The European nations leading the sales explosion were Germany, United Kingdom, and Russia. Meanwhile, sales in the United States managed only a 3.1 percent increase, which analysts say is the smallest gain since February last year.

Analysts are attributing the recent snow storms that seemed to have restricted the movements of potential customers, for the performance below expectation.

In New York Stock Exchange composite trading, McDonald’s rose $1.33, or 1.8 percent, to $74.78 at 9:41 a.m. The shares gained 23 percent last year, compared with a 13 percent increase for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.

Sales advanced 5.2 percent in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Comparable, or same-store sales, include locations open at least 13 months. This kind of revenue is an indicator of growth because new and closed locations are excluded. Total same-stores sales rose 2.6 percent for the same period a year ago and advanced 3.7 percent in December.