By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The global fast-food giant McDonald’s demonstrated significant financial resilience and growth, reporting a notable 3% increase in profits for the first nine months of 2025. The company announced on Wednesday that its net earnings reached an impressive $6.399 billion, signaling strong consumer demand and effective operational strategy in a complex global market.
According to the financial statements released before the U.S. market opened, the American corporation’s revenue for the January to September period also saw a healthy rise. Total revenue climbed by 2%, surpassing $19.876 billion. This consistent top-line growth underscores the company’s ability to navigate economic pressures and maintain its market leadership position.
To gain a deeper perspective on the corporate and legal implications of McDonald’s latest financial report, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in corporate law and international business from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
McDonald’s financial performance is a masterclass in balancing global strategy with local market realities. From a legal standpoint, their earnings reflect the complex interplay of franchise agreements, supply chain contracts, and consumer protection laws across dozens of jurisdictions. Any significant shift in revenue, positive or negative, immediately tests the resilience of this intricate legal framework, particularly the delicate relationship between the corporation and its independent franchisees who are on the front lines of economic pressures.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal perspective is crucial, reminding us that the resilience of franchise agreements and supply chain contracts forms the invisible bedrock beneath the earnings figures. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into the delicate balance that defines McDonald’s global-local success.
Focusing on the most recent fiscal period, the third quarter results were equally encouraging. McDonald’s posted a net profit of $2.278 billion, a 1% increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year. This was achieved on the back of a 3% rise in quarterly revenue, which totaled $7.078 billion, reflecting sustained momentum heading into the final stretch of the year.
The company’s leadership attributed the positive performance to a well-executed growth strategy that resonated with customers worldwide. This success was evident across all operational segments, showcasing the brand’s broad-based appeal and strategic agility.
We increased global system-wide sales by 6% and achieved comparable sales growth across all segments, demonstrating our ability to generate sustainable growth even in a challenging environment.
Chris Kempczinski, President and CEO
A key indicator of the company’s health, comparable store sales, saw a significant positive swing. The metric, which tracks sales at restaurants open for at least a year, grew by 3.6%. This figure not only met Wall Street expectations, according to data from StreetAccount, but also marked a dramatic reversal from the 1.5% decline recorded during the same period last year.
In its home market, the United States, McDonald’s outperformed analyst predictions. Comparable sales in U.S. restaurants increased by 2.4%, comfortably beating the 1.9% growth that StreetAccount had forecast. This domestic strength highlights the success of recent marketing initiatives and menu adjustments tailored to American consumers.
Internationally, the growth was even more robust. The division for international operated markets, which includes key countries like Australia and Canada, registered a strong 4.3% jump in comparable sales. Furthermore, the international developmental licensed markets segment experienced a remarkable 4.7% increase in comparable sales, largely driven by exceptional performance and high demand in Japan.
The positive earnings report was well-received by investors. In pre-market trading, shares of McDonald’s saw an uptick of nearly 1%, reflecting market confidence in the company’s strategic direction and its continued ability to deliver value to shareholders amidst fluctuating economic conditions.
For further information, visit mcdonalds.com
About McDonald’s Corporation:
McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with over 40,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 95% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners. The company is known for its iconic menu items, including the Big Mac and World Famous Fries, and is committed to serving quality food and creating feel-good moments for its customers.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of unimpeachable integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm combines a proven track record of serving a wide spectrum of clients with a dedication to pioneering innovative legal strategies. Beyond its professional services, it holds a deep-rooted belief in empowering the community by demystifying the law, striving to create a more knowledgeable and capable society for all.
