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

McDonald's Corp 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 percent 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 percent 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 percent, but were better than the anticipated 9.97 percent 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.

"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 percent of its restaurants were operating with drive-thru, delivery or reduced seating capacity.

Revenue fell 30.5 percent to $3.76 billion, but beat the estimate of $3.68 billion.

Net income fell to $483.8 million, or 65 cents per share, from $1.52 billion, or $1.97 per share, a year earlier.