CHICAGO Reuters McDonalds Corp MCD.N reported higher global sales at restaurants open at least 13 months in August, helped by sales of smoothies, frappes and other cold drinks in the United States.
McDonalds said Thursday that same-store sales increased 4.9 percent for the month, up from a 2.2 percent increase in August 2009.
A 4.6 percent rise in U.S. same-store sales came after hot weather spurred demand for new high-margin fruit smoothies, helping McDonalds beat a 1.7 percent increase in August 2009.
The United States, which contributes 35 percent of company sales, has benefited from new drinks like lattes, smoothies and frappes as well as the marketing of low-cost food items.
Same-store sales in Europe, which accounts for 40 percent of company revenue and was hurt by weak performance in France, increased 2.2 percent compared with a 3.5 percent increase in August 2009.
Same-restaurant sales rose 7.8 percent in the companys Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa segment.
McDonalds shares fell 2.4 percent to $74.26 in premarket trading.
Reporting by Emily Stephenson, editing by Gerald E. McCormick
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