McDonald's Stock Dives Below 52-Week Low Amid Heavy Selling

McDonald's stock has hit its lowest level in nearly four years after trading as low as $234.03 on September 23, a decline of 5.19% from the previous day. This marks the largest single-session fall for McDonald's shares in roughly six months and is their first break below the 52-week low since October 11, 2022.

The heavy selling saw over 13.8 million shares change hands, nearly three times the stock's 20-day average volume. The company had been trying to revive momentum after missing estimates for second-quarter US sales growth last month and facing inflation and value-driven competition that weighed on sales.

McDonald's outlined $8.5 billion in franchisee support as part of its expanded growth plan, setting new margin and market-share targets under its 'NEXT' strategy launched in June. The support runs through 2036, with roughly $5 billion committed by 2030, aimed at lifting operating margins to the low-to-mid 50% range by 2030.