Sara Senatore, senior restaurants analyst at Bank of America Securities, appeared on CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ to dissect McDonald’s fourth-quarter earnings. She highlighted that the fast-food giant is entering a reset year for same-store sales in the U.S., signaling potential shifts in the company’s domestic market strategy.
BofA’s Sara Senatore on McDonald’s Q4 results: A reset year for same-store sales in the U.S.

Key Takeaways:
- Expert Analysis by Sara Senatore: Bank of America Securities’ senior restaurants analyst provides insights.
- McDonald’s Q4 Earnings Discussed: Focus on the company’s recent financial results.
- Reset Year for U.S. Same-Store Sales: Indicates significant changes in McDonald’s U.S. market performance.
- Insights Shared on CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’: Information delivered through a reputable financial news platform.
- Potential Industry Implications: Suggests broader trends may be affecting the fast-food sector.
McDonald’s Faces a Reset Year in U.S. Sales
Expert Analysis by Sara Senatore
Sara Senatore, the senior restaurants analyst at Bank of America Securities, joined CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ to break down McDonald’s fourth-quarter earnings results. With her extensive expertise in the restaurant industry, Senatore provided valuable insights into the fast-food giant’s current financial standing.
A Shift in Same-Store Sales
During her appearance, Senatore emphasized that McDonald’s is experiencing a “reset year for same-store sales in the U.S.” This term suggests that the company is undergoing significant changes in its domestic market performance, which may involve reevaluating strategies to boost sales and remain competitive.
“A reset year for same-store sales in the U.S.,” Senatore stated, pointing to the challenges and opportunities McDonald’s faces in its home market.
Dissecting the Fourth-Quarter Earnings
While specific financial figures were not disclosed in the discussion, Senatore’s analysis focused on the key aspects of McDonald’s quarterly earnings. The fourth quarter often serves as a critical period for retail and dining establishments, and McDonald’s performance during this time can offer insights into consumer trends and the effectiveness of its strategies.
Implications for McDonald’s Strategy
The notion of a reset year may indicate that McDonald’s is at a pivotal point, potentially implementing new initiatives or adjusting its business model to adapt to the evolving market landscape. Changes in consumer preferences, increased competition, and economic factors could all play a role in this shift.
Broader Industry Context
Senatore’s insights not only shed light on McDonald’s situation but also hint at possible trends within the fast-food industry. As one of the leading companies in the sector, McDonald’s actions often reflect or influence broader market movements. Investors and industry watchers may interpret this analysis as a signal to monitor similar companies for comparable patterns.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, McDonald’s approach to addressing its U.S. same-store sales will be closely watched by stakeholders. The company’s ability to navigate this reset period effectively could determine its future growth and profitability in a highly competitive market.
Conclusion
Sara Senatore’s expert analysis underscores the importance of McDonald’s current position in the U.S. market. As the company embarks on this reset year, the strategies it employs will be crucial not only for its success but potentially for the fast-food industry’s trajectory as a whole.