McDonald's launches NEXT automation push, shares trail S&P 500

McDonald's rolls out its NEXT program to automate restaurants and deepen digital ordering, while the NYSE-listed fast food group’s shares lag the S&P 500 this year amid a double-digit decline.

By Thomas Klein, Operations & Strategy desk. Reviewed prior to publication on 2026-06-24, 07:37.

McDonald's (US5801351017) is pushing a new operations blueprint with its "McDonald's NEXT" program. The NYSE-listed fast food group ties the initiative to automation, digital ordering and restaurant redesign, according to a recent Simply Wall St analysis based on company disclosures.Simply Wall St summary of the NEXT program

How NEXT reshapes operations

The NEXT framework aims to enhance operational efficiency by automating parts of the kitchen workflow and order handling. The analysis describes broader use of digital integration, including ordering kiosks and app-based channels embedded into future restaurant designs.Overview of McDonald's NEXT initiative

Beyond automation, NEXT is framed as a company-wide approach to future layouts rather than a single concept store. The program is presented as a template for upcoming refurbishments across the system, aligning with McDonald's longer-running focus on drive-thru speed and digital sales penetration.McDonald's investor presentation on restaurant modernization

Shares lag despite long-term gains

On the equity side, McDonald's shares recently traded around 271 to 272 US dollars on the NYSE, with MarketBeat data showing a closing price of 272.16 dollars on June 23, 2026.MarketBeat quote for McDonald's shares

Simply Wall St points to a 5.7 percent decline for the shares over the past week and a 3.8 percent drop over the last month, leaving the stock down about 10.4 percent year to date, while still up more than 32 percent over five years.Performance metrics cited for McDonald's shares

The product behind the stock

McDonald's generates most of its revenue from its global quick-service restaurant network, centered on core products such as the Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets and fries. The group operates a predominantly franchised model, with franchisees paying rent and royalties tied to restaurant sales.

Where the stock trades today

The McDonald's shares (US5801351017) trade on the NYSE at 272.16 US dollars as of 2026-06-23, 15:58 Eastern Time.

McDonald's key share data

• Company: McDonald's Corporation
• ISIN: US5801351017
• WKN: 856958
• Ticker: MCD
• Trading venue: NYSE
• Price (as of 2026-06-23, 15:58): 272.16 USD
• Market cap: approximately 197 billion USD (as of 2026-06-23)
• Sector / industry: Consumer Discretionary / Restaurants
• Index membership: S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average
• Next earnings date: not officially scheduled

Disclaimer: This article provides factual information and context on the McDonald's shares and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell securities.