Economic conditions & trends

McDonald's Q2 Sales Jump 3.8%

AUG 7 2025·Updated OCT 1 2025

Story

Above: A McDonald's restaurant in Richmond, California, on Aug. 2, 2025. Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Facts

McDonald's Corporation on Wednesday reported second quarter (Q2) 2025 global comparable sales increased 3.8%, with U.S. sales rising 2.5%, International Operated Markets up 4.0%, and International Developmental Licensed Markets growing 5.6%.
Corporate
Corporate
The company's consolidated revenues increased 5% to $6.84 billion in the second quarter, exceeding Wall Street's forecast of $6.7 billion, while net income rose 11% to $2.25 billion compared to the prior year period.
The Associated Press
XINHUA
McDonald's launched a Minecraft Movie-themed meal promotion in April across 100 countries, which the company described as its largest global marketing campaign ever, with collectible figures selling out in less than two weeks.
Quartz
The Associated Press
The fast-food chain's McValue platform includes a $5 meal deal and a buy-one-add-one-for-$1 program, with CEO Chris Kempczinski noting these two programs attract different customer segments.
MEN'S JOURNAL
BNN Bloomberg
The Associated Press
McDonald's introduced McCrispy chicken strips as a permanent menu item in the U.S. during the quarter and launched new chicken products including McWings in Australia, helping increase chicken market share in each of its 10 biggest markets.
The Associated Press
Quartz
The company reported systemwide sales to loyalty members totaled approximately $33 billion for the trailing twelve-month period and $9 billion for the quarter across 60 loyalty markets worldwide.
Corporate
Corporate

Sources Split

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CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

McDonald's turnaround proves value pricing works when done right. The $5 meal deal and dollar add-on program hit different customer segments perfectly, driving traffic back after quarters of decline. The Minecraft promotion was genius marketing that created buzz and sold out collectibles in two weeks. Smart menu innovation like McCrispy strips and nostalgic items like Snack Wraps show McDonald's knows what customers want.

Brand Innovators

CNN

Narrative B

McDonald's still faces serious challenges with low-income customers cutting back visits by double digits. Combo meals over $10 are driving negative value perceptions that promotional deals can't fully fix. The company admits it needs to address core menu pricing issues beyond temporary promotions. Economic uncertainty and tariff concerns continue pressuring the customer base that visits most frequently.