NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Jan. 25, 2016--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services today said it believes McDonald's Corp.'s fourth-quarter comparable-store performance was solid and continues to support its ratings in light of ongoing return of capital to shareholders. Fourth-quarter comparable sales increased in all markets, including a strong 5.7% rise in the U.S. market after some weak quarters earlier in 2015. All-day breakfast was a key driver of the favorable U.S. store sales. Other initiatives, such as simplified menus and drive-thru order accuracy, also seem to be supporting momentum into 2016. We believe the company's 2016 performance should also benefit from flat to down commodity prices and reduced SG&A costs, but higher wage costs will remain a headwind. The company
