McDonald's investor day to outline growth strategy as U.S. sales lag

McDonald's is set to present more details about its growth plan at an investor day in Chicago on Wednesday, following a quarter in which its U.S. business underperformed. The company has said its strategy centers on restaurant design, improved food and drinks, and consumerfocused innovation. The event comes after samestore sales in the U.S. rose only 0.8% in the latest quarter and customer traffic declined. Chief Executive Chris Kempczinski has said recent issues were tied to execution, including how value offerings were rolled out, rather than to the broader strategy. Skye Anderson, who now leads McDonald's U.S. business, is expected to speak as well. Investors will be watching for updates on four areas: value pricing, menu changes, restaurant remodels, and cost reductions. McDonald's is expected to emphasize value more clearly, expand chicken and beverage offerings, outline a new restaurant design, and discuss plans to lower general and administrative spending while refranchising some companyowned locations.