McDonald's has 'outpriced' customers amid menu hikes: Analyst

McDonald's (MCD) first-quarter earnings report showcased a combo meal of international headwinds, including global sales growth slowing behind figures from this time last year and boycotts related to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Additionally, inflation and rising menu prices are taking a toll on lower-income consumers.

On the fast-food chain's earnings call, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that "consumers continue to be even more discriminating with every dollar that they spend as they face elevated prices in their day-to-day spending."

Placer.ai Head of Analytical Research R.J. Hottovy sits down with Catalysts to discuss whether McDonald's item prices are beginning to price out certain consumer demographics. Placer.ai data found McDonald's to maintain higher monthly foot traffic growth over the past year than its competition.

"Right now consumers are really focused on value, and not just discounts. I think that low price point is something that they're certainly focused in on," Hottovy says. "We've seen groups that really market around a low price point, generally a higher visitation trade. And so I think that's what McDonald's may be pivoting to in the future. There's a lot of discussion about future value plans in the US and abroad in the earnings call today. I think that's really going to be a key message..."

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This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.