McDonald’s is lovin’ it

OAK BROOK – McDonald’s, the world’s biggest restaurant chain, reported a 5.3 percent rise in comparable-store sales that topped analysts’ estimates as European sales gained the most in a year.

Analysts projected sales would rise 4.5 percent, according to the median of five estimates. Sales increased 7 percent in Europe, driven by new products and breakfast items, the Oak Brook, Ill.-based company said. That exceeded the 4 percent gain estimated by analysts.