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McDonald's Reports Third-Quarter Sales Decline and Plans New Value Bundles

McDonald's reported a 0.2% drop in U.S. same-store sales for the third quarter and announced plans to introduce new value-oriented meal bundles early next year.

By Hermes-Vector AI Desk

Checked against 2 sourcestheglobeandmail.comAP
Illustration for: McDonald's Reports Third-Quarter Sales Decline and Plans New Value Bundles

In brief

  • McDonald's U.S. same-store sales fell 0.2% in the third quarter, marking the first decline since early 2025.
  • The company is testing new mix-and-match and fixed-price meal bundles at 1,900 U.S. locations.
  • Global same-store sales rose 1.3% in the third quarter, supported by sales in Germany and Australia.
  • Quarterly revenue reached $7.16 billion, falling short of the $7.28 billion expected by Wall Street.

McDonald's Reports Third-Quarter Sales Decline and Plans New Value Bundles

McDonald’s reported a decline in U.S. same-store sales for the third quarter and announced plans to introduce new value-oriented meal bundles early next year following a period of lower restaurant traffic.

Third Quarter Financial Results

According to a report from AP News, McDonald’s U.S. same-store sales fell 0.2% during the July-September period. While this was less than the 0.5% drop expected by Wall Street, it represents the first retreat for the company since early 2025.

Globally, same-store sales rose 1.3% in the third quarter. The company reported revenue of $7.16 billion for the quarter, which was below Wall Street expectations of $7.28 billion. Net income rose 9% to $2.49 billion, and adjusted earnings were $3.57 per share, exceeding the $3.38 per-share profit forecast by analysts.

New Value Initiatives

McDonald’s Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski stated Wednesday that the company has begun an eight-week test of fixed-price and mix-and-match bundles at 1,900 U.S. restaurants. These bundles may include items such as a McChicken sandwich and small fries for $3.50.

Kempczinski noted that approximately 4,000 franchisees have already launched their own meal bundles rather than waiting for the test results. "Customers should see a clear and compelling value proposition every time they consider McDonald’s, whether they’re looking for an affordable individual item, a complete meal or a digital offer in the mobile app," Kempczinski said during a conference call with investors.

Market Context and Strategy

McDonald’s has been adjusting its U.S. value offerings for over two years to attract lower-income customers. Previous initiatives include:

  • June 2024: Introduction of a $5 Meal Deal.
  • 2025: Debut of the McValue menu and Extra Value Meals, which offer a 15% discount for bundled meals.
  • April: A revamp of the McValue menu adding 10 items priced at $3 or less.

Kempczinski stated that previous efforts were insufficient because they lacked "compelling low-end deals," adding, "You need to have good entry-level value, particularly with the low-income consumer."

According to Revenue Management Solutions, a restaurant industry consultant, third-quarter foot traffic fell 2.6% across the entire U.S. fast food sector. The company noted that the shift toward value meals comes as many Americans face higher gas prices and the cost of living.


Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.

Questions readers ask

What were McDonald's U.S. same-store sales results for the third quarter?
McDonald's U.S. same-store sales fell 0.2% during the July-September period. This represents the first retreat for the company since early 2025.
When will new value-oriented meal bundles be introduced?
McDonald's plans to introduce new value-oriented meal bundles early next year following a period of lower restaurant traffic.
What previous value initiatives has McDonald's launched in 2024 and 2025?
In June 2024, the company introduced a $5 Meal Deal. In 2025, it debuted the McValue menu and Extra Value Meals, which offer a 15% discount for bundled meals.
Why is McDonald's adjusting its U.S. value offerings now?
The shift comes as many Americans face higher gas prices and the cost of living, leading to a 2.6% drop in third-quarter foot traffic across the entire U.S. fast food sector.

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