Overview
- Global comparable sales rose 5.7% in the fourth quarter, topping estimates, with revenue at about $7.01 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $3.12.
- U.S. same‑store sales increased 6.8% as Extra Value Meal price cuts, a revived McValue menu, and limited-time offers such as Monopoly and a Grinch meal pulled in budget‑conscious diners.
- Executives highlighted value-focused marketing as the driver of improved traffic, while easier year‑ago comparisons after an E. coli‑related dip also aided growth.
- The company tested an expanded beverage lineup in roughly 500 U.S. restaurants and is poised to broaden the higher‑margin platform as a new visit and margin driver.
- Analysts issued upgrades, citing traffic gains from value and promotions and a strengthening innovation pipeline, even as consumer cost pressures keep competition intense across the sector.