McDonald's Has Savory September

McDonald's(MCD Quote) is fending off the barbarians at its golden arches with the success of its breakfast menu and its new Snack Wrap.

The fast-food giant said Thursday that its same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, rose at a 7.7% clip in September. On the basis of the results, the company forecast third-quarter earnings above Wall Street's expectations.

The burger empire estimated preliminary third-quarter earnings of 68 cents a share, including one penny a share for impairment and other charges. Analysts, on average, were expecting earnings of 63 cents a share, according to Thomson First Call. ...