McDonald's Slumps to Fresh Low as CEO Declares Inflation and Flat Traffic the New Normal

McDonald's shares have hit a fresh 52-week low at $234.04 after CEO Chris Kempczinski declared high inflation and flat industry traffic as the new normal.

The company has been struggling with declining customer traffic, particularly among its low-income customers, which has dragged US comparable sales negative in July 2026.

McDonald's is committing $8.5 billion in franchisee support through 2036 to trim parent cash flow before any efficiency gains arrive.

The stock trades far below its 200-day moving average of $292.92 and its 50-day moving average of $264.42, with analysts' average price target sitting at $307.70.