As it has other quick-serve burger chains, the economy seems to be finally affecting McDonald's Corp. sales, with global comparable sales up only 2.2 percent in August. In comparison, July's global comps were up 4.3 percent and up 4.8 percent for the second quarter ended in June. Last August, global comps were up 8.5 percent. Year to date, global comps were up 4.2 percent.
Results by segment include:
- United States, up 1.7 percent, with new premium Angus Third Pounders and McCafe espresso-based coffees contributing. In comparison, August 2008 comps were up 4.5 percent.
- Europe, up 3.5 percent on the company's tiered menu approach, which includes locally relevant limited-time food offerings and popular marketing tie-ins. Leading this performance were the United Kingdom, France and Russia. August 2008 comps were up 11.6 percent.
- Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, down 0.5 percent, lapping a robust 2008 increase of 10 percent. The segment's performance was negatively impacted by China, Japan and several other markets, mostly offset by strong sustained momentum in Australia.
Systemwide sales were up 1.1 percent, or 4.1 percent adjusted for constant currency.
"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 McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner. "We will continue to drive the business forward and build market share by executing our customer-centric Plan to Win."
