McDonald's Stock Falls 21% but Still Offers Steady Earnings Growth

McDonald's (MCD) stock has taken a significant hit, sitting at $270.64 as of writing, which is 21% below its high of $341.75 and only 4% above its 52-week low.

The company's recent quarterly reports show positive global comparable sales growth in each of the last four quarters, with a streak that includes 3.8% growth in the second quarter of 2025, 3.6% in the third, 5.7% in the fourth, and 3.8% in the first quarter of 2026.

The U.S. business saw comparable sales grow 6.8% in the fourth quarter and 3.9% in the first quarter of 2026, while international operated markets grew 3.9% in the first quarter, and developmental licensed markets grew 3.4%.

Profits also followed suit, with first-quarter revenue rising 9% year over year to about $6.5 billion, and operating income climbing 12% to nearly $3 billion, a 45% operating margin.