McDonald's NEXT Strategy Aims to Boost Growth and Market Share

McDonald's has launched its NEXT strategy to drive growth and become the first choice for more customers, more often. The plan aims to increase market share by 1.5 percentage points in chicken and beverages by 2030 while maintaining leadership in beef. McDonald's also targets expanding operating margins into the low-to-mid-50% range and achieving restaurant-level efficiency gains of about 250 basis points.

The company plans to invest roughly $8.5 billion in partnering support for franchisees through 2036, including rent relief and capital support. This is expected to deliver around $100,000 in annual cash flow benefits per average U.S. restaurant with a four-year payback.

McDonald's has set financial targets for nearly 2.5% Systemwide sales growth from unit expansion in 2027, G&A at about 1.9% of Systemwide sales, and free cash flow conversion in the mid-to-high 80% range by 2030. The company aims to strengthen restaurant economics and long-term value for franchisees and shareholders.