McDonald's higher US sales in Q1 help overcome weakness from boycotts overseas

McDonald’s said higher U.S. sales in the first quarter helped it overcome weakness in the Middle East and other markets where consumers have been boycotting the brand over its perceived support for Israel. The Chicago burger giant said its same-store sales rose 1.9% worldwide in the January-March period. That was slightly below Wall Street’s forecast of a 2.1% increase. In the U.S., same-store sales rose 2.5% as the company raised prices and saw higher demand for delivery. But sales fell slightly in McDonald’s international franchised markets. McDonald’s said its revenue rose 5% to $6.2 billion in the January-March period. That was in line with Wall Street’s estimates.