WS Investor
04 Nov 2026, 14:33
McDonald’s Rises 2% as Earnings Growth and International Sales Offset U.S. Weakness
McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) shares rose about 2% after the company reported higher third-quarter earnings, solid international sales growth and a dividend increase, despite slightly negative comparable sales in the U.S.
Global comparable sales increased 1.5% in the third quarter. International Developmental Licensed Markets led growth with a 4.2% increase, while International Operated Markets rose 1.4%. U.S. comparable sales declined 0.2%, as lower guest traffic was largely offset by higher average check.
Revenue increased 1% year over year to $7.16 billion, while systemwide sales rose 4% to more than $38 billion. Operating income increased 7% to $3.60 billion, and adjusted operating income grew 8%.
Diluted EPS climbed 10% to $3.51. Excluding restructuring-related charges, adjusted EPS rose 11% to $3.57. Net income increased 9% to $2.49 billion.
McDonald’s said U.S. performance improved as the quarter progressed following renewed efforts around value offerings. International performance remained stronger, with Germany and Australia contributing to growth, while France was a partial offset. Japan led growth in developmental licensed markets, while China posted negative comparable sales.
The company also highlighted continued expansion of its loyalty ecosystem. Systemwide sales to loyalty members exceeded $11 billion during the quarter and reached $41 billion over the trailing 12 months across 70 loyalty markets.
McDonald’s raised its quarterly dividend by 4% to $1.93 per share.
The 2% share gain appears to reflect improving profitability and resilience across McDonald’s global franchise system. Stronger operating income, double-digit adjusted EPS growth and continued international momentum helped offset weak U.S. guest traffic and slower comparable-sales growth compared with the prior year.
McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) shares rose about 2% after the company reported higher third-quarter earnings, solid international sales growth and a dividend increase, despite slightly negative comparable sales in the U.S.
Global comparable sales increased 1.5% in the third quarter. International Developmental Licensed Markets led growth with a 4.2% increase, while International Operated Markets rose 1.4%. U.S. comparable sales declined 0.2%, as lower guest traffic was largely offset by higher average check.
Revenue increased 1% year over year to $7.16 billion, while systemwide sales rose 4% to more than $38 billion. Operating income increased 7% to $3.60 billion, and adjusted operating income grew 8%.
Diluted EPS climbed 10% to $3.51. Excluding restructuring-related charges, adjusted EPS rose 11% to $3.57. Net income increased 9% to $2.49 billion.
McDonald’s said U.S. performance improved as the quarter progressed following renewed efforts around value offerings. International performance remained stronger, with Germany and Australia contributing to growth, while France was a partial offset. Japan led growth in developmental licensed markets, while China posted negative comparable sales.
The company also highlighted continued expansion of its loyalty ecosystem. Systemwide sales to loyalty members exceeded $11 billion during the quarter and reached $41 billion over the trailing 12 months across 70 loyalty markets.
McDonald’s raised its quarterly dividend by 4% to $1.93 per share.
The 2% share gain appears to reflect improving profitability and resilience across McDonald’s global franchise system. Stronger operating income, double-digit adjusted EPS growth and continued international momentum helped offset weak U.S. guest traffic and slower comparable-sales growth compared with the prior year.
