India, Feb. 5 -- McDonald's Co. (MCD) recently released its financial results for the quarter, and they were mixed. The fast-food giant faced a decline in sales in the Middle East following boycotts that were initiated by an announcement from McDonald's Israel, a local franchisee, about providing complimentary meals to Israeli soldiers. The boycotts, which led to customer protests, affected sales in nations with sizable Muslim communities like France, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Some franchisees, like McDonald's Oman, pledged donations to Gaza relief efforts in response to the boycotts.
To ensure employee safety, McDonald's had to adjust store hours or close certain outlets temporarily due to protests. The impact of the boycotts on the compan...