Net income at the fast-food chain rose 1.4 percent to $1.5 billion.

Revenues were essentially flat at $5.3 billion.

In the US, the company pointed to a positive performance from the "2 for $5 Mix & Match Deal," which offers two core items such as a Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets for $5.

Comparable sales in the United States, which accounts for 40 percent of company revenues, rose 5.7 percent. Other strong markets included Britain, France and Germany, the company said.

McDonald's chief executive Steve Easterbrook has emphasized improvements to core menu items, as well as investments in smartphone apps and food delivery as elements to boosting sales.

"By engaging our guests on their terms, whether it's through delivery, an enhanced dining experience at one of our Experience of the Future restaurants, or through our evolving digital offerings, we're becoming a better McDonald's," Easterbrook said in a news release.

In April Easterbrook said the chain's "McDelivery" service was available in some 20,000 restaurants in more than 75 countries.

McDonald's shares rose 2.1 percent to $219 in pre-market trading.