McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) posted a 12 percent rise in second quarter earnings as sales were strong worldwide, with Australia and China leading the way.
The fast-food giant said quarterly earnings were $1.23 billion or $1.13 a share, up from $1.09 billion or 98 cents a share in the second quarter last year.
Revenue totaled $5.95 billion in the period, up 5 percent from $5.65 billion last year. Same-store sales rose 4.8 percent in the quarter. U.S. same-store sales lagged, up 3.7 percent.
“McDonald’s second quarter reflects strong top-line and bottom-line results with each area of the world generating higher comparable sales, traffic and profits,” said Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner.
The company saw a 19 percent jump in operating income in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East region. That move was led by Australia and China.
“This performance demonstrates the popular appeal of McDonald’s relevant menu choices. We’re delivering great tasting food to our 60 million customers around the world every day with the outstanding value and unmatched convenience they expect from McDonald’s,” added Skinner.
McDonald’s also returned $1.6 billion to shareholders in the second quarter through dividends and share repurchases.
