The ratings on McDonald's Corp. reflect its worldwide leadership in the quick-service sector of the restaurant industry, its consistent and solid operating performance since 2003, and its strong financial flexibility. The company's participation in the intensely competitive quick-service restaurant sector partially mitigates these strengths. Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald's holds the world's No. 1 position in terms of restaurant sales. The company possesses substantial business strengths because of its strong brand recognition, prime real estate locations, and marketing power. Standard&Poor's Ratings Services expects McDonald's currently good operating trends to continue, but results could be uneven because of the intensely competitive and mature nature of the quick-service restaurant sector. Burger King Corp., Wendy's International Inc., and Yum! Brands Inc., McDonald's
