McDonald’s Value Push: Can Under-$3 Menu Items Keep Global Sales Momentum Alive?

McDonald’s Corporation reported a 6% growth in global system-wide sales on a constant currency basis and a 3.8% increase in global comparable sales during the first quarter of 2026. These results reflect solid performance across its three operating segments—the U.S., International Operated Markets (IOM), and International Developmental Licensed (IDL) markets. The company gained market share in nearly all of its top 10 markets, supported by a consistent focus on value, culturally relevant marketing, and menu innovation. Value remained central to McDonald’s strategy, with the U.S. recently evolving its McValue platform to include an everyday affordable price menu featuring individual items under $3 and a $4 Breakfast Meal Deal. This update builds on previous meal deal offerings and aligns with approaches already successful in international markets. The relaunch of the Extra Value Meals (EVM) program in the U.S.