McDonald's shares a simple plan to win back US, global customers

Consumer Behavior - Americans are cutting back on restaurant spending due to economic pressures, with over a third dining out less frequently compared to last year [1][2] - Eight in ten American diners feel restaurant prices have risen in the past 12 months, indicating a shift in consumer behavior [2] McDonald's Performance - McDonald's has observed a bifurcated consumer base, with QSR traffic from lower-income consumers declining nearly double digits in Q3, while higher-income consumers show nearly double-digit growth [3] - Despite challenges, McDonald's results remain strong, with global comparable sales increasing by 3.6% and systemwide sales over $36 billion for the quarter, an 8% increase from the prior year [7] Dining Preferences - More than half of U.S. diners have altered their dining preferences to save money, with 60% choosing cheaper restaurants and 53% using discounts or coupons [6] - Incentives such as discounts can encourage diners to visit restaurants more often, with 30% dining out at least once a week and 38% dining out at least once a month but less frequently than weekly [6] Market Outlook - McDonald's remains cautious about consumer health in the U.S. and top international markets, expecting financial pressures to continue into 2026 [4]