McDonald's vs Starbucks

McDonald's $1B Ad Business, Temu Fake Influencer Network

This news digest covers two major ad industry stories. McDonald's is reportedly consolidating its advertising business into a single $1 billion account to streamline its global marketing efforts. In a separate development, Temu has cut a network of fake influencers on Meta platforms that were potentially engaging in fraudulent advertising practices. These actions highlight the growing importance of brand safety and ad spend optimization for major advertisers.

• McDonald's is consolidating its advertising business into a $1 billion account.
• Temu has cut a network of fake influencers on Meta platforms.
• The news digest summarizes two separate major ad industry developments.

McDonald’s Advances NEXT Strategy to Become First Choice for More Customers, More Often

McDonald's announced an update to its NEXT growth strategy, aiming to become the first choice for more customers, more often. The announcement is dated September 23, 2026.

McDonald's Launches Media Network Targeting $1B Ad Business

At an investor day on Wednesday, McDonald's revealed its plans to launch the McDonald's Media Network, an advertising business that will leverage its customer data to sell ads to other brands. Global CMO Morgan Flatley stated the company aims to generate $1 billion in advertising revenue with minimal additional cost and no disruption to customer experience. The initiative represents a significant expansion into retail media, leveraging McDonald's vast customer data and digital channels. The full article is paywalled, limiting further details.

• McDonald's is rolling out McDonald's Media Network.
• The ad business will pitch McDonald's data to other brands.
• McDonald's aims to build a $1 billion ad business.

Freshly brewed coffee on demand: How the innovative Clover Vertica is changing Starbucks coffeehouses

It’s quietly transforming the brewing experience at company-owned Starbucks coffeehouses across the U.S., giving customers French press-quality coffee on-demand, with six coffees to choose from and a freshly made cup in 30 seconds or less.

10-Q Financial Filing Analysis for Starbucks (2026-07-29)

Starbucks Corporation reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 ended June 28, 2026. Consolidated net revenues decreased 1.4% year-over-year to $9.32 billion, primarily driven by the deconsolidation and conversion of 7,991 company-operated stores in China into a licensed joint venture with Boyu Capital, which closed on March 30, 2026. This top-line headwind was partially offset by strong global comparable store sales growth of 7.9% (including an 8.1% comp growth in North America) driven by transaction and ticket gains. Operating income expanded to $980.4 million with operating margins reaching 10.5%, aided by sales leverage and tariff refunds under IEEPA ruling. Net earnings attributable to Starbucks surged 87.2% to $1.05 billion ($0.91 diluted EPS), substantially boosted by a pre-tax net gain of $536.3 million from the China retail divestiture. Proceeds from the divestiture supported the cash tender repurchase of approximately $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes.

• Starbucks closed its China joint venture divestiture with Boyu Capital on March 30, 2026, selling a 60% stake for $3.1 billion total consideration while retaining a 40% interest, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $536.3 million and converting 7,991 company-operated stores into licensed stores.
• Global comparable store sales increased by 7.9% in Q3 FY26, driven by a 4.2% increase in comparable transactions and a 3.6% increase in average ticket in the U.S. market.
• Net earnings attributable to Starbucks rose to $1,045.3 million ($0.91 diluted EPS) in Q3 FY26 compared to $558.3 million ($0.49 diluted EPS) in Q3 FY25.

Thursday's Market Movers: Earnings, Data, Treasury Yields

CNBC's Stocks @ Night newsletter previews key events likely to move the market in the next trading session. The Dow fell over 400 points on Wednesday. On Thursday, investors will watch interviews with Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, Freeport-McMoRan CEO Kathleen Quirk, and the release of weekly jobless claims and producer price index data. U.S. Treasury yields hit multi-year highs, with the 2-year at its highest since July 2024 and the 10-year since November 2023. Macy's and Oracle are scheduled to report earnings, while HP hit a 52-week high. Energy stocks are surging as Brent crude topped $100 a barrel, with ConocoPhillips, Marathon Petroleum, Chevron, Phillips 66, and Valero hitting highs.

• Dow Industrials slid just over 400 points.
• Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol will appear on 'Squawk Box'; stock up 30% since he took over.
• Weekly jobless claims and PPI data due Thursday; consensus for claims at 205,000 and PPI 0.4% month-over-month.