McDonald’s posts robust Q2 earnings and appoints new U.S. chief

McDonald’s announced a second-quarter profit of $2.36 billion, translating to earnings of $3.32 per share, surpassing the $3.32 consensus estimate. Adjusted earnings reached $3.38 per share, outpacing the $3.32 forecast from FactSet analysts. Comparable sales at U.S. locations that have been open for at least a year rose 0.8%, a marked deceleration from the 2.5% gain recorded a year earlier, while global comparable sales grew 1.3%.

The company warned that elevated gasoline prices, which peaked at $4.56 per gallon, and consumer anxiety about the conflict with Iran could pressure future sales. To mitigate reduced discretionary spending, McDonald’s introduced a simplified McValue menu featuring ten items priced at $3 or less. Additionally, Skye Anderson was appointed president of McDonald’s USA, and the stock rose 1.6% in pre-market trading.