MCDONALD'S Corp reported higher quarterly
profit on Friday, paced by strong sales at established restaurants in the United
States.
Quarterly sales at restaurants open at least 13 months were up 7.3%, more than the 6.7% increase expected by analysts polled by
Consensus Metrix. That figure rose 8.9% in the United States, while in
Europe, same-restaurant sales rose 5%.
Net income at the world’s biggest fast-food chain rose to $1.27bn, or $1.23 per share, during the first quarter, up from $1.21bn, or
$1.15 per share, a year earlier.
Analysts, on average, had been looking for a profit of $1.23 per
share, according to Thomson Reuters.
Revenue rose 7% to $6.55bn. Analysts on average had
forecast $6.54bn.
The results, which were boosted by new menu items, restaurant
makeovers and longer operating hours helped McDonald’s continue to outpace
rivals like Wendy’s Co and Burger King Corp.
Shares of McDonald’s rose 1.8% to $97.04 in premarket
trading on Friday.