Europe led the way with a 7.6% gain, as its three largest markets, the UK, Germany and France, all performed well, management says. The Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa division shot up 6.1%, with Japan posting the highest returns. "There is still substantial upside potential for us to grow our business throughout the world," said Jim Skinner, the chain's CEO, during a conference call about the quarter that ended Sept. 30.

Same-store sales in the US rose 4.1% due to big gains in the sale of breakfast, chicken and promotional items. Additionally, executives are planning 200 new, domestic McDonald's restaurants over the next year.

The quarter's total sales came in at nearly $5.9 billion, up from just over $5.3 billion during the same year-ago period. Operating income, slightly more than $1.3 billion, rose 12%.