McDonald's Investors Shift Focus to Implementation After NEXT Strategy Details, UBS Says

11:58 AM EDT, 09/24/2026 (MT Newswires) -- McDonald's (MCD) investors now shift their focus to implementation after the company detailed its NEXT growth strategy on driving same-store sales and guest count growth, UBS Securities said in a Thursday note. The company's planned initiatives include food upgrades, menu innovation, better marketing and improved customer experience, the brokerage said. McDonald's will also invest in remodels and new store development to drive returns and system-wide sales growth, UBS added. But while the NEXT strategy focuses on the longer-term, McDonald's should also work on improving same-store sales trends into 2027, the investment firm noted. UBS said Q3 same-store sales are expected to be negative, weighed down by trends in July and August. UBS has a buy rating on McDonald's, with a $320 price target. Price: 240.68, Change: +2.36, Percent Change: +0.99