Newsletter Subscription

A Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Spotting Winners: McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) And Traditional Fast Food Stocks In Q2

By: StockStory

August 26, 2025 at 23:37 PM EDT

MCD Cover Image

The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who not so much). Let’s take a look at how traditional fast food stocks fared in Q2, starting with McDonald's (NYSE: MCD).

Traditional fast-food restaurants are renowned for their speed and convenience, boasting menus filled with familiar and budget-friendly items. Their reputations for on-the-go consumption make them favored destinations for individuals and families needing a quick meal. This class of restaurants, however, is fighting the perception that their meals are unhealthy and made with inferior ingredients, a battle that's especially relevant today given the consumers increasing focus on health and wellness.

The 14 traditional fast food stocks we track reported a mixed Q2. As a group, revenues were in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady as they are up 1.5% on average since the latest earnings results.

McDonald's (NYSE: MCD)

With nicknames spanning Mickey D's in the U.S. to Makku in Japan, McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) is a fast-food behemoth known for its convenience and broken ice cream machines.

McDonald's reported revenues of $6.84 billion, up 5.4% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 2.3%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ same-store sales estimates and a decent beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

"Our 6% global Systemwide sales growth this quarter is a testament to the power of compelling value, standout marketing, and menu innovation—proving again that when we stay focused on executing what matters most to our customers, we grow," said Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski.

Interestingly, the stock is up 4.7% since reporting and currently trades at $312.70.

Is now the time to buy McDonald's? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Best Q2: Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS)

Started in 1992 by two brothers as a single pushcart, Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS) is a dynamic coffee chain that’s captured the hearts of coffee enthusiasts across the United States.

Dutch Bros reported revenues of $415.8 million, up 28% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 3.1%. The business had a stunning quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ same-store sales estimates.

Dutch Bros delivered the biggest analyst estimates beat and fastest revenue growth among its peers. The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 25.4% since reporting. It currently trades at $72.49.

Is now the time to buy Dutch Bros? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q2: Jack in the Box (NASDAQ: JACK)

Delighting customers since its inception in 1951, Jack in the Box (NASDAQ: JACK) is a distinctive fast-food chain known for its bold flavors, innovative menu items, and quirky marketing.

Jack in the Box reported revenues of $333 million, down 9.8% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 2.1%. It was a softer quarter as it posted a miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and a miss of analysts’ same-store sales estimates.

As expected, the stock is down 2.3% since the results and currently trades at $18.50.

Read our full analysis of Jack in the Box’s results here.

Domino's (NASDAQ: DPZ)

Founded by two brothers in Michigan, Domino’s (NYSE: DPZ) is a globally recognized pizza chain known for its creative marketing and fast delivery.

Domino's reported revenues of $1.15 billion, up 4.3% year on year. This result met analysts’ expectations. Overall, it was a strong quarter as it also logged an impressive beat of analysts’ same-store sales estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The stock is down 3.2% since reporting and currently trades at $452.

Read our full, actionable report on Domino's here, it’s free.

Krispy Kreme (NASDAQ: DNUT)

Famous for its Original Glazed doughnuts and parent company of Insomnia Cookies, Krispy Kreme (NASDAQ: DNUT) is one of the most beloved and well-known fast-food chains in the world.

Krispy Kreme reported revenues of $379.8 million, down 13.5% year on year. This print topped analysts’ expectations by 0.6%. Taking a step back, it was a softer quarter as it produced a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates.

Krispy Kreme had the slowest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is up 10.1% since reporting and currently trades at $3.76.

Read our full, actionable report on Krispy Kreme here, it’s free.

Market Update

Thanks to the Fed’s series of rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, inflation has cooled significantly from its post-pandemic highs, drawing closer to the 2% goal. This disinflation has occurred without severely impacting economic growth, suggesting the success of a soft landing. The stock market thrived in 2024, spurred by recent rate cuts (0.5% in September and 0.25% in November), and a notable surge followed Donald Trump’s presidential election win in November, propelling indices to historic highs. Nonetheless, the outlook for 2025 remains clouded by potential trade policy changes and corporate tax discussions, which could impact business confidence and growth. The path forward holds both optimism and caution as new policies take shape.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our 9 Best Market-Beating Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.

About Us

Laser Focus World Membership

Magazine Subscription

Newsletter Subscription

The Daily Beam

Product Watch

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

Laser Processing Product Watch

Get Published!

Photonics Hot List

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Social Media

Meet the Laser Focus World Team

Editorial

Sales

Editorial Advisory Board