McDonald�s earnings drop as customer traffic falls

AFP, NEW YORK: McDonald’s reported lower quarterly earnings yesterday behind a drop in comparable sales and declining traffic in all major segments.
Earnings for the second quarter fell 13.3 per cent to $1.2 billion. Revenues dropped 9.5 per cent to $6.50 billion. Earnings translated into $1.26 per share, two cents above analyst expectations.
Comparable restaurant sales decreased globally 0.7 per cent, with the chain’s home market of the US declining 2.0 per cent and the Asia Pacific/Middle East/Africa region falling 4.5 per cent.
However, comparable sales in Europe rose 1.2 per cent, driven by strong results in Britain and Germany.
Chief executive Steve Easterbrook, who was promoted to the top job earlier this year in response to slumping sales, said the company is making progress on a turnaround plan.
“While our second quarter results were disappointing, we are seeing early signs of momentum. Looking ahead to third quarter, we expect positive global comparable sales,” he said.
“I am confident that we will create the transformation necessary for McDonald’s to become a modern, progressive burger company delivering a contemporary restaurant experience.”
Easterbrook has emphasized efforts to sell more company-owned restaurants to franchisees, restructure its international operations and cut costs.

McDonald�s earnings drop as customer traffic falls

AFP, NEW YORK: McDonalds reported lower quarterly earnings yesterday behind a drop in comparable sales and declining traffic in all major segments. Earnings for the second quarter fell 13.3 per cent to $1.2 billion. Revenues dropped 9.5 per cent to $6.50 billion. Earnings translated into $1.26 per share, two cents above analyst expectations. Comparable restaurant sales decreased globally 0.7 per cent, with the chains home market of the US declining 2.0 per cent and the Asia Pacific/Middle East/Africa region falling 4.5 per cent. However, comparable sales in Europe rose 1.2 per cent, driven by strong results in Britain and Germany. Chief executive Steve Easterbrook, who was promoted to the top job earlier this year in response to slumping sales, said the company is making progress on a turnaround plan. While our second quarter results were disappointing, we are seeing early signs of momentum. Looking ahead to third quarter, we expect positive global comparable sales, he said. I am confident that we will create the transformation necessary for McDonalds to become a modern, progressive burger company delivering a contemporary restaurant experience. Easterbrook has emphasized efforts to sell more company-owned restaurants to franchisees, restructure its international operations and cut costs.