OAK BROOK, Ill., March 8, 2012 // PRNewswire // -- McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) today announced global comparable sales growth of 7.5% in February. Systemwide sales for the month increased 9.4%, or 9.7% in constant currencies. McDonald's February sales results reflect the benefit of about three percentage points from an extra day due to leap year. Performance by segment was as follows:
"The cornerstone of our ongoing sales momentum is our ability to connect with customers and deliver the menu choices, everyday affordability and convenience they expect from McDonald's," said McDonald's Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner. "We will continue to grow sales by focusing on the key elements of the Plan to Win as we strive to become our customers' favorite place and way to eat and drink."
In the U.S., comparable sales rose 11.1% supported by strong customer demand for Chicken McBites, classic core favorites including Filet-O-Fish, signature beverage offerings, and McDonald's breakfast line-up.
Europe posted a 4.0% increase in comparable sales for February led by results in the U.K. and Russia. Severe winter weather in certain markets negatively impacted the segment's overall February results. Across Europe, performance benefited from compelling value menu offerings, fourth-tier products, limited-time food events and the ongoing benefit of modernized locations that are differentiating the McDonald's experience.
Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) reported a comparable sales increase of 2.4% for February led by Australia, somewhat offset by Japan and the shift in timing of Chinese New Year. Throughout APMEA, consumers continued to respond favorably to the region's compelling breakfast and lunch value platforms, great tasting premium menu selections and relevant convenience.
As previously communicated, while McDonald's continues to deliver global top-line sales results, the current operating environment includes persistent economic uncertainty, austerity measures in Europe and commodity and labor cost pressures, particularly in the U.S. These challenges are expected to impact the Company's first quarter operating income growth.
Don Thompson, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Pete Bensen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will speak at 8:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) at the UBS Global Consumer Conference in Boston on March 14, 2012. This discussion will be webcast live and available for replay for a limited time thereafter at www.investor.mcdonalds.com.
McDonald's tentatively plans to release first quarter results before the market opens on April 20, 2012 and will host an investor webcast. This webcast will be broadcast live and available for replay for a limited time thereafter at www.investor.mcdonalds.com.
McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with more than 33,000 locations serving nearly 68 million customers in 119 countries each day. More than 80% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local men and women.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as its annual and quarterly reports and current reports on Form 8-K.
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McDonald's Corporation is the largest chain of fast-food restaurants, primarily selling hamburgers, chicken, french fries, milkshakes and soft drinks.