McDonald's US market comparable sales fell 0.2% in the third quarter, beating expectations

McDonald's third-quarter sales decline in the U.S. market was smaller than market expectations, as an increase in consumer spending per visit offset the impact of declining traffic. In the third quarter, McDonald's U.S. comparable sales fell by 0.2%, a decline smaller than the average forecast compiled by institutions' analysts. In late September, McDonald's had warned that third-quarter performance might "slightly decline," partly because a series of value menu products launched earlier this year failed to attract the expected number of customers. McDonald's is facing pressure to improve performance in the U.S. market. As of the previous quarter, U.S. revenue accounted for 38% of the company's total income. The restaurant chain is attempting to introduce new value strategies to replace its previously underperforming sub-$3 menu. Additionally, the company is reducing short-term promotional activities in favor of promoting value meals that have received positive consumer feedback in the past, and is reintroducing app-exclusive offers it had gradually phased out previously.