McDonald's and Restaurant Brands International Face Headwinds Amid Iran Conflict and Rising Costs

Global fast-food leaders McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) and Restaurant Brands International (NYSE: QSR) are confronting a challenging business landscape as the ongoing Iran war disrupts supply chains and dampens consumer confidence worldwide. A recent Bernstein research note highlights how both companies are feeling the ripple effects, even as direct U.S. supply chain disruptions remain modest for now.

Rising energy and commodity prices are emerging as a key concern, squeezing franchisee profit margins at a time when high-frequency consumer spending data from early March already points to softening demand. The pressure is especially acute among low-income consumers, who allocate a significantly larger share of their budgets to fuel costs. As gas prices climb, discretionary spending on restaurant meals becomes one of the first casualties — a worrying sign for value-driven fast-food chains that depend on this demographic.

Historically considered recession-resistant investments, McDonald's and QSR are now being tested by the magnitude of the current energy shock. International markets are bearing the brunt, with operations in Asia particularly affected by inconsistent supply chains and elevated logistics expenses. Restaurant Brands International, which oversees Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons, faces the added challenge of sustaining its value-focused messaging while local franchisees struggle with rising overhead costs.

McDonald's has employed strategic commodity and energy hedging to buffer corporate-owned and franchise locations from immediate volatility. However, Bernstein analysts caution that prolonged elevated energy prices through late 2026 could erode those protections once hedges expire and reset at higher market rates. This scenario could slow critical investments in store upgrades and digital initiatives.

While Wall Street remains optimistic about the long-term unit growth trajectory for both brands, near-term earnings guidance is expected to reflect a cautious outlook, particularly regarding global comparable store sales performance.