Frappes, smoothies hit sweet spot for McDonald’s, fueling 4.6 rise in August sales measurement

Summary Box: McDonald’s sales rise on drinks

THE RESULTS: August’s summer heat provided a lift for fast-food giant McDonald’s, pushing a key revenue figure up 4.6 percent in the U.S. during the month as customers came in for frappes and fruit smoothies introduced in July.

THE CRITICISM: The results weren’t as strong as analysts were expecting, largely on weakness in Europe. Shares fell in premarket trading Thursday on the news.

THE WORLD: McDonald’s said that August sales at restaurants open at least 13 months climbed 4.9 percent overall, including 2.2 percent in Europe and 7.8 percent in the rest of the world.