McDonald’s has been performing well during this economic slowdown. The company’s most recent quarter shows that global comparable sales were up 5%, and constant currency operating income increased 8%. McDonald’s earnings per share also increased 6% to $1.45.
McDonald’s has been one of a few companies that is benefiting from its well diversified operations around the world. The financial crisis has affected all parts of the world and consumers are opting to dine at quick service restaurants. McDonald’s has been a big beneficiary of this trend. In the United States, comparable sales for the quarter were up 4.4%, and operating income grew 6%. In Europe, comparable sales for the quarter increased 4.9%, and operating income grew 6% in constant currencies. In Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, comp sales for the quarter increased 3.4%, and operating income grew 15% in constant currencies. I don’t see this trend changing anytime soon and expect this to continue going into next year. Read on.