Comparing the Revenue Trends of These Fast Food Giants

Restaurant Brands International: Navigating Seasonal Revenue Fluctuations

Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR) operates and markets a diverse portfolio of fast-casual chains worldwide, including Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs.

It reached a court-ordered arbitration dispute regarding the acquisition of Carrols Restaurant Group in March 2026, and posted a 15% increase in net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

McDonald’s: Maintaining Global Revenue Scale

McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) operates and licenses a worldwide network of fast food restaurants that offer an extensive menu of hamburgers, chicken items, and breakfast options.

It recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge related to internal organizational changes, and reported net income of 30% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

Why Income is Important for Retail Investors

Net income shows investors the total amount of money a business brings in before deducting any expenses. This metric helps investors gauge a company’s overall size, market position, and long-term trajectory.

Quarterly earnings for Restaurant Brands International and McDonald’s

Data source: Company documents. Data as of 23 June 2026.

Take the Fool

Revenue trends between McDonald’s and Restaurant Brands International (RBI) reveal that both are experiencing year-on-year growth. As a popular brand, McDonald’s is enjoying record sales, yet its stock fell in June to a 52-week low of $264.53 as investors worried persistent inflation and rising labor costs would eventually force menu price hikes that drive away customers.

Wall Street’s sentiment about the RBI is positive for several reasons. The company’s Burger King brand enjoyed strong year-over-year retail sales growth of 6% in the first quarter of 2026. This means that existing stores earn more money from repeat customer visits and increased prices. McDonald’s had a 4% increase in comparable store sales in Q1.

In addition, RBI’s international division is growing rapidly with outstanding year-on-year sales growth of 11% in Q1. While RBI has a long way to go before it comes close to the level of revenue generated by McDonald’s, its success with Burger King and international expansion drove the shares to a 52-week high of $81.96 in May.

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Robert Izquierdo has no position in any of the specified stocks. The Motley Fool recommends Restaurant Brands International and recommends the following options: long January 2028 $320 calls on McDonald’s and short January 2028 $340 calls on McDonald’s. The Motley Fool has disclosure policy.

Restaurant Brands International vs. McDonald’s: Comparing the Revenue Trends of These Fast Food Giants was first published by The Motley Fool.