Restaurant Brands International vs. McDonald's: Comparing Revenue Trends for These Fast-Food Giants

Restaurant Brands International vs. McDonald's: Comparing Revenue Trends for These Fast-Food Giants Robert Izquierdo, The Motley Fool Sat, June 27, 2026 at 10:23 PM GMT+2 3 min read QSR MCD Restaurant Brands International: Navigating Seasonal Revenue Swings Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR) operates and globally franchises a diverse portfolio of quick-service chains, including Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. It reached a court-ordered mediation impasse regarding litigation from its Carrols Restaurant Group acquisition in March of 2026, and it posted 15% net income margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

McDonald's: Maintaining Global Revenue Scale McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) operates and licenses a vast worldwide network of fast-food restaurants that serve a broad menu of hamburgers, chicken items, and breakfast selections. It recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge related to internal organizational changes, and it reported 30% net income margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Why Revenue Matters for Retail Investors Revenue shows investors the total amount of money a business brings in before deducting any expenses.

This metric helps investors measure a business's overall size, market footprint, and long-term trajectory. Quarterly Revenue for Restaurant Brands International and McDonald's Quarter (Period End) Restaurant Brands International Revenue McDonald's Revenue Q2 2024 (June 2024) $2. 1 billion $6.

5 billion Q3 2024 (Sept. 2024) $2. 3 billion $6.

9 billion Q4 2024 (Dec. 2024) $2. 3 billion $6.

4 billion Q1 2025 (March 2025) $2. 1 billion $6. 0 billion Q2 2025 (June 2025) $2.

4 billion $6. 8 billion Q3 2025 (Sept. 2025) $2.

4 billion $7. 1 billion Q4 2025 (Dec. 2025) $2.

5 billion $7. 0 billion Q1 2026 (March 2026) $2. 3 billion $6.

5 billion Data source: Company filings. Data as of June 23, 2026. Foolish Take The revenue trends between McDonald's and Restaurant Brands International (RBI) reveal both are experiencing year-over-year growth.

As an iconic brand, McDonald's enjoys far larger sales, yet its stock slid in June to a 52-week low of $264. 53 as investors became concerned persistent inflation and rising labor costs will eventually force menu price increases that drive away customers. Wall Street's sentiment towards RBI is rosier for a few reasons.

The company's Burger King brand enjoyed strong year-over-year comparable store sales growth of 6% in the first quarter of 2026. This means existing stores are producing greater revenue through repeat customer visits and price increases. McDonald's saw a 4% comparable store sales increase in Q1.

In addition, RBI's international division is expanding rapidly with outstanding 11% year-over-year sales growth in Q1. While RBI has a long way to go before it gets close to the level of revenue produced by McDonald's, its successes with Burger King and international expansion drove shares to a 52-week high of $81. 96 in May.

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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 a disclosure policy . Restaurant Brands International vs.