Fast-food struggles

Fast-food companies are struggling to reenergize sales.

Why it matters: The big chains are dealing with the aftereffects of price increases as customers look for savings.

Case in point: Two major fast-food owners reported underwhelming comparable sales today:

• At Restaurant Brands International, comps at Firehouse Subs fell 4.8%, Popeyes was down 4% and Burger King slipped 0.7%.
• At Yum Brands, KFC and Pizza Hut same-store sales at each fell 4%.

Last week, McDonald's posted a 1.5% drop, while Wendy's was up only 0.2%.

The intrigue: Taco Bell continued its hot streak with a 4% increase.

• "Taco Bell remains the crown jewel in Yum's portfolio," TD Cowen analyst Andrew Charles wrote in a research note.

What we're watching: Whether fast-food companies ramp up discounts after McDonald's extended its $5 value meal.