McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) powered higher on reporting strong fourth-quarter numbers Wednesday.
The Chicago-based fast food conglomerate revealed strong global comparable sales growth of 5.9% demonstrated broad-based strength with increases in the International Operated segment of 6.2%, the U.S. of 5.1%, and the International Developmental Licensed segment of 6.6%.
Consolidated revenues increased 4% (4% in constant currencies). System-wide sales increased 6% (7% in constant currencies).
Consolidated operating income increased 15% (16% in constant currencies), reflecting $140 million of prior year impairment charges. Excluding these charges, operating income increased 7% (9% in constant currencies).
Over the full year, MCD said its global comparable sales grew 5.9%, reflecting increases in the International Operated segment of 6.1%, the U.S. of 5.0%, and the International Developmental Licensed segment of 7.2%.
Consolidated revenues were relatively flat with the prior year (increased 3% in constant currencies) at $21.1 billion.
System-wide sales increased 4% (7% in constant currencies) to $100.2 billion.
CEO Chris Kempczinski enthused, "2019 marked a year of significant milestones for McDonald's - including surpassing $100 billion in Systemwide sales and achieving our highest global comparable sales growth in over a decade.
"Through the execution of our Velocity Growth Plan, we once again served more customers the food they crave, marking three consecutive years of global comparable guest count growth."
This week, McDonald’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.25 per share of common stock payable on March 16, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 2.
Under the golden arches, stock prices kicked off Wednesday ahead $4.03, or 1.9%, to $214.42
