Full Breakdown
McDonald’s Q2 2026 Profit Beats Forecast as U.S. Same-Store Sales Stall and New U.S. President Takes the Helm
8/5/2026, 5:11:47 PM
Core Results and Market Performance
McDonald’s reported second-quarter profit of $2.4 billion, a 5 % rise year over year, and revenue of $7.1 billion, slightly below analysts’ $7.13 billion estimate. Adjusted earnings were $3.38 per share, surpassing the $3.32 consensus by six cents. U.S. comparable-store sales grew 0.8 %, the slowest pace since early 2025 and under the 1.06 % consensus. Global comparable-store sales rose 1.3 %. Loyalty-program sales increased by more than 20 %, while active loyalty users grew 13 %.
Background & Context
The modest U.S. sales lift follows heightened consumer price sensitivity. Gasoline hit $4.56 per gallon on May 21, and inflation-driven grocery costs have squeezed discretionary spending. In response, McDonald’s introduced a simplified “McValue” menu in April with ten items priced at $3 or less, and rolled out a $4 breakfast offering. Earlier promotions tied to the “Minecraft Movie” and World Cup underperformed, and the company reduced the volume of digital offers, which CFO Ian Borden said had previously driven higher basket sizes.
Data & Statistics
| Metric | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Q2 profit | $2.4 billion | Company earnings release |
| Revenue | $7.1 billion | Company earnings release |
| Adjusted EPS | $3.38 | Company earnings release |
| U.S. same-store sales growth | +0.8 % | Company earnings release |
| Global same-store sales growth | +1.3 % | Company earnings release |
| Loyalty sales growth | >20 % | Company earnings release |
| Active loyalty users growth | +13 % | Company earnings release |
| Gas price peak (U.S.) | $4.56 /gal on May 21 | AAA data cited by AP |
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Executive Chris Kempczinski told analysts the slowdown stemmed from “inconsistent execution across restaurants” and an overload of simultaneous marketing campaigns that diluted the value message. CFO Ian Borden noted that the recent pullback of digital offers reduced purchase frequency, prompting a plan to launch more personalized digital promotions nationally.
The board announced Skye Anderson as the new president of McDonald’s U.S. operations, succeeding Joe Erlinger.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She’s a proven change agent who can act with urgency to mobilize our system,” — Chris Kempczinski, CEO
What’s Next
McDonald’s will begin a large-scale U.S. restaurant remodeling program that requires franchisee participation, a step that may be tested by the recent soft sales trend. The company also plans to expand its digital-offer strategy and continue testing upgraded menu items under the “McDonald’s Next” initiative. An earnings-call management discussion is scheduled for 08:30 EDT following the release, where executives will address demand outlook and the remodeling rollout.
