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McDonald's Expands Uber Partnership: Can It Drive More Growth?
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Key Takeaways
McDonald's expands its Uber partnership across 14 global markets to strengthen delivery and digital ordering.
Uber Eats integration and loyalty rewards aim to boost customer engagement, repeat purchases and sales.
MCD trades below the industry P/E, with 2026 and 2027 earnings growth estimates of 5.6% and 5.5%.
McDonald’s Corporation (MCD - Free Report) is expanding its partnership with Uber Technologies (UBER - Free Report) to strengthen the delivery business, enhance digital ordering and improve customer loyalty across 14 global markets. The multi-year agreement is expected to make ordering more convenient while creating additional opportunities to drive customer engagement and sales.
Under the expanded partnership, Uber Eats will become McDonald’s preferred integrated delivery partner for orders placed through the McDonald’s app in select markets, including the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Customers will be able to place and track orders without leaving the McDonald’s app. The initiative will primarily utilize Uber Direct, Uber’s white-label delivery solution, to facilitate fulfillment.
The companies also plan to integrate their loyalty offerings. MyMcDonald’s Rewards members in select markets can redeem points for Uber ride discounts through a seasonal initiative. Plans include allowing customers to earn rewards points on eligible orders placed through Uber Eats and redeem them for benefits within the McDonald’s app. These initiatives could encourage repeat purchases and improve customer retention.
The partnership builds on McDonald’s growing delivery business, which generates more than $20 billion in annual sales. During the third quarter of 2026, McDonald’s global comparable sales increased 1.5%, while U.S. comparable sales declined 0.2%. Management highlighted improving U.S. sales trends, with comparable sales turning positive in September. Global delivery sales continue to grow at a mid-to-high-single-digit pace.
Nevertheless, inflationary pressures, cautious consumer spending and delivery surcharges could weigh on demand. McDonald’s must ensure that expanded digital engagement translates into incremental sales and sustainable profitability.
The Uber partnership strengthens MCD’s digital growth strategy, although its long-term benefits will depend on customer adoption, order frequency and execution.
How McDonald’s Rivals Are Strengthening Digital Ordering and Loyalty
Restaurant Brands International (QSR - Free Report) and Wendy’s (WEN - Free Report) are also focusing on digital ordering, delivery and loyalty programs to strengthen customer engagement in the competitive quick-service restaurant industry.
Burger King, owned by Restaurant Brands International, leverages its Royal Perks loyalty program and digital platforms to encourage repeat visits and drive customer spending. Its mobile app, digital offers and delivery capabilities provide customers with convenient ordering options. These initiatives help the brand compete for digitally engaged consumers while supporting sales growth.
Wendy’s is similarly investing in its digital ecosystem through the Wendy’s Rewards program, mobile app and delivery partnerships. The company offers personalized promotions and rewards to encourage customer frequency and improve engagement. Wendy’s digital ordering capabilities also provide greater convenience through delivery and pickup options.
Both companies face similar challenges, including rising operating costs, intense competition and consumers' growing emphasis on affordability. McDonald’s expanded Uber partnership could provide a competitive advantage by integrating delivery and rewards more closely, although sustained growth will depend on its ability to generate incremental transactions and maintain attractive value propositions.
MCD’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
McDonald’s shares have gained 2.2% in the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry, the broader Retail and Wholesale sector and the S&P 500 Index.
MCD Six-Month Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In terms of its forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio, MCD is trading at 20.87, below the industry’s 22.46.
MCD P/E (F12M)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
MCD’s earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 have trended upward and downward, respectively, in the past 30 days. The revised estimates for 2026 and 2027 imply year-over-year growth of 5.6% and 5.5%, respectively.
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
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McDonald's Expands Uber Partnership: Can It Drive More Growth?
Key Takeaways
McDonald’s Corporation (MCD - Free Report) is expanding its partnership with Uber Technologies (UBER - Free Report) to strengthen the delivery business, enhance digital ordering and improve customer loyalty across 14 global markets. The multi-year agreement is expected to make ordering more convenient while creating additional opportunities to drive customer engagement and sales.
Under the expanded partnership, Uber Eats will become McDonald’s preferred integrated delivery partner for orders placed through the McDonald’s app in select markets, including the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Customers will be able to place and track orders without leaving the McDonald’s app. The initiative will primarily utilize Uber Direct, Uber’s white-label delivery solution, to facilitate fulfillment.
The companies also plan to integrate their loyalty offerings. MyMcDonald’s Rewards members in select markets can redeem points for Uber ride discounts through a seasonal initiative. Plans include allowing customers to earn rewards points on eligible orders placed through Uber Eats and redeem them for benefits within the McDonald’s app. These initiatives could encourage repeat purchases and improve customer retention.
The partnership builds on McDonald’s growing delivery business, which generates more than $20 billion in annual sales. During the third quarter of 2026, McDonald’s global comparable sales increased 1.5%, while U.S. comparable sales declined 0.2%. Management highlighted improving U.S. sales trends, with comparable sales turning positive in September. Global delivery sales continue to grow at a mid-to-high-single-digit pace.
Nevertheless, inflationary pressures, cautious consumer spending and delivery surcharges could weigh on demand. McDonald’s must ensure that expanded digital engagement translates into incremental sales and sustainable profitability.
The Uber partnership strengthens MCD’s digital growth strategy, although its long-term benefits will depend on customer adoption, order frequency and execution.
How McDonald’s Rivals Are Strengthening Digital Ordering and Loyalty
Restaurant Brands International (QSR - Free Report) and Wendy’s (WEN - Free Report) are also focusing on digital ordering, delivery and loyalty programs to strengthen customer engagement in the competitive quick-service restaurant industry.
Burger King, owned by Restaurant Brands International, leverages its Royal Perks loyalty program and digital platforms to encourage repeat visits and drive customer spending. Its mobile app, digital offers and delivery capabilities provide customers with convenient ordering options. These initiatives help the brand compete for digitally engaged consumers while supporting sales growth.
Wendy’s is similarly investing in its digital ecosystem through the Wendy’s Rewards program, mobile app and delivery partnerships. The company offers personalized promotions and rewards to encourage customer frequency and improve engagement. Wendy’s digital ordering capabilities also provide greater convenience through delivery and pickup options.
Both companies face similar challenges, including rising operating costs, intense competition and consumers' growing emphasis on affordability. McDonald’s expanded Uber partnership could provide a competitive advantage by integrating delivery and rewards more closely, although sustained growth will depend on its ability to generate incremental transactions and maintain attractive value propositions.
MCD’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
McDonald’s shares have gained 2.2% in the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry, the broader Retail and Wholesale sector and the S&P 500 Index.
MCD Six-Month Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In terms of its forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio, MCD is trading at 20.87, below the industry’s 22.46.
MCD P/E (F12M)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
MCD’s earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 have trended upward and downward, respectively, in the past 30 days. The revised estimates for 2026 and 2027 imply year-over-year growth of 5.6% and 5.5%, respectively.
MCD Estimate Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
MCD currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.