McDonald's US sales growth slows to 0.8%

McDonald's said US comparable sales grew 0.8 percent in the second quarter, down from 3.9 percent in the first quarter, as executives blamed too many simultaneous promotions.

The fast-food chain reported profit of $2.4 billion, up five percent, while revenue rose four percent to $7.1 billion. In the United States, the average check size increased but guest counts fell.

Chief Executive Christopher Kempczinski told analysts that McDonald's had faced “too many deployments” in the quarter, including a World Cup campaign that executives said underperformed. He said the company did not have a strategy problem but had not executed at the needed level.

Executives said inconsistent use of value-oriented deals also hurt the promotion push, including a campaign offering 10 items for under $3. Kempczinski said some franchisees had chosen profit over market share, weakening the campaign's effect.

McDonald's said it remained committed to a value-focused menu for inflation-weary consumers. Kempczinski said the company was taking a “hard look” at its plan for the rest of 2026.

Outside the United States, which accounts for about 40 percent of sales, McDonald's cited Germany, Australia, Britain and Japan as stronger markets. It said France continued to underperform and China recorded negative comparable sales. Shares rose 2.0 percent after midday.