Sales Slowdown McDonald's

McDonald's posted a solid rise in fourth-quarter profits, topping analysts' expectations for the period, but a significant sales slowdown for December sent shares of the fast-food giant sliding Monday.

McDonald's revenue climbed to $5.75 billion from $5.45 billion the prior year, exceeding Wall Street's $5.61 billion target. Same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least 13 months, climbed 3.3%.

McDonald's said, however, that December U.S. same-store sales were flat, creating worries that a recent multiyear resurgence for the Golden Arches may be slowing down. McDonald's attributed the flat results to severe winter weather throughout the month and softer consumer spending.