McDonald's reported robust earnings for the second quarter while announcing a new executive to oversee its American business, where sales have been pressured by consumers holding back on spending.

The company noted that same-store sales in the U.S. increased by just 0.8 percent, a notable deceleration from the 2.5 percent growth seen the previous year thanks to a successful tie-in with “A Minecraft Movie.” Worldwide, same-store sales grew 1.3 percent.

Earlier in May, McDonald’s cautioned that elevated fuel costs and worries over the U.S. tensions with Iran might affect its performance. The national average price for regular gasoline hit a recent high of $4.56 per gallon on May 21, per AAA data.

For the quarter ending June 30, the Chicago-based chain posted net income of $2.36 billion, equating to $3.32 per share, up from $2.25 billion or $3.14 per share a year prior.

Adjusted for one-time items, earnings per share reached $3.38, surpassing the $3.32 consensus estimate from FactSet analysts.

Revenue increased to $7.1 billion compared to $6.84 billion previously, though it fell slightly short of the projected $7.13 billion.

Higher expenses have disproportionately affected lower-income households, limiting their optional purchases.

To counter this, McDonald's has adjusted its offerings and promoted value options, including the launch in April of a streamlined McValue menu featuring 10 items priced at $3 or below.

U.S. same-store sales growth lagged behind international markets, prompting CEO Chris Kempczinski to commit to improvements.

“Although our strategies are succeeding globally, we recognize the chance to elevate standards in the U.S. and boost results in our biggest market,” stated Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski.

On Tuesday, McDonald's named Skye Anderson as the new president of McDonald's USA.

Stock shares climbed 1.6 percent in pre-market trading.