McDonald’s US Sales Slip for First Time in Six Quarters

Direct answer

McDonald’s sales in the United States fell slightly in the third quarter of 2026, while its sales outside the United States kept growing. US comparable sales fell 0.2% in the quarter ended September 30, 2026. Comparable sales measure sales at restaurants open for at least a year, so the figure shows how existing restaurants performed, not growth from new openings. Reuters reported that this was the first US decline in six quarters, and that it was a bigger fall than analysts had expected.

What happened

McDonald’s reported its third quarter results on November 4, 2026. The main numbers were:

• Global comparable sales rose 1.5%, in line with expectations.
• US comparable sales fell 0.2%, against an expected fall of 0.1%, according to data compiled by LSEG and reported by Reuters.
• Global systemwide sales, which include all franchised and company restaurants, rose 4% to over 38 billion dollars.
• Revenue rose 1% to 7.157 billion dollars, up from 7.078 billion dollars a year earlier.
• Net income rose 9% to 2.486 billion dollars.
• Diluted earnings per share rose 10% to 3.51 dollars, and adjusted earnings per share rose 11% to 3.57 dollars, up from 3.22 dollars a year earlier.
• Consolidated operating income rose 7%, and adjusted operating income rose 8%.
• McDonald’s raised its quarterly dividend by 4% to 1.93 dollars per share.

Reuters reported that US guest counts fell, which pushed US sales down, even though customers spent a little more per visit on average. Chief Executive Chris Kempczinski said in a statement that the company was encouraged by improvement as the quarter progressed following its intervention on value. In simple terms, McDonald’s tried cheaper deals and value meals to win back customers, and sales improved late in the quarter, but not enough to avoid a small overall fall.

Why it matters for beginners

A single company result can tell a wider story about household budgets. When people feel stretched, they often cut back on eating out first, or they look for cheaper options. That is what appears to be happening here: fewer visits in the United States, partly offset by value deals.

For beginners, three lessons stand out. First, profit and sales can move in different directions. McDonald’s profit rose even as US sales fell, helped by lower operating costs and by sales outside the United States. Second, a small percentage change still matters. A 0.2% fall sounds tiny, but for a company of this size it signals a change in customer behaviour. Third, one quarter does not decide a company’s future. The key question is whether US visits recover as value deals continue, or whether customers keep cutting back.

If you are watching your own food spending, this result is a useful reminder to separate two things: how often you eat out, and how much each visit costs. Our guide on cutting food spending without cutting meals explains that split in practical steps: https://investclaritypath.com/how-do-i-cut-food-spending-without-cutting-meals/

What to watch next

Watch the next quarterly update for US comparable sales and guest counts. If US sales return to growth, the value push may be working. If they fall again, it would suggest US consumers are still under pressure. Also watch whether McDonald’s extends or changes its value offers, and whether other large restaurant chains report a similar slowdown in US visits.

FAQ

What are comparable sales?

Comparable sales compare sales at restaurants that have been open for at least a year. This removes the effect of new restaurant openings, so the figure shows whether existing restaurants are selling more or less than a year earlier.

Does a fall in US sales mean McDonald’s is losing money?

No, not in this quarter. Net income rose 9% and adjusted profit per share rose 11%, even though US comparable sales fell. Profit was helped by lower costs and by growth outside the United States.

Why did US sales fall if McDonald’s offered value meals?

Reuters reported that financially stretched consumers cut back on dining out, and that guest counts fell. Value meals helped late in the quarter, according to the chief executive, but they did not fully offset fewer visits across the whole quarter.

Sources

Reuters, McDonald’s US sales decline for first time in six quarters despite value push, November 4, 2026: https://wixx.com/2026/11/04/mcdonalds-us-sales-decline-for-first-time-in-six-quarters-despite-value-push/

McDonald’s Corporation, McDonald’s Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results, November 4, 2026: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mcdonalds-reports-third-quarter-2026-results-302928424.html

This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.