McDonald's July comparable sales up 0.7 percent, helped by US

Jin Lee | Bloomberg | Getty Images

McDonald's on Thursday reported July sales at its established restaurants around the world that were slightly higher than analysts had projected, as better-than-expected U.S. sales helped offset weakness in Europe.

The world's biggest hamburger chain said global sales at restaurants open at least 13 months rose 0.7 percent. Analysts had expected a rise of 0.4 percent, according to Consensus Metrix.

U.S. same-restaurant sales rose 1.6 percent in July, above the 0.3 percent gain analysts had anticipated, and the company credited its breakfast offerings and items such as wraps for helping business.

Its shares rose 1.2 percent to $99.47 in pre-market trading.

Outside the United States, McDonald's business was weaker.

European same-restaurant sales fell 1.9 percent, while analysts had expected a gain of 0.3 percent. Germany, France and southern Europe were the weakest performers in the region, McDonald's said.

In Asia/Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, same-restaurant sales fell 1.9 percent, a much sharper fall than the 0.3 percent decline analysts expected.

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