By Evie Liu

Wall Street is expecting McDonald's earnings to show growth in both revenue and earnings as the fast-food chain's value-led strategies offset the challenge of a tough economy.

The results are due after the market closes on Wednesday. In mid afternoon, the stock was up 6.1% so far this year, compared with a 1.6% gain for the S&P 500.

For the quarter ended in December, analysts polled by FactSet expect McDonald's to report that net revenue increased by 7% to $6.84 billion. Earnings are expected to come in at $3.04 per share, up from $2.83 a year ago.

Those gains would come after the company posted a strong third quarter, when global systemwide sales jumped 8%, with gains in both international and domestic markets. Comparable sales, which exclude newly opened restaurants, increased 3.6% from the year-earlier period.

Net revenue rose by 3%, while diluted earnings per share increased 2% to $3.18.

McDonald's is planning an aggressive global expansion, aiming to reach 50,000 restaurants globally by the end of 2027. It had 43,477 restaurants worldwide as of the end of 2024

To be sure, the restaurant industry is facing plenty of challenges. Consumers have become more sensitive to higher menu prices after years of inflation, while rising commodity costs -- especially in beef -- continue to pressure margins.

Over the past year, McDonald's has responded with steps to attract more customers and encourage them to spend more per visit.

In the U.S., the company has leaned on bundled value deals to appeal to budget-conscious consumers, while expanding its menu to keep interest in the brand fresh. That includes introducing new items, bringing back customer favorites, and expanding its beverage offerings to encourage add-on orders and boost traffic during the afternoon.

"McDonald's saw improved visit trends in the fourth quarter of 2025 by aggressively promoting its Extra Value Meal platform, launching successful limited-time offers like the Grinch Meal, and investing in its loyalty program," wrote R.J. Hottovy, head of analytical research at Placer.ai, "We expect value and menu innovation -- particularly regarding new beverage offerings -- to be key themes coming out of the company's Q4 2025 update."

Write to Evie Liu at evie.liu@barrons.com

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February 11, 2026 14:51 ET (19:51 GMT)

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