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McDonald's Reports Q3 Sales Gain but Earnings Miss on Value-Fueled Strategy

Subsidized Extra Value Meals propped up sales at the cost of near-term profit.

Overview

  • Global comparable sales rose 3.6% with revenue around $7.08 billion, while adjusted EPS of $3.22 fell short of estimates near $3.32–$3.33.
  • U.S. same-store sales increased about 2.4%–2.5% on higher checks as traffic stayed soft; Snack Wraps drove an early July lift, Placer.ai showed visits down 3.5% in the quarter.
  • International markets outperformed the U.S., with International Operated up roughly 4.3% and Developmental Licensed up about 4.7%, led by Germany, Australia and Japan.
  • McDonald’s shared the cost of U.S. Extra Value Meals with franchisees ($15 million in September and an expected $75 million in Q4) and added roughly $40 million for marketing, pressuring margins.
  • Systemwide sales topped $36 billion with about $9 billion from loyalty members, 2025 guidance was reaffirmed, and management cautioned low-income consumer weakness may persist into 2026.