Fri 26th Jul 2019 - McDonald’s reports like-for-likes up 6.5% in second quarter helped by ‘continued UK growth’ McDonald’s reports like-for-likes up 6.5% in second quarter helped by ‘continued UK growth’: McDonald’s has reported global like-for-like sales rose 6.5% in its second quarter to 30 June 2019, helped by continued growth in the UK. Chief executive Steve Easterbrook said: “With the strong results we achieved in the second quarter, we have now experienced 16 consecutive quarters of positive global comparable sales. By putting our customers at the centre of all our efforts to run great restaurants, enhance the customer experience and provide delicious menu offerings, we will continue to successfully execute our Velocity Growth Plan.” US second-quarter like-for-like sales increased 5.7%, reflecting national and local offers, including the two for $5 mix-and-match deal, continued positive impact from its Experience Of The Future deployment, and the strength of core menu items. The segment’s operating income was up 5% as a result of comparison with the strategic restructuring charge in the prior year. Excluding this charge, operating income decreased 3%, reflecting lower gains on sales of restaurant businesses, partly offset by higher-franchised margin dollars. Second-quarter like-for-like sales for the “international lead” segment increased 6.6%, reflecting positive results across all markets, primarily driven by the UK, France and Germany. The segment’s operating income increased 3% – up 8% in constant currencies – primarily due to sales-driven improvements in franchised margin dollars. In the international developmental licensed segment, second-quarter like-for-like sales increased 7.9% reflecting “strong sales performance across all geographic regions”. Easterbrook added: “By engaging our guests on their terms, whether through delivery, an enhanced dining experience at one of our Experience Of The Future restaurants, or through our evolving digital offerings, we’re becoming a better McDonald’s. We will continue to focus on our customers, with innovative solutions to further elevate the guest experience and drive growth.”