U.S. relatively flat at (0.1%) - Europe up 6.4% - Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa up 4.7%
"Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and McDonald's is delivering what they want," said Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner. "Our everyday, predictable value, outstanding menu and convenience continue to make us the preferred choice for a growing number of customers."
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.
In Europe, comparable sales rose 6.4% for the month, driven by positive results in the U.K., France and Germany. Throughout Europe, premium menu options, iconic core products and an expanding line of mid-tier offerings - all at a good value - contributed to October sales.
The 4.7% increase in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa's October comparable sales was fueled by Japan and Australia, partly offset by China. Across the segment, core menu, value, convenience and breakfast drove the region's performance.
Systemwide sales rose 10.3%, or 5.2% in constant currencies, for the month.
Percent Increase/(Decrease) Comparable Systemwide Sales
Sales As Constant
Month ended October 31, 2009 2008 Reported Currency
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McDonald's Corporation 3.3 8.2 10.3 5.2
Major Segments:
U.S. (0.1) 5.3 1.0 1.0
Europe 6.4 9.8 15.5 8.6
APMEA* 4.7 11.5 20.9 8.1
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Year-To-Date October 31,
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McDonald's Corporation 4.2 7.0 0.9 6.1
Major Segments:
U.S. 3.1 3.9 4.0 4.0
Europe 5.5 8.9 (5.2) 7.7
APMEA* 4.0 8.9 7.0 7.8
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* Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Definitions
-- Comparable sales represent 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 reimaging or remodeling, rebuilding,
road construction 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, whether operated by
the Company or by franchisees. While franchised sales are not
recorded as revenues by the Company, management believes the
information is important in understanding the Company's financial
performance because these sales are the basis on which the Company
calculates and records franchised revenues and are indicative of the
financial health of the franchisee base.
-- The number of weekdays and weekend days can impact our reported
comparable sales. In October 2009, this calendar shift/trading day
adjustment consisted of one less Wednesday and one more Saturday
compared with October 2008. The resulting adjustment varied by area
of the world, ranging from approximately +1.0% to +1.7%. In addition,
the timing of holidays can also impact comparable sales.