McDonald’s Corp. said Tuesday that sales at U.S. restaurants open at least 13 months, or same-store sales, rose 6.9 percent in December and 9.6 percent for all of 2004, its best annual performance in 30 years. Same-store sales are considered the best indicator of a retailer’s health. The December figure marked the 21st straight monthly increase.
Worldwide sales rose 4.9 percent in December–their 20th straight increase–and 6.9 percent for the year. Chief Executive James Skinner said it was the first time since 1987 that the Oak Brook-based company had posted positive global same-store sales in every month.
U.S. sales “were the driver,” said Janna Sampson, a money manager at Oakbrook Investments LLC in Lisle.
Source: Chicago Tribune
