BUZZ-Preview: McDonald's stock declines, investors focus on sales growth in quarterly report

November 3 - ** McDonald's (MCD.N) shares fell about 1%, trading at $262.90, as the company is set to release its quarterly earnings before the market opens on Wednesday

** The market expects McDonald's to post adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.38, up 5% year-on-year, with revenue of about $7.3 billion, an increase of approximately 3% from the same period last year

** According to data from London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), MCD's adjusted EPS met market expectations in 7 out of the past 8 quarters

** In September, MCD warned (link) that as long as inflation remains high, overall industry traffic in key markets is likely to remain flat.

** Due to consumers cutting back on dining expenses, McDonald's second-quarter U.S. sales growth missed (link) expectations

** According to LSEG data, 37 analysts cover MCD, with an average rating of "Buy" and a median target price of $295

** So far this year, MCD shares have declined by about 14%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI has risen about 8%

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