McDonald’s plans to roll out new value meal bundles in early 2027 after fewer U.S. customers visited its restaurants during the third quarter, even as the company increased its profit.
The chain recently began an eight-week test of fixed-price and mix-and-match offers at 1,900 U.S. restaurants, Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said during Wednesday’s investor call, the Associated Press reported. One possible combination pairs a McChicken sandwich with small fries for $3.50.
U.S. comparable sales fell 0.2% in the quarter ended September 30, McDonald’s announced Wednesday. Higher average checks largely offset a decline in customer counts.
The results show a gap between McDonald’s domestic and international businesses. Global comparable sales increased 1.5%, including gains of 1.4% in its International Operated Markets segment and 4.2% in its International Developmental Licensed Markets segment.
Value push shows improvement
The company restored regional and national app offers and redirected marketing spending toward value meals, helping U.S. same-store sales turn positive in September and October, per AP. Shares rose more than 5% in Wednesday morning trading.
“In the U.S., we’re encouraged by improvement as the quarter progressed following our intervention on value,” Kempczinski said in the earnings release. “We’re focused on building from here, strengthening the business today and investing in the next chapter of growth.”
Profit rises despite domestic weakness
Revenue increased 1% to $7.16 billion, while net income rose 9% to $2.49 billion. Diluted earnings reached $3.51 per share, compared with $3.18 a year earlier, the company disclosed in its SEC-filed earnings release.
Adjusted earnings totaled $3.57 per share after excluding restructuring-related charges. AP put analysts’ earnings forecast at $3.38 per share and their revenue expectation at $7.28 billion, leaving McDonald’s above the profit estimate but below the sales forecast.
The company also declared a 4% increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.93 per share.
