McDonald's tops Q3 forecasts, but international sales narrow

McDonald's reported third-quarter 2024 earnings that surpassed Wall Street expectations on Tuesday, driven by effective US sales strategies, but weighed down by international challenges.

  • McDonald's Corp.
  • 29 October 2024 12:38:55
McDonalds

Source: Sharecast

The fast-food giant posted adjusted earnings per share of $3.23, surpassing the $3.20 analysts projected, while revenue reached $6.9bn, edging past the anticipated $6.82bn.

Revenue growth of 3% year-on-year was attributed to a 4% increase in sales from company-owned outlets and a 1% rise in franchised revenue.

US comparable sales rose by 0.3%, marking a recovery from the prior quarter’s decline as McDonald's leveraged targeted marketing campaigns and digital growth to attract diners.

However, the company reported a 1.5% decline in global same-store sales, primarily impacted by underperformance in international markets.

The ‘international operated markets’ segment, which includes regions such as France and the UK, saw a 2.1% decline in comparable sales, while the ‘international developmental licensed markets’ segment, with significant exposure in the Middle East and China, dropped 3.5%.

Systemwide sales for McDonald's loyalty members hit over $28bn in the trailing 12 months and nearly $8bn for the quarter, reflecting steady engagement with frequent diners.

“We will stay laser-focused on providing an unparalleled experience with simple, everyday value and affordability that our consumers can count on as they continue to be mindful about their spending,” said chairman and chief executive officer Chris Kempczinski.

“McDonald’s will continue to follow our ‘Accelerating the Arches’ playbook to drive long-term growth globally and win in this environment.”

While the recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers in the US was not addressed in the earnings release, health authorities had identified onions as the probable source.

The company has since removed affected items from impacted locations, potentially dampening fourth-quarter foot traffic.

At 0836 EDT (1236 GMT), shares in McDonald’s Corporation were down 2.22% in premarket trading in New York, at $290.21.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

Exchange: DJ Stock Exchange
Sell:
28,150.68
Buy:
28,268.46
Change: -436.36 ( -0.98 %)
Date:
Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes

Compare our accounts

If you're looking to grow your money over the longer term (5+ years), we have a range of investment choices to help.

Bank of Scotland is not responsible for the content and accuracy of the Markets News articles. We may not share the views of the author. Understand the risks, please remember the value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invest. We don't provide advice so if you are in any doubt about buying and selling shares or making your own investment decisions we recommend you seek advice from a suitably qualified Financial Advisor. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

Important legal information

Bank of Scotland Share Dealing Service is operated by Halifax Share Dealing Limited. Halifax Share Dealing Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 3195646. Registered Office: Trinity Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 2RG. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, 12 Endeavour Square, London, E20 1JN under number 183332. A Member of the London Stock Exchange and an HM Revenue & Customs Approved ISA Manager.

Logo Allfunds

The information contained within this website is provided by Allfunds Digital, S.L.U. acting through its business division Digital Look Ltd unless otherwise stated. The information is not intended to be advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any of the shares, companies or investment vehicles mentioned, nor is it information meant to be a research recommendation. This is a solution powered by Allfunds Digital, S.L.U. acting through its business division Digital Look Ltd incorporating their prices, data news, charts, fundamentals and investor tools on this site. Terms and conditions apply. Prices and trades are provided by Allfunds Digital, S.L.U. acting through its business division Digital Look Ltd and are delayed by at least 15 minutes.

FE fundinfo Logo

Data provided by FE fundinfo. Care has been taken to ensure that the information is correct, but FE fundinfo neither warrants, represents nor guarantees the contents of information, nor does it accept any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions or any inconsistencies herein. Past performance does not predict future performance, it should not be the main or sole reason for making an investment decision. The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise.

Refinitiv Logo

© 2025 Refinitiv, an LSEG business. All rights reserved.