By Micah Maidenberg 



  Sysco Corp. reported a loss for its latest quarter and said sales plunged 43% as restaurants and other outlets pulled back on orders with consumers sheltering in place at home due to the spread of the coronavirus. 


  The challenges Sysco faced in the quarter reflect the dramatic changes the restaurant industry has faced amid the pandemic. The company also provides goods to outlets at hotels, educational institutions and other places where people weren't permitted to gather because of the pandemic. 


  Total volumes within its U.S. broadline operation fell about 42% in the latest quarter versus last year, Sysco said. 


  Sysco on Tuesday reported a loss of $618.4 million, or $1.22 a share, for its fiscal-fourth quarter that ended June 27 compared with a profit of $535.8 million, or $1.03 a share, for the same period last year. 


  Its adjusted loss of 29 cents a share was a penny better than the consensus estimate compiled by FactSet. 


  Sales dropped to $8.87 billion from $15.47 billion, and were lower than forecasts from analysts, who expected $9.56 billion in sales for the last period. 


  The company has worked to adapt to emerging models within the restaurant industry, saying it is offering operators fresh resources. 


  "Our tools provide solutions associated with meal kits, safety and sanitation, contactless menus, and curbside/takeout. We are proud to highlight that we have successfully helped convert over 16,000 restaurants into food marketplaces," the company said. 


  Write to Micah Maidenberg at micah.maidenberg@wsj.com