McDonald’s key US revenue figure rises 4.6 percent for August

McDonald’s US sales metric up 4.6 pct in August

OAK BROOK, Ill. — August’s summer heat provided a lift for fast-food giant McDonald’s, pushing a key revenue figure up 4.6 percent in the U.S. during the month as customers came in for frappes and fruit smoothies.

The world’s largest hamburger chain said Thursday that overall its August sales at restaurants open at least 13 months climbed 4.9 percent. While the performance was strong, it is down from July’s 5.7 percent rise — the biggest monthly increase since it recorded a 6.1 percent gain in April 2009.

This sales figure is a key metric for restaurant operators because it measures growth at existing businesses. It excludes growth at stores that open or close during the year.

McDonald’s Corp. said the figure climbed 2.2 percent in Europe on strong results in the U.K. and Russia. Limited items, such as the U.K.’s summer barbeque food event, drove sales.

In the rest of the world, those sales were up 7.8 percent. Among the strongest performers were Japan, China and Australia. The hamburger chain said menu items that appealed to local tastes and convenience helped push sales higher.

McDonald’s, based in Oak Brook, Ill., says customers continue to be drawn to its low cost and core menu items.