McDonald's Beats Expecations, Upbeat for 2010

McDonald's Corp. (MCD) today reported better-than-expected fourth quarter results, underscoring the continued resilience of the world's largest restaurant chain amidst the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

Net income at the Oakbrook, Illinois-based firm was $1.22 billion or $1.11 per share. Revenue rose 7% percent to $5.97 billion, fueled by gains in every geographic region and strong sales of new menu items such as coffee drinks and the Angus Third Pounder. Excluding one-time items, profit was $1.03.