McDonald’s: Strong sales continue in April

McDonald’s Corp. reported on Thursday first-quarter earnings growth stemming from same-store sales growth in all areas of the world, which it said was strong in March and continuing through April.

March was a real good month,” Peter Bensen, McDonald’s chief financial officer, told investors during the company’s quarterly conference call. “We saw sales and guest count growth across all dayparts, and that momentum is continuing into April. … We expect April to be at least as strong as the quarter on a global basis, so global same-store sales won’t be lower than 4.2 percent.

McDonald’s said its first-quarter operating income rose 12 percent in the U.S. division, led by value offerings like the new Breakfast Dollar Menu, which included the premium roast coffee of the McCafe line of beverages. Drinks will play a role in McDonald’s ongoing marketing strategy, as certain markets are offering any-size soft drinks and sweet tea for $1 and the chain hopes to have McCafe Frappes and Real Fruit Smoothies systemwide later this year.

Don Thompson, president and chief operating officer, said the Frappe item was in about 90 percent of US restaurants and that Real Fruit Smoothies were in about 2,000 restaurants, and both items were performing well.

He also told investors that promoting everyday affordability has driven traffic, even in the face of high unemployment.