** McDonald's MCD.N beat estimates for third-quarter global comparable sales on Wednesday as affordable meal offers from the fast-food giant helped whet demand even as consumers remained selective with their spending

** Average rating of 40 analysts is "buy"; median PT $337 - data compiled by LSEG

KEEP EYES ON THE FRIES

** J.P. Morgan ("overweight," PT: $305) says co is focusing on boosting menu sales with new chicken options and the Big 'Arch' burger in most international markets, while the discontinued CosMc's concept shows room to grow cold coffee, specialty sodas, blended drinks, and energy beverages in U.S. brands

** Morgan Stanley ("equal weight," PT: $335) says co deserves credit for recent initiatives like Monopoly and Extra Value Meals, which are starting to gain traction, along with a beverage test that could be a growth driver next year

** RBC Capital Market ("sector perform," PT: $320) notes that the U.S. fourth-quarter same-store sales outlook suggests potential upside versus consensus; Extra Value Meal launch met expectations, and the October Monopoly relaunch should aid digital customer acquisition

** Gordon Haskett ("buy," PT: $350) expects that looking ahead to 2026, global quick-service franchise companies will continue to deliver share price outperformance, driven by sustained strength in relative same-store sales growth

(Reporting by Akriti Shah in Bengaluru)

((akriti.shah@thomsonreuters.com))