McDonald's Comps Up

OAK BROOK, IL-McDonald’s year-over-year same-store sales rose 5.5% during the fast-food giant’s second quarter and increased 5.9% in June. In the US, comparable sales rose 4.3% for the quarter, which ended June 30, and 5.2% in June, due to strong breakfast sales and a Happy Meal promotion, executives say.

Same-store sales were the strongest during the quarter in the company’s Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa division, rising 7.2%. In June, that division was led by sales in Australia and Japan, pushing it to an 8.8% jump.

Restaurants in Europe posted a 6.3% rise in the quarter, though June comps were lower, up 4.2%. Management gave credit to a line of premium sandwiches and salads in the continent as well as promotions during the World Cup soccer tournament in German in June.