McDonald's Same-Store Sales Top Estimates

McDonald'ssaid on Thursday same-store sales rose 5.7% in February, beating analysts' estimates on strong U.S. demand for new varieties of its chicken Snack Wrap and improved performance in France, Germany and China.

Shares of the world's largest restaurant company rose in pre-market trading following the announcement.

Four Wall Street analysts' estimates ranged from increases of 2.5% to 4.4%, according to research notes.

Same-store sales, which track sales at restaurants open at least 13 months, rose 3.1% in the U.S. In a statement, McDonald's said its breakfast menu and late-night hours contributed to that gain.

In addition, the company said new grilled and honey-mustard versions of its chicken Snack Wrap helped boost performance in its flagship market.

In Europe, McDonald's No. 2 market, same-store sales rose 5.9% as restaurants in France and Germany benefited from seasonal menus.

In McDonald's Asia-Pacific business, same-store sales rose a sharp 12.3%. The hamburger chain said performance was strong in Japan and China, where the Chinese New Year holiday fed demand. McDonald's has been working aggressively to boost its performance in China, a market it has targeted as a major growth opportunity.