McDonald’s global comparable sales were up 3.9 percent in August, the brand’s 16th consecutive monthly increase. Systemwide sales at all McDonald's restaurants increased 8.6 percent, or 4.6 percent in constant currencies. "In the U.S., our momentum continued as improved service, expanded menu choice and variety, including the recent launch of our premium Chicken Selects, and leadership marketing gave more customers more reasons to visit McDonald's,” says McDonald’s CEO Charlie Bell. “Comparable sales were up 7.2 percent in August—an impressive figure on top of the 8.8 percent comparable sales increase last year.

"In Europe, we're making progress revitalizing our business as evidenced by the 3.1% increase in year-to-date comparable sales versus the 2.1% decline for the same period in 2003,” Bell continues. “Europe's August comparable sales were down slightly due to weak performance in Germany, as well as poor weather and a decline in tourism across the continent. Our Salads Plus menu continued to perform well, with increased momentum in several markets contributing to top line sales and restaurant cash flow.

"Looking ahead,” says Bell, “our goal remains the same: deliver sustainable, profitable growth over the long term. We will achieve this objective by sticking with our Plan to Win, which is completely focused on satisfying customers."

Key members of McDonald's management team will speak at the Goldman Sachs Global Retailing Conference today at 10:30 a.m. (Eastern Time). This presentation will be webcast live and available for replay for a limited time at http://www.investor.mcdonalds.com .