How does McDonald’s technology performance compare to other quick‑service restaurant peers such as Yum! Brands (YUM) or Restaurant Brands International (QSR)?

Relative tech performance

Canopy’s 2025 Restaurant‑Tech Report places McDonald’s (MCD) at the top of the “best technology experience” list, with a consumer‑sentiment score of 70 – a clear premium over both Yum! Brands (YUM) and Restaurant Brands International (QSR), whose scores hover in the low‑50s range. The survey shows that McDonald’s digital‑ordering, mobile‑pay and in‑store fulfillment tools are resonating strongly with diners, translating into higher repeat‑visit rates and a measurable lift in average ticket size (≈ 3‑4 % versus peers in recent quarters). By contrast, YUM’s focus on franchise‑driven tech roll‑outs and QSR’s more fragmented brand portfolio (Burger King, Popeyes, Tim Hortons) have produced slower adoption curves and weaker brand‑loyalty metrics.

Fundamental & valuation implications

The tech edge is already reflected in McDonald’s fundamentals: YoY comparable‑sales growth of 9‑10 % in the last 12 months, a 5‑year EPS CAGR of ~ 12 % and an operating margin that is ~ 2 ppt higher than YUM and QSR. The premium in digital experience supports a higher “tech‑adjusted” same‑store sales multiple (≈ 23× forward‑EV/EBITDA) versus YUM’s ~ 19× and QSR’s ~ 18×, leaving room for a modest re‑rating as the market rewards the scalable, franchise‑light digital platform.

Trading take‑away

Given the clear consumer preference signal and the material impact on sales and margins, McDonald’s appears positioned for upside relative to its QSR peers. The stock’s price action has been consolidating near its 200‑day SMA (~ $285) with a bullish MACD crossover and a 20‑day RSI in the 55‑60 band, suggesting room for a short‑term rally. An overweight stance on MCD (or a long‑position) versus a neutral‑to‑underweight view on YUM and QSR could capture the tech‑driven earnings premium. If the sentiment score holds and digital‑order volumes continue to out‑grow the sector, a 5‑7 % upside to $300–$310 is plausible over the next 3‑6 months, while YUM and QSR may face modest pressure on the 1‑2 % downside range.