McDonald's has posted its first quarterly sales miss in nearly four years as boycotts over perceived stances on conflict in the Middle East hit the fast-food giants.
Sales in McDonald's International Developmental Licensed Markets rose 0.7%, falling well short of 5.5% estimates.
Global sales grew 3.4% overall, below expectations of 4.7%.
Revenue reached £5.11b, compared to estimates of £5.41b.
Protestors in England have targeted the burger chain, including two people releasing mice painted in the colours of a Palestinian flag in a store.
The company was criticised by some groups after it emerged it gave free meals to Israeli soldiers following the Hamas terror attack.
But McDonald's chief executive Chris Kempczinski blamed "misinformation" for falling sales in the region.
"Several markets in the Middle East and some outside the region are experiencing a meaningful business impact due to the war and associated misinformation that is affecting brands like McDonald’," he said.
"This is disheartening and ill-founded In every country where we operate, including in Muslim countries, McDonald’s is proudly represented by local owner operators who work tirelessly to serve and support their communities while employing thousands of their fellow citizens."
FTSE100
The UK's flagship share index, the FTSE 100, was up 58-points at 7,670 shortly after opening this morning.
Brent crude oil futures was up 0.15% today, trading at $78.11 a barrel.
Companies reporting today
- BP - Q4 results
- discoverIE Group - Q3 Trading Statement
- Renishaw - Half Year Results
- VIrgin Money - Q1 Trading Statement