McDonald’s released third-quarter financial results on Wednesday that produced mixed domestic performance alongside stronger international growth. The company’s U.S. restaurants open at least 13 months experienced a 0.2% decline in same-store sales, though this result exceeded Wall Street’s anticipated 0.5% decrease according to analyst surveys.
The company reported third-quarter net income of $2.49 billion, or $3.51 per share, compared with $2.28 billion, or $3.18 per share, in the prior year. Excluding restructuring charges and other items, earnings per share reached $3.57. Net revenue increased 1% to $7.16 billion. Overall same-store sales rose 1.5%, surpassing analyst expectations of a 1.3% increase, driven primarily by international operations.
The international developmental licensed markets segment, encompassing Japan and China, delivered same-store sales growth of 4.2%, substantially outperforming the 2.1% forecast. The international operated division, which includes Australia and Germany, posted 1.4% same-store sales growth but underperformed the anticipated 2.1% increase. France emerged as a challenge for the company, with management attributing weakness to a soft economic environment and disruptions from student protests.
Management indicated that U.S. same-store sales returned to growth in September following declines in July and August. The company emphasized value offerings as a key strategy, highlighting its Extra Value Meals and mobile app promotions for frequent customers. McDonald’s is currently testing two new value menu formats—one featuring mix-and-match bundles and another with set item combinations—with plans to deploy the preferred option across the U.S. in early 2027. Stock shares rose approximately 6% in afternoon trading.
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