McDonald's Corporation (MCD): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Information


A Brief History of McDonald's Corporation

Company Overview

McDonald's Corporation, founded in 1940, has grown to become one of the largest and most recognizable fast-food chains globally. As of 2024, the company operates over 40,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries, primarily through a franchised model.

Recent Financial Performance

As of September 30, 2024, McDonald's reported a net income of $6,207 million, a decrease of 3% compared to $6,430 million in the same period of 2023. The diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the nine months was $8.59, down from $8.76 in the previous year.

Financial Metrics 2024 2023 Change (%)
Net Income (in millions) $6,207 $6,430 -3%
Earnings Per Share (diluted) $8.59 $8.76 -2%
Revenue (in millions) $19,532 $19,088 +2.3%
Dividends Paid (in millions) $3,602 $3,325 +8.3%
Share Repurchases (in millions) $2,321 $2,203 +5.4%

Operational Insights

McDonald's operates with a heavily franchised business model, with approximately 95% of its restaurants being franchised. This structure generates stable and predictable revenue streams, largely dependent on franchisee sales.

Recent Developments

In 2024, McDonald's faced several challenges, including a negative impact from the ongoing war in the Middle East, which affected sales in the International Developmental Licensed Markets. The company also incurred net pre-tax charges of $142 million for the nine months, primarily related to transaction costs and non-cash impairment charges.

Cash Flow and Investments

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, McDonald's reported cash provided by operations of $6.8 billion, exceeding capital expenditures by $4.8 billion. Cash used for investing activities totaled $4.6 billion, which included significant investments in its China business and the acquisition of McDonald's business in Israel.

Cash Flow Metrics 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Cash Provided by Operations $6,816 $7,123
Capital Expenditures $1,968 $1,600
Cash Used for Investing Activities $4,604 $2,345
Cash Used for Financing Activities $5,617 $3,788

Future Outlook

McDonald's anticipates that net restaurant unit expansion will contribute nearly 2% to 2024 Systemwide sales growth. The company expects capital expenditures to be between $2.5 and $2.7 billion, focusing on new restaurant openings.



A Who Owns McDonald's Corporation (MCD)

Shareholder Composition

As of September 30, 2024, McDonald's Corporation (MCD) had a total of 1.6606 billion shares issued. The shareholder equity was reported as follows:

Equity Component Amount (in millions)
Common Stock $17
Additional Paid-In Capital $9,194
Retained Earnings $64,819
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $(2,337)
Treasury Stock (at cost) $(76,870)
Total Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) $(5,177)

Ownership Structure

Approximately 95% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide were franchised as of September 30, 2024. The ownership structure is broken down as follows:

Ownership Type Number of Restaurants
Conventional Franchised 21,864
Developmental Licensed 9,077
Foreign Affiliated 9,814
Total Franchised 40,755
Company-Owned and Operated 2,064
Total Systemwide Restaurants 42,819

Major Shareholders

Key institutional shareholders as of September 2024 included:

Shareholder Ownership (%)
The Vanguard Group, Inc. 8.67%
BlackRock, Inc. 7.54%
State Street Corporation 4.91%
Wellington Management Group LLP 3.77%
FMR LLC (Fidelity Investments) 3.40%

Financial Performance

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, McDonald's reported:

  • Net Income: $6,207 million
  • Earnings Per Share (Diluted): $8.59
  • Total Revenues: $19,532 million

Franchised revenues for the same period were:

Segment Revenue (in millions)
U.S. $5,417
International Operated Markets $5,039
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate $1,300
Total Franchised Revenues $11,756

Stock Performance

As of September 30, 2024, McDonald's stock (MCD) performance indicators were:

  • Current Stock Price: $286.50
  • Market Capitalization: $475 billion
  • Dividend Yield: 2.4%

McDonald's has a history of consistent dividend payments, with the most recent quarterly dividend declared at $1.77 per share, effective December 16, 2024.



McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Mission Statement

Mission Statement Overview

The mission statement of McDonald's Corporation emphasizes its commitment to serving quality food and beverages in a friendly environment. The company aims to be a leader in the quick-service restaurant sector while focusing on customer satisfaction and community involvement.

Financial Performance and Strategic Goals

As of September 30, 2024, McDonald's reported the following key financial metrics:

Metric 2024 2023 Change (%)
Net Income (in millions) $6,207 $6,430 (3%)
Earnings per Share - Diluted $8.59 $8.76 (2%)
Total Revenues (in millions) $19,532 $19,088 2%
Operating Income (in millions) $8,844 $8,845 (0%)
Company-Owned Restaurant Sales (in millions) $7,472 $7,267 3%
Franchised Restaurant Revenues (in millions) $11,756 $11,568 2%

Franchise Model and Global Presence

As of September 30, 2024, McDonald's operates a predominantly franchised model, with approximately 95% of its restaurants being franchised. This strategy enables the company to generate stable and predictable revenues while empowering franchisees to manage local operations effectively.

Key Business Segments

McDonald's operates through multiple segments, which include:

  • U.S. Segment
  • International Operated Markets
  • International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate
Segment Revenues (in millions) Operating Income (in millions)
U.S. $7,997 $4,400
International Operated Markets $9,443 $4,459
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate $2,092 ($15)

Market Challenges and Strategic Initiatives

In 2024, McDonald's faced several challenges, including inflationary pressures and geopolitical issues affecting certain markets. The company remains focused on its strategic initiatives, such as the "Accelerating the Organization" program, aimed at modernizing operations and enhancing efficiencies.

Recent Developments

McDonald's has continued to focus on digital innovations and customer engagement strategies. The company reported a 6% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $1.77 per share, reflecting its commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, McDonald's expects to open over 2,100 new restaurants globally in 2024, with a focus on expanding its footprint in key markets. The company aims for a free cash flow conversion rate in the 90% range and anticipates capital expenditures between $2.5 billion and $2.7 billion.



How McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Works

Business Model

McDonald's Corporation operates a heavily franchised business model, with approximately 95% of its restaurants globally being franchised as of September 30, 2024. This model generates stable and predictable revenues primarily from franchisee sales and resulting cash flow streams.

Financial Performance

For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, McDonald's reported total revenues of $6,873 million, marking a 3% increase compared to $6,692 million in the same quarter of 2023. The breakdown of revenues is as follows:

Revenue Source Q3 2024 (in millions) Q3 2023 (in millions) Change (%)
Company-owned and operated restaurants $2,656 $2,556 4%
Revenues from franchised restaurants $4,094 $4,047 1%
Other revenues $124 $89 39%
Total Revenues $6,873 $6,692 3%

Net income for the quarter was $2,255 million, a decrease of 3% from $2,317 million in Q3 2023. Earnings per share (diluted) also decreased by 1% to $3.13 from $3.17.

Operating Costs and Expenses

In Q3 2024, total operating costs and expenses amounted to $3,685 million, an increase of 6% compared to $3,484 million in Q3 2023. The components of operating expenses are detailed below:

Expense Type Q3 2024 (in millions) Q3 2023 (in millions) Change (%)
Company-owned and operated restaurant expenses $2,248 $2,135 5%
Franchised restaurants-occupancy expenses $646 $625 3%
Other restaurant expenses $104 $68 53%
Selling, general & administrative expenses $647 $680 (5%)
Total Operating Costs and Expenses $3,685 $3,484 6%

Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, McDonald's generated cash provided by operations totaling $6.8 billion, exceeding capital expenditures by $4.8 billion. Cash used for investing activities was $4.6 billion, primarily due to acquisitions and increased ownership in the China market.

Dividends and Share Repurchases

McDonald's paid a dividend of $1.67 per share during the quarter, totaling $1.2 billion. For the nine months, total dividends paid reached $3.6 billion. The company repurchased 1.7 million shares for $444 million in Q3 2024.

Market Trends and Challenges

The ongoing war in the Middle East has negatively impacted McDonald's systemwide sales and revenue, particularly in the International Developmental Licensed Markets and Corporate segment. The company continues to monitor the situation, which affects its operations and financial performance.

Restaurant Information

As of September 30, 2024, the total number of McDonald's restaurants worldwide was 42,819, with a breakdown as follows:

Ownership Type 2024 2023
Conventional franchised 21,864 21,761
Developmental licensed 9,077 8,450
Foreign affiliated 9,814 8,843
Total Franchised 40,755 39,054
Company-owned and operated 2,064 2,144
Total Systemwide restaurants 42,819 41,198

Outlook for 2024

McDonald's anticipates that net restaurant unit expansion will contribute nearly 2% to 2024 Systemwide sales growth. The company expects capital expenditures of $2.5 to $2.7 billion for the year and plans to open more than 2,100 restaurants globally.

The effective income tax rate for the full year 2024 is expected to be in the range of 20% to 22%, with an increase in interest expense anticipated due to rising rates and a higher debt balance.



How McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Makes Money

Revenue Streams

McDonald's Corporation generates revenue primarily through three key streams: sales from company-owned restaurants, franchised restaurant revenues, and other revenues. The structure of these revenue streams is designed to maximize profitability while minimizing risks associated with direct ownership of all restaurants.

Company-Owned Restaurant Sales

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, sales from company-owned and operated restaurants totaled $7,472 million, up from $7,267 million in the same period of 2023, reflecting a 3% increase. The breakdown of sales for the quarter is as follows:

Region 2024 Sales (in millions) 2023 Sales (in millions) Increase/Decrease (%)
U.S. $2,417 $2,401 1%
International Operated Markets $4,278 $4,252 1%
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate $777 $614 26%
Total $7,472 $7,267 3%

Franchised Restaurant Revenues

Franchised revenues are a significant component of McDonald's income, accounting for approximately 95% of its global restaurant base. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, revenues from franchised restaurants reached $11,756 million, up from $11,568 million in 2023, indicating a 2% growth. The quarterly breakdown is as follows:

Region 2024 Revenues (in millions) 2023 Revenues (in millions) Increase/Decrease (%)
U.S. $5,417 $5,350 1%
International Operated Markets $5,039 $4,889 3%
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate $1,300 $1,329 (2)%
Total $11,756 $11,568 2%

Other Revenues

McDonald's also generates income through other streams, which include fees from franchisees for technology platforms and brand licensing. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, other revenues amounted to $304 million, compared to $252 million in 2023, marking a 21% increase.

Operating Income and Profitability

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, McDonald's reported total revenues of $19,532 million, up from $19,088 million in 2023, reflecting a 2% increase. The operating income remained stable at $8,844 million, nearly unchanged from $8,845 million in the previous year.

Operating Metrics 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions) Increase/Decrease (%)
Total Revenues $19,532 $19,088 2%
Operating Income $8,844 $8,845
Net Income $6,207 $6,430 (3)%
Earnings Per Share (Diluted) $8.59 $8.76 (2)%

Franchise Model and Financial Health

The franchise model is critical to McDonald's financial health, as it generates stable and predictable revenue streams. Franchised sales provide the basis for calculating franchised revenues, which do not appear on the company's balance sheet but are indicative of the franchisee's financial performance. For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, total franchised sales were reported at $31,333 million, virtually unchanged from $31,362 million in 2023.

Franchised Sales 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions) Increase/Decrease (%)
Total $31,333 $31,362 (0)%
Conventional Franchised $23,088 $22,852 1%
Developmental Licensed $5,005 $5,382 (7)%
Foreign Affiliated $3,240 $3,128 4%

Cost Structure and Expenses

McDonald's operating costs and expenses totaled $10,688 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $10,243 million in 2023, reflecting a 4% increase. The primary drivers of these costs include food and paper, payroll, employee benefits, and occupancy expenses.

Cost Metrics 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions) Increase/Decrease (%)
Total Operating Costs and Expenses $10,688 $10,243 4%
Company-Owned Restaurant Expenses $6,358 $6,149 3%
Franchised Restaurants - Occupancy Expenses $1,902 $1,842 3%
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses $1,748 $1,704 3%

Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns

McDonald's has demonstrated strong cash flow generation capabilities, with cash provided by operations totaling $6.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, exceeding capital expenditures by $4.8 billion. The company has also engaged in significant shareholder return activities, including dividends and share repurchases. In 2024, dividends paid were $3.6 billion, with a quarterly cash dividend increase of 6% announced in September 2024.

Shareholder Returns 2024 (in billions)
Dividends Paid $3.6
Share Repurchases $2.3

Outlook and Strategic Initiatives

Looking ahead, McDonald's expects net restaurant unit expansion to contribute nearly 2% to 2024 Systemwide sales growth. The company is also focused on maintaining a free cash flow conversion rate in the 90% range, with capital expenditures projected between $2.5 and $2.7 billion in 2024.

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Resources:

  1. McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of McDonald's Corporation (MCD)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View McDonald's Corporation (MCD)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.