McDonald's reported first-quarter earnings and revenue that surpassed analyst forecasts. The fast-food giant attracted customers with value-oriented meal deals while increasing the average spending per transaction, driving comparable store sales higher.

McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that the company delivered robust quarterly performance even within a challenging operating environment.

In pre-market trading, the company's stock rose more than 3.13%. Investors are closely monitoring the earnings call scheduled for 8:30 AM Eastern Time for insights into whether rising oil prices and pressure on consumer spending have impacted McDonald's performance.

Other restaurant chains, including Domino's Pizza and Chipotle Mexican Grill, have indicated softer store sales in March following the U.S.-Iran conflict and subsequent surge in oil prices.

The following compares McDonald's actual results with Wall Street expectations, based on a Refinitiv analyst survey:

Adjusted earnings per share: $2.83 vs. $2.74 expected Revenue: $6.52 billion vs. $6.47 billion expected

McDonald's posted a net income of $1.98 billion for the first quarter, equivalent to $2.78 per share. In the same period last year, net income was $1.87 billion, or $2.60 per share.

Excluding restructuring costs and other one-time items, adjusted earnings per share came in at $2.83.

Quarterly net revenue increased by 9% year-over-year to $6.52 billion.

Global comparable store sales grew 3.8% during the quarter, nearly matching the consensus estimate of 3.7%.

In the U.S. market, comparable store sales rose 3.9%, primarily driven by higher average spending per customer visit.

McDonald's strategy included emphasizing affordability to attract budget-conscious consumers while also promoting premium offerings through marketing campaigns and new product innovations. Examples include limited-time collaborations with *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie* and *KPop Dream Idol*, which featured exclusive combo meals not included in discount promotions. In early March, the company also launched the oversized Big Arch burger in the U.S., positioning it as a premium hamburger option.

In company-operated international markets, including key regions such as France, Germany, and Australia, comparable store sales also increased by 3.9%.

In internationally licensed developmental markets, comparable store sales grew by 3.4%, with Japan emerging as the top-performing market in this segment during the quarter.