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McDonald’s (MCD) says it is winning on value again as it accelerates the pace of restaurant openings. (00:14) Apple (AAPL) iPhone stands out: only smartphone to grow in China sales this January- Counterpoint. (01:25) Southwest Airlines’ (LUV) fleet to be equipped with Starlink internet. (02:04)
This is an abridged transcript.
McDonald’s celebrated with the Grinch that kept on giving this holiday season, as promotions helped boost Q4 sales.
McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) rallied on Wednesday after recording its best quarter of the year. However, the rally did not continue, shares are down 0.2% in premarket action.
Global comparable sales rose 5.7% in Q4 and were up 6.8% in the U.S. Notably, the restaurant chain added market share during the quarter without seeing a decline in operating income.
It was also noted that the Minecraft promotion and demand for Grinch collectibles both drove traffic. The U.S. comparable sales tally was said to be boosted by marketing initiatives, including the Monopoly event and the Grinch meal.
The Big Arch was noted to be a strong menu offering in select markets where it is being tested. McDonald’s (MCD) plans to keep adding new beverage options after seeing strong results.
On the development front, McDonald’s (MCD) said the chain is still on track for 50K global restaurants by the end of 2027. New restaurant openings were noted to be accelerating.
Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone was the only smartphone to see growth in China sales in January, according to Counterpoint Research.
Every major Chinese mobile maker, from Huawei Technologies to Xiaomi (XIACY), saw major declines in a market that was down 23% overall.
Bloomberg News reported, citing Counterpoint researchers that this was largely due to reduced subsidies and a shift in the timing of the Lunar New Year.
The iPhone 17 lineup, however, helped Apple (AAPL) to 8% growth, raising its share of the market to roughly a fifth, sharing the lead with Huawei.
Southwest Airlines (LUV) is teaming up with Starlink.
Southwest will provide its Rapid Rewards members with free Starlink internet connectivity.
The airline plans to integrate the service on more than 300 aircraft by the end of 2026.
The first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service this summer.
SpaceX (SPACE) engineered Starlink will deliver WiFi across Southwest’s (LUV) network of 11 countries.
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The FTSE 100 is up 0.2% and the DAX is up 1.5%.
The biggest movers for the day premarket: Fastly (FSLY) +41% – Shares surged after the content delivery network provider delivered a strong Q4 beat and issued guidance that significantly topped expectations.
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