Operations

McDonald's sales rise as value meals take precedence

Photo: Sampajano - stock.adobe.com

February 13, 2026

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McDonald's has doubled-down on its value meals and Americans are returning to the brand, according to a press release.

U.S. sales rose 6.8% in the fourth quarter exceeding analysts' expectations of a smaller 4.9% gain. That's the brand's biggest jump in two years and is backed by the Chicago-based burger chain's low-priced offers and aggressive sales promotions.

"McDonald's value leadership is working," Chris Kempczinski, chairman and CEO of McDonald's, said in the earnings statement. "By listening to customers and taking action, we have improved traffic and strengthened our value & affordability scores. That focus helped increase global systemwide sales by 8% and delivered strong comp sales growth across all segments this quarter. The momentum we've built reinforces the progress we've made with our strategy and has earned us the right to look forward together as a system."

The company brought back its Monopoly promotion in October after nearly a decade and rolled out value offers starting at $5 last November.

Fourth quarter financial performance

Global comparable sales increased 5.7%:
- U.S. increased 6.8%.
- International operated markets increased 5.2%.
- International developmental licensed markets increased 4.5%.
Consolidated revenues increased 10%.
Systemwide sales increased 11%.
Consolidated operating income increased 10%. Results included pre-tax charges of $80 million primarily related to restructuring charges associated with accelerating the organization.Excluding these current year charges, as well as prior year pre-tax net charges of $3 million, consolidated operating income increased 13%.
Diluted earnings per share was $3.03, an increase of 8%. Excluding the current year charges described above of $0.09 per share, diluted earnings per share was $3.12, an increase of 10% (7% in constant currencies) when also excluding prior year charges.
The company declared a 5% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $1.86 per share.

The brand also reported its full year performance for 2025. Global comparable sales increased 3.1%. The U.S. increased 2.1%, international operated markets increased 3.2% and international developmental licensed markets increased 4.6%.