McDonald's plans menu changes and loyalty boosts to tackle sales challenges

McDonald's stock has remained flat over the past year, while the S&P 500 rose nearly 24%. The company faced challenges like slowing sales and an E. coli outbreak, but these are seen as temporary issues rather than long-term threats. To address these challenges, McDonald's is launching new menu items and expanding budget-friendly options. The company aims to restore consumer confidence and improve sales in both the U.S. and international markets, where it has seen some positive responses. Additionally, McDonald's is enhancing its loyalty programs and automating locations to boost earnings. With a strong history of dividend increases, it is close to achieving "Dividend King" status, making it an attractive option for long-term investors.