Jill McDonald

Chief Restaurant Experience Officer of McDonald's Corporation.

McDonald's Corporation

A global quick-service restaurant company best known for its hamburgers, French fries and breakfast offerings.

Ray Kroc

Joined McDonald's in the mid-1950s and led the brand's national and international expansion.

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What they’re saying

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— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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