Dominant company in fast food; Excellent worldwide brand recognition; Strong free cash flow; and Excellent access to capital. Operates in an intensely competitive industry. The ratings reflect McDonald's Corp.'s worldwide leadership in the quick-service sector of the restaurant industry, its ongoing business recovery, and its strong financial flexibility. These strengths are partially mitigated by the company's participation in the intensely competitive quick-service restaurant sector. Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald's holds the world's No. 1 position in terms of sales. The company possesses substantial business strengths because of its strong brand recognition, prime real estate locations, and marketing power. McDonald's focus on improving the quality of its food and service since April 2003 has resulted in strong growth in same-store sales and
