McDonald's delivered its strongest US sales growth in over two years, with established restaurant sales jumping 6.8% in the fourth quarter. This performance outpaced analyst expectations and marked the highest growth since 2023, driven by value meal promotions that resonated with cost-conscious consumers. The results significantly outpaced the same period last year when an E. coli outbreak had dented foot traffic.

Earnings excluding one-time items also exceeded the average of Bloomberg-compiled estimates, while comparable sales at McDonald's two international divisions showed similar strength. Despite the positive financial results, McDonald's shares declined less than 1% in extended trading in New York, reversing an earlier gain. The stock has advanced nearly 6% year-to-date through Wednesday's close, outperforming the S&P 500 Index over the same period.

The strong quarterly performance validates McDonald's value strategy as effective in attracting budget-conscious diners during inflationary pressures. Abby Roach, Senior Portfolio Analyst at Allspring Global Investments, discussed the results on Bloomberg Businessweek Daily, highlighting the significance of the sustained sales momentum. The company's ability to rebound from last year's health crisis and deliver accelerated growth demonstrates the resilience of its business model and pricing strategy.