McDonald's Corp on Tuesday said sales at its hamburger restaurants open at least 13 months rose a better-than-expected 5.2 percent in January as discounts helped boost sales in Europe. The world's largest fast-food chain said same-store sales, a key retail measure, rose 4.1 percent in the United States, its No 1 market, and 5.4 percent in Europe, its No 2 market. While US sales were relatively in line with expectations, four Wall Street analysts' forecasts for Europe had ranged between a decline of 2 percent and a rise of 2 percent.
McDonald's European business has struggled in recent months due to economic weakness in places like Germany, but new lower-priced menu offerings helped drive customer traffic in that market in January.
Going forward, however, one analyst said McDonald's would continue to face challenges in Europe.
During the period, overall sales rose 8.3 percent.
In the company's Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa division, same-store sales rose 7.1 percent.