McDonald’s Expects Slightly Negative U.S. Comparable Sales in Q3

McDonald’s management expects U.S. comparable sales to be slightly negative in the third quarter, keeping domestic demand in focus as the company reports its results.

Subdued consumer spending, inflation, inconsistent value offers and fewer digital deals have weighed on U.S. sales and restaurant traffic. Analysts expect earnings of $3.38 per share and revenue of $7.28 billion; those figures are forecasts, not reported results.

Management may provide early updates on McDonald’s NEXT, an $8.5 billion strategy focused on franchises, restaurants and menu innovation. The strategy targets 250 basis points of restaurant efficiencies and operating margins in the low-to-mid-50% range. It is not expected to affect the quarter’s reported results.