Europe is not exactly a growth market for most US companies. The economy there is slowing much as it is in America. But, McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) may be an exception. According to Bloomberg, "McDonald's Corp., the world's largest restaurant company, may report a second-quarter profit after European sales rose twice as fast as in the U.S."
The news is unusually good because rising commodities prices are likely to squeeze the fast food company's margins. The costs of bread and meat have been up sharply over the last year.
Europe seems an unlikely savior for McDonald's numbers. It is often viewed at a region where good food and traditional cuisine are part of the culture. Who wants a hamburger from a fast food place when the local restaurant has crepe suzette?
But fast food, filled with fat and salt, is irresistible. McDonald's have proved that in every country where it does business.
Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.
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