McDonald's posts strong second quarter profit, names new chief of US operations

McDonald’s posted a strong profit in its second quarter and named a new chief of U.S. operations as sales in the U.S. continue to be impacted by Americans’ cautious spending

McDonald's posted a strong profit in its second quarter and named a new chief of U.S. operations with sales at home under pressure as many Americans grow more cautious about spending.

McDonald’s said same-store sales, or sales at locations open at least a year, edged up 0.8% in the U.S. That’s a sharp slowdown from the 2.5% increase a year ago, when the company had a big win with a meal tied to “A Minecraft Movie.” Global same-store sales rose 1.3%.

McDonald’s warned in May that high gas prices and consumer anxiety over the U.S. conflict with Iran could dent its sales. The U.S. average for regular gasoline reached its most recent peak on May 21 at $4.56 per gallon, according to AAA.

The Chicago burger chain earned $2.36 billion, or $3.32 per share, for the three months ended June 30. A year earlier it earned $2.25 billion, or $3.14 per share.

Excluding one time charges and benefits, earnings were $3.38 per share, beating the $3.32 per share analysts polled by FactSet expected.

Revenue climbed to $7.1 billion from $6.84 billion in the prior-year period, but came a bit short of Wall Street's estimate of $7.13 billion.

Rising costs have hit lower-income Americans the hardest, squeezing their discretionary spending.

McDonald's has jostled its menu and has sought to lure some of those customers to stores through value meals and other specials. In April, McDonald’s introduced a simplified McValue menu, which has 10 items that cost $3 or less.

McDonald's announced Tuesday that Skye Anderson will be president of McDonald's USA.