McDonald’s reported slower-than-expected sales growth in the United States during the second quarter of 2026, although the world’s largest fast-food chain still delivered stronger-than-expected earnings. The company said weaker execution of its value strategy and cautious consumer spending weighed on performance in its largest market.
Comparable sales in the United States increased by 0.8%, below analysts’ expectations of about 1.1% and well below the 2.5% growth recorded a year earlier. Worldwide comparable sales rose 1.3%, while total revenue reached approximately $7.1 billion. Adjusted earnings came in at $3.38 per share, exceeding Wall Street forecasts.
Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski said the company does not have a strategy problem but an execution problem. According to him, reduced digital promotions, overlapping marketing campaigns, and the rollout of new value offers failed to attract enough lower-income customers, who remain under pressure from higher living costs. McDonald’s has already begun restoring national digital offers, expanding loyalty promotions, and simplifying its value menu.
To accelerate growth in its largest market, McDonald’s appointed company veteran Skye Anderson as the new President of McDonald’s USA, replacing Joe Erlinger. Anderson will oversee nearly 14,000 U.S. restaurants and lead efforts to improve operations, customer service, and sales performance.
Despite the softer U.S. results, McDonald’s remains optimistic about the second half of the year. The company plans to expand its loyalty program, strengthen personalized digital marketing, and continue investing in its growing beverage business, which has delivered encouraging early results.
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press.
