McDonald’s Withdraws Forecast After Covid-19 Bludgeons Sales
- Fast-food chain says 99% of U.S. restaurants are operating
- Company says it’s taking measures to help support franchisees
An employee wearing protective gloves hands a customer a take-out order at a McDonald’s drive-through in Queens, New York.
Photographer: Anthony Behar/Sipa USA/APThis article is for subscribers only.
McDonald’s Corp. said on Wednesday that the outbreak of coronavirus has reversed what had been strong sales growth, prompting the world’s largest fast-food chain to withdraw its guidance for the year as a result.
Comparable-store sales -- a key metric for restaurants -- declined 3.4% in the first quarter, McDonald’s said, with this measure plunging in March after growing 7.2% the previous two months. The company said almost all of its U.S. restaurants remain open, mostly via drive-thru, delivery and carryout. Globally, three quarters of McDonald’s restaurants are operating.