OAK BROOK Ill. McDonald’s Corp. again cited breakfast, beverages and new menu offerings as drivers of a global August same-store sales jump of 8.1 percent, which doubled most analysts’ expectations. The worldwide increase was fueled by a 7.4-percent same-store sales jump in the United States and a 12.4-percent increase in the company’s Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa region.
The global August comparable sales results for restaurants open at least 13 months beat McDonald’s global rise of 6.5 percent in July.
Same-store sales at restaurants in the United States, McDonald’s largest market, increased 7.4 percent despite a difficult environment that faltered in late June as the sub-prime lending market imploded, leading to a weakened housing market, lowered consumer confidence and fears of recession.
Most analysts predicted that McDonald’s would continue posting solid sales results despite these conditions, mainly because of new product launches like the introduction of a Chipotle BBQ Snack Wrap in August and expanded market tests of Angus Third Pounder burgers and espresso and iced-coffee beverages.
Jim Skinner, McDonald’s chief executive, credited a “customer-focused emphasis on menu variety and value, convenient service, innovative marketing and contemporary restaurants” for the jump in sales.
McDonald’s singled out Japan, Australia and China as especially good performers and lauded the success of locally relevant menu promotions, extended late-night hours and breakfast in those regions. Same-store sales in Europe rose 6.1 percent.
Total systemwide sales for August increased 12.3 percent, or 9.3 percent in constant currencies, the company reported. The world’s largest restaurant chain, McDonald’s operates or franchises more than 30,000 restaurants worldwide.