Trending Now - Key Insights From Recent Earnings of Major Fast Food Chains
WHO:
Bloomberg - McDonald's, Shake Shack, Whirlpool, CEO Chris Kempczinski
WHAT:
ABC News - McDonald's reported global same-store sales rose 3.8% in the January-March period, exceeding the expected 3.7% increase.
ABC News - McDonald's revenue rose 9% in the first quarter to $6.52 billion, higher than the $6.47 billion Wall Street was expecting.
ABC News - McDonald's net income rose 6% to $1.98 billion, and adjusted earnings were $2.83 per share, surpassing analysts’ forecast of $2.74.
ABC News - The limited-time Big Arch burger, which costs well over $8 in many locations, became a viral sensation after its launch in the U.S. last month.
ABC News - Starting April 21, McDonald’s U.S. stores began offering 10 items that each cost less than $3 to attract inflation-weary customers.
Bloomberg - McDonald's reported solid earnings but noted a meaningful decline in consumer sentiment in the second quarter.
Bloomberg - Shake Shack faced weaker earnings as it absorbed higher costs without passing them fully to customers.
Bloomberg - Whirlpool reported concerns about a recession-level decline in consumer sentiment affecting big-ticket purchases like appliances.
CNBC - McDonald's is expected to report earnings per share of $2.74 and revenue of $6.47 billion.
CNBC - Analysts expect McDonald's to report same-store sales growth of 3.7%.
CNBC - Shares of McDonald's have fallen 10% over the last year.
WHERE:
CNBC - The U.S. market is affected by rising gas prices due to the war with Iran.
WHEN:
CNBC - McDonald's is expected to report its first-quarter earnings before the bell on Thursday.
WHY:
CNBC - Higher gas prices are impacting McDonald's sales and consumer disposable income.
HOW:
Bloomberg - McDonald's noted a decline in consumer sentiment affecting its earnings.
(UPDATED May 7, 2026 17:32 UTC)
McDonald's has reported a strong performance for the first quarter, with global same-store sales rising 3.8%, surpassing expectations of 3.7%. The fast-food giant also saw revenue increase by 9% to $6.52 billion, exceeding Wall Street's forecast of $6.47 billion, while net income climbed 6% to $1.98 billion, with adjusted earnings hitting $2.83 per share, beating analysts' predictions of $2.74. Additionally, the limited-time Big Arch burger has become a viral sensation since its launch last month, and starting April 21, McDonald's U.S. stores began offering ten items priced under $3 to appeal to customers facing inflation.
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(UPDATED May 7, 2026 15:47 UTC)
McDonald's has reported solid earnings, with expectations of earnings per share at $2.74 and revenue reaching $6.47 billion, but they also noted a significant decline in consumer sentiment affecting their performance. Meanwhile, Shake Shack is facing weaker earnings as it struggles with higher costs, and Whirlpool has expressed concerns about a recession-level drop in consumer sentiment impacting big-ticket purchases like appliances. The U.S. market is currently grappling with rising gas prices due to the ongoing war with Iran, which is further influencing McDonald's sales and consumer disposable income.