McDonald's is reportedly planning to close hundreds of stores nationwide, potentially reducing its U.S. location count by 15-20% over the next decade. Reasons cited include increasing labor costs in certain markets, daily violence making stores unmanageable, and a strategic shift towards automation with ordering kiosks and AI-driven drive-thrus. This also comes amidst slowing demand and operational challenges, although the stock gained modestly on December 24, 2025, closing at $313.33 (+0.80%), aligning with broader market trends on a holiday-shortened trading day.