McDonald's reported its first global same-store sales decline since 2020, with a 1% drop in the second quarter, driven by inflation and reduced consumer spending. Total revenue fell short of analyst expectations at $6.49 billion, and earnings per share (EPS) missed estimates, coming in at $2.80. Lower-income consumers have been cutting back on dining out, while higher prices have driven remaining customers to seek better value. In response, McDonald's launched a $5 meal deal in June to attract budget-conscious diners, but the initiative was implemented late in the quarter. CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged the shrinking value leadership gap and emphasized efforts to regain customer loyalty through value offerings and menu innovation. The company anticipates continued challenges in the coming quarters as economic pressures persist worldwide.