Improving international sales helped McDonald's overcome some weakness at home in the fourth quarter. McDonald's same-store sales in the U.S., or sales at locations open at least a year, fell 1.4% in the October-December period after an E.

McDonald's global comparable sales posted a surprise rise in the fourth quarter on Monday, aided by demand for its affordable burgers and fries among diners in the Middle East, Japan and China.

Improving international sales helped McDonald’s overcome some weakness at home in the fourth quarter. McDonald’s same-store sales in the U.S., or sales at locations open at least a year, fell 1.4% in the October-December period after an E. coli outbreak tied to its Quarter Pounder hamburgers dented demand, the company said Monday.