Restaurant development
The system had 46,028 restaurants at June 30, 2026, up from 45,356 at the end of 2025.
The numbers
What it is
New restaurant openings by franchisees, licensees and company-operated units. Unit growth adds to systemwide sales and to franchise rent and royalty income. Net openings and capital spending are the main drivers of this business.↗ source
Why it matters to the stock. Unit growth is a large part of systemwide sales growth. The NEXT plan expects it to add nearly 2.5% to systemwide sales in 2027.
News
McDonald's guides 2026 capex to $3.7-3.9 billion and operating margin to mid-to-high 40%
With its Q4 2025 results, McDonald's gave its 2026 outlook: capital expenditure of $3.7 to $3.9 billion, about 2,600 gross restaurant openings and about 2,100 net additions.
Guidance