McDonald's shares edged higher after reporting adjusted earnings of $3.38 per share, beating the $3.32 Wall Street estimate, but U.S. comparable sales rose only 0.8%, missing the 1.06% forecast and slowing from 2.5% a year ago. CEO Chris Kempczinski attributed the weakness to insufficient promotion of value offerings and a pullback in digital deals, which led to less frequent visits from loyal customers. The company is responding by reinstating nationwide digital promotions, expanding loyalty offers, and increasing marketing behind its value platform, including an under-$3 menu, while also appointing Skye Anderson to lead the U.S. business. Global comparable sales growth decelerated to 1.3% from 3.8% a year earlier, with internationally operated markets slowing to 1.5% from 4%. The stock traded at $268.42, about 18% below its GF Value of $327.47, suggesting the market may already be pricing in near-term traffic concerns.
McDonald’s CorporationAdjusted EPS beat estimates, driving shares higher despite sales miss.
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