Jefferies analyst Andy Barish said he believes an increase in competition will keep pressuring sales growth in the restaurant industry. He wrote in a note to investors that people's options for eating out or dining in "have increased tremendously," particularly with the emergence of smaller chains and independent concepts.

 Chains are also pushing more deals to attract customers amid the intensifying competition. Wendy's has been promoting a "4 for $4" deal, while Burger King recently said it would start a promotion for $1 hot dogs.

To boost results, McDonald's has been closing underperforming stores. It ended last year with fewer stores in the U.S., its first contraction after decades of expansion. It is on track to shrink its domestic store base of more than 14,000 again this year.

Globally, McDonald's said sales rose 3.1 percent at established locations. That included a 2.6 percent increase in the division that includes established markets like the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. The high-growth segment, which includes China and Russia, saw a 1.6 percent increase.

For the quarter, McDonald's earned $1.09 billion, or $1.25 per share, including a 20-cent negative impact from restructuring charges. Analysts expected $1.39 per share, not including one-time items.