Wall Street Breakfast McDonald's posts biggest U.S. sales drop since pandemic
May 1, 2025
McDonald's faces its biggest U.S. sales drop since the pandemic, with a 3.6% decline attributed to consumer uncertainty. Meanwhile, General Motors is slashing its earnings guidance amid tariff impacts. The U.S. Army shows interest in Palantir’s TITAN technology. In corporate news, Kohl's CEO has been fired for cause, while Eli Lilly grapples with challenges despite successful weight loss treatments. The discussion highlights key market trends and the resilience of companies navigating a tough economic landscape.
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McDonald's Sales Drop Reflects Uncertainty
- McDonald's saw a 3.6% drop in U.S. comparable sales, the biggest since the pandemic start.
- This decline reflects consumer uncertainty impacting mid-income diners most.
Mid-Income Consumers Feel Pressure
- Economic pressures are hitting mid-income consumers hardest, affecting McDonald's guest counts.
- The company remains cautious about U.S. consumer health moving forward.
McDonald's Plans Growth Initiatives
- McDonald's expects a sales rebound in Q2 due to marketing and trading down in dining.
- Global restaurant expansions in 2025 will add over 2% to system-wide sales growth.