McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) may be an icon of the fast food industry, but it is also an unexpected investment in many ways. While it may not generate the excitement of a fast-growing tech stock, it typically produces increasing stock price appreciation income and usually outperforms the S 500.

Still, before opening a position, investors should learn about the business and how it affects the stock price. By understanding three critical facts about the company's stock, prospective shareholders can have a better understanding of the opportunity McDonald's has placed on the menu.

Given its nearly 41,000 restaurants and widespread name recognition, one can forgive some investors for seeing McDonald's as a restaurant stock little different from  or one of the Restaurant Brands International restaurants like Burger King.

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Source Fool.com