McDonald's September sales increased 5.9 percent

Photo: McDonald's September sales increased 5.9 percent

Global same-store sales of McDonald's Corp. rose 5.9 percent in September.

The company also forecast earnings for the quarter well ahead of Wall Street expectations.

Same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, is a key indicator of restaurant performance, since it measures growth at existing locations rather than newly opened ones.

In the U.S., the company said its value menu, breakfast offerings and beverages drove same-store sales growth of 3.5 percent during the month ended Sept. 30.

In Europe, meanwhile, same-store sales rose 5.7 percent, with France, the U.K. and Russia posting the strongest performance, the company said.

The company's Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa division reported a September same-store sales rise of 12 percent for the month.

The fast food chain added its third quarter same-store sales climbed 6.9 percent. The quarter also ended Sept. 30.

The company said total systemwide sales rose 11.5 percent for the month and 11.8 percent for the quarter.