What is MCD's DCF valuation?

Mcdonald's Corp (MCD) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of February 9, 2026, Mcdonald's Corp has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $325.79 per share. With the current market price at $327.16, this represents a potential upside of -0.4%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $318.32
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $325.79
Potential Upside (5-year) -2.7%
Potential Upside (10-year) -0.4%
Discount Rate (WACC) 6.3% - 7.9%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $25920 million in 12-2024 to $36024 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 3.3%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 25920 2%
12-2025 26456 2%
12-2026 28460 8%
12-2027 29416 3%
12-2028 30958 5%
12-2029 31813 3%
12-2030 32450 2%
12-2031 33127 2%
12-2032 34626 5%
12-2033 35318 2%
12-2034 36024 2%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 32% in 12-2024 to 35% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 8224 32%
12-2025 8576 32%
12-2026 9417 33%
12-2027 9928 34%
12-2028 10649 34%
12-2029 11145 35%
12-2030 11368 35%
12-2031 11605 35%
12-2032 12130 35%
12-2033 12373 35%
12-2034 12620 35%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $2142 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 9% of revenue.

2. Depreciation & Amortization

Depreciation is based on an average useful life of 5 years for capital assets.

Fiscal Year D&A (USD millions)
12-2025 2296
12-2026 2405
12-2027 2560
12-2028 2652
12-2029 2676
12-2030 2785

3. Working Capital Requirements

Net working capital is expected to increase gradually, with projected changes affecting free cash flow.

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 34
Days Inventory 2
Days Payables 35

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
3M/2025 3590 553 601 9 2427
2026 15626 2429 2588 158 10451
2027 16470 2560 2675 62 11172
2028 17542 2746 2815 110 11870
2029 18231 2874 2893 77 12387

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 6.3% - 7.9%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 2.0% - 4.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 16.8x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 318.32 -2.7%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 325.79 -0.4%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 310.39 -5.1%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 317.73 -2.9%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $265,560M
  • 10-Year Model: $270,879M

Investment Conclusion

Is Mcdonald's Corp (MCD) a buy or a sell? Mcdonald's Corp is definitely a sell. Based on our DCF analysis, Mcdonald's Corp (MCD) appears to be fairly valued with upside potential of -0.4%. The company's strong projected growth in revenue and profitability, coupled with consistent capital expenditure, supports our positive outlook on its intrinsic value.

Key investment drivers include:

  • Expanding profit margins (from 32% to 35%)
  • Steady revenue growth (3.3% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a hold at the current market price of $327.16.