OAK BROOK, Ill., May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- McDonald's Corporation
announced today that global comparable sales increased 5.0% in April and 6.8%
year-to-date. Systemwide sales for McDonald's worldwide restaurants increased
13.7% in April, or 6.5% in constant currencies.
McDonald's Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner said, "We're listening to
our customers and giving them what they expect from McDonald's - menu variety,
enhanced convenience and everyday value. This ongoing customer focus and
execution through our Plan to Win is driving the sustained momentum of our
global business."
U.S. comparable sales rose 2.0% for the month as McDonald's breakfast
menu, new products and compelling value attracted more customers into our
restaurants.
In Europe, April comparable sales increased 6.3% led by France, the U.K.,
Russia and Germany. The launch of the premium M beef burger in France and
Germany, and the popular Monopoly promotion in the U.K. contributed to this
growth.
The 7.8% increase in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa was fueled by
strong comparable sales growth in Australia, China and most other markets,
partly offset by Japan. Local menu relevance and enhanced convenience through
extended hours contributed to the region's April result.
Percent Increase Comparable Systemwide Sales
Sales As Constant
Month ended April 30, 2008 2007 Reported Currency
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McDonald's Corporation 5.0 4.8 13.7 6.5
Major Segments:
U.S. 2.0 3.5 2.9 2.9
Europe 6.3 3.5 22.2 7.9
APMEA* 7.8 10.3 22.9 10.7
Year-To-Date April 30,
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McDonald's Corporation 6.8 5.9 15.3 8.2
Major Segments:
U.S. 2.7 4.2 3.5 3.5
Europe 9.8 6.8 25.1 11.5
APMEA* 9.0 9.0 24.0 11.7
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* Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Definitions
-- Comparable sales represent the change in sales at all restaurants in
operation at least thirteen months including those temporarily closed,
excluding the impact of currency translation. Some of the reasons
restaurants may be temporarily closed include road construction,
reimaging or remodeling, rebuilding and natural disasters. Management
reviews the increase or decrease in comparable sales compared with the
same period in the prior year to assess business trends.
-- Constant currency results exclude the effects of currency translation
and are calculated by translating current year results at prior year
average exchange rates.
-- Systemwide sales include sales at all restaurants, including those
operated by the Company, franchisees and affiliates. Management
believes Systemwide sales information is useful in analyzing the
Company's revenues because franchisees and affiliates pay rent and/or
royalties that generally are based on a percent of sales with specified
minimum rent payments.
-- The number of weekdays, weekend days and timing of holidays can impact
our reported comparable sales. In April 2008, this calendar
shift/trading day adjustment consisted of one less Sunday and Monday,
and one more Tuesday and Wednesday compared with April 2007. The
resulting adjustment varied by area of the world, ranging from
approximately -1.8% to +0.3%.
Upcoming Communications
McDonald's Annual Shareholders' Meeting will be webcast live on May 22,
2008 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on www.investor.mcdonalds.com. An archived
replay and podcast of the meeting will be available for a limited time.
Denis Hennequin, President - Europe and Don Thompson, President - USA will
speak at the Goldman Sachs Lodging, Gaming, Restaurant and Leisure Conference
on June 2, 2008 at 8 a.m. Eastern Time. This presentation will be webcast
live and available for replay for a limited time thereafter at
www.investor.mcdonalds.com.
McDonald's tentatively plans to release May sales on June 9, 2008.
McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than
31,000 local restaurants in more than 100 countries. More than 75% of
McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by franchisees and
affiliates. Please visit our website at www.mcdonalds.com to learn more about
the Company.
Forward-Looking Statements
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.
SOURCE McDonald's Corporation
