American business executive; CEO, president and chairman of McDonald's Corporation
McDonald’s has reported slower US comparable sales growth in the latest quarter as higher prices squeeze lower-income diners. The chain is restoring digital offers and rolling out targeted loyalty promotions while naming a new US leader to accelerate execution. Global sales rose modestly, with international markets also easing.
Walmart has announced it is directing tariff refunds toward price cuts and improved customer experiences. US comparable sales have slowed, though the company reports a continued lift from rollbacks and investments in groceries and essentials. Analysts warn profits may face headwinds from fuel costs and automation spending amid uneven consumer demand.
McDonald’s has begun piloting ads from other companies on digital drive-thru boards at about 450 company-owned U.S. locations, aiming to create a high-margin media network and potentially reach $1 billion in revenue. The rollout may expand to franchisees and comes as the chain plans restaurant upgrades and menu enhancements.
McDonald’s has introduced an AI-driven pricing platform to help franchisees estimate customer willingness to pay. Reuters reports it has widened price gaps for the same items across nearby stores, though McDonald’s says the tool offers suggestions, not real-time price setting. Some franchisees say they feel pressured to adopt the system as inflation hits costs.
Lawsuits allege McDonald’s uses an AI-augmented pricing system that shares nonpublic sales data across franchises to set menu prices, a claim McDonald’s denies, saying pricing decisions remain with franchisees. The suit seeks class-action status and damages.