McDonald's announces May sales up

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's Corp. has announced that its global comparable sales increased 7.7 percent in May and 7.0 percent year to date. Systemwide sales for McDonald's worldwide restaurants increased 16.0 percent in May, or 9.1 percent in constant currencies. U.S. comparable sales rose 4.3 percent in May, on top of a strong increase last year. McDonald's breakfast line-up, new menu items — including the recently launched Southern Style Chicken biscuit and sandwich — and emphasis on everyday affordability continue to bring more customers to McDonald's, the company said. In Europe, comparable sales increased 9.6 percent for the month led by the U.K., France and Russia. Comparable sales for Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa were up 9.7 percent in May, driven primarily by strong performance in Australia and several other markets.