McDonald's has today beaten estimates for third-quarter global comparable sales as affordable meal offers from the fast-food giant helped whet demand even as consumers remained selective with their spending.
The burger chain posted global same-store sales growth of 3.6%, slightly ahead of analysts' average estimate of a 3.55% increase, according to data compiled by LSEG, driven by strength across its US and international markets.
Fast-food chains including McDonald's, Domino's Pizza and Taco Bell owner Yum Brands have rolled out cheaper meal bundles and limited-time offers to offset a slowdown in restaurant traffic, as stubbornly high inflation, slower wage growth and rising menu prices discourage price-sensitive customers.
McDonald's has kept its meal deal in place for more than a year, prioritised menu innovation and intensified marketing efforts to revive demand among low-income diners.
Demand spiked in July on the launch of its "Snack Wraps", though momentum eased in August and September, BTIG analyst Peter Saleh said in a note.
In September, the company reintroduced its Extra Value Meals and began working with franchisees to standardise a 15% discount on combo meals nationwide, up from the current 10% to 11%.
But sustaining deep discounts may prove challenging for franchisees once financial support from McDonald's tapers off, analysts have warned.
Overall visits to McDonald's fell 3.5% between July and September from a year ago, compared with a 2.3% decline across the quick-service category, according to data from foot traffic-tracking firm Placer.ai.
Comparable sales in the US, its largest market, rose 2.4% in the quarter ended September 30, compared with a 0.3% rise a year earlier.
Sales in its business segment where restaurants are operated by local partners jumped 4.7%, led by Japan, while international market sales rose 4.3%, driven by Germany and Australia.
Quarterly adjusted net income came in at $2.31 billion, or $3.22 per share, compared with $2.32 billion, or $3.23 a year ago.
