McDonald's (MCD) Reports 2.2% Rise in August Comps

McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) announced today that global comparable sales rose 2.2% in August and by segment performance was as follows:

• U.S. up 1.7%
  
• Europe up 3.5%
  
• Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa declined 0.5%

"Our commitment to providing customers with menu variety, value and convenience is delivering sustained global comparable sales growth despite the current economic environment. Our System remains aligned behind providing great service to each of the 58 million customers who visit us daily," said Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner. "We will continue to drive the business forward and build market share by executing our customer-centric Plan to Win."

U.S. comparable sales increased 1.7% for the month. The new premium Angus Third Pounders and McCafe espresso-based coffees complemented the ongoing appeal of McDonald's core menu and contributed to this increase.

In Europe, the Company's tiered menu approach, which includes locally relevant limited-time food offerings, and popular marketing tie-ins helped drive comparable sales up 3.5% on top of very strong prior year growth. Leading this performance were the U.K., France and Russia.

Comparable sales in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa declined 0.5% in August, lapping a robust 2008 increase. The segment's performance was negatively impacted by China, Japan and several other markets, mostly offset by strong sustained momentum in Australia.

Systemwide sales rose 1.1%, or 4.1% in constant currencies, for the month.

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