McDonald's Corp.'s superior credit profile is supported by: A strong leadership position in the restaurant industry, An outstanding track record, Consistent financial strength, and Worldwide capital resources. Company-operated and franchised units total more than 28,700 worldwide and generated more than $40 billion in systemwide sales in 2000. After several years of disappointing performance, important changes were made to senior management responsibilities and a new "Made for You" production system was implemented at U.S. stores in 1999. The new production system sets the stage for future menu enhancements and better product offerings. Some of these changes resulted in impressively higher results, with U.S. operating income increasing 8.7% in 2000 after a 46.0% rise in 1999. Yet total operating income for 2000
