McDonald’s Corporation announced today that systemwide sales for McDonald’s restaurants increased 19 percent in January 2004, compared with January 2003. In constant currencies, January systemwide sales increased 11 percent. Led by strong performance in the U.S. and Europe, comparable sales for McDonald’s restaurants worldwide increased 10 percent.

Jim Cantalupo, McDonald’s chairman and chief exec, said in a statement, “I am confident 2004 will be a year of ongoing progress for McDonald’s. We will continue to revitalize our business and improve our customers’ experience thru better service and by enhancing our food taste, menu variety and value offerings, and creating more relevant marketing. Our goal for the year is to further strengthen the foundation of our business in order to sustain profitable growth through execution and innovation in 2005 and beyond. We are pleased that 2004 has begun with such strong momentum; still, we intend to remain disciplined and focused as we pursue our long-term growth objectives.”