http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-08/mcdonald-s-july-same-store-sales-rise-5-1-.htmlMcDonald’s Corp. (MCD), the world’s largest restaurant chain, said sales at stores open at least 13 months rose 5.1 percent in July as Chinese consumers dined out more.
Analysts projected a gain of 4.7 percent, the average of five estimates compiled by Bloomberg News. Sales in the U.S. advanced 4.4 percent, the Oak Brook, Illinois-based company said today in a statement. That trailed analysts’ estimates for a 4.9 percent increase.
Chief Executive Officer James Skinner may open as many as 200 stores in China this year to compete with Yum! Brands Inc.’s KFC and Pizza Hut chains. The company also may introduce its McCafe smoothie and beverage lineup around the world, Chief Operating Officer Donald Thompson said last month.
“McCafe is a huge opportunity for them in China,” said Peter Saleh, a restaurant analyst at Telsey Advisory Group in New York. McDonald’s is “gaining market share,” he said.