McDonald's has reported its first decline in global sales since 2020, with a 1% drop in comparable sales for the second quarter, falling short of analyst expectations for growth. U.S. same-store sales also fell by 0.7%, a sharp contrast to a 10.3% increase the previous year, as inflation pressures consumers to seek more affordable dining options. CEO Chris Kempczinski noted that consumers are increasingly deal-conscious, prompting McDonald's to extend its $5 meal deal and focus on value offerings to attract customers. The company's net income decreased by 12%, reflecting broader economic challenges affecting dining habits. Despite these struggles, McDonald's has maintained its forecast for 2024 operating margins and plans to invest up to $2.7 billion in capital expenditures, primarily for new restaurants. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures continue to affect sales, particularly in international markets like France and China.