Earnings results often give us a good indication of what direction a company will take in the months ahead. With Q4 now behind us, let’s have a look at McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) and its peers.

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 15 traditional fast food stocks we track reported a decent Q4; on average, revenues beat analyst consensus estimates by 0.6% Stocks have been under pressure as inflation (despite slowing) makes their long-dated profits less valuable, but traditional fast food stocks held their ground better than others, with the share prices up 3% on average since the previous earnings results.

McDonald's (NYSE:MCD)

Arguably one of the most iconic brands in the world, McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) is a fast-food behemoth known for its convenience, value, and wide assortment of menu items.

McDonald's reported revenues of $6.41 billion, up 8.1% year on year, falling short of analyst expectations by 0.7%. It was a solid quarter for the company, with an impressive beat of analysts' gross margin estimates and a narrow beat of analysts' earnings estimates.

"Our global comparable sales growth of 9% for the year is a testament to the tremendous dedication of the entire McDonald's System," said McDonald's President and CEO Chris Kempczinski.

The stock is down 8.9% since the results and currently trades at $270.69.

We think McDonald's is a good business, but is it a buy today? Read our full report here, it's free.

Best Q4: Yum China (NYSE:YUMC)

One of China’s largest restaurant companies, Yum China (NYSE:YUMC) is an independent entity spun off from Yum! Brands in 2016.

Yum China reported revenues of $2.49 billion, up 19.4% year on year, outperforming analyst expectations by 7%. It was a stunning quarter for the company, with an impressive beat of analysts' revenue estimates, driven by better-than-expected same store sales and a higher number of locations. Profitability was also solid, leading to an EPS beat.

Yum China achieved the biggest analyst estimates beat among its peers. The stock is up 4.3% since the results and currently trades at $39.06.

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

Weakest Q4: Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX)

Started by three friends in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) is a globally-renowned coffeehouse chain that offers a wide selection of high-quality coffee, beverages, and food items.

Starbucks reported revenues of $9.43 billion, up 8.2% year on year, falling short of analyst expectations by 2.1%. It was a weak quarter for the company, with a miss of analysts' revenue and earnings estimates.

The stock is down 6.4% since the results and currently trades at $88.1.

Read our full analysis of Starbucks's results here.

Restaurant Brands (NYSE:QSR)

Formed through a strategic merger, Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR) is a multinational corporation that owns three iconic fast-food chains: Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes.

Restaurant Brands reported revenues of $1.82 billion, up 7.8% year on year, surpassing analyst expectations by 1%. It was a strong quarter for the company, with a decent beat of analysts' revenue and EPS estimates.

The stock is down 1.2% since the results and currently trades at $77.28.

Read our full, actionable report on Restaurant Brands here, it's free.

Portillo's (NASDAQ:PTLO)

Begun as a Chicago hot dog stand in 1963, Portillo’s (NASDAQ:PTLO) is a casual restaurant chain that serves Chicago-style hot dogs and beef sandwiches as well as fries and shakes.

Portillo's reported revenues of $187.9 million, up 24.5% year on year, surpassing analyst expectations by 2%. It was a stunning quarter for the company, with an impressive beat of analysts' revenue, gross margin, EBITDA and earnings estimates.

The stock is down 5.3% since the results and currently trades at $13.03.

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

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