By Lisa Baertlein and Jessica Wohl LOS ANGELES/CHICAGO (Reuters) - McDonald's Corp <MCD.N> said sales at established U.S. restaurants fell 0.1 percent in October, as expected, but its stock ticked up 1.5 percent after sales from the rest of the world buoyed overall results. McDonald's, which has been outperforming its peers, had signaled last month that U.S. October sales would be weak. Analysts said that while the world's largest hamburger chain is not invulnerable to price wars and rising unemployment it remains a strong competitor. The dip in sales at U.S. restaurants open at least 13 months marked the first time McDonald's same-store sales fell in its home market since March 2008, when such sales declined 0.8 percent. Despite that, McDonald's U.S. same-restaurant sales result still implies that it is gaining share since most of its peers are reporting more negative numbers, Oppenheimer analyst Matthew DiFrisco said. And, McDonald's overseas restaurants are still benefiting from remodeling, extended hours and other strategies that previously boosted U.S. sales, said Jefferies & Co analyst Jeff Farmer. As a result, McDonald's same-store sales rose 3.3 percent worldwide. Closely watched same-store sales rose 6.4 percent in Europe, helped by Britain, France and Germany. Comparable sales rose 4.7 percent in the company's Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa segment, driven by Japan and Australia. U.S. A BATTLEFIELD McDonald's has been outperforming Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc <WEN.N>, Burger King Holdings Inc <BKC.N> and other chains in the United States by offering a variety of items, including some breakfast foods, on its popular Dollar Menu. Continued... |