OAK BROOK, Ill., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- McDonald's Corporation announced today that global comparable sales rose 4.3% in July and by segment increased as follows:

    --  U.S. up 2.6%
    --  Europe up 7.2%
    --  Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa up 2.1%

"We remain aligned behind our customer-focused Plan to Win, which continues to drive positive global comparable sales as we satisfy customers' demands for menu variety, value and convenience," said Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner.

U.S. comparable sales rose 2.6% in July on top of strong prior year growth primarily due to new products, including McCafe espresso-based coffees, and the continued strength of McDonald's core menu.

In Europe, strong sales growth in France, the U.K. and many other markets drove comparable sales up 7.2%. McDonald's tiered-menu approach complemented by popular local summertime offerings drove Europe's results.

Comparable sales in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa increased 2.1% due to Australia's ongoing momentum, partly offset by China. A focus on relevant menu choices, value and longer operating hours contributed to sales in this area of the world.

Systemwide sales declined 0.3% due to the negative impact of foreign currency translation, but were up 6.2% in constant currencies.

Percent Increase/(Decrease) Comparable Systemwide Sales Sales As Constant Month ended July 31, 2009 2008 Reported Currency -------------------------------------------------------------------- McDonald's Corporation 4.3 8.0 (0.3) 6.2 Major Segments: U.S. 2.6 6.7 3.5 3.5 Europe 7.2 7.6 (6.0) 9.4 APMEA* 2.1 7.2 4.1 5.9 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Year-To-Date July 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------- McDonald's Corporation 4.5 6.9 (1.3) 6.5 Major Segments: U.S. 3.8 3.7 4.7 4.7 Europe 5.5 8.9 (9.9) 7.7 APMEA* 4.5 8.8 3.9 8.4 -------------------------------------------------------------------- * 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 July 2009, this calendar shift/trading day
        adjustment consisted of one less Tuesday and one more Friday compared
        with July 2008.  The resulting adjustment varied by area of the world,
        ranging from approximately +0.6% to +0.7%.  In addition, the timing of
        holidays can also impact comparable sales.

Upcoming Communication

McDonald's tentatively plans to release August Sales on September 9, 2009.

McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 32,000 local restaurants in more than 100 countries. About 80% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by franchisees. Please visit our website at www.aboutmcdonalds.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 and current reports on Form 8-K.

SOURCE McDonald's Corporation