McDonald's sees sharp drop in sales due to coronavirus

Fast food giant McDonald's on Tuesday said its worldwide sales dropped around 30% in the last two months compared to the same period last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that its business is starting to make a comeback.

Sales were hit hard by temporary restaurant closures in Britain and France, and to a lesser extent Italy and Spain, the company said in a press release.

Global sales trends improved from a 39% annual sales drop in April to a 21% decline in May, as more McDonald's restaurants reopened.

The burger giant reported that 95% of its restaurants around the world have now reopened, compared with 75% in April.

In the United States, sales fell 19% annually in April, but were down just 5% cent in May.

Drive-through

Most restaurants in the US have continued to operate drive-through, delivery or take-out service.

"Our strong foundation and the unique advantages of the McDonald's System, including a high percentage of drive-thru restaurants and investments in delivery and digital, have enabled us to adapt to the changing landscape presented by the Covid-19 outbreak," chief executive Chris Kempczinski said in the press release.

McDonald's said US sales and guest numbers remained negative during breakfast, an increasingly competitive mealtime.