McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) reported second-quarter 2026 results that exceeded Wall Street earnings expectations, although revenue came in slightly below analyst forecasts.
The fast-food giant delivered higher profit and positive comparable sales growth across all of its operating segments, helping lift the stock 2.6% in pre-market trading.
Earnings Top Expectations
McDonald’s posted adjusted earnings of $3.38 per share, ahead of the analyst consensus estimate of $3.34.
The figure represented a 6% increase from adjusted earnings of $3.19 per share in the same quarter last year, excluding restructuring charges of $0.06 per share related to the company’s Accelerating the Organization initiative.
Revenue rose 4% year over year to $7.1 billion, or 2% on a constant-currency basis, but narrowly missed the consensus estimate of $7.14 billion.
Comparable Sales Improve Across All Segments
Global comparable sales increased 1.3% during the quarter.
Comparable sales in the United States rose 0.8%, while International Operated Markets recorded growth of 1.5%. International Developmental Licensed Markets posted the strongest increase at 1.9%.
Systemwide sales climbed 5%, or 4% on a constant-currency basis, reaching $37 billion.
CEO Highlights Broad-Based Growth
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski said the company delivered positive momentum across every major market.
“This quarter McDonald’s delivered positive comparable sales growth across every segment and acted decisively to strengthen execution as we prime McDonald’s for the next era of long-term growth,” he said.
Regional Performance Shows Mixed Trends
In the U.S., comparable sales growth was driven by higher average spending per customer and a more favourable product mix, although this was partly offset by lower guest traffic.
Among International Operated Markets, Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom delivered the strongest performances, while France remained a drag on overall results.
Within International Developmental Licensed Markets, Japan led comparable sales growth, although China reported weaker performance during the quarter.
Operating Profit Rises and Leadership Changes Announced
McDonald’s reported consolidated operating income of $3.34 billion, an increase of 3% from a year earlier, or 2% on a constant-currency basis.
Excluding restructuring costs, operating income increased 4%, or 2% on a constant-currency basis.
The company also announced that Skye Anderson, a 26-year McDonald’s veteran, has been appointed President of McDonald’s USA with immediate effect.
She succeeds Joe Erlinger, who is leaving the company after more than 20 years.
McDonald’s stock price
