McDonald's July sales in China rises 5.1%

McDonald's Corp., the world's largest restaurant chain, said sales at stores open at least 13 months rose 5.1 percent in July as Chinese consumers dined out more.

Analysts projected a gain of 4.7 percent, the average of five estimates compiled by Bloomberg News. Sales in the U.S. advanced 4.4 percent, the Oak Brook-based company said today in a statement. That trailed analysts' estimates for a 4.9 percent increase.

McDonald's sales rose 5.3 percent in Europe and 4 percent in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Chief Executive Officer James Skinner said last month that McCafe smoothie and drink sales in the second quarter rose 29 percent from a year earlier.

The Big Mac maker may introduce its McCafe lineup in other areas of the world, Chief Operating Officer Donald Thompson said during a conference call in July. Beverages account for about 20 percent of sales at McDonald's stores.

June comparable-store sales increased 7.7 percent globally. Comparable, or same-store, sales are considered a key measure of a company's growth because they exclude store openings and closings.

McDonald's fell 90 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $84.18 at 8:04 a.m. in trading before the open of the New York Stock Exchange. The restaurant had gained 11 percent this year before today.