August 8, 2013
McDonald's Corporation today announced that global comparable sales increased 0.7 percent in July, led by a 1.6 percent increase in U.S. stores.
Despite the positive domestic comps, McDonald's sales were down in Europe, by 1.9 percent, and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, down by 1.9 percent.
Broken down by segment
McDonald's U.S. July sales were driven by breakfast, core items and the brand's value platform. Also, according to the company, the 21st edition of Monopoly at McDonald's and the popularity of the featured products including Premium McWraps, the Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets contributed to the month's performance.
In Europe, negative performances in Germany, France and other Southern Europe markets more than offset positive results in the U.K. and Russia. Throughout the segment, McDonald's markets continue to evaluate and adjust key value and daypart options in response to local consumer dynamics.
In July, APMEA's negative results came from Japan, Australia and China. The shift in timing of Ramadan between years also negatively impacted the month's results. Markets across APMEA are taking a "holistic approach to building demand by offering innovative, limited-time menu choices, leveraging daypart platforms and highlighting McDonald's everyday affordability and unmatched convenience," according to a news release.
Systemwide sales for the month increased 1.6 percent, or 3.3 percent in constant currencies.
"McDonald's Plan to Win and our three global growth priorities to optimize the menu, modernize the customer experience and broaden accessibility to Brand McDonald's continue to serve as our strategic roadmap — keeping us focused on delivering great-tasting, affordable meals in modern restaurants," said Don Thompson, president and CEO. "In July, we delivered modest global comparable sales growth, relatively in-line with our expectations. Looking ahead, we remain focused on building market share and strengthening our position as our customers' favorite place and way to eat and drink."
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