McDonald's (MCD) reported fourth quarter results on Wednesday that surpassed Wall Street expectations as its value meal focus and marketing efforts brought more customers in the door and US sales grew for the third straight quarter. McDonald's said Wednesday that its US same-store sales grew 6.8% during the quarter, more than the 5.1% rise the Street expected, according to data from Bloomberg. Its full-year US same-store sales rose 2.1%, above the 1.6% expected. The fast food chain's stock rose about 1 ...

This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: McDonald’s U.S. increased comparable sales by 6.8% during the fourth quarter and 2% for the year, according to an earnings release. McDonald’s has now posted three consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. Comparable sales, which performed better than expected, were up in the quarter largely due to positive check and guest count growth, wi ...

McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 11, 2026 04:30 PM ET Company ParticipantsChris Kempczinski - Chairman and CEODave Palmer - Senior Managing Director and the Head of the Consumer Research TeamDexter Congbalay - VP of Investor RelationsIan Borden - CFOJill McDonald - Executive Vice President and President of International Operated MarketsConference Call ParticipantsAndrew Barish - Equity Research AnalystBrian Harbour - Equity Research AnalystDavid Tarantino - Equity Research AnalystDennis ...

McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 11, 2026 04:30 PM ET Speaker13Hello, and welcome to McDonald's fourth quarter 2025 investor conference call. At the request of McDonald's Corporation, this conference is being recorded. Following today's presentation, there will be a question and answer session for investors. At that time, investors only may ask a question by pressing star one on their touchtone telephone. I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Dexter Congbalay, Vice Presiden ...

McDonald's on Wednesday reported quarterly earnings and revenue that topped analysts' expectations as its value push wins back customers."By listening to customers and taking action, we have improved traffic and strengthened our value & affordability scores," CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a statement.Shares of McDonald's rose 2% in extended trading.Here's what the company reported compared with what Wall Street was expecting, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG:Earnings per share: $3.12 adjusted vs. $3.05 ...

Core Viewpoint - The restaurant sector, particularly McDonald's, is focusing on value messaging to attract consumers in a competitive economy, which may boost sales but has caused friction among franchise operators [1][6]. Group 1: Franchise Standards and Operator Sentiment - McDonald's implemented new franchise standards on January 1, assessing locations based on their pricing value, while allowing franchisees to set their own prices [2]. - The National Owners Association introduced a Franchisee Bill of Rights, emphasizing the right of franchisees to set prices independently without fear of repercussions [3][4]. - A survey indicated that all responding franchisees opposed the changes to national franchising standards, marking a historic consensus in the survey's history [7]. Group 2: Operator Relations and Performance Metrics - Franchisees rated their relationship with McDonald's corporate at an average of 1.37 on a scale of 1 to 5, a decline from the previous average of 1.71 [8]. - Despite tensions, McDonald's stock performed relatively well, increasing by 5% in a challenging year for the restaurant sector [9]. - Franchisees rated their business outlook for the next six months at an average of 2.58, the highest in 11 quarters, indicating some optimism [10]. Group 3: Value Strategy and Market Position - McDonald's has been effective in promoting value to quick-service consumers, outperforming other burger chains [11]. - Analysts expect the shift in value strategy to lead to significant earnings growth for McDonald's, marking the most meaningful growth since 2023 [11].

Core Insights - McDonald's Corporation (MCD) is focusing on Extra Value Meals (EVM) to stabilize and rebuild customer traffic as it approaches 2026, emphasizing that value is a core brand promise amid ongoing consumer pressures [1][4] - The reintroduction of EVMs, priced at $5 and $8, aims to reset customer expectations and currently accounts for approximately 30% of U.S. transactions, serving as a key driver for traffic and value perception [2][10] - McDonald's is measuring success through traffic share gains among value-sensitive consumers and improvements in affordability scores, supported by marketing and financial assistance for franchisees [3][10] Competitive Landscape - Competitors like Wendy's and Restaurant Brands International are also focusing on value offerings, with Wendy's promoting $5 and $6 Biggie Bags and Burger King utilizing aggressive digital offers [5][6] - McDonald's nationally advertised value meals may provide a more consistent traffic pull compared to competitors' fluctuating promotions, positioning the company favorably in the value competition landscape for 2026 [7] Financial Performance - McDonald's shares have increased by 3.8% over the past six months, contrasting with a 0.8% decline in the industry [8] - The company's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is currently at 23.44, slightly lower than the industry's 24.65 [12] - Recent estimates for MCD's 2026 earnings per share have shown an upward trend, indicating positive market sentiment [16]

Group 1 - McDonald's is reintroducing its iconic Changeables Happy Meal toys, which transform from food items into robot or dinosaur characters, for a new generation [1][2] - The updated Changeables are based on designs from the original Happy Meal programs launched in 1987, 1989, and 1990, and were highly requested by customers on social media [4] - The return of these toys is part of a broader strategy by McDonald's to combine nostalgia, technology, and loyalty initiatives to adapt to changing consumer habits [5] Group 2 - McDonald's has recently implemented a value strategy, including the return of Extra Value Meals, which offer meal bundles at a 15% discount compared to purchasing items separately [9] - This value strategy has intensified competition in the fast-food industry, prompting rivals to enhance their own value offerings in response to McDonald's initiatives [8] - McDonald's shares have seen a 2.7% increase year to date, reflecting positive market response to its new strategies [6]

Core Insights - McDonald's is expanding its menu with new items, including a hot honey sauce and protein-focused sandwiches, to attract more customers [1][2] - The company is implementing a broader strategy that combines nostalgia, technology, and loyalty initiatives to adapt to changing consumer habits [3] - McDonald's value strategy has intensified competition in the fast-food industry, prompting rivals to enhance their value offerings [5] Menu Additions - The new menu items include the Hot Honey Sausage Egg Biscuit with 17 grams of protein, the Bacon Hot Honey McCrispy Sandwich, the Hot Honey McCrispy Sandwich, and a Hot Honey Snack Wrap [1][2] - The hot honey sauce will be available at participating locations starting January 27 for a limited time [1] Value Strategy - McDonald's has reintroduced Extra Value Meals, offering meal bundles that save customers 15% compared to purchasing items separately [6] - The fast-food chain is reducing combo meal prices to attract budget-conscious consumers amid low consumer sentiment [8] - Industry experts note that restaurants are focusing on providing value to retain existing customers and attract new ones during challenging economic times [10]

Core Insights - Wendy's has revamped its value menu with the introduction of "Biggie Deals," aimed at attracting budget-conscious consumers by offering customizable meal options at three price points: $4, $6, and $8 [1][3][12] - This move aligns with industry trends as competitors like McDonald's have also enhanced their value offerings to drive customer traffic [5][6] Company Strategy - The new value menu includes options such as $4 Biggie Bites, $6 Biggie Bag, and $8 Biggie Bundle, allowing customers to choose from various items [1][12] - Wendy's U.S. Chief Marketing Officer emphasized the importance of customization and value in attracting customers [3] Industry Context - The fast-food industry is currently experiencing a competitive landscape where companies are responding to low consumer sentiment by enhancing value propositions [8][9] - McDonald's has recently reintroduced its Extra Value Meals, which offer significant savings compared to purchasing items separately, prompting other chains to follow suit [5][10]