MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2009 McDonald's Corp. net falls 23%MarketWatch.com (generic match) 8:04 AM McDonald's Q4 sales $5.57 bln vs $5.75 blnMarketWatch.com (generic match) 8:00 AM McDonald's Q4 EPS 87 cents vs $1.06MarketWatch.com (generic match) 7:58 AM McDonald's Q4 global comparable sales up 7
OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan 26, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- McDonald's Corporation (MCD) today announced strong operating results for the fourth quarter and the year, driven by global comparable sales growth.
"2008 was a strong year for McDonald's," said Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner. "Through our strategic focus on menu choice, food quality and value, the average number of customers served per day increased to more than 58 million in 2008. Comparable sales and guest counts were positive across all segments for every quarter, and the Company delivered double-digit growth in operating income for the fourth quarter and the year. These accomplishments validate the strength and resilience of McDonald's Plan to Win."
Full year 2008 highlights included:
-- Global comparable sales increase of 6.9%, including U.S. 4.0%, Europe 8.5%, and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa 9.0% -- Growth in McDonald's combined operating margin of 320 basis points to 27.4%, after adjusting for the impact of the 2007 Latin America transaction -- Operating income increases in the U.S. 8%, Europe 23% (17% in constant currencies) and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa 33% (28% in constant currencies) -- Earnings per share from continuing operations of $3.76, an increase of 16% (14% in constant currencies), after adjusting for the impact of the 2007 Latin America transaction -- Return of $5.8 billion to shareholders through shares repurchased and dividends paid, including a 33% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.50 per share for the fourth quarter - bringing our current annual dividend rate to $2.00 per share
Fourth quarter highlights included:
-- Global comparable sales increase of 7.2%, fueled by the U.S. 5.0%, Europe 7.6% and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa 10.0% -- Consolidated operating income increase of 11% (20% in constant currencies) -- Earnings per share of $0.87 compared with earnings per share of $1.06 in fourth quarter 2007, which included a 2007 net benefit of $0.33 per |