Shares of McDonald's Corp. (MCD) soared 5.06% in pre-market trading on Monday, February 10, 2025, following a choppy performance in recent months due to an E. coli outbreak in October 2024 that temporarily forced the company to stop selling its iconic Quarter Pounder burgers.

The surge in McDonald's stock price appears to be driven by renewed optimism surrounding the fast-food giant's recovery from the E. coli incident, as well as broader expectations of an improving consumer environment in 2025. According to the company's earnings call, McDonald's anticipates a "gradual stabilization of the macroeconomic and consumer environment" this year, particularly for low-income diners and families who were disproportionately impacted by the economic pressures of 2024.

While McDonald's reported a 1.4% decline in U.S. same-store sales for the fourth quarter, its global comparable sales rose 0.4%, exceeding analysts' expectations of a 0.63% decline. The company's performance in international markets, particularly in the Middle East and Japan, helped offset the weakness in the domestic market. Additionally, McDonald's expressed confidence in its ability to restore consumer confidence and regain momentum in the U.S. market through continued menu innovation and value offerings.