McDonald's will present its global growth strategy, McDonald's > NEXT, at a Chicago investor day on Wednesday, its first in nearly three years. The event follows weak US momentum: second-quarter same-store sales rose 0.8% while domestic guest counts declined, contributing to an 18% stock drop over 12 months. CEO Chris Kempczinski and Skye Anderson, who was appointed to lead McDonald's USA after the disappointing quarter, are scheduled to speak. The strategy replaces Accelerating the Arches and emphasizes restaurant redesigns, improved food and beverage quality, consumer-led innovation, menu value and simpler operations. Brian Sozzi identified restoring menu value, reducing operational complexity and improving product quality as key priorities, while describing the MCD ticker as "ice cold" ahead of the event. Executives are expected to discuss renovations, general and administrative cost reductions, refranchising and franchisee compliance with pricing recommendations.