(RTTNews) - Restaurants chain operator McDonald's Corp. (MCD: News ) Monday reported a 3.3% rise in its global comparable sales for the month of October 2009, driven by strong sales in the Europe and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions, offset in part by relatively flat sales in the U.S. For the year-ago month, the company's global comparable sales were up 8.2%.

The company also reported systemwide sales growth of 10.3%, or 5.2% in constant currencies. Systemwide sales include sales at all restaurants, whether operated by the company or by franchisees. Meanwhile, constant currency results exclude the effects of currency translation and are calculated by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates.

The company also said that in October 2009, the calendar shift/trading day adjustment consisted of one less Wednesday and one more Saturday compared with October 2008.

Based on segments, the company's U.S. comparable sales were down 0.1%, compared with a 5.3% rise a year ago. Systemwide sales as well as sales in constant currency terms rose 1%.

McDonald's said that against a strong prior year performance, U.S. comparable sales were relatively flat in October but continued to outpace the overall quick-service restaurant industry. Customers' ongoing appetite for the Dollar Menu, premium Angus burgers and McCafe espresso-based coffees supported the month's results, the company noted.
In Europe, comparable sales rose 6.4% for the month versus a 9.8% increase in the prior-year month, driven by positive results in the U.K., France and Germany. Systemwide sales were up 15.5%, while sales grew 8.6% in terms of constant currency. McDonald's said that throughout Europe, premium menu options, iconic core products and an expanding line of mid-tier offerings contributed to October sales.

The company also stated that the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa region, or APMEA, posted a 4.7% increase in October comparable sales, fueled by Japan and Australia, partly offset by China. In the year-ago month, the region's comparable sales were up 11.5%. While Systemwide sales grew 20.9%, sales in constant currency terms rose 8.1%. Across the segment, core menu, value, convenience and breakfast drove the region's performance, the company noted.

For the nine-month period, McDonald's global comparable sales increased 4.2% on top of a 7% rise last year. Systemwide sales and sales in constant currency terms were up 0.9% and 6.1%, respectively.

To receive FREE breaking news email alerts for McDonald`s Corp. and others in your portfolio

 1   2   Next Page