McDonald’s reported its second straight quarterly decline in global sales, with a 1.5% drop in the third quarter following a 1% slide in Q2. The company’s international markets, including France, the UK, China, and the Middle East, led the decline with a 2.1% fall, while licensed markets saw a sharper 3.5% drop. In contrast, U.S. sales remained mostly stable, showing a modest 0.3% increase.
Despite the downturn in sales, McDonald’s revenue saw a 3% boost, rising to $6.9 billion beating analyst expectations. However, this growth was offset by a 3% decrease in net income, which came in at $2.26 billion. The financial strain on customers appears to be taking a toll as rising inflation drives more people to prepare meals at home rather than dine out, especially with the increasing costs of fast-food items.
Adding to McDonald’s challenges, a recent E. coli outbreak linked to some of its Quarter Pounder burgers has heightened concerns among health-conscious consumers, potentially deterring some from visiting.
Industry analysts suggest that these combined factors could further strain McDonald’s sales in the coming months. As consumers feel the financial pinch and become more health-aware, McDonald’s may need to address both affordability and food safety to stabilize sales performance.