McDonald’s reported adjusted earnings of $3.57 per share for the third quarter of 2026, topping the $3.38 expected by analysts. Revenue was $7.16 billion, below the $7.29 billion forecast. Shares rose 5.35% to $277.10 in premarket trading, compared with a previous close of $263.04.
Global comparable sales increased 1.5%, while system sales grew 4% in constant currency. Comparable sales in the United States declined 0.2% for the quarter, but improved over the period and turned positive in September. They were up 1.4% year to date, according to the company.
International results helped offset the U.S. decline. Comparable sales rose 1.4% in International Operated Markets, led by Australia and Germany, and increased 4.2% in International Developmental Licensed Markets, with all regions contributing positively.
CEO Chris Kempczinski said the company was encouraged by U.S. traffic trends in September and October. McDonald’s attributed the late-quarter improvement in part to restoring some digital offers, shifting marketing toward established value options and increasing attention to restaurant execution.
The company is testing two types of entry-level meal bundles in about 1,900 U.S. restaurants. Franchisees at roughly 4,000 additional restaurants have also opted to offer similar bundles. McDonald’s plans to use the test results to shape a national value program, which it expects to launch in early 2027.
Specialty beverages remained a growth focus, alongside digital offers and menu development. The company also said it had refranchised about 175 restaurants this year as it moves toward a more franchised global portfolio.
McDonald’s expects capital spending of about $3.7 billion in 2026, at the low end of its previous guidance range of $3.7 billion to $3.9 billion. It now anticipates about 2,500 gross restaurant openings worldwide during the year, compared with its earlier target of 2,600, and approximately 2,100 net openings.
Sources: Investing.com News.