Analysts were expecting a 1.11% decline in global sales at restaurants that have been open at least 13 months, according to Consensus Metrix.
The company had expected to return to a decline in January for same-store sales, which tends to be a key indicator of restaurant chains' health.
"While January's results reflect today's challenging environment and difficult prior year comparisons, I am confident that our unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional restaurant experience will enhance our brand's relevance and drive long-term results," Chief Executive Don Thompson said.
McDonald's, the world's largest fast-food chain, has seen its quick fixes for the U.S. business prove successful. It recently went back to advertising its "Dollar Menu" and shifted its annual McRib limited-time offering to December. It also encouraged restaurants to stay open Christmas Day.
Still, negative customer traffic in Europe and continued weakness in Japan have offset its U.S. recovery, leading to nearly flat global same-store sales in the fourth quarter.
McDonald's said January systemwide sales for the month rose 0.3%, or 0.7% excluding currency fluctuations.
Same-store sales in the U.S. were up 0.9%, beating the analysts' estimate of a 0.34% decline. The company said restaurant renovations, the addition of the new Grilled Onion Cheddar burger to its "Dollar Menu" and a balanced mix of higher-priced and cheaper items all helped boost sales.
The Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa region posted 9.5% lower same-store sales, trailing analysts' projection for a 5.8% drop. McDonald's pointed to ongoing weakness in Japan and negative results in China, though added that results were positive in Australia.
In Europe, same-store sales declined 2.1%, compared with analysts' forecast for a 0.07% rise, as positive results in the U.K. and Russia were offset by weak performance in Germany, France and other areas, the company said.
