EX-99.2 3 exhibit992-9302017.htm SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Exhibit 99.2
McDonald's Corporation
Supplemental Information (Unaudited)
Quarter and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Impact of Foreign Currency Translation | 1
Sale of McDonald's Businesses in China and Hong Kong | 1
Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share | 1
Revenues | 2
Comparable Sales and Guest Counts | 3
Systemwide Sales and Franchised Sales | 4
Restaurant Margins | 5
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses | 6
Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net | 6
Operating Income | 7
Interest Expense | 7
Nonoperating (Income) Expense, Net | 8
Income Taxes | 8
Outlook | 8
Restaurant Information | 9
Risk Factors and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements | 11

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The purpose of this exhibit is to provide additional information related to the results of McDonald's Corporation (the “Company”) for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017. This exhibit should be read in conjunction with Exhibit 99.1.
Management reviews and analyzes business results excluding the effect of foreign currency translation, as well as impairment and other strategic charges and gains, and bases incentive compensation plans on these results, because the Company believes this better represents underlying business trends.
Impact of Foreign Currency Translation
While changes in foreign currency exchange rates affect reported results, McDonald's mitigates exposures, where practical, by purchasing goods and services in local currencies, financing in local currencies and hedging certain foreign-denominated cash flows. Results excluding the effect of foreign currency translation (also referred to as constant currency) are calculated by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates.
IMPACT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Dollars in millions, except per share data

|  |  |  | Currency Translation Benefit/ (Cost) |
Quarters Ended September 30, | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  | 2017 |
Revenues | $ | 5,754.6 |  |  | $ | 6,424.1 |  |  | $ | 114.1 |
Company-operated margins | 584.5 |  |  | 732.6 |  |  | 15.7 |
Franchised margins | 2,233.0 |  |  | 2,014.4 |  |  | 29.9 |
Selling, general & administrative expenses | 567.0 |  |  | 582.9 |  |  | (6.5 | )
Operating income | 3,079.4 |  |  | 2,137.3 |  |  | 36.3 |
Net income | 1,883.7 |  |  | 1,275.4 |  |  | 13.6 |
Earnings per share-diluted | $ | 2.32 |  |  | $ | 1.50 |  |  | $ | 0.02 |
|  |  |  | Currency Translation Benefit/ (Cost) |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  | 2017 |
Revenues | $ | 17,480.2 |  |  | $ | 18,593.0 |  |  | $ | (4.4 | )
Company-operated margins | 1,846.3 |  |  | 1,979.3 |  |  | (3.5 | )
Franchised margins | 6,109.0 |  |  | 5,667.2 |  |  | (29.5 | )
Selling, general & administrative expenses | 1,613.7 |  |  | 1,757.0 |  |  | 1.7 |
Operating income | 7,408.5 |  |  | 5,775.5 |  |  | (38.1 | )
Net income | 4,493.6 |  |  | 3,493.1 |  |  | (30.0 | )
Earnings per share-diluted | $ | 5.48 |  |  | $ | 4.01 |  |  | $ | (0.04 | )

The positive impact of foreign currency translation on consolidated operating results for the quarter primarily reflected the stronger Euro. The negative impact for the nine months primarily reflected the weaker British Pound.
Sale of McDonald's Businesses in China and Hong Kong
As previously announced, the Company completed the sale of its businesses in China and Hong Kong on July 31, 2017, comprising over 2,700 restaurants. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $850 million reflecting the difference between $1.6 billion of cash proceeds and the net book value of the businesses. The gain also includes an increase to fair value of the retained 20% ownership in the entity that owns the businesses.
Subsequent to the transaction, the Company is realizing its proportionate share of the entity's income. In addition, revenues have shifted from a combination of sales by Company-operated restaurants and franchised rent and royalty to franchised royalty only. The Company is now reporting the results for China and Hong Kong, as well as classifying related sales and restaurants, as affiliated.
Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share
For the quarter, net income increased 48% (47% in constant currencies) to $1,883.7 million, and diluted earnings per share increased 55% (53% in constant currencies) to $2.32. Foreign currency translation had a positive impact of $0.02 on diluted earnings per share.
1

For the nine months, net income increased 29% (30% in constant currencies) to $4,493.6 million, and diluted earnings per share increased 37% (38% in constant currencies) to $5.48. Foreign currency translation had a negative impact of $0.04 on diluted earnings per share.
Results for the quarter and nine months reflected stronger operating performance and G&A savings. The nine months also benefited from lower depreciation expense, primarily in China and Hong Kong, that in accordance with Held for Sale accounting rules ceased recording depreciation, and improved performance in Japan.
In addition, results for both periods benefited from the Company's sale of its businesses in China and Hong Kong, which closed on July 31, 2017. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $850 million related to this sale. For the quarter, this gain was partially offset by $111 million of unrelated pre-tax non-cash impairment charges. Results for 2016 included pre-tax strategic charges of $128 million for the quarter and $357 million for the nine months, consisting primarily of charges related to the Company's global G&A and refranchising initiatives. Excluding the impact of these current year and prior year items, diluted earnings per share increased 9% (7% in constant currencies) for the quarter, and 15% (16% in constant currencies) for the nine months.
Diluted earnings per share for both periods benefited from a decrease in diluted weighted average shares outstanding due to share repurchases. During the quarter, the Company repurchased 13.8 million shares of stock for $2.2 billion, bringing total purchases for the nine months to 27.3 million shares or $4.0 billion. In addition, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.94 per share, or $755.3 million, bringing the total dividends paid for the nine months to $2.3 billion.
Revenues
Revenues consist of sales by Company-operated restaurants and fees from restaurants operated by franchisees. Revenues from conventional franchised restaurants include rent and royalties based on a percent of sales with minimum rent payments, and initial fees. Revenues from franchised restaurants that are licensed to affiliates and developmental licensees include a royalty based on a percent of sales and generally include initial fees.
The Company accelerated the pace of refranchising to optimize its restaurant ownership mix, generate more stable and predictable revenue and cash flow streams, and operate with a less resource-intensive structure. The shift to a greater percentage of franchised restaurants negatively impacts consolidated revenues as Company-operated sales are replaced by franchised revenues, where the Company receives rent and/or royalty revenue based on a percentage of sales.
REVENUES
Dollars in millions

Quarters Ended September 30, | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  | Inc/ (Dec) |  | Inc/ (Dec) Excluding Currency Translation |
Company-operated sales |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | $ | 798.7 |  |  | $ | 910.3 |  | (12 | )% | (12 | )%
International Lead Markets | 1,076.3 |  |  | 1,098.8 |  | (2 | ) | (5 | )
High Growth Markets | 1,054.9 |  |  | 1,441.5 |  | (27 | ) | (30 | )
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 134.4 |  |  | 521.5 |  | (74 | ) | (75 | )
Total | $ | 3,064.3 |  |  | $ | 3,972.1 |  | (23 | )% | (25 | )%
Franchised revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | $ | 1,224.6 |  |  | $ | 1,162.2 |  | 5 | % | 5 | %
International Lead Markets | 894.2 |  |  | 782.4 |  | 14 |  | 10 |
High Growth Markets | 267.2 |  |  | 209.8 |  | 27 |  | 23 |
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 304.3 |  |  | 297.6 |  | 2 |  | 3 |
Total | $ | 2,690.3 |  |  | $ | 2,452.0 |  | 10 | % | 8 | %
Total revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | $ | 2,023.3 |  |  | $ | 2,072.5 |  | (2 | )% | (2 | )%
International Lead Markets | 1,970.5 |  |  | 1,881.2 |  | 5 |  | 1 |
High Growth Markets | 1,322.1 |  |  | 1,651.3 |  | (20 | ) | (23 | )
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 438.7 |  |  | 819.1 |  | (46 | ) | (47 | )
Total | $ | 5,754.6 |  |  | $ | 6,424.1 |  | (10 | )% | (12 | )%

2

Nine Months Ended September 30, | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  | Inc/ (Dec) |  | Inc/ (Dec) Excluding Currency Translation |
Company-operated sales |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | $ | 2,483.8 |  |  | $ | 2,852.0 |  | (13 | )% | (13 | )%
International Lead Markets | 3,038.9 |  |  | 3,250.7 |  | (7 | ) | (4 | )
High Growth Markets | 3,859.5 |  |  | 4,063.5 |  | (5 | ) | (7 | )
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 663.6 |  |  | 1,476.0 |  | (55 | ) | (56 | )
Total | $ | 10,045.8 |  |  | $ | 11,642.2 |  | (14 | )% | (14 | )%
Franchised revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | $ | 3,516.9 |  |  | $ | 3,363.2 |  | 5 | % | 5 | %
International Lead Markets | 2,388.3 |  |  | 2,201.8 |  | 8 |  | 9 |
High Growth Markets | 679.0 |  |  | 580.6 |  | 17 |  | 17 |
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 850.2 |  |  | 805.2 |  | 6 |  | 8 |
Total | $ | 7,434.4 |  |  | $ | 6,950.8 |  | 7 | % | 7 | %
Total revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | $ | 6,000.7 |  |  | $ | 6,215.2 |  | (3 | )% | (3 | )%
International Lead Markets | 5,427.2 |  |  | 5,452.5 |  | 0 |  | 1 |
High Growth Markets | 4,538.5 |  |  | 4,644.1 |  | (2 | ) | (4 | )
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 1,513.8 |  |  | 2,281.2 |  | (34 | ) | (34 | )
Total | $ | 17,480.2 |  |  | $ | 18,593.0 |  | (6 | )% | (6 | )%

• | Revenues: Revenues decreased 10% (12% in constant currencies) for the quarter and decreased 6% (6% in constant currencies) for the nine months.

• | U.S.: Revenues decreased for both periods as positive comparable sales were more than offset by the impact of refranchising.

• | International Lead Markets: Revenues increased for the quarter due to positive comparable sales across all markets, partly offset by the impact of refranchising. For the nine months, revenues were flat as the benefit from positive comparable sales was offset by foreign currency translation and the impact of refranchising.

• | High Growth Markets: Revenues decreased for both periods as positive comparable sales across most markets were more than offset by the impact of refranchising businesses in China and Hong Kong.

Comparable Sales and Guest Counts
Comparable sales is a key performance indicator used within the retail industry and is reviewed by management to assess business trends. Increases or decreases in comparable sales represent the percent change in constant currency sales from the same period in the prior year for all restaurants, whether operated by the Company or by franchisees, in operation at least thirteen months, including those temporarily closed. Comparable sales are driven by changes in guest counts and average check, which is affected by changes in pricing and product mix. Typically, pricing has a greater impact on average check than product mix.
COMPARABLE SALES

|  | Increase/(Decrease)
|  | Quarters Ended |  | Nine Months Ended
|  | September 30, |  | September 30,
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
U.S. |  | 4.1 | % |  | 1.3 | % |  | 3.3 | % |  | 2.7 | %
International Lead Markets |  | 5.7 |  |  | 3.3 |  |  | 5.0 |  |  | 3.6 |
High Growth Markets |  | 6.2 |  |  | 1.5 |  |  | 5.7 |  |  | 2.2 |
Foundational Markets & Corporate |  | 10.2 |  |  | 10.1 |  |  | 11.3 |  |  | 9.6 |
Total |  | 6.0 | % |  | 3.5 | % |  | 5.6 | % |  | 4.2 | %

On a consolidated basis, comparable guest counts (the number of transactions at all restaurants, whether operated by the Company or by franchisees, in operation at least thirteen months, including those temporarily closed) increased 2.1% and decreased 0.1% for the nine months ended 2017 and 2016, respectively.
3

Systemwide Sales and Franchised Sales
The following tables present Systemwide sales growth rates and franchised sales. Systemwide sales include sales at all restaurants, whether operated by the Company or by franchisees. While franchised sales are not recorded as revenues by the Company, management believes the information is important in understanding the Company's financial performance, because these sales are the basis on which the Company calculates and records franchised revenues and are indicative of the financial health of the franchisee base.
SYSTEMWIDE SALES

| Quarter Ended |  | Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2017
| Inc/ (Dec) |  |  | Inc/ (Dec) Excluding Currency Translation |  |  | Inc/ (Dec) |  |  | Inc/ (Dec) Excluding Currency Translation |
U.S. | 4 | % |  | 4 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 3 | %
International Lead Markets | 11 |  |  | 7 |  |  | 5 |  |  | 6 |
High Growth Markets | 14 |  |  | 11 |  |  | 11 |  |  | 10 |
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 8 |  |  | 12 |  |  | 10 |  |  | 13 |
Total | 8 | % |  | 7 | % |  | 6 | % |  | 7 | %

FRANCHISED SALES
Dollars in millions

Quarters Ended September 30, | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  | Inc/ (Dec) |  | Inc/ (Dec) Excluding Currency Translation |
U.S. | $ | 8,869.2 |  |  | $ | 8,391.0 |  | 6 | % | 6 | %
International Lead Markets | 5,175.7 |  |  | 4,534.1 |  | 14 |  | 10 |
High Growth Markets | 2,083.6 |  |  | 1,305.4 |  | 60 |  | 55 |
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 4,876.1 |  |  | 4,126.0 |  | 18 |  | 23 |
Total | $ | 21,004.6 |  |  | $ | 18,356.5 |  | 14 | % | 14 | %
Ownership type |  |  |  |  |
Conventional franchised | $ | 15,611.2 |  |  | $ | 14,650.9 |  | 7 | % | 5 | %
Developmental licensed | 3,436.5 |  |  | 2,432.8 |  | 41 | % | 46 | %
Foreign affiliated | 1,956.9 |  |  | 1,272.8 |  | 54 | % | 61 | %
Total | $ | 21,004.6 |  |  | $ | 18,356.5 |  | 14 | % | 14 | %
Nine Months Ended September 30, | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  | Inc/ (Dec) |  | Inc/ (Dec) Excluding Currency Translation |
U.S. | $ | 25,574.8 |  |  | $ | 24,356.4 |  | 5 | % | 5 | %
International Lead Markets | 13,787.1 |  |  | 12,760.8 |  | 8 |  | 9 |
High Growth Markets | 4,709.3 |  |  | 3,636.0 |  | 30 |  | 29 |
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 13,227.8 |  |  | 11,117.8 |  | 19 |  | 22 |
Total | $ | 57,299.0 |  |  | $ | 51,871.0 |  | 10 | % | 11 | %
Ownership type |  |  |  |  |
Conventional franchised | $ | 43,856.6 |  |  | $ | 41,881.0 |  | 5 | % | 5 | %
Developmental licensed | 9,111.2 |  |  | 6,612.4 |  | 38 | % | 41 | %
Foreign affiliated | 4,331.2 |  |  | 3,377.6 |  | 28 | % | 32 | %
Total | $ | 57,299.0 |  |  | $ | 51,871.0 |  | 10 | % | 11 | %

4

Restaurant Margins
FRANCHISED AND COMPANY-OPERATED RESTAURANT MARGINS
Dollars in millions

| Percent |  | Amount |  | Inc/ (Dec) Excluding Currency Translation |
Quarters Ended September 30, | 2017 |  | 2016 |  |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | Inc/ (Dec) |
Franchised |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | 82.9 | % | 82.7 | % |  | $ | 1,014.9 |  | $ | 961.4 |  | 6 | % | 6 | %
International Lead Markets | 81.6 |  | 81.2 |  |  | 729.5 |  | 635.4 |  | 15 |  | 11 |
High Growth Markets | 76.0 |  | 71.6 |  |  | 203.1 |  | 150.1 |  | 35 |  | 30 |
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 93.8 |  | 89.8 |  |  | 285.5 |  | 267.5 |  | 7 |  | 8 |
Total | 83.0 | % | 82.1 | % |  | $ | 2,233.0 |  | $ | 2,014.4 |  | 11 | % | 9 | %
Company-operated |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | 15.5 | % | 16.9 | % |  | $ | 124.2 |  | $ | 153.9 |  | (19 | )% | (19 | )%
International Lead Markets | 21.9 |  | 21.6 |  |  | 235.5 |  | 237.9 |  | (1 | ) | (4 | )
High Growth Markets | 18.5 |  | 17.0 |  |  | 195.5 |  | 245.2 |  | (20 | ) | (24 | )
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 21.8 |  | 18.4 |  |  | 29.3 |  | 95.6 |  | (69 | ) | (70 | )
Total | 19.1 | % | 18.4 | % |  | $ | 584.5 |  | $ | 732.6 |  | (20 | )% | (22 | )%
| Percent |  | Amount |  | Inc/ (Dec) Excluding Currency Translation |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | 2017 |  | 2016 |  |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | Inc/ (Dec) |
Franchised |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | 82.4 | % | 82.7 | % |  | $ | 2,898.9 |  | $ | 2,779.7 |  | 4 | % | 4 | %
International Lead Markets | 80.7 |  | 80.2 |  |  | 1,927.5 |  | 1,765.8 |  | 9 |  | 10 |
High Growth Markets | 72.8 |  | 69.9 |  |  | 494.4 |  | 406.0 |  | 22 |  | 22 |
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 92.7 |  | 88.9 |  |  | 788.2 |  | 715.7 |  | 10 |  | 12 |
Total | 82.2 | % | 81.5 | % |  | $ | 6,109.0 |  | $ | 5,667.2 |  | 8 | % | 8 | %
Company-operated |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. | 15.8 | % | 15.9 | % |  | $ | 392.3 |  | $ | 454.4 |  | (14 | )% | (14 | )%
International Lead Markets | 21.2 |  | 20.7 |  |  | 643.2 |  | 673.2 |  | (4 | ) | (2 | )
High Growth Markets | 17.9 |  | 15.3 |  |  | 689.6 |  | 623.4 |  | 11 |  | 9 |
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 18.3 |  | 15.5 |  |  | 121.2 |  | 228.3 |  | (47 | ) | (48 | )
Total | 18.4 | % | 17.0 | % |  | $ | 1,846.3 |  | $ | 1,979.3 |  | (7 | )% | (7 | )%

• | Franchised: Franchised margin dollars increased $218.6 million or 11% (9% in constant currencies) for the quarter and increased $441.8 million or 8% (8% in constant currencies) for the nine months. Both periods benefited from expansion and the impact of refranchising, as well as positive comparable sales performance across all segments.

• | U.S.: The franchised margin percent increased for the quarter and decreased for the nine months. Positive comparable sales contributed to both periods, but for the nine months was more than offset by higher occupancy costs.

• | International Lead Markets: The increase in the franchised margin percent for the quarter and nine months primarily reflected the benefit from strong comparable sales performance, partly offset by the impact of refranchising.

• | High Growth Markets: The increase in the franchised margin percent for the quarter and nine months was due to the impact of refranchising, largely related to the China and Hong Kong transaction, and strong comparable sales performance.

• | Company-operated: Company-operated margin dollars decreased $148.1 million or 20% (22% in constant currencies) for the quarter and decreased $133.0 million or 7% (7% in constant currencies) for the nine months, reflecting the impact of refranchising. The quarter and nine months benefited by approximately $12 million and $94 million, respectively, due to ceasing depreciation on assets considered Held for Sale, primarily in China and Hong Kong.

• | U.S.: The Company-operated margin percent decreased for the quarter and nine months. Both periods reflected strong comparable sales and higher labor costs, while the quarter also reflected higher commodity costs.

• | International Lead Markets: The increase in the Company-operated margin percent for the quarter and nine months was primarily due to strong comparable sales, partly offset by higher labor costs, occupancy costs and commodity costs.

• | High Growth Markets: The increase in the Company-operated margin percent for the quarter and nine months was largely due to strong comparable sales and the benefit from the lower depreciation in China and Hong Kong. This increase was partly offset by the impact of refranchising.

5

The following table presents Company-operated restaurant margin components as a percent of sales.
CONSOLIDATED COMPANY-OPERATED RESTAURANT EXPENSES AND MARGINS AS A PERCENT OF SALES

| Quarters Ended September 30, |  | Nine Months Ended September 30,
| 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |
Food & paper | 31.4 | % |  | 31.8 | % |  | 31.7 | % | 32.1 | %
Payroll & employee benefits | 27.6 |  |  | 26.1 |  |  | 27.5 |  | 27.0 |
Occupancy & other operating expenses | 21.9 |  |  | 23.7 |  |  | 22.4 |  | 23.9 |
Total expenses | 80.9 | % |  | 81.6 | % |  | 81.6 | % | 83.0 | %
Company-operated margins | 19.1 | % |  | 18.4 | % |  | 18.4 | % | 17.0 | %

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses

• | Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $15.9 million or 3% (4% in constant currencies) for the quarter and $143.3 million or 8% (8% in constant currencies) for the nine months. The decreases were primarily due to lower employee-related costs resulting from the Company's ongoing G&A and refranchising initiatives, partly offset by higher restaurant technology spending.

• | For the nine months, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of Systemwide sales decreased to 2.4% for 2017 compared with 2.8% for 2016.

Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net
OTHER OPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
Dollars in millions

| Quarters Ended September 30, |  | Nine Months Ended September 30,
| 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
Gains on sales of restaurant businesses | $ | (63.1 | ) |  | $ | (70.1 | ) |  | $ | (230.9 | ) |  | $ | (219.6 | )
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates | (30.9 | ) |  | (26.7 | ) |  | (101.1 | ) |  | (25.2 | )
Asset dispositions and other (income) expense, net | (29.0 | ) |  | (4.0 | ) |  | (47.1 | ) |  | 1.6 |
Impairment and other charges (gains), net | (705.9 | ) |  | 127.6 |  |  | (687.8 | ) |  | 357.2 |
Total | $ | (828.9 | ) |  | $ | 26.8 |  |  | $ | (1,066.9 | ) |  | $ | 114.0 |

• | Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates improved for the nine months, mainly due to improved performance in Japan.

• | Asset dispositions and other (income) expense, net benefited for the quarter and nine months mainly due to a property disposition gain in Australia. The nine months also benefited from a gain on the strategic sale of a restaurant property in the U.S.

• | Impairment and other charges (gains), net for the quarter and nine months primarily reflected the gain on the Company's sale of its businesses in China and Hong Kong of approximately $850 million, partly offset by $111 million of unrelated non-cash impairment charges. The prior year quarter and nine months reflected strategic charges, consisting of restructuring and non-cash impairment charges related to the Company's global G&A and refranchising initiatives.

6

Operating Income
OPERATING INCOME
Dollars in millions

Quarters Ended September 30, | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | Inc/ (Dec) |  | Inc/ (Dec) Excluding Currency Translation |
U.S. | $ | 1,034.6 |  |  | $ | 977.5 |  |  | 6 | % | 6 | %
International Lead Markets | 913.6 |  |  | 754.1 |  |  | 21 |  | 17 |
High Growth Markets | 1,073.8 |  |  | 320.1 |  |  | n/m |  | n/m |
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 57.4 |  |  | 85.6 |  |  | (33 | ) | (27 | )
Total | $ | 3,079.4 |  |  | $ | 2,137.3 |  |  | 44 | % | 42 | %
Nine Months Ended September 30, | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | Inc/ (Dec) |  | Inc/ (Dec) Excluding Currency Translation |
U.S. | $ | 3,055.4 |  |  | $ | 2,836.6 |  |  | 8 | % | 8 | %
International Lead Markets | 2,356.2 |  |  | 2,127.2 |  |  | 11 |  | 12 |
High Growth Markets | 1,724.0 |  |  | 814.7 |  |  | n/m |  | n/m |
Foundational Markets & Corporate | 272.9 |  |  | (3.0 | ) |  | n/m |  | n/m |
Total | $ | 7,408.5 |  |  | $ | 5,775.5 |  |  | 28 | % | 29 | %

n/m Not meaningful

• | Operating Income: Operating income increased $942.1 million or 44% (42% in constant currencies) for the quarter and increased $1,633.0 million or 28% (29% in constant currencies) for the nine months. Both periods included the benefit of approximately $850 million due to the gain on the sale of the Company's businesses in China and Hong Kong, partly offset by unrelated non-cash impairment charges. Results in 2016 included strategic charges of $128 million for the quarter and $357 million for the nine months. Excluding these current year and prior year items, operating income increased $109 million or 5% (3% in constant currencies) for the quarter and increased $588 million or 10% (10% in constant currencies) for the nine months.

• | U.S.: The increase in operating income for the quarter and nine months reflected higher franchised margin dollars and G&A savings, partly offset by lower Company-operated margin dollars. The nine months also benefited from a gain on the strategic sale of a restaurant property in 2017.

• | International Lead Markets: The constant currency operating income increase for the quarter and nine months was primarily due to improvements in franchised margin dollars across all markets and a property disposition gain in Australia.

• | High Growth Markets: Excluding the gain on the sale of the Company's businesses in China and Hong Kong as well as unrelated non-cash impairment charges, operating income increased 7% (3% in constant currencies) for the quarter and 21% (20% in constant currencies) for the nine months. Results reflect sales driven performance and the impact of refranchising. The nine months included a benefit of $92 million due to lower depreciation expense in China and Hong Kong.

• | Foundational Markets & Corporate: The constant currency operating income decrease for the quarter reflects the Company's refranchising initiatives, and higher G&A costs at the Corporate level due to restaurant technology spending, partly offset by the benefit from comparison to the prior year's strategic charges. The constant currency operating income increase for the nine months reflects the benefit from comparison to the prior year's strategic charges and Japan's improved performance.

• | Operating Margin: Operating margin is defined as operating income as a percent of total revenues. Operating margin was 42.4% and 31.1% for the nine months ended 2017 and 2016, respectively. Excluding the previously described current year gain and current and prior year strategic charges, operating margin was 38.4% and 33.0% for the nine months ended 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Interest Expense

• | Interest expense increased 7% (6% in constant currencies) for the quarter and increased 3% (4% in constant currencies) for the nine months, primarily reflecting higher average debt balances, partly offset by lower average interest rates.

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Nonoperating (Income) Expense, Net
NONOPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
Dollars in millions

| Quarters Ended September 30, |  | Nine Months Ended September 30,
| 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
Interest income | $ | (6.5 | ) |  | $ | 0.8 |  |  | $ | (6.4 | ) |  | $ | (6.0 | )
Foreign currency and hedging activity | 15.4 |  |  | 4.5 |  |  | 11.1 |  |  | (23.2 | )
Other (income) expense, net | 14.3 |  |  | 6.1 |  |  | 29.2 |  |  | 10.0 |
Total | $ | 23.2 |  |  | $ | 11.4 |  |  | $ | 33.9 |  |  | $ | (19.2 | )

Income Taxes

• | The effective income tax rate was 33.2% and 33.0% for the quarters ended 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 32.8% and 31.9% for the nine months ended 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Outlook
The following information is provided to assist in forecasting the Company’s future results.

• | Changes in Systemwide sales are driven by comparable sales and net restaurant unit expansion. The Company expects net restaurant additions to add approximately 1 percentage point to 2017 Systemwide sales growth (in constant currencies).

• | The Company does not generally provide specific guidance on changes in comparable sales. However, as a perspective, assuming no change in cost structure, a 1 percentage point change in comparable sales for either the U.S. or the International Lead segment would change annual diluted earnings per share by about 4 to 5 cents.

• | With about 75% of McDonald's grocery bill comprised of 10 different commodities, a basket of goods approach is the most comprehensive way to look at the Company's commodity costs. For the full-year 2017, costs for the total basket of goods are expected to increase about 1% in the U.S. and increase about 2% in the International Lead segment.

• | The Company expects full-year 2017 selling, general and administrative expenses to decrease about 7% in constant currencies.

• | Based on current interest and foreign currency exchange rates, the Company expects interest expense for the full-year 2017 to increase about 5% compared with 2016 due to higher average debt balances.

• | A significant part of the Company's operating income is generated outside the U.S., and about 35% of its total debt is denominated in foreign currencies. Accordingly, earnings are affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly the Euro, British Pound, Australian Dollar and Canadian Dollar. Collectively, these currencies represent approximately 70% of the Company's operating income outside the U.S. If all four of these currencies moved by 10% in the same direction, the Company's annual diluted earnings per share would change by about 25 cents.

• | The Company expects the effective income tax rate for the full-year 2017 to be in the 32-33% range.

• | The Company expects capital expenditures for 2017 to be approximately $1.7 billion, about one-third of which will be used to open new restaurants. The Company expects to open about 900 restaurants, including about 500 restaurants in affiliated and developmental licensee markets where the Company generally does not fund any capital expenditures. The remaining two-thirds of capital will be used to reinvest in existing locations, including about 650 reimages in the U.S. When combined with previously modernized restaurants that will be updated with Experience of the Future ("EOTF") elements in 2017, we expect to have about 2,500 EOTF restaurants in the U.S. by the end of 2017.

In addition, the Company has other long-term targets that are detailed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
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Restaurant Information
SYSTEMWIDE RESTAURANTS

At September 30, | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | Inc/ (Dec) |
U.S. | 14,063 |  | 14,177 |  | (114 | )
International Lead Markets |  |  |
Germany | 1,477 |  | 1,474 |  | 3 |
Canada | 1,451 |  | 1,440 |  | 11 |
France | 1,434 |  | 1,392 |  | 42 |
United Kingdom | 1,277 |  | 1,265 |  | 12 |
Australia | 959 |  | 955 |  | 4 |
Other | 285 |  | 282 |  | 3 |
Total International Lead Markets | 6,883 |  | 6,808 |  | 75 |
High Growth Markets |  |  |
China | 2,541 |  | 2,280 |  | 261 |
Russia | 624 |  | 576 |  | 48 |
Italy | 560 |  | 537 |  | 23 |
Spain | 504 |  | 497 |  | 7 |
Korea | 443 |  | 430 |  | 13 |
Other | 1,068 |  | 1,050 |  | 18 |
Total High Growth Markets | 5,740 |  | 5,370 |  | 370 |
Foundational Markets & Corporate |  |  |
Japan | 2,897 |  | 2,912 |  | (15 | )
Brazil | 910 |  | 890 |  | 20 |
Philippines | 548 |  | 500 |  | 48 |
Taiwan | 395 |  | 402 |  | (7 | )
Other | 5,540 |  | 5,556 |  | (16 | )
Total Foundational Markets & Corporate* | 10,290 |  | 10,260 |  | 30 |
Systemwide restaurants | 36,976 |  | 36,615 |  | 361 |
Countries | 120 |  | 120 |  | — |

*Excludes 169 stores in India as the franchise agreements have been terminated
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SYSTEMWIDE RESTAURANTS BY TYPE

At September 30, | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | Inc/ (Dec) |
U.S. |  |  |  |  |
Conventional franchised | 13,131 |  | 13,047 |  | 84 |
Company-operated | 932 |  | 1,130 |  | (198 | )
Total U.S. | 14,063 |  | 14,177 |  | (114 | )
International Lead Markets |  |  |  |  |  |
Conventional franchised | 5,890 |  | 5,685 |  | 205 |
Developmental licensed | 31 |  | 18 |  | 13 |
Total Franchised | 5,921 |  | 5,703 |  | 218 |
Company-operated | 962 |  | 1,105 |  | (143 | )
Total International Lead Markets | 6,883 |  | 6,808 |  | 75 |
High Growth Markets |  |  |  |  |  |
Conventional franchised | 1,651 |  | 1,711 |  | (60 | )
Developmental licensed | 130 |  | 496 |  | (366 | )
Foreign affiliated* | 2,811 |  | 281 |  | 2,530 |
Total Franchised | 4,592 |  | 2,488 |  | 2,104 |
Company-operated | 1,148 |  | 2,882 |  | (1,734 | )
Total High Growth Markets | 5,740 |  | 5,370 |  | 370 |
Foundational Markets & Corporate |  |  |  |  |  |
Conventional franchised | 542 |  | 1,013 |  | (471 | )
Developmental licensed | 6,663 |  | 5,228 |  | 1,435 |
Foreign affiliated** | 2,897 |  | 3,080 |  | (183 | )
Total Franchised | 10,102 |  | 9,321 |  | 781 |
Company-operated | 188 |  | 939 |  | (751 | )
Total Foundational Markets & Corporate | 10,290 |  | 10,260 |  | 30 |
Systemwide |  |  |  |  |  |
Conventional franchised | 21,214 |  | 21,456 |  | (242 | )
Developmental licensed | 6,824 |  | 5,742 |  | 1,082 |
Foreign affiliated | 5,708 |  | 3,361 |  | 2,347 |
Total Franchised | 33,746 |  | 30,559 |  | 3,187 |
Company-operated | 3,230 |  | 6,056 |  | (2,826 | )
Total Systemwide | 36,976 |  | 36,615 |  | 361 |

* China and Hong Kong included in affiliated restaurants as of July 31, 2017
** Excludes 169 stores in India as the franchise agreements have been terminated
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Risk Factors and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this report includes forward-looking statements about future events and circumstances and their effects upon revenues, expenses and business opportunities. Generally speaking, any statement in this report not based upon historical fact is a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by the use of forward-looking words, such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate” and “plan” or similar expressions. In particular, statements regarding our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations regarding our business and industry, including those under "Outlook", are forward-looking statements. They reflect our expectations, are not guarantees of performance and speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we do not undertake to update them. Our expectations (or the underlying assumptions) may change or not be realized, and you should not rely unduly on forward-looking statements. Our business results are subject to a variety of risks, including those that are reflected in the following considerations and factors, as well as elsewhere in our filings with the SEC. If any of these considerations or risks materialize, our expectations may change and our performance may be adversely affected.
If we do not successfully evolve and execute against our business strategies, we may not be able to increase operating income.
To drive future results, our business strategies must be effective in delivering increased guest counts to drive operating income growth. Whether these strategies are successful depends mainly on our System’s ability to:

• | Continue to innovate and differentiate the McDonald’s experience by preparing and serving our food in a way that balances value and convenience to our customers with profitability;

• | Capitalize on our global scale, iconic brand and local market presence to enhance our ability to retain, regain and convert key customer groups;

• | Utilize our more adaptive organizational structure to execute against our initiatives at an accelerated pace;

• | Strengthen customer appeal and augment our digital initiatives, including mobile ordering and delivery, along with EOTF, particularly in the U.S.;

• | Identify and develop restaurant sites consistent with our plans for net growth of Systemwide restaurants; and

• | Operate restaurants with high service levels and optimal capacity while managing the increasing complexity of our restaurant operations.

If we are delayed or unsuccessful in executing our strategies, or if our strategies do not yield the desired results, our business, financial condition and results of operations may suffer.
Our investments to enhance the customer experience, including through technology, may not generate the expected returns.
We will continue to build upon our investments in EOTF, which focus on restaurant modernization and technology and digital engagement in order to transform the restaurant experience. As we accelerate our pace of converting restaurants to EOTF, we are placing renewed emphasis on improving our service model and strengthening relationships with customers, in part through digital channels and loyalty initiatives, as well as mobile ordering and payment systems. We also continue to build on delivery initiatives, which may not generate expected returns. We may not fully realize the intended benefits of these significant investments, or these initiatives may not be well executed, and therefore our business results may suffer.
If we do not anticipate and address evolving consumer preferences, our business could suffer.
Our continued success depends on our System’s ability to anticipate and respond effectively to continuously shifting consumer demographics, and trends in food sourcing, food preparation, food offerings and consumer preferences in the “informal eating out” (IEO) segment. In order to deliver a relevant experience for our customers amidst a highly competitive, value-driven operating environment, we must implement initiatives to adapt at an aggressive pace. There is no assurance that these initiatives will be successful and, if they are not, our financial results could be adversely impacted.
Activities relating to our refranchising and cost savings initiatives remain ongoing and entail various risks.
Our previously announced refranchising and cost saving initiatives remain ongoing. As we continue on those initiatives, the existing risks we face in our business may be intensified. Our efforts to reduce costs and capital expenditures depend, in part, upon our refranchising efforts, which, in turn, depend upon our selection of capable third parties. Our cost savings initiatives also depend upon a variety of factors, including our ability to achieve efficiencies through the consolidation of global, back-office functions. If these various initiatives are not successful, take longer to complete than initially projected, or are not well executed, or if our cost reduction efforts adversely impact our effectiveness, our business operations, financial results and results of operations could be adversely affected.
If pricing, promotional and marketing plans are not effective, our results may be negatively impacted.
Our results depend on the impact of pricing, promotional and marketing plans across the System, and the ability to adjust these plans to respond quickly and effectively to evolving customer preferences, as well as shifting economic and competitive conditions. Existing or future pricing strategies, and the value proposition they represent, are expected to continue to be important components of
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our business strategy; however, they may not be successful and could negatively impact sales and margins. Further, the promotion of menu offerings may yield results below the desired levels.
Additionally, we operate in a complex and costly advertising environment. Our marketing and advertising programs may not be successful, and we may fail to attract and retain customers. Our success depends in part on whether the allocation of our advertising and marketing resources across different channels allows us to reach our customers effectively. If the advertising and marketing programs are not successful, or are not as successful as those of our competitors, our sales, guest counts and market share could decrease.
Failure to preserve the value and relevance of our brand could have an adverse impact on our financial results.
To be successful in the future, we believe we must preserve, enhance and leverage the value of our brand. Brand value is based in part on consumer perceptions. Those perceptions are affected by a variety of factors, including the nutritional content and preparation of our food, the ingredients we use, our business practices and the manner in which we source the commodities we use. Consumer acceptance of our offerings is subject to change for a variety of reasons, and some changes can occur rapidly. For example, nutritional, health and other scientific studies and conclusions, which constantly evolve and may have contradictory implications, drive popular opinion, litigation and regulation (including initiatives intended to drive consumer behavior) in ways that affect the IEO segment or perceptions of our brand generally or relative to available alternatives. Consumer perceptions may also be affected by third parties presenting or promoting adverse commentary or portrayals of the quick-service category of the IEO segment, our brand and/or our operations, our suppliers or our franchisees. If we are unsuccessful in addressing such adverse commentary or portrayals, our brand and our financial results may suffer.
Additionally, the ongoing relevance of our brand may depend on the success of our sustainability initiatives, which require System- wide coordination and alignment. If we are not effective in addressing social responsibility matters or achieving relevant sustainability goals, consumer trust in our brand may suffer. In particular, business incidents or practices that erode consumer trust or confidence, particularly if such incidents or practices receive considerable publicity or result in litigation, can significantly reduce brand value and have a negative impact on our financial results.
We face intense competition in our markets, which could hurt our business.
We compete primarily in the IEO segment, which is highly competitive. We also face sustained, intense competition from traditional, fast casual and other competitors, which may include many non-traditional market participants such as convenience stores, grocery stores and coffee shops. We expect our environment to continue to be highly competitive, and our results in any particular reporting period may be impacted by new or continuing actions of our competitors, which may have a short- or long-term impact on our results.
We compete on the basis of product choice, quality, affordability, service and location. In particular, we believe our ability to compete successfully in the current market environment depends on our ability to improve existing products, develop new products, price our products appropriately, deliver a relevant customer experience, manage the complexity of our restaurant operations and respond effectively to our competitors’ actions or disruptive actions from others which we do not foresee. Recognizing these dependencies, we have intensified our focus in recent periods on strategies to achieve these goals, and we will likely continue to modify our strategies and implement new strategies in the future. There can be no assurance these strategies will be effective, and some strategies may be effective at improving some metrics while adversely affecting other metrics.
Unfavorable general economic conditions could adversely affect our business and financial results.
Our results of operations are substantially affected by economic conditions, which can vary significantly by market and can impact consumer disposable income levels and spending habits. Economic conditions can also be impacted by a variety of factors including hostilities, epidemics and actions taken by governments to manage national and international economic matters, whether through austerity or stimulus measures or trade measures, and initiatives intended to control wages, unemployment, credit availability, inflation, taxation and other economic drivers. Continued adverse economic conditions or adverse changes in economic conditions in our markets could pressure our operating performance, and our business and financial results may suffer.
Our results of operations are also affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect reported earnings.
Supply chain interruptions may increase costs or reduce revenues.
We depend on the effectiveness of our supply chain management to assure reliable and sufficient product supply, including on favorable terms. Although many of the products we sell are sourced from a wide variety of suppliers in countries around the world, certain products have limited suppliers, which may increase our reliance on those suppliers. Supply chain interruptions, including shortages and transportation issues, and price increases can adversely affect us as well as our suppliers and franchisees whose performance may have a significant impact on our results. Such shortages or disruptions could be caused by factors beyond the control of our suppliers, franchisees or us. If we experience interruptions in our System’s supply chain, our costs could increase and it could limit the availability of products critical to our System’s operations.
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Food safety concerns may have an adverse effect on our business.
Our ability to increase sales and profits depends on our System’s ability to meet expectations for safe food and on our ability to manage the potential impact on McDonald’s of food-borne illnesses and food or product safety issues that may arise in the future. Food safety is a top priority, and we dedicate substantial resources to ensure that our customers enjoy safe food products, including as our menu and service model evolve. However, food safety events, including instances of food-borne illness, have occurred in the food industry in the past, and could occur in the future. Instances of food tampering, food contamination or food-borne illness, whether actual or perceived, could adversely affect our brand and reputation as well as our revenues and profits.
Our franchise business model presents a number of risks.
Our success increasingly relies on the financial success and cooperation of our franchisees, including our developmental licensees and affiliates, yet we have limited influence over their operations. Our restaurant margins arise from two sources: fees from franchised restaurants (e.g., rent and royalties based on a percentage of sales) and, to a lesser degree, sales from Company-operated restaurants. Our franchisees manage their businesses independently, and therefore are responsible for the day-to-day operation of their restaurants. The revenues we realize from franchised restaurants are largely dependent on the ability of our franchisees to grow their sales. If our franchisees do not experience sales growth, our revenues and margins could be negatively affected as a result. Also, if sales trends worsen for franchisees, their financial results may deteriorate, which could result in, among other things, restaurant closures, or delayed or reduced payments to us. Our refranchising effort will increase that dependence and the effect of those factors.
Our success also increasingly depends on the willingness and ability of our independent franchisees and affiliates to implement major initiatives, which may include financial investment, and to remain aligned with us on operating, promotional and capital-intensive reinvestment plans. Franchisees’ ability to contribute to the achievement of our plans is dependent in large part on the availability to them of funding at reasonable interest rates and may be negatively impacted by the financial markets in general or by the creditworthiness of our franchisees or the Company. Our operating performance could also be negatively affected if our franchisees experience food safety or other operational problems or project an image inconsistent with our brand and values, particularly if our contractual and other rights and remedies are limited, costly to exercise or subjected to litigation. If franchisees do not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our required standards, the brand’s image and reputation could be harmed, which in turn could hurt our business and operating results.
Our ownership mix also affects our results and financial condition. The decision to own restaurants or to operate under franchise or license agreements is driven by many factors whose interrelationship is complex and changing. Our ability to achieve the benefits of our refranchising strategy, which involves a greater percentage of franchised restaurants, including an increased number of restaurants run by developmental licensees and affiliates, depends on various factors. Those factors include whether we have effectively selected franchisees, licensees and/or affiliates that meet our rigorous standards, and whether their performance and the resulting ownership mix supports our brand and financial objectives.
Challenges with respect to talent management could harm our business.
Effective succession planning is important to our long-term success. Failure to effectively identify, develop and retain key personnel, recruit high-quality candidates and ensure smooth management and personnel transitions could disrupt our business and adversely affect our results.
Our success depends in part on our System’s ability to recruit, motivate and retain a qualified workforce to work in our restaurants in an intensely competitive environment. Increased costs associated with recruiting, motivating and retaining qualified employees to work in our Company-operated restaurants could have a negative impact on our Company-operated margins. Similar concerns apply to our franchisees.
We are also impacted by the costs and other effects of compliance with U.S. and international regulations affecting our workforce, which includes our staff and employees working in our Company-operated restaurants. These regulations are increasingly focused on employment issues, including wage and hour, healthcare, immigration, retirement and other employee benefits and workplace practices. Our potential exposure to reputational and other harm regarding our workplace practices or conditions or those of our independent franchisees or suppliers (or perceptions thereof) could have a negative impact on consumer perceptions of us and our business. Additionally, economic action, such as boycotts, protests, work stoppages or campaigns by labor organizations, could adversely affect us (including our ability to recruit and retain talent) or the franchisees and suppliers that are also part of the McDonald's System and whose performance may have a material impact on our results.
Information technology system failures or interruptions, or breaches of network security, may interrupt our operations.
We are increasingly reliant on technological systems, such as point-of-sale and other in-store systems or platforms, technologies supporting McDonald’s delivery and digital solutions, as well as technologies that facilitate communication and collaboration internally, with affiliated entities, customers or independent third parties to conduct our business, including technology-enabled systems provided to us by third parties. Any failure of these systems could significantly impact our operations and customer experience and perceptions.
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Despite the implementation of security measures, those technology systems and solutions could become vulnerable to damage, disability or failures due to theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events. The third party systems also present the risks faced by the third party’s business, including the credit risk of those parties. If those systems were to fail or otherwise be unavailable, and we were unable to recover in a timely way, we could experience an interruption in our operations.
Furthermore, security breaches have from time to time occurred and may in the future occur involving our systems, the systems of the parties we communicate or collaborate with (including franchisees), or those of third party providers. These may include such things as unauthorized access, denial of service, computer viruses, introduction of malware or ransomware and other disruptive problems caused by hackers. Our information technology systems contain personal, financial and other information that is entrusted to us by our customers, our employees and other third parties, as well as financial, proprietary and other confidential information related to our business. An actual or alleged security breach could result in disruptions, shutdowns, theft or unauthorized disclosure of personal, financial, proprietary or other confidential information. The occurrence of any of these incidents could result in reputational damage, adverse publicity, loss of consumer confidence, reduced sales and profits, complications in executing our growth initiatives and criminal penalties or civil liabilities.
The global scope of our business subjects us to risks that could negatively affect our business.
We encounter differing cultural, regulatory and economic environments within and among the more than 100 countries where McDonald’s restaurants operate, and our ability to achieve our business objectives depends on the System's success in these environments. Meeting customer expectations is complicated by the risks inherent in our global operating environment, and our global success is partially dependent on our System’s ability to leverage operating successes across markets. Planned initiatives may not have appeal across multiple markets with McDonald's customers and could drive unanticipated changes in customer perceptions and guest counts.
Disruptions in operations or price volatility in a market can also result from governmental actions, such as price, foreign exchange or changes in trade-related tariffs or controls, government-mandated closure of our, our franchisees' or our suppliers’ operations, and asset seizures. The cost and disruption of responding to governmental investigations or inquiries, whether or not they have merit, may impact our results and could cause reputational or other harm. Our international success depends in part on the effectiveness of our strategies and brand-building initiatives to reduce our exposure to such governmental investigations or inquiries.
Additionally, challenges and uncertainties are associated with operating in developing markets, which may entail a relatively higher risk of political instability, economic volatility, crime, corruption and social and ethnic unrest. Such challenges may be exacerbated in many cases by a lack of an independent and experienced judiciary and uncertainties in how local law is applied and enforced, including in areas most relevant to commercial transactions and foreign investment. An inability to manage effectively the risks associated with our international operations could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
We may also face challenges and uncertainties in developed markets. For example, as a result of the U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union through a negotiated exit over a period of time, including its recent formal commencement of exit proceedings, it is possible that there will be increased regulatory complexities, as well as potential referenda in the U.K. and/or other European countries, that could cause uncertainty in European or worldwide economic conditions. In the short term, the decision created volatility in certain foreign currency exchange rates, and the resulting depression in those exchange rates may continue. Any of these effects, and others we cannot anticipate, could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could adversely affect the taxes we pay and our profitability.
We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, and our operations, plans and results are affected by tax and other initiatives around the world. In particular, we are affected by the impact of changes to tax laws or policy or related authoritative interpretations, including changes resulting from proposals for comprehensive or corporate tax reforms that may become a key component of budgetary initiatives in the United States or elsewhere. We are also impacted by settlements of pending or any future adjustments proposed by taxing authorities inside and outside of the U.S. in connection with our tax audits, all of which will depend on their timing, nature and scope. Any increases in income tax rates, changes in income tax laws or unfavorable resolution of tax matters could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
Changes in commodity and other operating costs could adversely affect our results of operations.
The profitability of our Company-operated restaurants depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in commodity costs, including food, paper, supplies, fuel, utilities and distribution, and other operating costs, including labor. Any volatility in certain commodity prices could adversely affect our operating results by impacting restaurant profitability. The commodity markets for some of the ingredients we use, such as beef and chicken, are particularly volatile due to factors such as seasonal shifts, climate conditions, industry demand, international commodity markets, food safety concerns, product recalls and government regulation, all of which are beyond our control and, in many instances, unpredictable. We can only partially address future price risk through hedging and other activities, and therefore increases in commodity costs could have an adverse impact on our profitability.
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Increasing regulatory complexity may adversely affect restaurant operations and our financial results.
Our regulatory environment worldwide exposes us to complex compliance and similar risks that could affect our operations and results in material ways. In many of our markets, we are subject to increasing regulation, which has increased our cost of doing business. We are affected by the cost, compliance and other risks associated with the often conflicting and highly prescriptive regulations we face, including where inconsistent standards imposed by multiple governmental authorities can adversely affect our business and increase our exposure to litigation or governmental investigations or proceedings.
Our success depends in part on our ability to manage the impact of new, potential or changing regulations that can affect our business plans and operations. These regulations include product packaging, marketing, the nutritional content and safety of our food and other products, labeling and other disclosure practices. Compliance efforts with those regulations may be affected by ordinary variations in food preparation among our own restaurants and the need to rely on the accuracy and completeness of information from third-party suppliers (particularly given varying requirements and practices for testing and disclosure).
Additionally, we are working to manage the risks and costs to us, our franchisees and our supply chain of the effects of climate change, greenhouse gases, and diminishing energy and water resources. These risks include the increased public focus, including by governmental and nongovernmental organizations, on these and other environmental sustainability matters, such as packaging and waste, animal health and welfare, deforestation and land use. These risks also include the increased pressure to make commitments, set targets or establish additional goals and take actions to meet them. These risks could expose us to market, operational and execution costs or risks. If we are unable to effectively manage the risks associated with our complex regulatory environment, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
We are subject to increasing legal complexity and could be party to litigation that could adversely affect us.
Increasing legal complexity will continue to affect our operations and results in material ways. We could be subject to legal proceedings that may adversely affect our business, including class actions, administrative proceedings, government investigations, employment and personal injury claims, landlord/tenant disputes, disputes with current or former suppliers, claims by current or former franchisees and intellectual property claims (including claims that we infringed another party’s trademarks, copyrights or patents).
Inconsistent standards imposed by governmental authorities can adversely affect our business and increase our exposure to regulatory proceedings or litigation.
Litigation involving our relationship with franchisees and the legal distinction between our franchisees and us for employment law purposes, if determined adversely, could increase costs, negatively impact the business prospects of our franchisees and subject us to incremental liability for their actions. Similarly, although our commercial relationships with our suppliers remain independent, there may be attempts to challenge that independence, which, if determined adversely, could also increase costs, negatively impact the business prospects of our suppliers, and subject us to incremental liability for their actions. We are also subject to legal and compliance risks and associated liability, such as in the areas of privacy and data collection, protection and management, as it relates to information we collect and share when we provide optional technology-related services and platforms to third parties.
Our operating results could also be affected by the following:

• | The relative level of our defense costs, which vary from period to period depending on the number, nature and procedural status of pending proceedings;

• | The cost and other effects of settlements, judgments or consent decrees, which may require us to make disclosures or take other actions that may affect perceptions of our brand and products;

• | Adverse results of pending or future litigation, including litigation challenging the composition and preparation of our products, or the appropriateness or accuracy of our marketing or other communication practices; and

• | The scope and terms of insurance or indemnification protections that we may have.

• | A judgment significantly in excess of any applicable insurance coverage or third party indemnity could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Further, adverse publicity resulting from these claims may hurt our business.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property or adequately ensure that we are not infringing the intellectual property of others, which could harm the value of the McDonald’s brand and our business.
The success of our business depends on our continued ability to use our existing trademarks and service marks in order to increase brand awareness and further develop our branded products in both domestic and international markets. We rely on a combination of trademarks, copyrights, service marks, trade secrets, patents and other intellectual property rights to protect our brand and branded products.
We have registered certain trademarks and have other trademark registrations pending in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions. The trademarks that we currently use have not been registered in all of the countries outside of the United States in which we do business or may do business in the future and may never be registered in all of these countries. The steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property in the United States and foreign countries may not be adequate. In addition, the steps we have taken may not
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adequately ensure that we do not infringe the intellectual property of others, and third parties may claim infringement by us in the future. In particular, we may be involved in intellectual property claims, including often aggressive or opportunistic attempts to enforce patents used in information technology systems, which might affect our operations and results. Any claim of infringement, whether or not it has merit, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation and harm our business.
We cannot ensure that franchisees and other third parties who hold licenses to our intellectual property will not take actions that hurt the value of our intellectual property.
Changes in accounting standards or the recognition of impairment or other charges may adversely affect our future operations and results.
New accounting standards or changes in financial reporting requirements, accounting principles or practices, including with respect to our critical accounting estimates, could adversely affect our future results. We may also be affected by the nature and timing of decisions about underperforming markets or assets, including decisions that result in impairment or other charges that reduce our earnings. In assessing the recoverability of our long-lived assets, we consider changes in economic conditions and make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors. These estimates are highly subjective and can be significantly impacted by many factors such as global and local business and economic conditions, operating costs, inflation, competition, consumer and demographic trends, and our restructuring activities. If our estimates or underlying assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges. If we experience any such changes, they could have a significant adverse effect on our reported results for the affected periods.
A decrease in our credit ratings or an increase in our funding costs could adversely affect our profitability.
Our credit ratings may be negatively affected by our results of operations or changes in our debt levels. As a result, our interest expense, the availability of acceptable counterparties, our ability to obtain funding on favorable terms, collateral requirements and our operating or financial flexibility could all be negatively affected, especially if lenders impose new operating or financial covenants.
Our operations may also be impacted by regulations affecting capital flows, financial markets or financial institutions, which can limit our ability to manage and deploy our liquidity or increase our funding costs. If any of these events were to occur, they could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Trading volatility and price of our common stock may be adversely affected by many factors.
Many factors affect the volatility and price of our common stock in addition to our operating results and prospects. The most important of these factors, some of which are outside our control, are the following:

• | The continuing unpredictable global economic and market conditions;

• | Governmental action or inaction in light of key indicators of economic activity or events that can significantly influence financial markets, particularly in the United States, which is the principal trading market for our common stock, and media reports and commentary about economic or other matters, even when the matter in question does not directly relate to our business;

• | Trading activity in our common stock or trading activity in derivative instruments with respect to our common stock or debt securities, which can be affected by market commentary (including commentary that may be unreliable or incomplete); unauthorized disclosures about our performance, plans or expectations about our business; our actual performance and creditworthiness; investor confidence, driven in part by expectations about our performance; actions by shareholders and others seeking to influence our business strategies; portfolio transactions in our stock by significant shareholders; or trading activity that results from the ordinary course rebalancing of stock indices in which McDonald’s may be included, such as the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average;

• | The impact of our stock repurchase program or dividend rate; and

• | The impact on our results of corporate actions and market and third-party perceptions and assessments of such actions, such as those we may take from time to time as we implement our strategies in light of changing business, legal and tax considerations and evolve our corporate structure.

Events such as severe weather conditions, natural disasters, hostilities and social unrest, among others, can adversely affect our results and prospects.
Severe weather conditions, natural disasters, hostilities and social unrest, terrorist activities, health epidemics or pandemics (or expectations about them) can adversely affect consumer spending and confidence levels and supply availability and costs, as well as the local operations in impacted markets, all of which can affect our results and prospects. Our receipt of proceeds under any insurance we maintain with respect to some of these risks may be delayed or the proceeds may be insufficient to cover our losses fully.
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