( dpa ) - Fast food giant McDonald's said Monday that strong sales in Europe and Asia drove profits up 2.6 per cent in the fourth quarter, despite weaker sales in the United States.
Profits were 1.3 billion dollars in the last quarter of 2007, and were also aided by a tax credit and the weaker US dollar. Revenues rose 6 per cent to 5.8 billion dollars in the quarter.
Sales grew 11.4 per cent for the quarter in the Asia/Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa, and McDonald's also saw double- digit growth in Europe.
Sales were stagnant in December in US restaurants open more than a year, as a weaker US economy and poor weather kept away customers. The chain hopes to win more sales with a 1-dollar double cheese burger and new coffee drinks.