McDonald’s Faces Sales Setback Following Health Crisis and Consumer Shifts
Oct/31/2024McDonald’s reported its most significant decline in comparable sales in four years for Q3, with net profit slipping 3% to below $2.26 billion due to an E.coli outbreak tied to Quarter Pounders in the U.S. Sales from established operations fell 1.5%, missing analyst expectations. U.S. quarterly sales saw a slight 0.3% boost from a promotion, while international sales dropped by 2%. The outbreak led to a suspension of Quarter Pounder sales in parts of the U.S., impacting traffic as consumers opted for cheaper or home-cooked meals. Despite setbacks, McDonald’s global presence remains robust, underpinned by its innovative '4Ds' strategy focusing on delivery and digital advancements, adapting to changing consumer trends to maintain its position as a fast food leader.