Europe 1 with AFP 3:43 p.m., February 5, 2024

Fast food chain McDonald's announced mixed fourth-quarter results on Monday, with its turnover having been affected by the war in the Middle East after calls for a boycott.

The turnover of the American company, McDonald's, narrowly missed analysts' expectations, coming in at 6.41 billion dollars when the consensus was counting on 6.45 billion. It increased by 8% over one year.

On the other hand, it only gained 3.4% on a comparable basis, recording a decline of 0.7% in its international licensed markets due to the impact of the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas for four years. month.

A call for an important boycott

The fast food giant became a prime target after its franchise in Israel announced in November that it was offering thousands of free meals to the Israeli army. “We recognize that families in these areas continue to be tragically affected by the war, and our thoughts are with them,” noted Chris Kempczinski, head of the group, during a conference with analysts.

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Proforma sales increased by 4.3% in the United States where, in particular, the already "solid" average bill increased in the wake of "strategic" price increases and sales on digital media and deliveries continued to grow. growth.

“We remain confident in the resilience of our activity”

Internationally (excluding franchises), they improved by 4.4% with performances driven by the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada, which were partially affected by a decline in France.

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Net profit crossed the two billion mark (2.04 billion), increasing 7% over one year. Reported per share and excluding exceptional items - a benchmark for the markets - it comes to $2.95, exceeding expectations ($2.82).

“We remain confident in the resilience of our activity in a difficult macroeconomic context which will persist in 2024,” said Chris Kempczinski, quoted in the press release.