Sales at McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE:MCD) were better than market expected

Northern, WI 03/10/2013 (avauncer) –World’s leading fast-food chain McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE:MCD) said that global same-store sales for last 13 months decreased by 1.5 percent for February, reflecting a negative calendar shift as February 2012 included an extra day due to leap year.

“Excluding the negative calendar shift of 3.2 percentage points, global same-store sales were up 1.7 percent,” McDonald’s said.

The decline, however, was less than the 1.63 percent drop projected by the analysts, according to Consensus Metrics.

“While February’s results reflect difficult prior year comparisons, we remain confident in the fundamental strength of McDonald’s business.  We have the operating experience to manage through the current challenging environment and the right strategies in place to grow the business for the long term,” said McDonald’s President and Chief Executive Officer Don Thompson.

“McDonald’s continues to deliver what customers want – quality menu choices at everyday affordable prices.”

In the U.S., February same-store sales decreased 3.3 percent, reflecting the negative calendar shift due to leap year. Excluding this impact, comparable sales in the U.S. were flat against robust prior year performance.

In Europe, sales decreased 0.5 percent.  Excluding the calendar shift, same-store sales increased 2.7 percent led by performance in the U.K. and Russia, the Company said in its statement.

In Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), February’s sales decreased 1.6 percent; up 1.5 percent excluding the segments calendar shift. McDonald’s added that this year’s sales also benefited from the timing of Chinese New Year during February.

Shares of McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE:MCD) rose 1.67% to close at $98.71.