Filing Flows › McDonald's (MCD) › Guidance history
McDonald's (MCD) guidance history: what it guided and what it reported
McDonald's gave guidance in 3 earnings releases on file since May 7, 2026.
Operating margin
Every guided period is still to be reported.
| Period | Guided (and how it moved) | Reported | Result | vs midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2030 | 50.0% (Nov 6, 2026) | — | to be reported | — |
| FY2026 | 40.0% (May 7, 2026) → reaffirmed 40.0% (Aug 7, 2026) → reaffirmed 40.0% (Nov 6, 2026) | — | to be reported | — |
Tax rate
Every guided period is still to be reported.
| Period | Guided (and how it moved) | Reported | Result | vs midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 | 21.0%–23.0% (May 7, 2026) → reaffirmed 21.0%–23.0% (Aug 7, 2026) → reaffirmed 21.0%–23.0% (Nov 6, 2026) | — | to be reported | — |
Capital expenditures
Every guided period is still to be reported.
| Period | Guided (and how it moved) | Reported | Result | vs midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 | $3.7B–$3.9B (May 7, 2026) → reaffirmed $3.7B–$3.9B (Aug 7, 2026) → lowered $3.7B (Nov 6, 2026) | — | to be reported | — |
The latest quarter
McDonald's, Q3 2026: revenue $7.2B (+1% year over year), operating margin 50.2%, net earnings $2.5B, operating cash flow $3.0B. The chart follows the revenue to costs, profit and cash.
Questions
Does McDonald's beat its guidance?
McDonald's gave guidance in 3 earnings releases on file since May 7, 2026.
Each guided period is held to the last guidance given before its figures were reported; a single figure counts as in line within 1% (0.25 pts for a rate). Reported figures are GAAP, from the company's filings; adjusted guidance shows its moves only.