McDonald's Sales Jump 8 Percent In July

August 8, 2008 8:51 p.m. EST

Oak Brook, IL (AHN) - McDonald's Corp. reported Friday same-store sales rose 8 percent in July sparked by strong demand worldwide, particularly in the Latin America region.

The fast-food chain said sales in Latin America rose by double-digits in July while the Asia/Pacific and Middle Eastern regions were up 7.2 percent. The France and Russia regions saw sales grow 7.6 percent.

Same-store sales in the U.S lagged the other regions, growing 6.7 percent in July as breakfast items sold the best, according to the company.

McDonald's said worldwide sales, which include royalties paid by franchisees, were up 15 percent.

"We continue to strengthen our relevance by offering great variety and value in convenient and modern restaurants. This unrelenting focus on enhancing the customer experience is driving our ongoing momentum," said CEO Jim Skinner, according to Business Wire.

McDonald's announced last Sunday they would explore ways to make items on their Dollar Menu more profitable has higher beef costs are cutting into profit margins.

Shares of McDonald's rose 6.2 percent on Friday to $65.67 a share.