Financial Performance: McDonald's reported a net income of $2.26 billion ($3.13 per share), which is down from $2.32 billion ($3.17 per share) last year. Adjusted earnings were $3.23 per share, slightly exceeding analyst expectations. Revenue rose by 3% to $6.87 billion, surpassing forecasts.
Sales Trends: Comparable sales decreased by 1.5%, missing the expected 0.6% decline, but U.S. comparable sales increased by 0.3%. CEO Chris Kempczinski noted a slowdown in quick-service restaurant traffic, especially among lower-income consumers, but highlighted improvements in market share and menu innovation.
E. coli Situation: The report addressed a recent E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions, stating it did not affect Q3 results. McDonald's has ceased sourcing onions from the implicated supplier and plans to resume selling quarter-pounders shortly.
Market Reaction: Following the earnings announcement, McDonald's stock rose by 0.1%.