New restaurants contributed more to McDonald’s sales gains, as the company expects about 2,500 openings worldwide in 2026 and plans $3.7 billion in capital spending.
McDonald’s projects about 2,100 net restaurant additions globally. It also said openings have played an increasingly large role in sales growth.
Global comparable sales advanced 1.5% in the third quarter, while the U.S. measure fell 0.2%, a regional split detailed in McDonald’s latest comparable-sales results. U.S. comparable sales returned to growth in September. System sales rose 4% in constant currency during the quarter.
In the United States, McDonald’s is testing lower-priced menu options as it prepares a nationwide value program targeted for early 2027.
