Particle.news
Download on the App Store

McDonald’s Q3 Sales Tick Higher on Value Deals as Earnings Miss and U.S. Traffic Skews Wealthier

Management signaled U.S. consumer strain into 2026, leaning on value offers with franchisee support to protect traffic.

Overview

  • Global comparable sales rose 3.6% on roughly $7.08–$7.1 billion in revenue, while adjusted EPS of $3.22 missed Wall Street expectations by about a dime.
  • U.S. same-store sales increased about 2.4%–2.5% on higher average checks rather than more visits, with lower-income traffic down nearly double digits and higher-income visits up by a similar rate.
  • The company doubled down on value with Snack Wraps, a national Extra Value Meals push, and ongoing meal deals, as loyalty-member sales reached about $9 billion in the quarter and roughly $34 billion over the past year.
  • McDonald’s agreed to fund half the Extra Value Meals price cuts for U.S. franchisees, costing about $15 million in September and an expected $75 million in the fourth quarter, pressuring near-term margins.
  • International outperformed the U.S., with comps up 4.3% in International Operated Markets and 4.7% in International Developmental Licensed Markets led by Japan, as the company reaffirmed 2025 targets and flagged potential Q4 U.S. comp acceleration per management commentary.