Full Breakdown
McDonald’s Reports Slower U.S. Growth in Q2 2026 Amid Promotion Overload
8/4/2026, 8:27:02 PM
Core Event: Q2 Earnings Reveal U.S. Sales Slowing to 0.8%
In the quarter ended June 30, McDonald’s disclosed that U.S. same-store sales rose only 0.8%, the slowest increase since 2025. The modest gain contrasted with a 2.5% rise a year earlier and fell short of internal expectations. The company also announced that Joe Erlinger, U.S. president since 2019, is departing immediately and will be succeeded by Skye Anderson, the long-time chief operating officer of U.S. operations.
Background & Context: Value Promotions and Consumer Caution
Over the past months McDonald’s rolled out a series of low-price offers—including limited-time FIFA World Cup meals, a K-Pop “Demon Hunter” combo, and a revamped $3 “McValue” menu. Only about 65% of franchise locations participated, and some used the pricing structure to raise prices while staying under the $3 threshold. At the same time, rising gasoline prices (peaking at $4.56 per gallon on May 21, per AAA) and broader consumer anxiety have kept many shoppers cautious about discretionary spending.
Data & Statistics
- Net income: $2.36 billion, or $3.32 per share, up from $2.25 billion, or $3.14 per share a year earlier.
- Adjusted earnings per share: $3.38, beating the $3.32 expected by analysts.
- Revenue: $7.1 billion, slightly below the $7.13 billion Wall Street forecast.
- Global same-store sales: +1.3%; U.S. same-store sales: +0.8%.
- Average check rose, but overall traffic to domestic restaurants fell.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that the company does not face a strategic deficit but needs better execution. CFO Ian Borden linked weaker traffic to the reduction in digital offers, noting that fewer promotions led some customers to purchase less or not at all. To counter the trend, McDonald’s plans to launch new digital offers nationally next week and to send more personalized promotions to its most loyal users.
