What You Need To Know Ahead of McDonald's Earnings

Key Takeaways

• McDonald's is set to report earnings before the bell Tuesday, with analysts expecting revenue to rise while profits drop slightly.
• The chain's summer value meal promotion was extended last month, as the company said sales have improved because of the deal.
• McDonald's stock took a hit this week after U.S. health authorities said an E. coli outbreak is being investigated, potentially linked to the chain's Quarter Pounder burger.

McDonald's (MCD) reports earnings before the bell Tuesday, with investors likely watching to see if the company's $5 summer value meal succeeded in driving customers back to the fast-food giant after it said the promotion will run into December.

Analysts expect a small bump in third-quarter revenue to $6.8 billion, compared with just under $6.7 billion at the same time last year, with profit expected to decline by about $20 million to $2.3 billion.