McDonald's Struggles with Slow US Sales Growth

McDonald's stock has been under pressure due to weaker-than-expected US sales growth. Despite introducing its McValue menu in April, which includes 10 items priced at $3 or less, sales at US restaurants open for at least a year rose only 0.8% in the second quarter.

This was below the estimated 1.06% increase predicted by analysts surveyed by LSEG. The slowdown in US sales growth is particularly concerning for McDonald's, as it had previously seen comparable sales rise 2.5% in the same period last year, thanks to strong interest in Minecraft-themed meals.

The company has been trying to attract lower-income customers with its value deals and promotions, but these efforts have not yet shown a significant impact on US sales growth. McDonald's is facing tough competition from other fast-food chains, convenience stores, and people choosing to prepare meals at home.