Top brass at McDonald's are attempting to convince increasingly skeptical investors that the fast-food giant can win back diners as consumers continue to push back on higher prices.

The burger chain's stock has fallen nearly 20 percent over the past year, leaving McDonald's with a market value of about $175 billion.

By comparison, the S&P 500 has climbed around 16 percent over the same period, buoyed in part by the frenzy around artificial intelligence.

Now, as McDonald's prepares to lay out its next phase of growth at its investor day on Wednesday in Chicago, the company is under pressure to show Wall Street, and its customers, that it can reignite sales.

The company is expected to detail its McDonald's > NEXT strategy, which centers on its menu, customers, restaurants and employees, as it looks to reverse a period of sluggish growth.

Nearly three years after its previous investor day, McDonald's is expected to finally provide more detail on the strategy it first unveiled to franchisees in June.

The plan includes a new restaurant design, changes to its menu and a greater focus on what customers want, but executives have largely kept the specifics under wraps ahead of Wednesday's presentation.

The meeting comes after a disappointing quarter for McDonald's US business, where same-store sales rose just 0.8 percent while traffic declined.

CEO Chris Kempczinski has said the weakness was the result of execution problems rather than a fundamental issue with the company's strategy, pointing to inconsistent implementation of value offerings.

Skye Anderson, who was tapped to lead McDonald's US business following the weak quarter, is also expected to speak at Wednesday's event.

Anderson has been tasked with helping turn around the company's most important market at a time when consumers are becoming increasingly selective about where they spend their money.

Value is expected to be one of the biggest areas of focus.

McDonald's has spent the past two years rolling out deals and cheaper menu options as restaurants compete for customers who are increasingly weighing price against the experience of eating out.

But the chain has struggled to make its value message stand out, with promotions competing against a crowded menu of other offers.

There has also been tension with franchisees over discounts, which can drive sales but squeeze restaurant operators' profits.