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I remember the last time I had a burger at a McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD) restaurant. It was two and a half years ago and I just couldn't stomach it. After the first bite, it went into the garbage with me feeling utterly nauseous. Yet, even I, a person who purports to eat healthy, don't boycott McDonald's altogether. While I had the last McDonald's burger on that fateful day, I came back for breakfasts, the salads and even the coffee. Indeed, I am not embarrassed to admit that I prefer it to Starbucks' (NASDAQ: SBUX) coffee, though not to Tim Hortons' (NYSE: THI).

Well, it seems that McDonald's has indeed managed to offer something for everyone, even granolas like me. The results could be seen in its latest reported same-store sales report, which have continued the fast food chain's hot streak. McDonald's global sales from restaurants open more than a year rose 5.9% in September. The world has been kinder to McDonald's than its domestic sales. While U.S. sales rose 3.5% -- increasing consecutively for the 54th month -- same-store sales rose 5.7% in Europe and 12% in its Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa division. Its total systemwide sales rose 11.5% for the month and 11.8% for the quarter.

Following these impressive numbers, the company now expects to exceed Wall Street's estimates for third-quarter profit. It now expects to earn 83 cents per share in the quarter when it reports October 19. Including a 6 cents per share gain from the sale of Boston Market, it should report 89 cents per share for the quarter, beating estimates.

No doubt, the company has found a way to offer something for everyone. Its value menu, breakfast offerings and drinks helped boost sales, as did premium coffee. The long hours, the promotions and new products like the wraps I occasionally enjoy, also drove sales growth.

McDonald's shares are trading up 29 cents to $56.54, 0.52% higher. This isn't perhaps the surge some had hoped for, but as the company has been doing so well, much of that surprise was already priced in. MCD shares have gained nearly 28% year-to-date and over 34% the past year. It may just continue this performance a while longer, especially as it encroaches further on Starbucks' business.

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McDonald's (MCD) will beat expectations as September sales grow 11.5% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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