McDonald's is set to report earnings before the bell — here's what the Street expects

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Kiosks for ordering food sit in the dining area of a McDonald's restaurant located inside the company's new corporate headquarters on June 4, 2018 in Chicago.

McDonald's is set to report second-quarter earnings before the opening bell Thursday.

Here is what analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect:

It's been more than a year since the company's executives touted several big changes that the chain would be making to win back the more than 500 million visits it lost since 2012. This included innovating its menu, renovating its stores, offering mobile and kiosk ordering and partnering with UberEats to test delivery.

The company's stock hit a record high of nearly $179 per share earlier this year, but it closed Wednesday at $158.89. Shares are down nearly 8 percent since January.

The Golden Arches' sales this year have been fueled by higher check averages, more expensive menu items and diners adding Dollar Menu items to their orders. However, the company is lapping tougher comparisons this quarter and that will continue throughout 2018.

Analysts forecast that same-store sales grew 3.5 percent globally in the quarter, according to Street Account. In the U.S. Wall Street foresees same-store sales growth of 3 percent.

In the first quarter, McDonald's posted its 11th consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth and its 5th straight quarter of positive guest counts.

(Original source)