McDonald's Faces U.S. Sales Decline Amid E. Coli Fallout and Inflation Pressures

The fast-food chain reported its largest U.S. sales drop in five years, while international markets showed signs of recovery.

McDonald's U.S. comparable sales fell 1.4% in Q4 2024, marking the steepest decline since the pandemic, driven by an E. coli outbreak linked to Quarter Pounder burgers.
The outbreak, traced to contaminated onions, sickened over 100 people, hospitalized 34, and caused one death, leading to a temporary menu adjustment in affected regions.
Despite challenges in its home market, McDonald's global comparable sales rose 0.4%, with strong performance in international licensed markets like the Middle East and Japan.
The company launched new value-focused initiatives, including the $5 Meal Deal and the McValue menu, to attract budget-conscious customers, though average spending per visit remains low.
McDonald's plans to open 2,200 new restaurants in 2025, with a significant focus on international expansion, including 1,000 locations in China.