How McDonald’s (MCD) Is Using Its NEXT Strategy to Protect Growth and Restaurant Productivity

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is one of Kevin O’Leary’s top stock picks for 2026 through the O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF. The stock made up 3.53% of the ETF as of June 17, 2026. On June 1, 2026, McDonald’s introduced McDonald’s > NEXT, a new systemwide strategy aimed at driving growth and restaurant productivity. The company said the plan is built around making McDonald’s the customer’s first choice more often, with a focus on better taste and quality, co-creating with fans, improving restaurant experiences, and raising hospitality standards as more of the ordering process becomes automated.

Reuters reported that the strategy also includes more automation, stronger social media marketing, and an effort to make stores easier to run, with more financial details expected at a September investor event. The update fits McDonald’s push to protect traffic and franchise economics while customers remain sensitive to value after several years of higher food prices globally.

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is a global foodservice company with restaurants in more than 100 countries. The company operates through a heavily franchised model, with most restaurants owned and operated by independent local business owners.

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