McDonald's stock tests new value menus to rebuild U.S. traffic

Published on 11/11/2026 at 16:17 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

McDonald's stock remains in focus as the company tests new U.S. value menus. The move targets traffic recovery while international operations support results.

Value Tests Shape The Outlook

McDonald's is testing more affordable menu formats to rebuild customer traffic in the United States.
International growth supports the business while domestic demand and franchisee economics remain key investor concerns.

McDonald’s, US5801351017, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

McDonald's is adding a new test to its U.S. recovery effort after a mixed third quarter. A Trefis Team analysis published on Tuesday, November 10, said the company began an eight-week trial of two everyday value-menu formats in late October.

The trial covers about 1,900 U.S. restaurants. Franchisees at roughly 4,000 additional locations have introduced similar bundles before the formal test results, bringing participation across the two groups to more than 40% of the U.S. system. Management is targeting a national rollout of the selected format in early 2027.

Traffic Recovery Remains Unproven

The menu test follows a quarter in which U.S. comparable sales fell 0.2% as lower guest counts offset higher average checks. McDonald's said domestic performance improved during the quarter, with comparable sales turning positive in September after slightly negative results in July and August.

Existing value measures and restored digital promotions have shown early signs of improving demand. The new menus had been tested for only about a week when management said it was too early to share results, leaving incremental traffic, sales and franchisee economics as the central measures for investors.

International Growth Supports Results

International operations helped offset the U.S. weakness in the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. Global comparable sales increased 1.5%, while International Operated Markets rose 1.4% and International Developmental Licensed Markets advanced 4.2%. Adjusted diluted earnings per share reached 3.57 US dollars, compared with reported diluted earnings per share of 3.51 US dollars.

The new value formats could strengthen McDonald's affordability proposition, but a national rollout would still need to generate additional visits without eroding restaurant-level economics. Rising food and paper costs expected in 2027 add pressure to that test.

McDonald's stock traded at 248.90 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 16:06 CET on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.