Commanding a market cap of about $189.3 billion, Chicago-based McDonald's Corporation (MCD) leads the fast-food industry globally, operating and franchising restaurants under its iconic brand. It offers a diverse menu of food and beverages, predominantly through independently owned and operated franchises across its distinct geographic segments.
Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally considered "large-cap" stocks, and McDonald's fits this criterion perfectly, exceeding the mark. The fast-food giant rapidly expanded its footprint, with revenue from both company-operated and franchise restaurants. With over 36,000 stores worldwide serving nearly 54 million customers daily, McDonald's solidifies its position as a global leader in the fast-food industry, second only to Subway in terms of store count.