McDonald's global sales suffer as Covid-19 lockdowns limit operations

[NEW YORK] McDonald's on Tuesday reported a bigger-than-expected drop in global same-store sales as the burger chain's restaurants across the world were shut because of the Covid-19 pandemic, limiting operations to only drive-thru and delivery.

Global same-store sales fell 23.9 per cent for the second quarter ended June 30, dragged down by big international markets including the United Kingdom, France and Latin America.

Analysts had forecast a 23.24 per cent fall, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

In the United States, where it operates more than a third of its restaurants, same-restaurant sales fell 8.7 per cent, but were better than the anticipated 9.97 per cent fall, as most locations were able to stay open with drive-thru and delivery options.

As lockdowns eased, sales improved and losses were not as bad, providing some optimism for a measured rebound.

Restaurants have been struggling to cope with the changing dynamics and consumer behaviors around the health crisis, forcing them to simplify menus and shift largely to online and mobile orders for pickup, delivery and drive-thru.

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"Our strong drive-thru presence and the investments we've made in delivery and digital over the past few years have served us well through these uncertain times," Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski said.

To help drive its recovery, McDonald's, like many other US restaurant chains and retailers, said face coverings would be mandatory at its stores in the United States and employees would offer one to anyone entering without a mask.

The company said about 96 per cent of its restaurants were operating with drive-thru, delivery or reduced seating capacity.

Revenue fell 30.5 per cent to US$3.76 billion, but beat the estimate of US$3.68 billion.

Net income fell to US$483.8 million, or US$0.65 cents per share, from US$1.52 billion, or US$1.97 per share, a year earlier.

REUTERS