Key Financial Performance (Q1 FY27)
Revenue Performance:
- Consolidated revenue reached a record ₹7.36 billion, representing 12% year-on-year growth
- Highest quarterly growth rate achieved in the recent past
Same-Store Sales Growth (SSSG):
- SSSG stood at 4.3% for the quarter
- Positive growth recorded in all three months (April, May, June)
- May and June were particularly strong with mid-single-digit SSSG
- Momentum continued into July 2026
Profitability Metrics:
- Operating EBITDA margin remained broadly stable year-on-year despite inflationary pressures
- Operating EBITDA stood at ₹946 million, up 11% year-on-year
- Restaurant operating margin reached approximately ₹1.4 billion, up 5% year-on-year
- Gross margin was stable at 67.6% compared to last year
- Cash PAT was ₹516 million (7% of sales)
Digital Performance:
- Digital sales contribution stood at 74%, up approximately 150 basis points year-on-year
- Cumulative app downloads crossed 55 million
- Approximately 3.7 million monthly active users
Inflation Impact:
- Company faced over 200 basis points of inflation across different line items
- Primary inflationary pressures came from fuel, food, packaging, utilities, and labor costs due to minimum wage increases
- Management stated this represents the peak of inflationary impact and expects improvements going forward
Operational Highlights
Store Network:
- Total restaurant count: 482 across 79 cities
- 5 new restaurants opened during Q1 FY27
- Guidance of over 60 new restaurants in FY27 reaffirmed
- Long-term target of 580-630 restaurants by December 2027 remains on track
Regional Performance:
- West region continued strong performance
- South region showed significant improvement with positive same-store sales growth
- Double-digit guest count growth across all three months in South region
- Organizational restructuring from three divisions to five to improve market proximity
Strategic Initiatives:
- Everyday value platform continues as central driver of footfall growth
- Launched "Let's Family at McDonald's" brand campaign celebrating 30 years in India
- Received Global Breaking Ground Development Award from McDonald's Corporation for development excellence
Capital Distribution
- Board of Directors approved an interim dividend of ₹0.40 per equity share
Management Guidance & Outlook
Margin Expectations:
- Target of 100-150 basis points annual EBITDA margin improvement
- Confidence in P&L optimization despite current inflationary environment
- Operating leverage expected to drive margin expansion as growth continues
Growth Strategy:
- Focus on sustainable volume-led growth through value platform and operational excellence
- Continued emphasis on quality, service, cleanliness, and value disciplines
- Enhanced data capabilities and decision-making tools for teams
- Market-specific approaches with closer consumer proximity
Channel Performance:
- On-premise and off-premise channels grew broadly in line (12% and 11% year-on-year respectively)
- McDelivery remains key growth engine within off-premise segment
Q&A Session Key Takeaways
Margin Sustainability: Management expressed confidence in achieving 100-150 bps annual margin improvement through product mix optimization, cost engineering, restaurant-level improvements, and selective pricing actions.
South Region Turnaround: Execution improvements, local consumer relevance initiatives, and network expansion are driving positive results in South India, with the region achieving positive SSSG.
Inflation Management: Company absorbed unprecedented inflation through cost governance and operating leverage without taking price increases yet. Annual price increase guidance of ~3% remains, but timing will be determined by consumer research.
Growth Momentum: December 2026 was identified as an inflection point, with momentum building through Q4 FY26 and Q1 FY27. Management believes current growth vectors are sustainable.
Digital Strategy: Two separate applications (dine-in offers and delivery) will continue with distinct purposes, though integration may be considered later.
Store Economics: Unit economics remain stable with average unit volumes 80% higher than competitors. Expansion follows prudent profitability-led approach focusing on site quality and payback periods.