McDonald’s (MCD) Q3 EPS $3.38 Expected, U.S. Traffic Declines 0.5%

McDonald's (MCD) is expected to report its third-quarter earnings with analysts surveying by LSEG forecasting earnings per share of $3.38 and revenue of $7.29 billion. Last quarter, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski noted that the U.S. business underperformed due to issues with value offer execution and complicated new menu launches, leading to a management change with Skye Anderson appointed as the new U.S. president.

Wall Street anticipates a 0.5% decline in same-store sales in the U.S. for the third quarter, reflecting ongoing challenges in McDonald's core market. Additionally, industry reports such as those from Chipotle Mexican Grill indicated a broader softening of restaurant traffic in October. McDonald’s shares have declined approximately 11% over the past year, affected by investor concerns over U.S. operations, costly restaurant upgrades, and the wider economic environment.

This report matters for investors as it highlights continued pressure on McDonald’s U.S. sales performance, a critical driver of overall revenue. The expected earnings and revenue figures, alongside commentary on current traffic trends, will provide insight into the company's recovery prospects and operational execution amid economic challenges.