（每日一读）2014年4月高考英语考前突破 阅读理解能力 财经新闻 2014第一季麦当劳利润下滑

2014 第一季麦当劳利润下滑McDonald's has reported a fall in profits for the first three months of the year.2014 年第一季度麦当劳利润下滑。 The fast-food chain said group like-for-like sales had risen 0.5% overall, but US sales had fallen 1.7% due partly to the severe winter weather. Analysts had forecast a 1.4% drop in like-for-like US sales. The sales drop meant net income fell to $1.2bn from $1.27bn a year earlier. In Europe, comparable sales ros e 1.4% in the first quarter with a positive performance in the UK, France and Russia. However, McDonald's said sales in Germany, Japan and Australia were weaker. The firm said it was focused on stabilising its performance in these markets, as well as the US. McDonald's, which is the world's largest fast food business, has been battling against weak economic growth in its home US market. The company's chief executive has previously said he plans to strengthen the chain's appeal to its less well off customers. It also intends to offer new higher-priced products to keep drawing in customers who are prepared to spend more.