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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

2018

or

¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period fromto

Commission file number: 001-36787

RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

OntarioCanada98-1206431

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

130 King Street West, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario

226 Wyecroft Road

Oakville, Ontario

L6K 3X7M5X 1E1
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)

(905) 845-6511

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which  registered

Class B Exchangeable Limited Partnership UnitsToronto Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

☒ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer x  Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  Smaller reporting company  ¨
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of Class B Exchangeable Limited Partnershipexchangeable limited partnership units held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2015,2018, computed by reference to the closing price for such units on the Toronto Stock Exchange on such date, was C$880,995,961.

825,283,770.

The number of the registrant’s Class B exchangeable limited partnership units and Class A common units outstanding as of February 12, 201611, 2019 was 227,992,722207,510,471 units and 202,006,067 units, respectively.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the definitive proxy statement of Restaurant Brands International Inc., the registrant’s general partner, for the 20152019 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of Restaurant Brands International Inc., which is to be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2015,2018, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.




Table of Contents


RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

2015

2018 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Page
PART IItem 1.

Item 1.

Business

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Item 1A.

11

Item 1B.

26

Item 2.

26

Item 3.

26

Item 4.

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Item 5.

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Item 6.

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Item 7.

33

Item 7A.

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Item 8.

61

Item 9.

130

Item 9A.

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Item 10.

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Item 11.

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Item 12.

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Item 13.

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Item 14.

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Item 15.

Item 16.133

Tim Hortons®, Timbits®, TimCard®Hortons® and Creamy Chocolate Chill®Timbits® are trademarks of Tim Hortons Canadian IP Holdings Limited Partnership.Corporation. Burger King®King® and BK®BK® are trademarks of Burger King Corporation. References to 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012Popeyes®, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen® and 2011Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits® are to the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.trademarks of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we”, “us”, “our” and “Partnership” refer to Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and its subsidiaries.

In this document, we rely on and refer to information regarding the restaurant industry, the quick service restaurant segment and the fast food hamburger restaurant category that has been prepared by the industry research firm The NPD Group, Inc. (which prepares and disseminates Consumer Reported Eating Share Trends, or CREST® data) or compiled from market research reports, analyst reports and other publicly available information. All industry and market data that




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Explanatory Note
We are not cited as being from a specified source are from internal analysis based upon data available from known sources or other proprietary research and analysis.

Explanatory Note

On December 12, 2014, a seriessubsidiary of transactions (the “Transactions”) were completed resulting in Burger King Worldwide, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Burger King Worldwide”), and Tim Hortons Inc., a Canadian corporation (“Tim Hortons”), becoming indirect subsidiaries of Partnership and Restaurant Brands International Inc. (“RBI”).

We are a subsidiary of RBI and the indirect parent of The TDL Group Corp. (“Tim Hortons andHortons”), Burger King Worldwide.Worldwide, Inc. (“Burger King”) and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (“Popeyes”). RBI is our sole general partner and owns all of our outstanding Class A common units (“Class A common units”) and preferred units (“Partnership preferred units”). RBI has the exclusive right, power and authority to manage, control, administer and operate the business and affairs and to make decisions regarding the undertaking and business of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership (“Partnership”) in accordance with the partnership agreement of Partnership (the “partnership agreement”) and applicable laws. There is no board of directors of Partnership. RBI has established a conflicts committee composed entirely of “independent directors” (as such term is defined in the partnership agreement) in order to consent to, approve or direct various enumerated actions on behalf of RBI (in its capacity as our general partner) in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement.

Pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), Partnership is a successor issuer to Burger King Worldwide.King. The Class B exchangeable limited partnership units of Partnership (“(the“Partnership exchangeable units”) are deemed to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and we are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. On December 15, 2014, theThe Partnership exchangeable units began tradingtrade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “QSP”. In addition, on December 15, 2014, RBI’s common shares began tradingtrade on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “QSR”.

We are a reporting issuer in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and, as a result, are subject to theCanadian continuous disclosure and other applicable reporting obligations under applicable Canadian securities laws. Pursuant to an application for exemptive relief made in accordance with National Policy 11-203 – Process for Exemptive Relief Applications in Multiple Jurisdictions, we have received exemptive relief dated October 31, 2014 from the Canadian securities regulators. This exemptive relief exempts us from the continuous disclosure requirements of NI 51-102, effectively allowing us to satisfy our Canadian continuous disclosure obligations by relying on the Canadian continuous disclosure documents filed by RBI, for so long as certain conditions are satisfied. Among these conditions is a requirement that we concurrently send to all holders of Partnership exchangeable units all disclosure materials that RBI sends to its shareholders and a requirement that we separately report all material changes in respect of Partnership that are not also material changes in respect of RBI.

All references to “$” or “dollars” in this report are to the currency of the United States unless otherwise indicated. All references to Canadian dollars“Canadian dollars” or C$“C$” are to the currency of Canada unless otherwise indicated.




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Part I
Item 1.Business

Company Overview

We are a limited partnership originally formed to serve as the indirect parent ofholding company for Tim Hortons and its consolidated subsidiaries and Burger King Worldwideand its consolidated subsidiaries, and, since our acquisition of Popeyes in March 2017, Popeyes and its consolidated subsidiaries. We were formed on August 25, 2014 as a general partnership and registered on October 27, 2014 as a limited partnership in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario generally, and the Ontario Limited Partnerships Actspecifically. We are a subsidiary of RBI, our sole general partner. We are one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant (“QSR”) businessescompanies with more than $30 billion in system-wide sales and over 19,00025,000 restaurants in approximatelymore than 100 countries and U.S. territories as of December 31, 20152018. Our Tim Hortons®, Burger King® and over 110 years of combined brand heritage. OurTim HortonsPopeyes® andBurger King® brands have similar franchisedfranchise business models with complementary daypart mixes.mixes and product platforms. Our twothree iconic brands are managed independently while benefittingbenefiting from global scale and sharing of best practices.

Our Tim Hortons Brand

Founded in 1964, the Tim Hortons brand is one of the largest restaurant chains in North America and the largest in Canada. As of December 31, 2015, we owned or franchised a2018, approximately 100% of total restaurants for each of 4,413 Tim Hortons restaurants, including 3,650 in Canada, 650 in the United States and 113 in the Middle East. Of these restaurants, 4,389 were franchised (approximately 100%) and 24 were company-owned.

Tim Hortons restaurants are quick service restaurants with a menu that includes premium blend coffee, tea, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks, fresh baked goods, including donuts,Timbits®, bagels, muffins, cookies and pastries, grilled paninis, classic sandwiches, wraps, soups and more.

our brands was franchised.

Our Tim Hortons (“TH”) business generates revenue from four sources: (i) sales exclusive to Tim Hortons franchisees related to our supply chain operations, including manufacturing, procurement, warehousing and distribution, as well as sales to retailers; (ii) property revenues from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees; (iii) franchise revenues, consisting primarily of royalties based on a percentage of sales reported by franchise restaurants and franchise fees paid by franchisees; and (iv) sales at Company restaurants.

Our Burger King Brand

Founded in 1954, the Burger King brand is the world’s second largest fast food hamburger restaurant (FFHR) chain as measured by total number of restaurants. As of December 31, 2015, we owned or franchised a total of 15,003 Burger King restaurants in approximately 100 countries and U.S. territories worldwide. Of these restaurants, 14,927 were franchised (approximately 100%) and 76 were company-owned.

Burger King restaurants are quick service restaurants that feature flame-grilled hamburgers, chicken and other specialty sandwiches, french fries, soft drinks and other affordably-priced food items. Burger King restaurants appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers, with multiple dayparts and product platforms appealing to different customer groups. During its over 60 years of operating history, the Burger King brand has developed a scalable and cost-efficient QSR hamburger restaurant model that offers guests fast and delicious food.

Our Burger King (“BK”) business generates revenue from threefollowing sources: (i) franchise revenues, consisting primarily of royalties based on a percentage of sales reported by franchise restaurants and franchise fees paid by franchisees; (ii) property revenues from properties that we lease or sublease to franchisees; and (iii) sales at restaurants owned by us (“Company restaurants.

restaurants”). In addition, our Tim Hortons business generates revenue from sales to franchisees related to our supply chain operations, including manufacturing, procurement, warehousing and distribution, as well as sales to retailers.

Our Industry

Both of our brands operateTim Hortons®Brand

Founded in the QSR segment1964, Tim Hortons (“TH”) is one of the largest donut/coffee/tea restaurant industry. Inchains in North America and the United Stateslargest in Canada as measured by total number of restaurants. As of December 31, 2018, we owned or franchised a total of 4,846 TH restaurants. TH restaurants are quick service restaurants with a menu that includes premium blend coffee, tea, espresso-based hot and Canada, the QSR segmentcold specialty drinks, fresh baked goods, including donuts, Timbits®, bagels, muffins, cookies and pastries, grilled paninis, classic sandwiches, wraps, soups and more.
Our Burger King® Brand
Founded in 1954, Burger King (“BK”) is the world’s second largest segment of thefast food hamburger restaurant industry and has demonstrated growth over a long period of time. According to The NPD Group, Inc. (“NPD Group”FFHR”), which prepares and disseminates CREST® data, QSR consumer spending in the United States and Canada totaled approximately $298 billion for the 12-month period ended November 2015.

Our Tim Hortons brand operates in the donut/coffee/tea category of the QSR segment. According to NPD Group, the donut/coffee/tea category generated customer spending of approximately $8.7 billion in Canada for the 12-month period ended November 2015, representing 35% of chain as measured by total QSR consumer spending. According to NPD Group, for the 12-month period ended November 2015, Tim Hortons accounted for 45% of the Canadian QSR segment and 87% of the donut/coffee/tea category of the Canadian QSR segment, in each case based on the number of guests served.

restaurants. As of December 31, 2018, we owned or franchised a total of 17,796 BK restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. BK restaurants are quick service restaurants that feature flame-grilled hamburgers, chicken and other specialty sandwiches, french fries, soft drinks and other affordably-priced food items.

Our Burger King brand operatesPopeyes® Brand
Founded in the FFHR category of the QSR segment. According to NPD Group, the FFHR category1972, Popeyes (“PLK”) is the world’s second largest category in the QSR segment, generating consumer spendingquick service chicken concept as measured by total number of $74.5 billion in the United States for the 12-month period ended November 2015, representing 27%restaurants. As of December 31, 2018, we owned or franchised a total QSR consumer spending. According to NPD Group, for the 12-month period ended November 2015, Burger King accounted for approximately 12% of total FFHR consumer spending in the United States.

3,102 PLK restaurants. PLK restaurants are quick service restaurants that distinguish themselves with a unique “Louisiana” style menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp and other seafood, red beans and rice and other regional items.

Our Business Strategy

We believe that we have created a financially strong company built upon a foundation of two strong,three thriving, independent brands with significant global growth potential and the opportunity to be one of the most efficient franchised QSR operators in the world.

Accelerate Global Restaurant Growth.We believe there is an attractive opportunity to grow the Tim Hortons and Burger King brands around the world by expanding our presence in existing markets and entering new markets where the brands are not present today. This strategy has been executed over the past five years with the Burger King brand and has led to a significant acceleration in restaurant growth. We are pursuing a similar strategy at TH to grow the brand’s presence globally.

Enhance Guest Service and Experience at Our Restaurants.Guest satisfaction and providing a positive experience in our restaurants for our guests are integral to the success of our brands. We continue to focus on improving our level of service through comprehensive training, improved restaurant operations, reimaged restaurants and appealing menu options. Satisfied guests are more likely to return to our restaurants, which we believe will ultimately drive increased sales and profitability for our franchisees.

Increase Restaurant Sales and Profitability.Restaurant sales and profitability are critical to the success of our franchise partners and our ability to grow our brands around the world. We believe that a focus on relevant menu innovation, operational simplification and excellence, compelling marketing communications and investment in a modern image for our restaurant base will allow us to continue to grow the same store sales of our existing restaurants. We are also focused on growing franchisee profitability by leveraging our global scale and using data to benchmark performance and identify areas of focus for our teams.

Become the Most Efficient Franchised QSR Operator through a Constant Focus on Costs and Sharing Best Practices.We have achieved significant cost efficiencies at TH and BK through a Zero Based Budgeting cost management system. This annual planning method is designed to build a strong ownership culture by requiring departmental budgets to estimate and justify costs and expenditures from a “zero base,” rather than focusing on the prior year’s base. We have also begun to realize synergies across the two brands. We have implemented a global shared services platform and sharing of other non-brand dedicated functions such as finance, human resources, information technology, legal and others and the brands continue to share and leverage best practices.

Preserve Rich Heritages of Both Brands.Both Tim Hortons and Burger King continue to be managed as independent brands with separately managed franchisee relationships. TH has its brand headquarters in Oakville, Ontario and plays a prominent role in local communities through its work with certain charities such as the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation and the Timbits Minor Sports Program. The Burger King brand was founded in Miami over 60 years ago, and BK maintains its brand headquarters in Miami, Florida. BK is an active contributor to its local communities with a particular emphasis on education through the Burger King McLamore Foundation.

Our Global Restaurant Operations

world through our focus on the following strategies:

accelerating net restaurant growth;
enhancing guest service and experience at our restaurants through comprehensive training, improved restaurant operations, reimaged restaurants and appealing menu options;
increasing restaurant sales and profitability which are critical to the success of our franchise partners and our ability to grow our brands around the world;
utilizing technological and digital initiatives to interact with our guests and modernize the operations of our restaurants;
efficiently managing costs and sharing best practices; and
preserving the rich heritage of each of our brands by managing them and their respective franchisee relationships independently and continuing to play a prominent role in local communities.


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Operating Segments

Our business consistedconsists of twothree operating segments, at December 31, 2015. Our TH business is managed in one segmentwhich are also our reportable segments: (1) TH; (2) BK; and our BK business is managed in the other segment.(3) PLK. Additional financial information about our reportable segments can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 26 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The table below sets forth our restaurant portfolio by segment for the periods indicated. Tim Hortons historical pre-combination figures are shown for informational purposes only.

   December 31,
2015
   December 31,
2014
   December 31,
2013
 

Number of system-wide restaurants:

      

TH (1)

   4,413     4,258     4,114  

BK

   15,003     14,372     13,667  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total system-wide restaurants

   19,416     18,630     17,781  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Excludes 398, 413 and 371 limited service kiosks as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015, we revised our presentation of restaurant counts to exclude limited service kiosks, with the revision applied retrospectively to the earliest period presented to provide period-to-period comparability.

Of the total number of Tim Hortons restaurants as of December 31, 2015, 82.7% were located in Canada, 14.7% in the U.S. and 2.6% in the Middle East. In the U.S., Tim Hortons restaurants are located in 18 states, concentrated in the Northeast in New York, and in the Midwest in Michigan and Ohio. In Canada, Tim Hortons typically retains a controlling interest in the real estate for system restaurants that it develops by either owning the land and building, leasing the land and owning the building, or leasing both the land and building.

Operations.”

Restaurant Development
As part of our development approach for Tim Hortonsour brands in the U.S., we have granted limited exclusivitydevelopment rights in specific areas to developersfranchisees in connection with area representative and area development agreements where the developers are investing their own capital to develop restaurants. We entered into two area representative and development agreements for the Cincinnati and Columbus designated market areas in 2015.agreements. We expect to enter into similar area development and area representative arrangements in the U.S. in 2016.2019 and beyond. In Canada, we have not granted exclusive or protected areas to any Tim Hortons franchisees.

Historically, international activities have not contributed significantly to Tim Hortons financial results. We have agreementsBK or TH franchisees, with Apparel FZCO for the development and operation of Tim Hortons restaurants in the Middle East. We continue to work towards leveraging our master franchise joint venture model, network of global partners and experienced global development teams to substantially accelerate Tim Hortons international growth over time to bring this iconic brand to the rest of the world.

Of the total number of Burger King restaurants as of December 31, 2015, 47.5% were located in the U.S. and 52.5% were located in our markets outside of the U.S. Since 2010, the Burger King brand has increased annual net restaurant growth by approximately four times, reaching 631 net new units in 2015 from 173 new units in 2010 and making it one of the fastest growing QSRs in the world.

limited exceptions.

As part of our international growth strategy for the Burger King brand,all of our brands, we have established master franchise and development agreements in a number of markets. For BK and TH, we have also created strategic master franchise joint ventures in a number of markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), Asia Pacific (“APAC”) and Latin America and the Caribbean (“LAC”) andwhich we received a meaningful minority equity stake in each joint venture. We have also entered into master franchise and development agreements in a number of markets across EMEA, APAC and LAC with well-capitalized partners supported by strong local management teams. Our partners make substantial upfront equity commitments and agree to aggressive development targets. We will continue to evaluate opportunities to accelerate international development of all three of our Burger King brand,brands, including through the establishment of master franchises with exclusive development rights and joint ventures with new and existing franchisees. We believe there are significant growth opportunities throughout EMEA, APAC and LAC.

Advertising and Promotions

In general, franchisees fund substantially all of the marketing programs for each of our Tim Hortons and Burger King brands by making contributions ranging from 3.5%2.0% to 5.0% of gross sales to advertising funds that we manage.managed by us or by the franchisees. Advertising contributions are used to pay for expenses relating to marketing, advertising and promotion, including market research, production, advertising costs, sales promotions, social media campaigns, technology initiatives and other support functions for the respective brands.

We manage the advertising funds for botheach of our brands in the U.S. and Canada, as well as in certain other markets where Burger King Worldwide has historically operated Company restaurants.for BK. However, in many of BK’s international markets, including the markets managed by master franchisees, franchisees make contributions into franchisee-managed advertising funds. As part of our global marketing strategy, we provide Burger King franchisees with advertising support and guidance in order to deliver a consistent global brand message.

Product Development

New product development is a key driver of the long-term success for both of our brands. We believe the development of new products can drive traffic by expanding our customer base, allowing restaurants to expand into new dayparts, and continuing to build brand leadership in food quality and taste. ProductBased on guest feedback, we drive product innovation begins with an intensive, data-driven research and development process that analyzes potential new menu items, including extensive consumer testing and ongoing analysisin order to satisfy the needs of our guests around the economics of food cost, margin and final price point.

A core strategy and success for our Tim Hortons brand remains a strong pipeline of differentiated product innovation. In 2015, we solidified previous innovation successes including Dark Roast Coffee and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. In 2015, we had additional innovation successes, including Nutella based products, our grilled wraps and theCreamy Chocolate Chill® beverage. We plan to maintain brand focus on leveraging our strength in hot and cold beverage while expanding our daypart presence with exciting new food and baked good offerings.

In 2015, we continued to implement our strategy for the Burger King brand of launching fewer, more impactful products to simplify in-restaurant operations and reduce waste, focus the innovation pipeline and spend media dollars more wisely in a few high-impact areas. We believe that we have had significant successes on each of these fronts and this, paired with our continued compelling value offerings, have translated to significant momentum for the brand in 2015.world. This strategy will continue to be a focus of the brand for 2016in 2019 and beyond.

Operations Support

Our operations strategy is designed to deliver best-in-class restaurant operations by Tim Hortonsour franchisees and Burger King franchisees andto improve friendliness, cleanliness, speed of service and overall guest satisfaction to drive long-term growth. Bothsatisfaction. Each of our brands havehas uniform operating standards and specifications relating to product quality, cleanliness and maintenance of the premises. In addition, Tim Hortons and Burger Kingour restaurants are required to be operated in accordance with quality assurance and health standards whichthat each brand has established, as well as standards set by applicable governmental laws and regulations. Each franchisee typically participates in initial and ongoing training programs to learn all aspects of operating a Tim Hortons or Burger King restaurant in accordance with each brand’s operating standards.

Manufacturing, Supply and Distribution

In general, we approve the manufacturers of the food, packaging, and equipment products and other products used in restaurants for each of our Tim Hortons and Burger King restaurants.brands. We have a comprehensive supplier approval process, which requires all products to pass our quality standards and the supplier’s manufacturing process and facilities to pass on-site food safety inspections. Our franchisees are required to purchase substantially all food and other products from approved suppliers and distributors.

Tim Hortons

TH products are sourced from a combination of third-party suppliers and our own manufacturing facilities. WeTo protect our proprietary blends, we operate two wholly-owned coffee roasting facilities in Hamilton,Ancaster, Ontario and Rochester, New York, where we blend all of the coffee for our Tim HortonsTH restaurants to protect the proprietary blend of our premium restaurant coffee and, where practical, for our take home, packaged coffee. Our fondant and fills manufacturing facility in Oakville, Ontario produces, and is the primary supplier of, the ready-to-use glaze, fondants, fills and fillssyrups which are used in connection with a number of Tim HortonsTH products. We currently purchase allAs of December 31, 2018, we have only one or a few suppliers to service each category of products sold at our donuts andTimbits® from a single supplier.

system restaurants.

We sell most other raw materials and supplies, including coffee, sugar, paper goods and other restaurant supplies, to Tim Hortons restaurants.TH restaurants in Canada and the U.S. We purchase those raw materials from multiple suppliers and generally have alternative sources of supply for each. While we have multiple suppliers for coffee from various coffee-producing regions, the available supply and price for high-qualityhigh-


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quality coffee beans can fluctuate dramatically. Accordingly, we monitor world market conditions for green (unroasted) coffee and contract for future supply volumes to obtain expected requirements of high-quality coffee beans at acceptable prices.

Our TH business has significant supply chain operations, including procurement, warehousing and distribution, to supply paper and dry goods to a substantial majority of our Canadian restaurants, and procure and supply frozen baked goods and some refrigerated products to most of our Ontario and Quebec restaurants. We act as a distributor to Tim HortonsTH restaurants in Canada through five distribution centers located in Canada. In 2018, we announced plans to build two new warehouses in Western Canada and to renovate an existing warehouse in Eastern Canada to facilitate the supply of frozen and refrigerated products in those markets. We expect to complete these projects in 2020. We own or lease a significant number of trucks and trailers that regularly deliver to most of our Canadian restaurants. In the U.S., we supply similar products to system restaurants through third-party distributors.

All of the products used in our Burger KingBK and PLK restaurants are sourced from third-party suppliers. Restaurant Services, Inc. (“RSI”)In the U.S. and Canada, there is thea purchasing agentcooperative for the Burger King system in the United States andeach brand that negotiates the purchase terms for most equipment, food, beverages (other than branded soft drinks)drinks which we negotiate separately under long-term agreements) and other products used in Burger KingBK and PLK restaurants. RSIThe purchasing agent is also authorized to purchase and manage distribution services on behalf of most of the Burger KingBK and PLK restaurants in the United States.U.S. and Canada. PLK also utilizes exclusive suppliers for certain of its proprietary products. As of December 31, 2015,2018, four distributors serviced approximately 88.7%87% of BK restaurants in the U.S. systemand five distributors serviced approximately 85% of PLK restaurants andin the loss of any one of these distributors would likely adversely affect our business.

U.S.

In 2000, Burger King Corporation entered into long-term exclusive contracts with The Coca-Cola Company and Dr Pepper/Snapple, Inc. to supply Burger KingBK restaurants with their products and which obligate restaurants in the United StatesU.S. to purchase a specified number of gallons of soft drink syrup. These volume commitments are not subject to any time limit. As of December 31, 2015,2018, we estimate that it will take approximately 157 years to complete the Coca-Cola purchase commitment and approximately 11 years to complete the Dr Pepper/Snapple, Inc. purchase commitments.commitment. If these agreements were terminated, we would be obligated to pay an aggregate amount equal to approximately $530$413 million as of December 31, 20152018 based on an amount per gallon for each gallon of soft drink syrup remaining in the purchase commitments, interest and certain other costs.

In 2014, Tim Hortons We have also entered into an agreementlong-term beverage supply arrangements with a supplier requiring minimum purchase obligations, withincertain major beverage vendors for the normal course of operations. As of December 31, 2015, there is a minimum purchase obligation based on a percentage of our requirements of approximately $92 million remaining over a four year term.

TH and PLK brands in the U.S. and Canada.

Franchise Agreements and Other Arrangements

General. We grant franchisesfranchisees the right to operate restaurants using Tim Hortons and Burger Kingour trademarks, trade dress and other intellectual property, uniform operating procedures, consistent quality of products and services and standard procedures for inventory control and management. For each franchise restaurant, we generally enter into a franchise agreement covering a standard set of terms and conditions. Recurring fees consist of periodic royalty and advertising payments. Franchisees report gross sales on a monthly or weekly basis and pay royalties based on gross sales.

Franchise agreements are generally not assignable without our consent. Our Tim HortonsTH franchise agreements grant us the right to reacquire a restaurant under certain circumstances, and our Burger King BK and PLKfranchise agreements generally have a right of first refusal if a franchisee proposes to sell a restaurant. Defaults (including non-payment of royalties or advertising contributions, or failure to operate in compliance with our standards) can lead to termination of the franchise agreement.

U.S. and Canada. Tim Hortons TH franchisees in the U.S. and Canada operate under several types of license agreements, with a typical term for a standard restaurant of 10 years plus renewal period(s) of approximately 10 years in the aggregate. Tim Hortonsaggregate for Canada and a typical term of 20 years for the U.S. TH franchisees who lease land and/or buildings from us typically pay a royalty of 3.0% to 4.5% of weekly restaurant gross sales. Our license agreements contemplate a one-time franchise fee which must be paid in full before the restaurant opens for business and upon the grant of an additional term. Under a separate lease or sublease, Tim HortonsTH franchisees typically pay monthly rent based on the greater of a fixed monthly payment and contingent rental payments based on a percentage (usually 8.5% to 10.0%) of monthly gross sales or flow through monthly rent based on the terms of an underlying lease. Where the franchisee owns the premises, leases it from a third party or enters into a flow through lease with Tim Hortons,TH, the royalty is typically increased. In addition, the royalty rates under license agreements entered into in connection with non-standard restaurants, including self-serve kiosks and strategic alliances with third parties, may vary from those described above and are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. For some existing Tim Hortons franchisees in Canada and the U.S., we have entered into operator agreements, in which the operator acquires the right to operate a Tim Hortons restaurant, but we continue to be the owner of the equipment, signage and trade fixtures. Such arrangements usually require the operator to pay approximately 20% of the restaurant’s weekly gross sales to us. These operators also make the required contributions to our advertising funds, described above. In any such arrangement, we and the operator each have the option to terminate the agreement upon 30 days’ notice.

The typical Burger KingBK and PLK franchise agreement in the U.S. and Canada has a 20-year term (for both initial grants and renewals of franchises) and contemplates a one-time franchise fee which must be paid in full before the restaurant opens for business, or in the case of renewal, before expiration of the current franchise term.fee. Subject to the incentive programs described below, most new Burger KingBK franchise restaurants in the U.S. and Canada pay a royalty on gross sales of 4.5% and most PLK restaurants in the United States.

U.S. and Canada pay a royalty on gross sales of 5.0%. BK franchise agreements typically provide for a 20-year renewal term, and PLK franchise agreements typically provide for two 10-year renewal terms.

In an effort to improve the image of our BK restaurants in the United States,U.S., we offered Burger KingU.S. franchisees in the U.S. reduced up-front franchise fees and limited-term royalty and advertising fund rate reductions to remodel restaurants to our modern image during 20142016, 2017 and 20152018 and we plan to continue to offer remodel incentives to U.S. franchisees during 2016. At December 31, 2015, approximately 50% of the U.S. system was on the modern image.2019. These limited-term incentive programs are expected to negatively impact our effective royalty rate until 2021.2027. However, we expect this impact to be partially mitigated as incentive programs granted in prior years will expire and we will also be entering into new franchise agreements for Burger KingBK restaurants in


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the United StatesU.S. with a 4.5% royalty rate.

For PLK, we offered development incentive programs in 2017 pursuant to which we reduced or waived franchise fees and royalty payments to encourage our PLK franchisees to develop and open new restaurants. Most of these programs were discontinued in 2018.

International. Historically, we entered into franchise agreements for each Burger KingBK restaurant in our international markets with up-front franchise fees and monthly royalties and advertising contributions eachtypically of up to 5.0% of gross sales. However, as part of ourthe international growth strategy for each of our brands, we have increasingly entered into master franchise agreements or development agreements that grant franchisees exclusive or non-exclusive development rights and, in some cases, require them to provide support services to other franchisees in their markets. In 2018, we entered into master franchise agreements for the TH brand in China, for the PLK brand in Brazil and the Philippines, and for the BK brand in the Netherlands. The up-front franchise fees and royalty rate paid by master franchisees or exclusive developers vary from country to country, depending on the facts and circumstances of each market. We have agreements with Apparel FZCOexpect to continue implementing similar arrangements for the developmentour brands in 2019 and operation of Tim Hortons restaurants in the Middle East. Under these agreements, Apparel pays us up-front franchise fees upon the opening of each location, monthly royalties, and product and equipment sales.

beyond.

Franchise Restaurant Leases. We leased or subleased 3,5653,571 properties to Tim HortonsTH franchisees, 1,634 properties to BK franchisees, and 1,84779 properties to Burger KingPLK franchisees as of December 31, 20152018 pursuant to separate lease agreements with these franchisees. For properties that we lease from third-party landlords and sublease to franchisees, our leases generally provide for fixed rental payments and may provide for contingent rental payments based on a restaurant’s annual gross sales. Franchisees who lease land only or land and building from us do so on a “triple net” basis. Under these triple net leases, the franchisee is obligated to pay all costs and expenses, including all real property taxes and assessments, repairs and maintenance and insurance.

Intellectual Property

We own valuable intellectual property relating to our Tim Hortons and Burger King brands, including trademarks, service marks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets and other proprietary information.information, some of which are of material importance to our TH, BK and PLK businesses. We have established the standards and specifications for most of the goods and services used in the development, improvement and operation of our Tim Hortons and Burger King restaurants. These proprietary standards, specifications and restaurant operating procedures are our trade secrets. Additionally, we own certain patents of varying duration relating to equipment used in Burger KingBK and TH restaurants.

As

Competition
Each of December 31, 2015, we owned 491 Tim Hortons trademark and service mark registrations and applications and 592 domain name registrations around the world, some of which are of material importance to our TH business. As of December 31, 2015, we owned 4,604 Burger King trademark and service mark registrations and applications and approximately 1,044 domain name registrations around the world, some of which are of material importance to our BK business.

Competition

Our Tim Hortons and Burger King brands competecompetes in the United States,U.S., Canada and internationally with many well-established food service companies on the basis of product choice, quality, affordability, service and location. OurWith few barriers to entry to the restaurant industry, our competitors include a variety of independent local operators, in addition to well-capitalized regional, national and international restaurant chains and franchises.franchises, and new competitors may emerge at any time. We also compete for consumer dining dollars with national, regional and local (i) quick service restaurants that offer alternative menus, (ii) casual and “fast casual” restaurant chains and (iii) convenience stores and grocery stores. Tim Hortons competitorsFurthermore, delivery aggregators and other food delivery services provide consumers with convenient access to a broad range from small local independent operators to well-capitalized national and regional chains, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Panera Bread, Subway and Wendy’s. Additionally, Tim Hortons competes with alternative methods of brewed coffee for home use. In the FFHR industry Burger King’s principal competitors are McDonald’s and Wendy’s, as well as regional hamburgercompeting restaurant chains such as Carl’s Jr., Jackand food retailers, particularly in the Box and Sonic.

The restaurant industry has few barriers to entry, and therefore new competitors may emerge at any time.

urban areas.

Government Regulations and Affairs

General. As manufacturers and distributors of food products, we We and our franchisees are subject to various laws and regulations including (i) licensing and regulation by federal, state, provincial, and/or municipal departments relating to the environment, health, food preparation, sanitation and safety standards and, for our distribution business, traffic and transportation regulations; federal, provincial,(ii) information security, privacy and state labor laws (including applicable minimum wage requirements, temporary foreign workers, overtime, workingconsumer protection laws; and safety conditions and employment eligibility requirements); federal, provincial, and state laws prohibiting discrimination; federal, provincial, state and local tax laws and regulations; and(iii) other laws regulating the design, accessibility and operation of facilities, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, theAccessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and similar Canadian federal and provincial legislation that can have a significant impact on our franchisees and our performance. These regulations include food safety regulations, including supervision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and its international equivalents, which govern the manufacture, labeling, packaging and safety of food. In addition, we are or may become subject to legislation or regulation seeking to tax and/or regulate high-fat, high-calorie and high-sodium foods, particularly in Canada, the United States,U.S., the United Kingdom and Spain. Certain counties,countries, provinces, states and municipalities have approved menu labeling legislation that requires restaurant chains to provide caloric information on menu boards, and menu labeling legislation has also been adopted on the U.S. federal level.

level as well as in Ontario.

U.S. and Canada. We and our franchisees are subject to Canadian and U.S. laws affecting the operation of their Our restaurants and their business. Each Tim Hortons and Burger King restaurant must comply with licensing requirements and regulations by a number of governmental authorities, which include zoning, health, safety, sanitation, building and fire agencies in the jurisdiction in which the restaurant is located. We and our franchisees are also subject to various employment laws, including laws governing union organizing, working conditions, work authorization requirements, health insurance, overtime and wages.

In addition, we and our U.S. franchisees are subject to the U.S., wePatient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

We are subject to federal franchising laws adopted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”(the “FTC”). In addition, a number of states in the U.S., and the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, New Brunswickstate and British Columbia, have enacted or are in the final stages of enacting legislation that affects companies involved in franchising.provincial franchising laws. Much of the

legislation and rules adopted have been aimed at providing detailed disclosure to a prospective franchisee, duties of good faith as between the franchisor and the franchisee, and/or periodic registration by the franchisor with



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applicable regulatory agencies. Additionally, some U.S. states have enacted or are considering enacting legislation that governs the termination or non-renewal of a franchise agreement and other aspects of the franchise relationship.

International. Internationally, we and our franchisees are subject to national and local laws and regulations that often are similar to those affecting themus and theirour franchisees in Canadathe U.S. and the U.S., including laws and regulations concerning franchising, zoning, health, safety, sanitation, and building and fire codes.Canada. We and our franchisees are also subject to a variety of tariffs and regulations on imported commodities and equipment, and laws regulating foreign investment.

Environmental Matters

We and our franchisees are subject to various federal, state, provincial and local environmental regulations.

Various laws concerning the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and restaurant waste and the operation of restaurants in environmentally sensitive locations may impact aspects of our operations and the operations of our franchisees; however, we do not believe that compliance with applicable environmental regulations is not believed towill have a material effect on our capital expenditures, financial condition, results of operations, or our competitive position. Increased focus by U.S., Canadian and overseasinternational governmental authorities on environmental matters is likely to lead to new governmental initiatives, particularly in the area of climate change. ToWhile we cannot predict the extent thatprecise nature of these initiatives, cause an increase in our supply or distribution costs,we expect that they may impact our business both directly and indirectly. Furthermore,There is a possibility that government initiatives, or actual or perceived effect of changes in weather patterns, climate change may exacerbate adverse weather conditions, whichor water resources could adverselyhave a direct impact ouron the operations and/or increase the cost of our food and other suppliesbrands in ways that we cannot predict at this time.

Seasonal Operations

Our TH and BK businesses are moderately seasonal. Our Tim Hortons and Burger King restaurant sales are typically higher in the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer than in the fall and winter months. Our restaurant sales are typically lowest during the winter months, which include February, the shortest month of the year.months. Furthermore, adverse weather conditions can have material adverse effects on restaurant sales. The timing of holidays may also impact restaurant sales. Because our businesses are moderately seasonal, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for any other quarter or for the full fiscal year.

Our Employees

As of December 31, 2015,2018, we had approximately 4,3006,000 employees in our restaurant support centers, regional offices, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, field operations and Company restaurants. Our franchisees are independent business owners so their employees are not our employees and therefore are not included in our employee count.

Available Information

We make available free of charge on or through the Investor Relations section of our internet website atwww.rbi.com, all materials that we file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including this annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing or furnishing such material with the SEC and with the Canadian Securities Administrators. This information is also available at www.sec.gov, an internet site maintained by the SEC that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, and on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) at www.sedar.com, a website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators. The material may also be read and copied by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F. Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The references to our website address, the SEC’s website address and the website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained in these websites and should be not considered part of this document.

A copy of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Ethics and Conduct for Non-Restaurant Employees, Code of Ethics for Executive Officers, Code of Conduct for Directors and the Charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Conflicts Committee and Operations and Strategy Committee of the board of directors of RBI are posted in the Investor Relations section of ourRBI’s website at www.rbi.com.

Our principal executive offices are located at 226 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON,130 King Street West, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M5X 1E1, Canada. Our telephone number is (905) 845-6511.

Item 1A.Risk Factors



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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business
We face intense competition in our Business

Our success depends onmarkets, which could negatively impact our ability to compete with our major competitors, many of which may have greater resources than we do.

business.

The restaurant industry is intensely competitive and we compete in Canada, the United States and internationally with many well-established food service companies that compete on the basis of product choice, quality, affordability, service and location. OurWith few barriers to entry, our competitors include a variety of independent local operators, in addition to well-capitalized regional, national and international restaurant chains and franchises. Furthermore, the restaurant industry has few barriers to entry,franchises, and therefore new competitors may emerge at any time.

For our Tim Hortons Furthermore, delivery aggregators and Burger King brands, our principal competitors are McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Starbucks, Subway, Dunkin Donuts and Panera Bread as well as, in the casefood delivery services provide consumers with convenient access to a broad range of our Burger King brand, regional hamburger restaurant chains, such as Carl’s Jr., Jack in the Box and Sonic. To a lesser extent, our Tim Hortons and Burger King brands also compete for consumer dining dollars with national, regional and local (i) quick service restaurants that offer alternative menus, (ii) casual and “fast casual”competing restaurant chains and (iii) convenience storesfood retailers, particularly in urbanized areas. Each of our brands also competes for qualified franchisees, suitable restaurant locations and grocery stores.

management and personnel.

Our ability to compete will depend on the success of our plans to improve existing products, to develop and roll-out new products, and product line extensions, to effectively respond to consumer preferences and to manage the complexity of restaurant operations as well as the impact of our competitors’ actions. In addition, our long-term success will depend on our ability to strengthen our customers' digital experience through expanded mobile ordering, delivery and social interaction. Some of our competitors have substantially greater financial resources, higher revenues and greater economies of scale than we do. These advantages may allow them to (1) react to changes in pricing, marketing and the quick service restaurant segment in generalimplement their operational strategies more quickly and moreor effectively than we can (2) rapidly expand new product introductions, (3) spend significantly more on advertising, marketing and other promotional activities than we do,or benefit from changes in technologies, which may give them acould harm our competitive advantage through higher levels of brand awareness among consumers and (4) devote greater resources to accelerate their restaurant remodeling efforts. Moreover, certain of our major competitors have completed the reimaging of a significant percentage of their store base.position. These competitive advantages arising from greater financial resources and economies of scale may be exacerbated in a difficult economy, thereby permitting our competitors to gain market share. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully respond to changing consumer preferences, including with respect to new technologies and alternative methods of delivery. If we are unable to maintain our competitive position, we could experience lower demand for products, downward pressure on prices, reduced margins, an inability to take advantage of new business opportunities, a loss of market share, reduced franchisee profitability and an inability to attract qualified franchisees in the future.

Our success depends on the value of our brands and the failure to preserve their value and relevance either through our actions or those of our franchisees and other partners, could have a negative impact on our financial results.

We depend in large part on the value of the Tim HortonsTH, BK and Burger KingPLK brands. To be successful in the future, we must preserve, enhance and leverage the value of our brands. Brand value is based in part on consumer tastes, preferences and perceptions on a variety of factors, including the nutritional content, methods of production and preparation of our food.products and our business practices. Consumer acceptance of our products may be influenced by or subject to change for a variety of reasons. For example, adverse publicity associated with nutritional, health and other scientific studies and conclusions, which constantly evolve and often have contradictory implications, may drive popular opinion against quick service restaurants in general, which may impact the demand for our products. In addition, adverse publicity related to litigation and regulation (including initiatives intended to drive consumer behavior) may impact the value of our brands by discouraging customers from buying our products.

Moreover, health campaigns against products we offer in favor of foods that are perceived as healthier may affect consumer perception of our product offerings and impact the value of our brands.

In addition, adverse publicity related to litigation, regulation (including initiatives intended to drive consumer behavior) or incidents involving us, our franchisees, competitors or suppliers may impact the value of our brands by discouraging customers from buying our products. Perceptions may also be affected by activist campaigns to promote adverse perceptions of the quick service restaurant industry or our brands and/or our operations, suppliers, franchisees or other partners.partners such as campaigns aimed at sustainability or living-wage opinions. Consumer demand for our products and our brand equity could diminish if we, our employees or our franchisees or other business partners fail to preserve the quality of our products, act or are perceived to act as unethical, illegal, racially-biased or in a socially irresponsible manner, including with respect to the sourcing, content or sale of our products or the use of consumer data for general or direct marketing or other purposes, fail to comply with laws and regulations, publicly take controversial positions or actions or fail to deliver a consistently positive consumer experience in each of our markets. If we are unsuccessful in addressing consumer adverse perceptions, our brands and our financial results may suffer.

Economic conditions have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, consumer discretionary spending which could negatively impact our business and operating results.

We believe that our restaurant sales, guest traffic and profitability are strongly correlated to consumer discretionary spending, which is influenced by general economic conditions, unemployment levels, the availability of discretionary income and, ultimately, consumer confidence. A protracted economic slowdown, increased unemployment and underemployment of our customer base, decreased salaries and wage rates, increased energy prices, inflation, foreclosures, rising interest rates or other industry-wide cost pressures adversely affect consumer behavior by weakening consumer confidence and decreasing consumer spending for restaurant dining occasions. There can be no assurance that governmental or other responses to economic challenges will restore or maintain consumer confidence. As a result of


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these factors, during recessionary periods we and our franchisees may experience reduced revenues and sales deleverage, spreading fixed costs across a lower level of sales and causing downward pressure onprofitability, which may cause our profitabilitybusiness and the profitability of our franchisees. These factors may also reduce sales at franchise restaurants, resulting in lower royalty payments from franchisees.

operating results to suffer.

Our substantial leverage and obligations to service our debt and preferred shares could adversely affect our business.

As of December 31, 2015,2018, we had aggregate outstanding indebtedness of $8,725.6$12,038 million, including a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $5,097.7$6,338 million, senior secured first lien notes in an aggregate principal amount of $1,250.0$2,750 million and senior secured second lien notes in an aggregate principal amount of $2,250.0$2,800 million. As of December 31, 2015, we also had outstanding 68.5 million Class A 9.0% cumulative compounding perpetual voting preferred shares entitling the holders thereof to receive cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of 9.0% on the amount of the purchase price per preferred share, payable quarterly in arrears, and potentially to receive make-whole dividend payments. Subject to restrictions set forth in these instruments, we may also incur significant additional indebtedness in the future, some of which may be secured debt. This may have the effect of increasing our total leverage.

Our substantial leverage could have important potential consequences, including, but not limited to:

increasing our vulnerability to, and reducing our flexibility to respond to, changes in our business and general adverse economic and industry conditions;

requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal of, and interest on, indebtedness,our debt service, thereby reducing the availability of such cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, joint ventures, product research, dividends,distributions, share repurchases and development or other corporate purposes;

increasing our vulnerability to, and limiting our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in our business and the competitive environment and the industry in which we operate;

increasing our vulnerability to a downgrade of our credit rating, which could adversely affect our cost of funds, liquidity and access to capital markets;

placing us at a competitive disadvantage as compared to certain of our competitors to the extent that theywho are not as highly leveraged;

restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;

exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as borrowings under our credit facilities are subject to variable rates of interest;

making it more difficult for us to repay, refinance or satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt;

limiting our ability to borrow additional funds in the future and increasing the cost of any such borrowing; and

exposing us to risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency as we earn profits in a variety of currencies around the world and substantially all of our debt is denominated in U.S. dollars.

There is no assurance that we will generate cash flow from operations or that future debt or equity financings will be available to us to enable us to pay our indebtedness or dividends on preferred shares or to fund other needs. As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. There is no assurance that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all. AnyAn inability to generate sufficient cash flow or refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

We are subject to restrictive debt covenants, which

The terms of our indebtedness limit our ability to take certain actions and perform certain corporate functions.

functions, and could have the effect of delaying or preventing a future change of control.

The terms of our indebtedness include a number of restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to:

incur additional indebtedness or guarantee or prepay indebtedness;

pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of capital stock;

make investments or acquisitions;

create liens or use assets as security in other transactions;

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of substantially all of our or our subsidiaries’ assets;

enter into agreements restricting the ability to pay dividends or make other intercompany transactions; and

enter into transactions with affiliates; andaffiliates.

prepay certain kinds of indebtedness.

We cannot assure you that any of theseThese limitations will notmay hinder our ability to finance future operations and capital needs and our ability to pursue business opportunities and activities that may be in our interest. In addition, our ability to comply with these covenants and restrictions may be affected by events beyond our control.

A breach of the covenants under our indebtedness could result in an event of default under the applicable agreement. Such aIn the event of default, could allow theour debt holders of such indebtedness tomay accelerate the repayment of such debt, andwhich may result in the acceleration of the repayment of any other debt to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies. In addition, an event of default under our senior secured credit facilities would also permit the lenders thereunder to terminate all other commitments to extend additional credit under the senior secured credit facilities.

Similarly, in the event of a change of control, pursuant to the terms of our indebtedness, we may be required to repay our



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credit facilities, or offer to repurchase the senior secured first lien and second lien notes. In addition, our future indebtedness may also be subject to mandatory repurchase or repayment upon a future change of control. Such current and future terms could have the effect of delaying or preventing a future change of control or may discourage a potential acquirer from proposing or completing a transaction that may otherwise have presented a premium to our unitholders.
In the event of either a default or change of control, we may not have sufficient resources to repurchase, repay or redeem our obligations, as applicable. Moreover, third-party financing may be required in order to provide the funds necessary for us to satisfy these obligations, and we may not be able to obtain such additional financing on terms favorable to us or at all. Furthermore, if we were unable to repay the amounts due under our secured indebtedness, the holders of such indebtedness could proceed against the collateral that secures such indebtedness. In the event our creditors accelerate the repayment of our secured indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may not have sufficient assets to repay that indebtedness.

The terms of our indebtedness and RBI’s preferred shares are subject to mandatory redemption or repayment upon a change of control, and such terms could have the effect of delaying or preventing a future change of control.

In connection with any future change of control of RBI or Partnership, subject to important exceptions contained in the instruments governing our indebtedness and preferred shares, (i) the terms of the credit agreement governing the senior secured term loan facility and the senior secured revolving credit facility will require repayment by RBI or Partnership in the event of a change of control and (ii) the indenture governing the senior secured first lien and second lien notes will require the issuer thereof to make an offer to repurchase the notes in connection with a change of control. In addition, in connection with any future change of control of RBI, (i) the terms of RBI’s preferred shares will require, if requested by the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, the preferred shares to be redeemed in full by RBI as a result of a change of control, and (ii) the terms of our partnership agreement will require, if RBI redeems any preferred shares for cash, Partnership to make a distribution to RBI on its preferred units in an amount sufficient for RBI to fund such redemption. In addition, other existing or future indebtedness of RBI or Partnership may also be subject to mandatory repurchase or repayment upon a future change of control. Accordingly, a future change of control of RBI or Partnership would require these and possibly other obligations to become subject to repurchase, repayment and/or redemption. In any such event, we may not have sufficient resources to repurchase, repay and redeem these obligations, as applicable. Moreover, if such financing is required to be repurchased, repaid or redeemed, other third-party financing may be required in order to provide the funds necessary for us to satisfy such obligations, and we may not be able to obtain such additional financing on terms favorable to it or at all.

Any of these provisions may also discourage a potential acquirer from proposing or completing a transaction that may otherwise have presented a premium to the shareholders of RBI or the holders of Partnership exchangeable units.

Our fully franchised business model presents a number of disadvantages and risks.

Substantially all Tim Hortons and Burger Kingof our restaurants are owned and operated by franchisees. Under our fully franchised business model, our future prospects depend on (1)(i) our ability to attract new franchisees for botheach of our brands that meet our criteria and (2)(ii) the willingness and ability of franchisees to open restaurants in existing and new markets. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify franchisees who meet our criteria, or if we identify such franchisees, that they will successfully implement their expansion plans.

Our fully franchised business model presents a number of other drawbacks, such as limited influence over franchisees, and reliance on franchisees to implement major initiatives, limited ability to facilitate changes in restaurant ownership, limitations on enforcement of franchise obligations due to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings and inability or unwillingness ofreliance on franchisees to participate in our strategic initiatives.

While we can mandate certain strategic initiatives through enforcement of our franchise agreements, we will need the active support of our franchisees if the implementation of these initiatives is to be successful. The failure of these franchisees to support our marketing programs and strategic initiatives could adversely affect our ability to implement our business strategy and could materially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our principal competitors that have a significantly higher percentage of company-operated restaurants than we do may have greater influence over their respective restaurant systems and greater ability to implement operational initiatives and business strategies, including their marketing and advertising programs.

The ability of our franchisees and prospective franchisees to obtain financing for development of new restaurants or reinvestment in existing restaurants depends in part upon financial and economic conditions which are beyond their control. If our franchisees are unable to obtain financing on acceptable terms to develop new restaurants or reinvest in existing restaurants, our business and financial results could be adversely affected.
Our franchisees are also dependent upon their ability to attract and retain qualified employees in an intensely competitive employee market. The inability of our franchisees to recruit and retain qualified individuals may delay the planned openings of new restaurants by our franchisees and could adversely impact existing franchise restaurants, which could slow our growth. Moreover, we may also face liability for employment-related claims of our franchisees’ employees based on theories of joint employer liability with our franchisees or other theories of vicarious liability, which could materially harm our results of operations and financial condition.
Our operating results are closely tied to the success of our franchisees; however, our franchisees, who are independent operators, and we have limited influence over their restaurant operations.

We receivegenerate revenues in the form of royalties, fees and other amounts from our franchisees. As a result, our operating results are closely tied to the success of our franchisees. However, our franchisees are independent operators and we cannot control many factors that impact the profitability of their restaurants. If sales trends or economic conditions worsen for franchisees, their financial results may deteriorate, which could result in, among other things, restaurant closures, delayed or reduced payments to us of royalties, advertising contributions, rents and, in the case of the Tim HortonsTH brand, delayed or reduced payments for products and supplies, and an inability for such franchisees to obtain financing to fund development, restaurant remodels or equipment initiatives on acceptable terms or at all. Furthermore, franchisees may not be willing or able to renew their franchise agreements with us due to low sales volumes, or high real estate costs, or may be unable to renew due to the failure to secure lease renewals. If our franchisees fail to renew their franchise agreements, our royalty revenues may decrease which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.

A franchisee bankruptcy could have a substantial negative impact on our ability to collect payments due under such franchisee’s franchise agreements and, if applicable, lease agreements with us. In a Canadian or U.S. franchisee bankruptcy, the debtor in possession or bankruptcy trustee may reject its franchise arrangements under applicable bankruptcy law, in which case there would be no further royalty payments, rent payments or, in the case of the Tim Hortons brand, payments for products and supplies from such franchisee, and there can be no assurance as to the proceeds, if any, that may ultimately be recovered in a bankruptcy proceeding of such franchisee in connection with a damage claim resulting from such rejection.

Under our franchise agreements, we can, among other things, mandate menu items, signage, equipment, hours of operation and value menu, establish operating procedures and approve suppliers, distributors and products. However, the quality of franchise restaurant operations may be diminished by any number of factors beyond our control. Consequently, franchisees may not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards and requirements or standards set by applicable law. In addition, franchisees may not hirelaw, including sanitation and train qualified managers and other restaurant personnel.pest control standards. Any operational shortcoming of a Tim Hortons or Burger King franchise restaurant is likely to be attributed by guests to the entire brand, thus damaging the brand’s reputation and potentially


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affecting our revenues and profitability. While we ultimately can take action to terminate franchisees that do not comply with the standards contained in our franchise agreements and our operating standards, weWe may not be able to identify problems and take effective action quickly enough and, as a result, our image and reputation may suffer, and our franchise revenues and results of operations could decline.

Our operating results could be impacted by changes in consumer behavior that are the result of advances in technologies and alternative delivery methods.

If the behavior or preferences of our guests change as a result of advances in technologies or alternative delivery methods or channels and we are not able to respond to these changes, or our competitors respond to these changes more effectively, then our business and operating results could be materially harmed.

Our operating results depend on the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs and the successful development and launch of new products.

Our revenues are heavily influenced by brand marketing and advertising and by our ability to develop and launch new and innovative products and product extensions.products. Our marketing and advertising programs may not be successful or we may fail to develop commercially successful new products, which may lead us to fail to attract new guests and retain existing guests. If our marketingguests, which, in turn, could materially and advertising programs are unsuccessful or if we fail to develop commercially successful new products,adversely affect our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.operations. Moreover, because franchisees contribute to our advertising fundfunds based on a percentage of gross sales at their franchise restaurants, our advertising fund expenditures are dependent upon sales volumes at system-wide restaurants. If system-wide sales decline, there will be a reduced amount available for our marketing and advertising programs. In addition,Furthermore, to the extent that we have emphasized certainuse value offerings in our marketing and advertising programs to drive traffic, at our stores. The disadvantage of value offerings is that the low-pricelow price offerings may condition our guests to resist higher prices in a more favorable economic environment.

Franchisee support for our marketing

In addition, we continue to focus on restaurant modernization and advertising programs is critical for our long-term success.

The support of our franchisees is critical fortechnology and digital engagement in order to transform the success of our marketing and advertising programs and any new capital intensive or other strategic initiatives that we seek to undertake, and the successful executionrestaurant experience. As part of these initiatives will dependwe are seeking to improve our service model and strengthen relationships with customers, digital channels, loyalty initiatives, mobile ordering and payment systems and delivery initiatives. These initiatives may not have the anticipated impact on our ability to maintain alignment with our franchisees. Whilefranchise sales and therefore we can mandate certain strategic initiatives through enforcement of our franchise agreements, we will needmay not fully realize the active support of our franchisees if the implementationintended benefits of these initiatives is to be successful. In addition, efforts to build alignment with franchisees may result in a delay in the implementation of planned marketing and advertising programs and other key initiatives. Franchisees may not continue to support our marketing programs and strategic initiatives. The failure of these franchisees to support our marketing programs and strategic initiatives could adversely affect our ability to implement our business strategy and could materially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The success of our Tim Hortons brand depends substantially on the performance of our Canadian business.

The financial performance of our Tim Hortons brand is highly dependent on the performance of the restaurants in Canada, which accounted for the substantial majority of its revenues and operating income in 2015. Accordingly, any substantial or sustained decline in Tim Hortons Canadian business or the value of the Canadian dollar would materially and adversely affect our financial results.

significant investments.

Our future growth and profitability will depend on our ability to successfully accelerate international development with strategic partners and joint ventures.

We believe that the future growth and profitability of botheach of our brands will depend on our ability to successfully accelerate international development with strategic partners and joint ventures in new and existing international markets. New markets may have different competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns than our existing markets. As a result, new restaurants in those markets may have lower average restaurant sales than restaurants in existing markets and may take longer than expected to reach target sales and profit levels (or may never do so). We will need to build brand awareness in those new markets we enter through advertising and promotional activity, and those activities may not promote our brands as effectively as intended, if at all.

For the past several years, Burger King Worldwide has used

We have adopted a master franchise development model for all of our brands, which in markets with strong growth potential may include participating in strategic joint ventures, with little to no upfront investment, to accelerate international growth. We plan to use a similar strategy with the Tim Hortons brand to grow the brand’s presence globally through partnerships with local restaurant operators or local entrepreneurs as franchisees. These new arrangements may give our joint venture and/or master franchise partners the exclusive right to develop and manage our restaurants in a specific country or countries. A joint venture partnership involves special risks, such asincluding the following: our joint venture partners may at any time have economic, business or legal interests or goals that are inconsistent with those of the joint venture or us, or our joint venture partners may be unable to meet their economic or other obligations and we may be required to fulfill those obligations alone. Our master franchise arrangements present similar risks and uncertainties. We cannot control the actions of our joint venture partners or master franchisees, including any nonperformance, default or bankruptcy of joint venture partners or master franchisees. In addition, the termination of an arrangement with a master franchisee or a lack of expansion by certain master franchisees could result in the delay or discontinuation of the development of franchise restaurants, or an interruption in the operation of our brand in a particular market or markets. We may not be able to find another operator to resume development activities in such market or markets. Any such delay, discontinuation or interruption could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.

While we believe that our joint venture and master franchise arrangements provide us with experienced local business partners in foreign countries, events or issues, including disagreements with our partners, may occur that require attention of our senior executives and may result in expenses or losses that erode the profitability of our international operations.

In addition, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, theCorruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada) and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Our policies mandate compliance with these laws. Despite our compliance programs, we cannot assure you that our internal control policies and procedures always will protect us from reckless or negligent acts committed by our strategic partners and joint venturers or their employees or agents. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, may have a negative effect on our results of operations, financial condition and reputation.

If we are unable to effectively manage our growth, it could adversely affect our business and operating results.

As a result of the Transactions, we became

We are the indirect holding company for Tim HortonsTH, BK, and Burger King WorldwidePLK and their respective consolidated subsidiaries with over 19,00025,000 restaurants, of which approximately 100% are franchised restaurants. In addition, as described elsewhere in this report, our growth strategy includes strategic expansion in existing and new markets, and contemplates a significant acceleration in the growth in the number of new restaurants. As our franchisees are independent third parties, we have expended and may need to continue to expend substantial financial and managerial resources to enhance our existing restaurant management systems, financial and management controls, information systems and personnel to accurately capture and reflect the financial and operational activities at our franchise restaurants. On occasion we have encountered, and may in the future encounter, challenges in receiving these results from our franchisees in a consistent and timely manner. If we are not able to effectively manage the management and information demands associated with the significant growth of our franchise system, then our business and operating results could be negatively impacted.

Sub-franchisees could take actions that could harm our business and that of our master franchisees.

Our business model contemplates us entering into agreements with master franchisees and other partners that permit them to develop and operate restaurants in defined geographic areas. As permitted by certain of these agreements, master franchisees or partners may elect to sub-franchise rightslicense sub-


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franchisees to develop and operate Burger KingTH, BK, or Tim HortonsPLK restaurants, as applicable in the geographic area covered by the agreement. These agreements contractually obligate our master franchisees or partners, as applicable, to operate their restaurants in accordance with specified operations, safety and health standards and also require that any sub-franchise agreement contain similar requirements. However, we are not party to the agreements with the sub-franchisees and as a result, are dependent upon our master franchisees and partners to enforce these standards with respect to sub-franchised restaurants. As a result, the ultimate success and quality of any sub-franchised restaurant rests with the master franchisee or partner and the sub-franchisee. If sub-franchisees do not successfully operate their restaurants in a manner consistent with required standards, franchise fees and royalty income ultimately paid to us could be adversely affected, and our brand image and reputation may be harmed, which could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.

Our international operations subject us to additional risks and costs and may cause our profitability to decline.

Our operations outside of the U.S. and Canada are exposed to risks inherent in foreign operations. These risks, which can vary substantially by market, are described in many of the risk factors discussed in this section and include the following:

governmental laws, regulations and policies adopted to manage national economic conditions, such as increases in taxes, austerity measures that impact consumer spending, monetary policies that may impact inflation rates and currency fluctuations;

the imposition of import restrictions or controls;
the risk of markets in which we have granted exclusive development and subfranchising rights;

the effects of legal and regulatory changes and the burdens and costs of our compliance with a variety of foreign laws;

changes in the laws and policies that govern foreign investment and trade in the countries in which we operate;

compliance with U.S., Canadian and other foreign anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, including compliance by our employees, contractors, licensees or agents and those of our strategic partners and joint ventures;
risks and costs associated with political and economic instability, corruption, anti-American sentiment and social and ethnic unrest in the countries in which we operate;

the risks of operating in developing or emerging markets in which there are significant uncertainties regarding the interpretation, application and enforceability of laws and regulations and the enforceability of contract rights and intellectual property rights;

risks arising from the significant and rapid fluctuations in currency exchange markets and the decisions and positions that we take to hedge such volatility;

changing labor conditions and difficulties experienced by our franchisees in staffing their international operations;

the impact of labor costs on our franchisees’ margins given our labor-intensive business model and the long-term trend toward higher wages in both mature and developing markets and the potential impact of union organizing efforts on day-to-day operations of our franchisees’ restaurants; and

the effects of increases in the taxes we pay and other changes in applicable tax laws.

These factors may increase in importance as we expect franchisees of botheach of our brands to open new restaurants in international markets as part of our growth strategy.

Our operations are subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates.

We report our results in U.S. dollars, which is our reporting currency. The operations of each of TH, BK, and BKPLK that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated to U.S. dollars for our financial reporting purposes, and are therefore impacted by fluctuations in currency exchange rates and changes in currency regulations. The majority of TH’s operations, income, revenues, expenses and cash flows are denominated in Canadian dollars, which we translate to U.S. dollars for our financial reporting purposes. Royalty payments from BK franchisees in our European markets and in certain other countries are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Furthermore, franchise royalties from each of TH’s and BK’s international franchisees are calculated based on local currency sales; consequently, franchise revenues are still impacted byIn addition, fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Revenues and expenses of TH and BK that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated using the average rates during the period in which they are recognized and are impacted by changes in currency exchange rates.

We enter into forward contracts to reduce our exposure to volatility from foreign currency fluctuations associated with certain foreign currency-denominated assets. However, for a variety of reasons, we do not hedge our revenue exposure in other currencies. Therefore, we are exposed to volatility in those other currencies, and this volatility may differ from period to period. As a result, the foreign currency impact on our operating results for one period may not be indicative of future results. We also use forward currency contracts to manage the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar purchases and payments, such as coffee and certain intercompany purchases, made by our TH Canadian operations.

Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect our combined business. WeAlthough we attempt to minimize this riskthese risks through geographic diversification and lower overall borrowing costs through the utilization of derivative financial instruments. We primarily utilize interest rate swaps to attempt to minimize thisinstruments, our risk management strategies may not be effective and lower our overall borrowing costs. These instruments are entered into with financial institutions and have reset dates and critical terms that match thoseresults of our forecasted interest payments. Accordingly, any changes in interest rates we pay are partially offset by changes in the market value associated with derivative financial instruments.

As a result of entering into these hedging contracts with major financial institutions, we may be subject to counterparty nonperformance risk. Should there be a counterparty default, weoperations could be exposed to the net losses on the hedged arrangements or be unable to recover anticipated net gains from the transactions.

adversely affected.

Increases in food and commodity costs or shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of our food could harm our operating results and the results of our franchisees.

Our profitability and the profitability of our franchisees will depend in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in food and commodity and supply costs. With respect to our TH business, volatility in connection with certain key commodities that we purchase in the ordinary course of business such as coffee, wheat, edible oils and sugar, can impact our revenues, costs and margins. If commodity prices rise, franchisees may experience reduced sales due to decreased consumer demand at retail prices that have been raised to offset increased commodity prices, which may reduce franchisee profitability. In addition, with respect to our BK business, the marketmarkets for beef and chicken is particularly volatile and isare subject to significant price fluctuations due to seasonal shifts, climate conditions, demand for corn (a key ingredientthe cost of cattle and chicken feed), corn ethanol policy,grain, disease, industry demand, international commodity markets,


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food safety concerns, product recalls, government regulation and other factors, all of which are beyond itsour control and, in many instances unpredictable. If the price of beef, chicken or other products that we use in our Company restaurantsSuch increases in the future and we choose not to pass, or cannot pass, these increases on to our guests, our operating margins would decrease for as long as we operate Company restaurants. Any such decline in franchisee sales will reduce our royalty income, which in turncommodity costs may materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.

If

We and our franchisees are dependent on frequent deliveries of fresh food products that meet our specifications. Shortages or interruptions in the supply of fresh food products caused by unanticipated demand, natural disasters, problems in production or distribution, inclement weather or other conditions could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of food or commodities fails to meet demand or the quality standards ofingredients, which would adversely affect our guests, our franchisees may experience reduced sales which, in turn, would reduce rents and royalty revenues as well as supply chain sales. Such a reduction in rents and royalty revenues and supply chain sales may adversely impact our business and financialoperating results.

Our vertically integrated supply chain operations including manufacturing, warehouse and distribution activities, subject us to additional risks and may cause our profitability to decline.

We operate a vertically integrated supply chain for our TH business in which we manufacture, warehouse, and distribute certain food and restaurant supplies to our franchise and Company restaurants. There are certain risks associated with this vertical integration growth strategy, including:

delays and/or difficulties associated with, or liabilities arising from, owning a manufacturing, warehouse and distribution business;

maintenance, operations and/or management of the facilities, equipment, employees and inventories;

limitations on the flexibility of controlling capital expenditures and overhead;

the need for skills and techniques that are outside our traditional core expertise;

increased transportation, shipping, food and other supply costs;

inclement weather or extreme weather events;

shortages or interruptions in the availability or supply of high-quality coffee beans, perishable food products and/or their ingredients;

variations in the quality of food and beverage products and/or their ingredients; and

political, physical, environmental, labor, or technological disruptions in our or our suppliers’ manufacturing and/or warehousing plants, facilities, or equipment.

If we do not adequately address the challenges related to these vertically integrated operations or the overall level of utilization or production decreases for any reason, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely impacted. Moreover, shortages or interruptions in the availability and delivery of food, beverages and other suppliers to our restaurants may increase costs or reduce revenues.

As of December 31, 2018, we have only one or a few suppliers to service each category of products sold at our TH and PLK restaurants, and the loss of any one of these suppliers would likely adversely affect our business.

Our success is dependent on securing desirable restaurant locations for botheach of our brands, and competition for these locations may impact our ability to effectively grow our restaurant portfolios.

The success of any restaurant depends in substantial part on its location. There can be no assurance that the current locations of our restaurants will continue to be attractive as demographic patterns change. Neighborhood or economic conditions where restaurants are located could decline in the future, thus resulting in potentially reduced sales in those locations. Competition for restaurant locations can also be intense and there may be delay or cancellation of new site developments by developers and landlords, which may be exacerbated by factors related to the commercial real estate or credit markets. If franchisees cannot obtain desirable locations for their restaurants at reasonable prices due to, among other things, higher than anticipated acquisition, construction and/or development costs of new restaurants;restaurants, difficulty negotiating leases with acceptable terms;terms, onerous land use or zoning restrictions;restrictions, or challenges in securing required governmental permits;permits, then their ability to execute their respective growth strategies may be adversely affected.

The market for retail real estate is highly competitive. Based on their size advantage and/or their greater financial resources, some of our competitors may have the ability to negotiate more favorable lease terms than we can and some landlords and developers may offer priority or grant exclusivity to some of our competitors for desirable locations. As a result, we or our franchisees may not be able to obtain new leases or renew existing leases on acceptable terms, if at all, which could adversely affect our sales and brand-building initiatives.

Our ownership and leasing of significant amounts of real estate exposes us to possible liabilities, losses, and risks.

Many of our system restaurants are presently located on leased premises. As leases underlying our Company and franchise restaurants expire, we or our franchisees may be unable to negotiate a new lease or lease extension, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all, which could cause us or our franchisees to close restaurants in desirable locations. As a result, our sales and our brand-building initiatives could be adversely affected. Furthermore, in general, we cannot cancel existing leases; therefore, if an existing or future restaurant is not profitable, and we decide to close it, we may nonetheless be committed to perform our obligations under the


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applicable lease including, among other things, paying the base rent for the balance of the lease term.lease. In addition, the value of our owned real estate assets could decrease, and/or our costs could increase, because of changes in the investment climate for real estate, demographic trends, demand for restaurant sites and other retail properties, and exposure to or liability associated with environmental contamination and reclamation.

Typically the costs of insurance, taxes, maintenance, utilities, and other property-related costs due under a prime lease with a third-party landlord are passed through to the franchisee under our sublease. If a franchisee fails to perform the obligations passed through under the sublease, we will be required to perform these obligations resulting in an increase in our leasing and operational costs and expenses. In addition, the rent a franchisee pays us under the sublease is generallymay be based on a percentage of gross sales. If gross sales at a certain restaurant are less than we project we may pay more rent to a third-party landlord under the prime lease than we receive from the franchisee under the sublease. These events could result in an inability to fully recover from the franchisee expenses incurred on leased properties, resulting in increased leasing and operational costs to us.

If we fail to successfully implement our store image and renovation initiatives, our ability to increase revenues and our profitability may be adversely affected.

Our restaurant reimaging initiatives depend on the ability and willingness of franchisees to remodel their existing restaurants. Even if they are willing to remodel their restaurants, many of our franchisees will need to borrow funds in order to finance these capital expenditures. If our franchisees are unable to obtain financing at commercially reasonable rates, or not at all, they may be unwilling or unable to invest in the reimaging of their existing restaurants, and our future growth could be adversely affected.

Food safety concerns and food-borne illness concerns about the health risk of fast food may have an adverse effect on our business.

Food safety is a top priority for us and we dedicate substantial resources to ensure that our customers enjoy safe, high-quality food products. However, food-borne illnesses such as E. coli, salmonella, and other food safety issues have occurred in the food industry in the past and could occur in the future. Furthermore, our reliance on third-party food suppliers and distributors increases the risk that food-borne illness incidents could be caused by factors outside of our control and that multiple locations would be affected rather than a single restaurant. New illnesses resistant to any precautions may develop in the future, or diseases with long incubation periods could arise, such as mad cow disease, which could give rise to claims or allegations on a retroactive basis. Any report or publicity, including through social media, linking us or one of our franchisees or suppliers to instances of food-borne illness or other food safety issues, including food tampering, adulteration or contamination, could adversely affect our brands and reputation as well as our revenues and profits. Outbreaks of disease, as well as influenza, could reduce traffic in our stores. If our customers become ill from food-borne illnesses, we could also be forced to temporarily close some restaurants. In addition, instances of food-borne illness, food tampering or food contamination occurring solelySuch occurrence at restaurants of competitors could adversely affect ourrestaurant sales as a result of negative publicity about the foodservice industry generally.

The occurrence of food-borne illnesses or food safety issues could also adversely affect the price and availability of affected ingredients, which could result in disruptions in our supply chain, significantly increase our costs and/or lower margins for us and our franchisees. In addition,

Some of our industry has long beenproducts contain caffeine, dairy products, fats, sugar and other compounds and allergens, the health effects of which are the subject of public scrutiny, including suggesting that excessive consumption of caffeine, beef, sugar and other compounds can lead to a variety or adverse health effects. Particularly in the threatU.S., there is increasing consumer awareness of the health risks, including obesity, as well as increased consumer litigation based on alleged adverse health impacts of consumption of various food tampering by suppliers, employeesproducts. An unfavorable report on the health effects of caffeine or guests,other compounds present in our products, or negative publicity or litigation arising from other health risks such as obesity, could significantly reduce the additiondemand for our beverages and food products. A decrease in customer traffic as a result of foreign objects in the food that we sell. Reports, whetherthese health concerns or not true, of injuries caused by food tampering have in the past severely injured the reputations of restaurant chains in the quick service restaurant segmentnegative publicity could materially and couldadversely affect us in the future as well. Furthermore, increased use of social media may strengthen the effects of any such negative publicity.

our brands and our business.

Our results can be adversely affected by unforeseen events, such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or threats or catastrophic events.

Unforeseen events, such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters or catastrophic events, can adversely impact our restaurant sales. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and severe adverse weather conditions and health pandemics whether

occurring in Canada, the United States or abroad, can keep customers in the affected area from dining out and result in lost opportunities for our restaurants. Furthermore, we cannot predict the effects that actual or threatened armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, efforts to combat terrorism or heightened security requirements will have on our future operations. Because a significant portion of our restaurant operating costs isare fixed or semi-fixed in nature, the loss of sales during these periods hurts our and our franchisees' operating margins and can result in restaurant operating losses.

The loss of key management personnel or our inability to attract and retain new qualified personnel could hurt our business and inhibit our ability to operate and grow successfully.

We are dependent on the efforts and abilities of our senior management, including the executives managing botheach of our brands, and our success will also depend on our ability to attract and retain additional qualified employees. Failure to attract personnel sufficiently qualified to execute our strategy, or to retain existing key personnel, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Changes

U.S. federal income tax reform could adversely affect us.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). This new legislation significantly modifies the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Among other things, it reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate and puts into effect the migration from a “worldwide” system of taxation to a modified territorial system (including providing for a 100% dividends received deduction in respect of non-U.S. source income received by certain U.S. recipients from certain non-U.S. corporations). The Tax Act also puts in place a number of provisions that may adversely impact us, including (i) a provision designed to tax lawscurrently global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI)


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(effectively, non-U.S. income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of non-U.S. corporations), with (subject to certain limitations) a potential offset by foreign tax credits (ii) a base erosion anti-abuse tax (BEAT) that eliminates the deduction of certain base-erosion payments made to related non-U.S. corporations and unanticipatedimposes a minimum tax if greater than regular tax, (iii) significant additional limitations on the deductibility of interest, (iv) a one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries that may, if elected, be paid over eight years, (v) limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation and (vi) limitations on the utilization of foreign tax credits to reduce the U.S. income tax liability. The provisions of the Tax Act are complex and likely will be the subject of additional regulatory and administrative guidance, which may adversely affect us. Accordingly, our effective tax rate and results of operations could be adversely impacted.
Unanticipated tax liabilities could adversely affect the taxes we pay and our profitability.

We are subject to income and other taxes in Canada, the United States, and numerous foreign jurisdictions. A taxation authority may disagree with certain of our collective views, including, for example, the allocation of profits by tax jurisdiction, and the deductibility of our interest expense, and may take the position that material income tax liabilities, interests,interest, penalties, or other amounts are payable by us, in which case, we expect to contest such assessment. Contesting such an assessment may be lengthy and costly and if we were unsuccessful, the implications could be materially adverse to us and affect our effective income tax rate or operating income.

From time to time, we are subject to additional state and local income tax audits, international income tax audits and sales, franchise and value-added tax audits. Our effective income tax rate and tax payments in the future could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including: changes in the mix of earnings in countries with different statutory tax rates; changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities; continued losses in certain international markets that could trigger a valuation allowance; changes in tax laws; the outcome of income tax audits in various jurisdictions around the world; taxes imposed upon sales of Company restaurants to franchisees; and any repatriation of earnings or our determination that unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries for which we have not previously provided for taxes were no longer permanently reinvested.

Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. There can be no assurance that the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”), the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and/or foreign tax authorities will agree with our interpretation of the tax aspects of reorganizations, initiatives, transactions, or any related matters associated therewith that we have undertaken.

The results of a tax audit or related litigation could have a material effect on our income tax provision, net income (loss) or cash flowsresult in the period or periods for which that determination is made. The CRA or the IRS may take the position that material Canadian or U.S. federal income tax liabilities, interest and penalties, respectively, are payable or that our tax positions or views are invalid. If we are unsuccessful in disputing the CRA’s or the IRS’ assertions, we mayus not bebeing in a position to take advantage of the effective income tax rates and the level of benefits that we anticipated to achieve as a result of corporate reorganizations, initiatives and transactions, and the implications could be materially adverse to us, including an increase in our effective tax rate. Even if we are successful in maintaining our positions, we may incur significant expense in contesting positions asserted or claims made by tax authorities that could have a material impactadverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

effective income tax rate, income tax provision, net income (loss) or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made.

Partnership and RBI may be treated as U.S. corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could subject us and RBI to substantial additional U.S. taxes.

As Canadian entities, RBI and Partnership generally would be classified as foreign entities (and, therefore, non-U.S. tax residents) under general rules of U.S. federal income taxation. Section 7874 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the “Code”), however, contains rules that result in a non-U.S. corporation being taxed as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, unless certain tests, applied at the time of the acquisition, regarding ownership of such entities (as relevant here, ownership by former Burger King Worldwide shareholders) or level of business activities (as relevant here, business activities in Canada by us and our affiliates, including RBI), were satisfied at such time. The U.S. Treasury Regulations apply these same rules to non-U.S. publicly traded partnerships, such as Partnership. These statutory and regulatory rules are relatively new, their application is complex and there is little guidance regarding their application.

If it were determined that we and/or RBI should be taxed as U.S. corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we and RBI could be liable for substantial additional U.S. federal income tax. For Canadian tax purposes, we and RBI are expected, regardless of any application of Section 7874 of the Code, to be treated as a Canadian resident partnership and company, respectively. Consequently, if we and/or RBI did not satisfy either of the applicable tests, we might be liable for both Canadian and U.S. taxes, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Future changes to U.S. and non-U.S. tax laws could materially affect Partnership and/or RBI, including their status as foreign entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and adversely affect their anticipated financial positions and results.

Changes to the rules in sectionsections 385 and 7874 of the Code or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, or other changes in law, could adversely affect our and/or RBI’sPartnership’s status as a non-U.S. entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our effective income tax rate or future planning based on current law, and any such changes could have prospective or retroactive application to us and/or RBI. For example, recent legislative proposals have aimed to expand the scope of section 7874 of the Code, or otherwise address certain perceived issues arising in connection with so-called inversion transactions.Partnership. It is presently uncertain whether any such legislative proposals will be enacted into law and, if so, what impact such legislation would have on us. In addition, the U.S. Treasury has indicated that it is considering possible regulatory action in connection with so-called inversion transactions, including, most recently, in Notices 2015-79 and 2014-52. The timing and substance of any such further action is presently uncertain. Any such change of law or regulatory action which could apply retroactively or prospectively, could adversely impact our tax position as well as our financial position and results in a material manner. The precise scope and application of theany such regulatory proposals will not be clear until proposed Treasury Regulations are actually issued, and, accordingly, until such regulations are promulgated and fully understood, we cannot be certain that there will be no such impact.

In addition, we would be impacted by any changes in tax law in response to corporate tax reforms and other policy initiatives in the U.S. and elsewhere.



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Moreover, the U.S. Congress, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and other government agencies in jurisdictions where Partnership and/or RBI and its affiliates do business have had an extended focus on issues related to the taxation of multinational corporations. In particular, specific attention has been paid to “base erosion and profit shifting”, where payments are made between affiliates from a jurisdiction with high tax rates to a jurisdiction with lower tax rates. As a result, the tax laws in the U.S. and other countries in which we do business could change on a prospective or retroactive basis, and any such change could adversely affect us.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could harm the value of our brandbrands and branded products and adversely affect our business.

We depend in large part on the value of the Tim Hortons and Burger Kingour brands, which represent 44.9%approximately 48% of the total assets on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2015.2018. We believe that our brands are very important to our success and our competitive position. We rely on a combination of trademarks, copyrights, service marks, trade secrets, patents and other intellectual property rights to protect our brands and the respective branded products. 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 have registered certain trademarks and have other trademark registrations pending in the United States,U.S., Canada and foreign jurisdictions. Not all of the trademarks that our brands currently use have been registered in all of the countries in which we do business, and they may never be registered in all of these countries. We may not be able to adequately protect our trademarks, and our use of these trademarks may result in liability for trademark infringement, trademark dilution or unfair competition. The steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property in Canada, the United StatesU.S. and in foreign countries may not be adequate and our proprietary rights could be challenged, circumvented, infringed or invalidated. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of Canada and the United States.

U.S.

We may not be able to prevent third parties from infringing on our intellectual property rights, and we may, from time to time, be required to institute litigation to enforce our trademarks or other intellectual property rights or to protect our trade secrets. Further, third parties may assert or prosecute infringement claims against us and we may or may not be able to successfully defend these claims. Any such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could negatively affect our revenue, profitability and prospects regardless of whether we are able to successfully enforce our rights.

We have been, and in the future may be, subject to litigation that could have an adverse effect on our business.

We may from time to time, in the ordinary course of business, be subject to litigation relating to matters including, but not limited to, disputes with franchisees, suppliers, employees, team members, and customers, as well as disputes over our intellectual property. Some of these claims are incidental to our business, such as “slip and fall” accidents at franchise or company-operated restaurants, claims and disputes in connection with site development and construction of system restaurants and employment claims.

Whether or not any claimsFor example, there have recently been multiple class action lawsuits filed against us are valid, or whether we are ultimately held liable, suchregarding the no-poaching provision of our BK franchise agreements in the U.S. Active and potential disputes with franchisees could damage our brand reputation and our relationships with our broader franchise base.

Such litigation may be expensive to defend, harm our reputation and divert resources away from our operations and negatively impact our reported earnings. Furthermore, legal proceedings against a franchisee or its affiliates by third parties, whether in the ordinary course of business or otherwise, may include claims against us by virtue of our relationship with the franchisee.

Furthermore, in certain of our agreements, we may agree to indemnify our business partners against any losses or costs incurred in connection with claims by a third party alleging that our services infringe the intellectual property rights of the third-party. Companies have increasingly become subject to infringement threats from non-practicing organizations filing lawsuits for patent infringement.

We, or our business partners, may become subject to claims for infringement of intellectual property rights and we may be required to indemnify or defend our

business partners from such claims. We are also exposed to a wide varietyShould management’s evaluation of falsified or exaggerated claims due to our size and brand recognition. All of these types of matters have the potential to unduly distract management’s attention and increase costs, including costs associated with defending such claims. Our current exposure with respect to legal matters pending against us could change if determinations by judges and other finders of fact are not in accordance with management’s evaluation of the claims. Should management’s evaluations prove incorrect and such claims are successful, our exposure could exceed expectations and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although some losses may be covered by insurance, if there are significant losses that are not covered, or there is a delay in receiving insurance proceeds, or the proceeds are insufficient to offset our losses fully, our consolidated financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.

Public and private concerns about the health risks associated with fast food may adversely affect our financial results.

Class action lawsuits have been filed, and may continue to be filed, against various quick service restaurants alleging, among other things, that quick service restaurants have failed to disclose the health risks associated with high-fat or high-sodium foods and that quick service restaurant marketing practices have targeted children and encouraged obesity. Adverse publicity about these allegations may negatively affect us and our franchisees, regardless of whether the allegations are true, by discouraging customers from buying our products. In addition, we face the risk of lawsuits and negative publicity resulting from illnesses and injuries, including injuries to infants and children, allegedly caused by our products, toys and other promotional items available in our restaurants or our playground equipment. In addition to decreasing our revenue and profitability and diverting our management resources, adverse publicity or a substantial judgment against us could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and brand reputation, hindering our ability to attract and retain franchisees and grow our business in Canada, the United States and internationally.

Changes in regulations may adversely affect restaurant operations and our financial results.

Our franchise and Company restaurants are subject to licensing and regulation by health, sanitation, safety and other agencies in the state, province and/or municipality in which the restaurant is located. Federal, state, provincial and local government authorities may enact laws, rules or regulations that impact restaurant operations and the cost of conducting those operations. In many of our markets, including Canada, the United StatesU.S. and Europe, we and our franchisees are subject to increasing regulation regarding our operations which may significantly increase the cost of doing business. In developing markets, we face the risks associated with new and untested laws and judicial systems. Among the more important regulatory risks regarding our operations are the following:

the impact of the Fair Labor Standards Act,If we fail to comply with existing or future laws, we may be subject to governmental fines and similar Canadian legislation, which governs such matters as minimum wage, overtime and other working conditions, family leave mandates and a variety of other laws enacted that govern these and other employment matters;sanctions.

the risk of franchisors being considered a joint employer with franchisees;

the impact of changes in employment eligibility requirements, the cessation or limitation of access to federal, state or provincial labor programs, including amendments to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program of the Federal Government of Canada;

the impact of immigration and other local and foreign laws and regulations on our business;

disruptions in our operations or price volatility in a market that can result from governmental actions, including price controls, currency and repatriation controls, limitations on the import or export of commodities we use or government-mandated closure of our or our vendors’ operations;

the impact of the United States federal menu labeling law, and similar Canadian legislation, which requires the listing of specified nutritional information on menus and menu boards on consumer demand for our products;

the risks of operating in foreign markets in which there are significant uncertainties, including with respect to the application of legal requirements and the enforceability of laws and contractual obligations;

the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the businesses of our U.S. franchisees, many of whom are small business owners who may have significant difficulty absorbing the increased costs or may need to revise the ways in which they conduct their business; and

the impact of costs of compliance with privacy, consumer protection and other laws, the impact of costs resulting from consumer fraud and the impact on our margins as the use of cashless payments increases.

We are subject to various provincial, state and foreign laws that govern the offer and sale of a franchise, including in the U.S., to a Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) rule. Various provincial, state and foreign laws regulate certain aspects of the franchise relationship, including terminations and the refusal to renew franchises. The failure to comply with these laws and regulations in any jurisdiction or to obtain required government approvals could result in a ban or temporary suspension on future franchise sales, fines



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and penalties or require us to make offers of rescission or restitution, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results. We could also face lawsuits by franchisees based upon alleged violations of these laws.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”),

Additionally, we, our franchisees and similar Canadian legislation, prohibits discriminationour supply chain are subject to risks and costs arising from 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 basis of disability in public accommodations and employment. We have, in the past, been requiredincreased pressure to make certain modificationscommitments, set targets or establish additional goals and take actions to our restaurants pursuantmeet them. These risks could expose us to the ADA. In addition, future mandated modifications to their facilities to make different accommodations for disabled personsmarket, operational and modifications required under the ADA could result in material unanticipated expense to us and our franchisees.

Additionally,execution costs or risks. If we are requiredunable to complyeffectively manage the risks associated with a number of anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, theCorruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada) and The Bribery Act of 2010 (U.K.), which prohibit improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. The scope and enforcement of anti-corruption laws and regulations may vary. There can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, licensees or agents will not violate these laws and regulations. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations,complex regulatory environment, it could disrupt our business and result inhave a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Furthermore, certain changes to accounting standards, or changes to the interpretation of accounting standards applicable to us, could also materially affect our future results.

If we fail to comply with existing or future lawsbusiness and regulations, we may be subject to governmental or judicial fines or sanctions. In addition, our and our franchisees’ capital expenditures could increase due to remediation measures that may be required if we are found to be noncompliant with any of these laws or regulations.

financial condition.

The personal information that we collect may be vulnerable to breach, theft or loss that could adversely affect our reputation, results of operation and financial condition.

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect, process, transmit and retain personal information regarding our employees and their families, our franchisees, vendors and consumers, which can include social security numbers, social insurance numbers, banking and tax identification information, health care information and credit card information and our franchisees collect similar information. Some of this personal information is held and managed by our franchisees and certain of our vendors. Although we useA third-party may be able to circumvent the security and business controls we use to limit access and use of personal information, a third-party may be able to circumvent those security and business controls, which could result in a breach of employee, consumer or franchisee privacy. A major breach, theft or loss of personal information regarding our employees and their families, our franchisees, vendors or consumers that is held by us or our vendors could result in substantial fines, penalties, indemnification claims and potential litigation against us which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, asFor example, the European Union adopted a new regulation that became effective in May 2018, called the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which requires companies to meet certain requirements regarding the handling of personal data. Failure to meet GDPR requirements could result in penalties of up to 4% of worldwide revenue. As a result of legislative and regulatory rules, we may be required to notify the owners of the personal information of any data breaches, which could harm our reputation and financial results, as well as subject us to litigation or actions by regulatory authorities.

Furthermore, media or other reports of existing or perceived security vulnerabilities in our systems or those of our franchisees or vendors, even if no breach has been attempted or has occurred, can adversely impact our brand and reputation, and thereby materially impact our business.

Significant capital investments and other expenditures could be required to remedy a breach and prevent future problems, including costs associated with additional security technologies, personnel, experts and credit monitoring services for those whose data has been breached. These costs, which could be material, could adversely impact our results of operations during the period in which they are incurred. The techniques and sophistication used to conduct cyber-attacks and breaches, as well as the sources and targets of these attacks, change frequently and are often not recognized until such attacks are launched or have been in place for a period of time. Accordingly, our expenditures to prevent future cyber-attacks or breaches may not be successful.
Information technology system failures or interruptions or breaches of our network security may interrupt our operations, subject us to increased operating costs and expose us to litigation.

As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our systems. We rely heavily on our computer systems and network infrastructure across operations including, but not limited to, point-of-sale processing at our restaurants.restaurants, as well as the systems of our third party vendors to whom we outsource certain administrative functions. Despite our implementation of security measures, all of our technology systems are vulnerable to damage, disabilitydisruption or failures due to physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events, as well as from problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems, internal and external security breaches, denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems caused by hackers. If any of our technology systems were to fail, and we were unable to recover in a timely way, we could experience an interruption in itsour operations. Furthermore, if unauthorized access to or use of our systems were to occur, data related to our proprietary information could be compromised. The occurrence of any of these incidents could have a material adverse effect on our future financial condition and results of operations. To the extent that some of our worldwide reporting systems require or rely on manual processes, it could increase the risk of a breach.

breach due to human error.

In addition, we receive and maintain certain personal information about our customers, franchisees and employees, and our franchisees receive and maintain similar information. For example, in connection with credit card transactions, we and our franchisees collect and transmit confidential credit card information by way of retail networks. We also maintain important internal data, such as personally identifiable information about our employees and franchisees and information relating to our operation. Our use of personally identifiable information is regulated by applicable laws and regulations. If our security and information systems or those of our franchisees are compromised or our business associates fail to comply with these laws and regulations and this information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used inappropriately, it could adversely affect our reputation, as well as our restaurant operations


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and results of operations and financial condition. As privacy and information security laws and regulations change, we may incur additional costs to ensure that we remain in compliance.
Further, the standards for systems currently used for transmission and approval of electronic payment transactions, and the technology utilized in electronic payment themselves, all of which can put electronic payment data at risk, are determined and controlled by the payment card industry, not by us. If someone is able to circumvent our data security measures or that of third parties with whom we do business, including our franchisees, he or she could destroy or steal valuable information or disrupt our operations. Any security breach could expose us to risks of data loss, litigation, liability, and could seriously disrupt our operations. Any resulting negative publicity could significantly harm our reputation and could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
Finally, a number of our systems and processes are not fully integrated worldwide and, as a result, require us to manually estimate and consolidate certain information that we use to manage our business. To the extent that we are not able to obtain transparency into our operations from our systems, it could impair the ability of our management to react quickly to changes in the business or economic environment.

Compliance with or cleanup activities required by environmental laws may hurt our business.

We are subject to various federal, state, provincial, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations regarding climate change, energy consumption and our management, handling, release and/or disposal of water resources, air resources, hazardous or toxic substances, solid waste and other environmental matters. These laws and regulations provide for significant fines and penalties for noncompliance. If we fail to comply with these laws or regulations, we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators. Third parties may also make personal injury, property damage or other claims against us associated with releases of, or actual or alleged exposure to, hazardous substances at, on or from our properties. Environmental conditions relating to prior, existing or future

restaurants or restaurant sites, including franchised sites, may have a material adverse effect on us. Moreover, the adoption of new or more stringent environmental laws or regulations could result in a material environmental liability to us and the current environmental condition of the properties could be harmed by tenants or other third parties or by the condition of land or operations in the vicinity of our properties.

We outsource certain aspects of our business to third-party vendors which subjects us to risks, including disruptions in our business and increased costs.

We have outsourced certain administrative functions for our business including account payment and receivable processing, to a third-party service provider.providers. We also outsource certain information technology support services and benefit plan administration. In the future, we may outsource other functions to achieve cost savings and efficiencies. If the service providers to which we outsource these functions do not perform effectively, we may not be able to achieve the expected cost savings and may have to incur additional costs in connection with such failure to perform. Depending on the function involved, such failures may also lead to business disruption, transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, the loss of sales and customers, the loss of or damage to intellectual property through security breach, and the loss of sensitive data through security breach or otherwise. Any such damage or interruption could have a material adverse effect on our business, cause us to face significant fines, customer notice obligations or costly litigation, harm our reputation with our customers or prevent us from paying our collective suppliers or employees or receiving payments on a timely basis.

RBI is not in compliance with certain “best practices” established by Canadian securities regulators in respect of corporate governance.

The chairman of the board of directors of RBI, which acts as our general partner, is not “independent” for purposes of Canadian securities laws, and RBI’s nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees are not composed solely of independent directors. Accordingly, RBI is not in compliance with certain governance best practices set forth in National Policy 58-201 – Corporate Governance Guidelinesand National Instrument 58-101 – Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices with respect to standards of director independence. Accordingly, holders of our Partnership exchangeable units and RBI shareholders will not have the same protections afforded to security holders of reporting issuers that are in compliance with the corporate governance best practices established by the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Canadian legislation contains provisions that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control.

We and RBI are Canadian entities.The Investment Canada Act requires that a “non-Canadian,” as defined therein, file an application for review with the Minister responsible for theInvestment Canada Act and obtain approval of the Minister prior to acquiring control of a Canadian business, where prescribed financial thresholds are exceeded. This may discourage a potential acquirer from proposing or completing a transaction that may otherwise present a premium to RBI shareholders or holders of Partnership exchangeable unitholders. Otherwise, there are no limitations either under the laws of Canada or in our articles regarding the rights of non-Canadians to hold or vote our common shares.

units.

Risks Related to our Partnership Exchangeable Units

3G RBH owns 43.1% approximately 41%of the combined voting power with respect to RBI, and its interests may conflict with or differ from the interests of the other shareholders.

3G Restaurant Brands Holdings LP (“3G”3G RBH”) currently owns approximately 95.7%92% of the Partnership exchangeable units and 43.1%approximately 41% of the combined voting power with respect to RBI. The interests of 3G RBH and its principals may not always be aligned with the interests of the other holders of Partnership exchangeable units. So long as 3G RBH continues to directly or indirectly own a significant amount of the voting power of RBI, it will continue to be able to strongly influence or effectively control the business decisions of RBI and Partnership. 3G RBH and its principals may have interests that are different from those of the other holders of Partnership exchangeable units, and 3G RBH may exercise its voting and other rights in a manner that may be adverse to the interests of the other holders of Partnership exchangeable units.

In addition, this concentration of ownership could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or otherwise discouraging a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of RBI or Partnership, which could cause the market price of RBI’s common shares or Partnership exchangeable units to decline or prevent the shareholders or unitholders from realizing a premium over the market price for their RBI common shares or Partnership exchangeable units.

3G RBH is affiliated with 3G Capital Partners, Ltd., a New York private equityglobal investment firm (“3G Capital”). 3G Capital is in the business of making investments in companies and may from time to time in the future acquire or develop controlling interests in businesses engaged in the QSR industry that complement or directly or indirectly compete with certain portions of our business. In addition, 3G Capital may pursue acquisitions or opportunities that may be complementary to our business and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us.



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The price of our Partnership exchangeable units or RBI common shares may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance.

The market price of Partnership exchangeable units or RBI common shares may fluctuate materially from time to time in response to a number of factors, many of which we cannot control, including those described under “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business”. In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of listed companies. These broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of Partnership exchangeable units or RBI common shares, regardless of our operating performance. In addition, the price of Partnership exchangeable units or RBI common shares may be dependent upon the valuations and recommendations of the analysts who cover our business, and if our results do not meet the analysts’ forecasts and expectations, the price of our Partnership exchangeable units or RBI common shares could decline as a result of analysts lowering their valuations and recommendations or otherwise. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market, securities class-action litigation has often been instituted against companies. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

Future sales of Partnership exchangeable units or RBI common shares in the public market could cause volatility in the price of our Partnership exchangeable units or cause the price of our Partnership exchangeable units to fall.

Sales of a substantial number of Partnership exchangeable units or RBI common shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales might occur, could depress the market price of Partnership exchangeable units, and could impair our ability or the ability of RBI to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities.

Certain holders of Partnership exchangeable units and RBI common shares have required and others may require us or RBI to register their Partnership exchangeable units or common shares, as applicable, for resale under the U.S. and Canadian securities laws under the terms of certain separate registration rights agreements between us and the holders of these securities. Registration of those units or shares would allow the holders thereof to immediately resell their Partnership exchangeable units or RBI common shares in the public market. Any such sales, or anticipation thereof, could cause the market price of our Partnership exchangeable units or RBI common shares to decline.

In addition, RBI has registered common shares that are reserved for issuance under the RBI incentive plans.

Your

A shareholder’s percentage ownership in us may be diluted by future issuances of RBI common shares or Partnership exchangeable units, which could reduce the influence of our shareholders and unitholders over matters on which they are entitled to vote.

The board of directors of RBI has the authority, without action or vote of RBI’s shareholders or our unitholders, to issue an unlimited number of additional RBI common shares or Partnership exchangeable units. An unlimited number of each class of security is authorized. For example, RBI or Partnership, as applicable, may issue these securities in connection with investments and acquisitions. The number of RBI common shares or Partnership exchangeable units issued in connection with an investment or acquisition could constitute a material portion of the then-outstanding RBI common shares or Partnership exchangeable units, and could materially dilute the ownership inof RBI shareholders or our business represented by, the then-outstanding RBI common shares and Partnership exchangeable units. Future issuancesunitholders. Issuances of RBI common shares or Partnership exchangeable units would also reduce the influence of holders of RBI common shares and Partnership exchangeable units over matters on which they are entitled to vote.

There is no assurance that we will pay any distributions on our Partnership exchangeable units in the future.

Although the board of directors of RBI declared a cash dividend on the RBI common shares (requiring a corresponding distribution with respect to our Partnership exchangeable units) for each quarter of 2015,2018 and for the first quarter of 2019, any future dividends on the RBI common shares and partnershipdistributions on Partnership exchangeable units will be determined at the discretion of the board of directors of RBI and will depend upon results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions, including the terms of RBI’s preferred shares and agreements governing our debt and any future indebtedness we may incur, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors that the board of directors of RBI deems relevant. Although RBI is targeting a total of $2.00 in declared dividends per RBI common share and distributions per Partnership exchangeable unit for 2019, there is no assurance that RBI will achieve its target total dividend for 2019 and satisfy our debt service and other obligations. Realization of a gain on an investment in RBI common shares and in Partnership exchangeable units will depend on the appreciation of the price of the RBI common shares or the Partnership exchangeable units, which may never occur.





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An active trading market for Partnership exchangeable units may not be sustained.

Partnership exchangeable units are not listed on a national exchange in the United States. Although Partnership exchangeable units are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, an active public market for Partnership exchangeable units may not be sustained, and such market is not as liquid as for RBI common shares. If an active public market is not sustained, it may be difficult for investors who hold Partnership exchangeable units to sell their exchangeable units at a price that is attractive to them, or at all.

Partnership exchangeable units may not trade equally with RBI common shares.

Although now exchangeable, the Partnership exchangeable units and the RBI common shares are distinct securities. The Partnership exchangeable units and RBI common shares will at all times trade separately, and the public market for Partnership exchangeable units is not as liquid as for the RBI common shares. In addition, if a holder of Partnership exchangeable units exercises its exchange right, RBI, in its capacity as the general partner of Partnership and in its sole discretion, may cause Partnership to repurchase each Partnership exchangeable unit submitted for exchange in consideration for cash (in an amount determined in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement) in lieu of exchanging for common shares. As such, Partnership exchangeable units may not trade equally with RBI common shares, and could trade at a discount to the market price of RBI common shares, which discount could possibly be material.

The exchange of Partnership exchangeable units into RBI common shares is subject to certain restrictions and the value of RBI common shares received in any exchange may fluctuate.

Beginning on December 12, 2015, holders of Partnership exchangeable units became entitled to require Partnership to exchange all or any portion of such holder’s Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares at a ratio of one RBI common share for each Partnership exchangeable unit, subject to the right of RBI, in its capacity as the general partner of Partnership and in its sole discretion, to cause Partnership to repurchase the Partnership exchangeable units for cash (in an amount determined in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement) in lieu of exchanging for RBI common shares.

The RBI common shares for which Partnership exchangeable units may be exchanged may be subject to significant fluctuations in value for many reasons, including:

our operating and financial performance and prospects;

general market conditions;

the risks described in this report;

changes to the competitive landscape in the industries or markets in which we operate;

the arrival or departure of key personnel; and

speculation in the press or the investment community.

If a holder of Partnership exchangeable units elects to exchange his or her Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares, the exchange generally will be taxable for Canadian and U.S. federal income tax purposes.

In certain circumstances, a Limited Partner may lose its limited liability status.

TheLimited Partnerships Act (Ontario) (the “Ontario Limited Partnerships Act”) provides that a limited partner benefits from limited liability unless, in addition to exercising rights and powers as a limited partner, such limited partner takes part in the control of the business of a limited partnership of which such limited partner is a partner. Subject to the provisions of the Ontario Limited Partnerships Act and of similar legislation in other jurisdictions of Canada, the liability of each limited partner for the debts, liabilities and obligations of Partnership will be limited to the limited partner’s capital contribution, plus the limited partner’s share of any undistributed income of Partnership. However, pursuant to the Ontario Limited Partnerships Act, where a limited partner has received the return of all or part of that limited partner’s capital contribution, the limited partner would be liable to Partnership or, where Partnership is dissolved, to its creditors, for any amount, not in excess of the amount of capital contribution returned with interest, necessary to discharge the liabilities of Partnership to all creditors who extended credit or whose claims otherwise arose before the return of the capital contribution. A limited partner holds as trustee for the limited partnership any money or other property that is paid or conveyed to the limited partner as a return of the limited partner’s contribution that is made contrary to the Ontario Limited Partnerships Act.

The limitation of liability conferred under the Ontario Limited Partnerships Act may be ineffective outside Ontario except to the extent it is given extra-territorial recognition or effect by the laws of other jurisdictions. There may also be requirements to be satisfied in each jurisdiction to maintain limited liability. If limited liability is lost, limited partners may be considered to be general partners (and therefore be subject to unlimited liability) in such jurisdiction by creditors and others having claims against Partnership.

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments



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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

Item 2.Properties

In 2015, we completed the move to our newly renovated

Item 2. Properties
Our corporate headquarters and TH global restaurant support center which is located in Oakville,Toronto, Ontario Canada and consists of approximately 96,00065,000 square feet which we own.lease. Our U.S. headquarters is located in Miami, Florida and consists of approximately 150,000 square feet which we lease. We also lease office property in Switzerland and Singapore. Related to the TH business, we own five distribution centers, two manufacturing centers, one warehouseplants and fourthree offices throughout Canada. In addition, we lease one officetwo offices and one distribution centercross-docking facility in Canada and one manufacturing centerplant in the U.S., one office In 2018, we announced plans to build two new warehouses in Western Canada and to renovate an existing warehouse in Eastern Canada to facilitate the Middle Eastsupply of frozen and one officerefrigerated products in Luxembourg.

Our U.S. headquarters and BK globalthose markets. We expect to complete these projects in 2020.

As of December 31, 2018, our restaurant support center is located in Miami, Florida and consists of approximately 213,000 square feet which we lease. We lease properties for our Burger King EMEA headquarters in Zug, Switzerland and our Burger King APAC headquarters in Singapore. We also lease additional BK support offices in Madrid, Spain and own BK support offices in Slough, United Kingdom.

footprint was as follows:

 TH BK PLK Total
Franchise Restaurants(1)
       
Sites owned by us and leased to franchisees748
 707
 33
 1,488
Sites leased by us and subleased to franchisees2,823
 927
 46
 3,796
Sites owned/leased directly by franchisees1,268
 16,112
 2,982
 20,362
Total franchise restaurant sites4,839
 17,746
 3,061
 25,646
Company Restaurants       
Sites owned by us3
 15
 10
 28
Sites leased by us4
 35
 31
 70
Total company restaurant sites7
 50
 41
 98
Total system-wide restaurant sites4,846
 17,796
 3,102
 25,744
(1) Includes VIE restaurants.
We believe that our existing headquarters and other leased and owned facilities are adequate to meet our current requirements.

As of December 31, 2015, Tim Hortons franchisees operated 4,389 restaurants across Canada, the U.S. and the Middle East, of which 783 were sites owned by us and leased to franchisees, 2,782 were leased by us, and in turn, subleased to franchisees, with the remainder either owned or leased directly by the franchisees. In addition, we operated 24 Company restaurants, of which 6 were sites owned by us and 18 were leased by us.

As of December 31, 2015, Burger King franchisees operated 14,927 Burger King restaurants across the U.S. and Canada, EMEA, APAC and LAC, of which 733 were sites owned by us and leased to franchisees, 1,114 were leased by us, and in turn, subleased to franchisees, with the remainder either owned or leased directly by the franchisees. In addition, we operated 76 Company restaurants, of which 15 were sites owned by us and 61 were leased by us.

Item 3.Legal Proceedings

Item 3. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business relating to matters including, but not limited to, disputes with franchisees, suppliers, employees and customers, as well as disputes over our intellectual property.

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

On June 19, 2017, a claim was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against The TDL Group Corp, a subsidiary of RBI, RBI, the Tim Hortons Ad Fund and certain individual defendants. The plaintiff, a franchisee of two Tim Hortons restaurants, seeks to certify a class of all persons who have carried on business as a Tim Hortons franchisee in Canada at any time after December 15, 2014. The claim alleges various causes of action against the defendants in relation to the purported misuse of amounts paid by members of the proposed class to the Tim Hortons Canada advertising fund (the “Ad Fund”). The plaintiff seeks to have the Ad Fund franchisee contributions held in trust for the benefit of members of the proposed class, an accounting of the Ad Fund, as well as damages for breach of contract, breach of trust, breach of the statutory duty of fair dealing, and breach of fiduciary duties.
On October 6, 2017, a claim was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against the same defendants as named above. The plaintiffs, two franchisees of Tim Hortons restaurants, seek to certify a class of all persons who have carried on business as a Tim Hortons franchisee at any time after March 8, 2017. The claim alleges various causes of action against the defendants in relation to the purported adverse treatment of member and potential member franchisees of the Great White North Franchisee Association. The plaintiffs seek damages for, among other things, breach of contract, breach of the statutory duty of fair dealing, and breach of the franchisees’ statutory right of association.
In connection with these two lawsuits, the court granted our motion to strike the individuals named in the lawsuits, RBI and the Tim Hortons Ad Fund on October 22, 2018. The only defendant that remains in the lawsuits is The TDL Group Corp.
On July 24, 2018, a complaint for declaratory relief was filed against Tim Hortons USA, Inc. (“THUSA”) and Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County, Florida by Great White North Franchisee Association - USA, Inc., on behalf of its members. The complaint alleges certain breaches of the franchise


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agreements between THUSA and its franchisees and the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, as well as violations of the U.S. franchise rules and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
On October 5, 2018, a class action complaint was filed against Burger King Worldwide, Inc. (“BKW”) and Burger King Corporation (“BKC”) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Jarvis Arrington, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. On October 18, 2018, a second class action complaint was filed against RBI, BKW and BKC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Monique Michel, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. On October 31, 2018, a third class action complaint was filed against BKC and BKW in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Geneva Blanchard and Tiffany Miller, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. On November 2, 2018, a fourth class action complaint was filed against RBI, BKW and BKC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Sandra Muster, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. These complaints allege that the defendants violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act by incorporating an employee no-solicitation and no-hiring clause in the standard form franchise agreement all Burger King franchisees are required to sign. Each plaintiff seeks injunctive relief and damages for himself or herself and other members of the class.
While we currently believe these claims are without merit, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these cases.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.




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Part II

Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market for Our Partnership Exchangeable Units

The Partnership exchangeable units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the ticker symbol “QSP”. RBI’s common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and TSX under the ticker symbol “QSR”. Trading of the Partnership exchangeable units and RBI common shares commenced on December 15, 2014. Effective as of the close of trading on December 12, 2014, the common stock of Burger King Worldwide, our predecessor entity, ceased trading on the NYSE and Tim Hortons common shares ceased trading on the TSX and NYSE. As of February 12, 2016,11, 2019, there were 5948 holders of record of Partnership exchangeable units.

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low closing sales prices of Partnership exchangeable units on the TSX, RBI common shares on the NYSE and TSX and Burger King Worldwide common stock on the NYSE, distributions declared on Partnership exchangeable units and dividends declared per common share of RBI and per share of common stock of Burger King Worldwide.

                   Dividends / Distributions 
   NYSE (U.S. $)   TSX (C$)   per Common Share / 
   High   Low   High   Low   Partnership Unit (U.S.$) 

2015

          

First Quarter - QSR

  $44.67    $37.80    C$55.91    C$44.48    $0.09  

Second Quarter - QSR

  $42.42    $37.10    C$51.04    C$45.65    $0.10  

Third Quarter - QSR

  $43.91    $34.71    C$57.92    C$46.60    $0.12  

Fourth Quarter - QSR

  $40.96    $34.66    C$53.99    C$46.05    $0.13  

First Quarter - QSP

  $—      $—      C$53.50    C$42.75    $0.09  

Second Quarter - QSP

  $—      $—      C$49.00    C$43.40    $0.10  

Third Quarter - QSP

  $—      $—      C$55.96    C$45.25    $0.12  

Fourth Quarter - QSP

  $—      $—      C$53.14    C$44.50    $0.13  

2014

          

First Quarter - BKW

  $27.68    $22.16     —       —      $0.07  

Second Quarter - BKW

  $27.26    $25.00     —       —      $0.07  

Third Quarter - BKW

  $33.82    $26.05     —       —      $0.08  

Fourth Quarter - BKW (1)

  $36.66    $28.48     —       —      $0.08  

Fourth Quarter - QSR (2)

  $41.90    $35.29    C$47.03    C$41.14    $—    

Fourth Quarter - QSP (2)

  $—      $—      C$45.95    C$41.85    $—    

(1)Represents period from October 1, 2014 through December 12, 2014.
(2)Represents period from December 15, 2014 through the end of the quarter.

Dividend Policy

On February 16, 2016,January 22, 2019, the board of directors of RBI declared a cash dividend of $0.14$0.50 per RBI common share whichfor the first quarter of 2019. The dividend will be paid on April 4, 20163, 2019 to common shareholders of record on March 3, 2016. Pursuant to the partnership agreement,15, 2019. Partnership will also make a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.14$0.50 per Partnership exchangeable unit, and the record date and payment date for distributions on Partnership exchangeable units are the same as the record date and payment date set forth above. To fund the RBI common share dividend, Partnership will also make a corresponding distribution in respect of the Class A common units (all of which are held by RBI) in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of dividends payable in respect of the RBI common shares.

On February 15, 2016, the board of directors of

RBI also declared a cash dividend of $0.98 per share of Class A 9.0% cumulative compounding perpetual voting preferred shares of RBI (the “Preferred Shares”), foris targeting a total dividend of $67.5 million which will be paid to the holder of the Preferred Shares on April 1, 2016. Pursuant to the partnership agreement, Partnership will make a corresponding distribution$2.00 in declared dividends per common share and distributions in respect of the Partnership preferred units (all of which are held by RBI) in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of dividends payable in respect of the Preferred Shares. Our ability to pay cash distributions on oureach Partnership exchangeable units may be limited by restrictions under the terms of the Preferred Shares, the partnership agreement and agreements governing our debt.

unit for 2019.

We do not have a formal dividend policy. However, pursuant to the partnership agreement, RBI, as our general partner, must cause us to make distributions on our Partnership preferred units when a dividend has been declared and is payable in respect of the Preferred Shares, and on our Class A common units and Partnership exchangeable units, when a dividend has been declared and is payable in respect of RBI common shares.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During the fourth quarter of 2015,2018, we received exchange notices representing 31,302,13510,185,333 Partnership exchangeable units.units, including 10,020,000 during the fourth quarter of 2018. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, we satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 8,150,00310,000,000 Partnership exchangeable units for approximately $293.7$561 million in cash during the fourth quarter and full year of 2018 and exchanging 23,152,132the remaining Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. During 2017 and 2016, we received exchange notices representing 9,286,480 and 6,744,244 Partnership exchangeable units, respectively. We satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 5,000,000 Partnership exchangeable units for approximately $330 million in cash during 2017 and exchanging the remaining Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. There were no exchanges for cash in 2016. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, the purchase price for the Partnership exchangeable units was based on the weighted average trading price of RBI’s common shares on the NYSE for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the last business day prior to December 14, 2015, which was the exchange date for the units repurchased for cash.date. Upon the exchange of Partnership exchangeable units, each such Partnership exchangeable unit was automatically deemed cancelled concurrently with such exchange.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table presents information regarding equity awards outstanding under RBI’s compensation plans as



24

Table of December 31, 2015 (amounts in thousands):

  (a)  (b)  (c) 

Plan Category

 Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
  Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Future Issuance under
Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in Column (a))
 

Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders

  24,016   $16.28    9,803  

Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders

  —      —      —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  24,016   $16.28    9,803  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Contents



Stock Performance Graph

The following graph showsdepicts the cumulative equity holder returnstotal return to the holders of RBI and Partnership over the periodexchangeable units from June 20, 2012, the date Burger King Worldwide common stock was listed on the NYSE, to December 31, 2015. The graph reflects total equity holder returns for Burger King Worldwide from June 20, 20122014 through December 31, 2018, relative to December 12, 2014,the performance of the Standard & Poor’s/TSX Composite Index and for RBI and Partnership fromthe Standard & Poor’s/TSX Capped Consumer Discretionary Index, a peer group. December 15, 2014 to December 31, 2015. December 12, 2014 was the last day of trading on the NYSE of Burger King Worldwide common stock and December 15, 2014 was the first day of trading on the NYSE and TSX of RBI common shares and the first day of trading on the TSX of Partnership exchangeable units. The graph shows combined Burger King Worldwide and RBI and Partnership equity holder returns because RBI and Partnership have less than two years of history as a public company. The following graph depicts the total return to the equity holders from June 20, 2012 through December 31, 2015, relative to the performance of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and the Standard & Poor’s Restaurant Index, a peer group. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in Burger King Worldwide common stockPartnership exchangeable units and each index on June 20, 2012December 31, 2014 and the reinvestment of dividendsdistributions paid since that date. The unit price performance shown in the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

   6/20/2012   12/31/2012   12/31/2013   12/31/2014   12/31/2015 

Restaurant Brands International (NYSE)

  $100    $110    $153    $261    $250  

S&P 500 Index

  $100    $105    $136    $151    $150  

S&P Restaurant Index

  $100    $99    $121    $123    $151  

Item 6.Selected Financial Data

Our selected historical consolidated financial data reflects the consolidation


chart-0d3256f9056256f491b.jpg
 12/31/2014 12/31/2015 12/31/2016 12/31/2017 12/31/2018
Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership (TSX)$100
 $118
 $146
 $176
 $163
S&P/TSX Composite Index (C$)$100
 $89
 $104
 $111
 $98
S&P/TSX Capped Consumer Discretionary Index (C$)$100
 $97
 $104
 $126
 $103


25

Table of Tim Hortons beginning on December 12, 2014, the closing date of the Transactions.

Following the Transactions, we became the indirect parent of Tim Hortons and Burger King Worldwide and RBI is our sole general partner.

Contents



Item 6.Selected Financial Data
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “Partnership”, “we”, “us” or “our” refer to Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and its subsidiaries, collectively.

All references to “$” or “dollars” in this report are to the currency of the United States unless otherwise indicated. All references to Canadian dollars“Canadian dollars” or C$“C$” are to the currency of Canada unless otherwise indicated.

Selected Financial Data
The following tables present our selected historical consolidated financial and other data as of the dates and for each of the periods indicated. All references to 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 in this section are for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The selected historical financial data as of December 31, 20152018 and December 31, 20142017 and for 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report. The selected historical financial data as of December 31, 2013,2016, December 31, 20122015 and December 31, 20112014 and for 20122015 and 20112014 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which are not included in this report, and reflects the reclassification of debt issuance costs from assets to liabilities as a result of the adoption of an accounting standards update during 2015 that changed the presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements. The other operating data for 2015, 2014 and 2013 have been derived from our internal records.

report.

The selected historical consolidated financial and other operating data presented below contain all normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly our financial position and results of operations as of and for the periods presented. The selected historical consolidated financial and other operating data included below and elsewhere in this report are not necessarily indicative of future results. The information presented belowin this section should be read in conjunction with“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results ofOperations” in Part II, Item 7 and “Financial Statements and SupplementaryData” in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

   2015  2014 (1)  2013  2012  2011 
   (In millions, except per share/unit data) 

Statement of Operations Data:

      

Revenues:

      

Sales

  $2,169.0   $167.4   $222.7   $1,169.0   $1,638.7  

Franchise and property revenues

   1,883.2    1,031.4    923.6    801.9    701.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   4,052.2    1,198.8    1,146.3    1,970.9    2,339.9  

Income from operations (2)

   1,192.2    181.1    522.2    417.7    362.5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) (2)

  $511.7   $(268.9 $233.7   $117.7   $88.1  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per unit/share - Basic:

      

Class A common units (3)

  $0.51   $(1.63  —      —      —    

Partnership exchangeable units (3)

  $0.51   $(1.63  —      —      —    

Common shares (3)

   —     $(0.20 $0.67   $0.34   $0.25  

Earnings (loss) per unit/share - Diluted:

      

Class A common units (3) (4)

  $0.51   $(1.63  —      —      —    

Partnership exchangeable units (3) (4)

  $0.51   $(1.63  —      —      —    

Common shares (3) (4)

   —     $(0.20 $0.65   $0.33   $0.25  

Dividends per common unit/share

  $0.44   $0.30   $0.24   $0.04   $1.13  

Other Financial Data:

      

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $1,200.7   $259.3   $325.2   $224.4   $406.2  

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

   (61.5  (7,790.8  43.0    33.6    (41.4

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

   (2,115.2  8,565.6    (132.7  (174.6  (108.0

Capital expenditures

   115.3    30.9    25.5    70.2    82.1  
   December 31,
2015
  December 31,
2014 (1)
  December 31,
2013
  December 31,
2012
  December 31,
2011
 
   (In millions) 

Balance Sheet Data:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $753.7   $1,803.2   $786.9   $546.7   $459.0  

Total assets

   18,408.5    21,343.0    5,785.5    5,513.0    5,541.6  

Total debt and capital lease obligations

   8,721.8    10,199.0    2,994.0    2,998.3    3,072.4  

Total liabilities

   12,198.4    13,706.2    4,269.3    4,338.0    4,492.4  

Partnership preferred units

   3,297.0    3,297.0    —      —      —    

Total equity

   2,913.1    4,339.8    1,516.2    1,175.0    1,049.2  
   2015  2014  2013    

Other operating data:

     

System-wide sales growth(5)(6)

     

Tim Hortons (8)

   9.3  6.6  4.7 

Burger King

   10.3  6.8  4.2 

 

Comparable sales growth (5)(6)(7)

     

Tim Hortons (8)

   5.6  3.1  1.2 

Burger King

   5.4  2.1  0.5 

 

System-wide sales ($ in million)(6)

     

Tim Hortons (8)

  $6,349.8   $6,616.0   $6,606.7   

Burger King

  $17,303.7   $17,017.1   $16,301.0   

 2018 2017(a) 2016 2015 2014(b)
 (In millions, except per share data)
Statement of Operations Data:         
Revenues:         
Sales$2,355
 $2,390
 $2,205
 $2,169
 $167
Franchise and property revenues3,002
 2,186
 1,941
 1,883
 1,031
Total revenues5,357
 4,576
 4,146
 4,052
 1,198
Income from operations (c)1,917
 1,735
 1,667
 1,192
 181
Net income (loss) (c)$1,144
 $1,235
 $956
 $512
 $(269)
Earnings (loss) per unit/share - Basic:         
Class A common units$3.03
 $3.10
 $1.71
 $0.51
 $(1.63)
Partnership exchangeable units$2.46
 $2.59
 $1.48
 $0.51
 $(1.63)
Common shares$
 $
 $
 $
 $(0.20)
Earnings (loss) per unit/share - Diluted:         
Class A common units$3.03
 $3.10
 $1.71
 $0.51
 $(1.63)
Partnership exchangeable units$2.46
 $2.59
 $1.48
 $0.51
 $(1.63)
Common shares$
 $
 $
 $
 $(0.20)
Distributions/dividends per common unit/share         
Class A common units$2.23
 $0.92
 $0.72
 $0.44
 $
Partnership exchangeable units$1.80
 $0.78
 $0.62
 $0.44
 $
Common shares$
 $
 $
 $
 $0.30
Other Financial Data:         
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities$1,165
 $1,431
 $1,214
 $1,207
 $294
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(44) (858) 27
 (62) (7,791)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(1,285) (936) (591) (2,115) 8,566


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 December 31,
 2018 2017(a) 2016 2015 2014(b)
 (In millions)
Balance Sheet Data:         
Cash and cash equivalents$913
 $1,097
 $1,436
 $788
 $1,838
Total assets20,141
 21,224
 19,125
 18,409
 21,343
Total debt and capital lease obligations12,140
 12,123
 8,723
 8,722
 10,199
Total liabilities16,523
 16,663
 12,339
 12,198
 13,706
Partnership preferred units
 
 3,297
 3,297
 3,297
Total equity3,618
 4,561
 3,489
 2,913
 4,340
(1)
(a)On March 27, 2017, we acquired PLK. Statement of operations data and other financial data includes PLK results from the acquisition date through December 31, 2017. Balance sheet data includes PLK data as of December 31, 2017.
(b)On December 12, 2014, we acquired Tim Hortons.TH. Statement of operations data and other financial data include TH results from the acquisition date through December 28, 2014, the end of Tim HortonsTH's 2014 fiscal year. Balance sheet data includes TH data as of December 28, 2014.

(2)
(c)Amount includes $116.7$10 million of PLK Transaction costs, $25 million of Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees and $20 million of Office centralization and relocation costs for 2018. Amount includes $62 million of PLK Transaction costs and $2 million of Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees for 2017. Amount includes $16 million of integration costs for 2016. Amount includes $117 million of TH transaction and restructuring costs and $0.5$1 million of acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales for 2015. Amount includes $125.0$125 million of TH transaction and restructuring costs, $11.8$12 million of acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales and $290.9$291 million of net losses on derivatives for 2014. Amount includes $26.2 million of global portfolio realignment project costs for 2013. Amount includes $30.2 million of global portfolio realignment project costs and $27.0 million of business combination agreement expenses for 2012. Amount includes $3.7 million of costs in connection with the acquisition of Burger King Holdings, Inc. by 3G, $46.5 million of global restructuring and related professional fees, $10.6 million of field optimization project costs and $7.6 million of global portfolio realignment project costs for 2011.

Operating Metrics
We evaluate our restaurants and assess our business based on the following operating metrics:
System-wide sales growth refers to the percentage change in sales at all franchise restaurants and Company restaurants in one period from the same period in the prior year.
Comparable sales refers to the percentage change in restaurant sales in one period from the same prior year period for restaurants that have been open for 13 months or longer for TH and BK and 17 months or longer for PLK.
System-wide sales growth and comparable sales are measured on a constant currency basis, which means the results exclude the effect of foreign currency translation (“FX Impact”). For system-wide sales growth and comparable sales, we calculate the FX Impact by translating prior year results at current year monthly average exchange rates.
Unless otherwise stated, system-wide sales growth, system-wide sales and comparable sales are presented on a system-wide basis, which means they include franchise restaurants and Company restaurants. System-wide results are driven by our franchise restaurants, as approximately 100% of system-wide restaurants are franchised for each of our brands. Franchise sales represent sales at all franchise restaurants and are revenues to our franchisees. We do not record franchise sales as revenues; however, our royalty revenues are calculated based on a percentage of franchise sales.
Net restaurant growth refers to the net increase in restaurant count (openings, net of closures) over a trailing twelve month period, divided by the restaurant count at the beginning of the trailing twelve month period.




27

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The following table presents our operating metrics for each of the periods indicated, which have been derived from our internal records. The system-wide sales growth, system-wide sales, comparable sales and net restaurant growth presented for Popeyes are calculated using the historical information from Popeyes when it was under previous ownership for the periods prior to the acquisition date of March 27, 2017. Consequently, these metrics for Popeyes, as well as consolidated system-wide sales and consolidated net restaurant growth, may not necessarily reflect actual data as if Popeyes had been included in our results for the full year 2017 and 2016. We evaluate our restaurants and assess our business based on these operating metrics. These metrics may differ from those used by other companies in our industry who may define these metrics differently.
 2018 2017 2016
System-wide sales growth     
Tim Hortons2.4% 3.0 % 5.2%
Burger King8.9% 10.1 % 7.8%
Popeyes (a)(b)8.9% 5.1 % 7.4%
System-wide sales ($ in millions)     
Tim Hortons$6,869
 $6,717
 $6,405
Burger King$21,624
 $20,075
 $18,209
Popeyes (a)(b)$3,732
 $3,512
 $3,287
Consolidated$32,225
 $30,304
 $27,901
Comparable sales     
Tim Hortons0.6% (0.1)% 2.5%
Burger King2.0% 3.1 % 2.3%
Popeyes (a)(b)1.6% (1.5)% 1.7%
Net restaurant growth     
Tim Hortons2.1% 2.9 % 4.5%
Burger King6.1% 6.5 % 4.9%
Popeyes (a)(c)7.3% 6.1 % 6.2%
Consolidated5.5% 5.8 % 5.0%
System Restaurant count     
Tim Hortons4,846
 4,748
 4,613
Burger King17,796
 16,767
 15,738
Popeyes (a)(c)3,102
 2,892
 2,725
Consolidated25,744
 24,407
 23,076

(3)For 2014, the earnings (loss) per unit for Class A common units and Partnership exchangeable units reflect the period from December 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014. Additionally, for 2014, the earnings (loss) per common share reflects the period from January 1, 2014 through December 11, 2014. See Note 4 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information on the calculation of earnings (loss) per unit / share.
(4)(a)For 2015 and 2014, since all stock options were issued by RBI, there are no dilutive securities for Partnership as the exercise of stock options will not affect the numbers of Partnership Class A common units or Partnership exchangeable units outstanding. However, the issuance of shares by RBI in future periods will affect the allocation of net income attributable to common unitholders between Partnership’s Class A common units and Partnership exchangeable units.
(5)Comparable sales growth and system-wide sales growth are analyzed on a constant currency basis, which means they are calculated by translating prior year results at current year average exchange rates, to remove the effects of currency fluctuations from these trend analyses. We believe these constant currency measures provide a more meaningful analysis of our business by identifying the underlying business trends, without distortion from the effect of foreign currency movements.
(6)Unless otherwise stated, comparable sales growth and system-wide sales growth are presented on a system-wide basis, which means they include Company restaurants and franchise restaurants. Franchise sales represent sales at all franchise restaurants and are revenues to our franchisees. We do not record franchise sales as revenues; however, our royalty revenues are calculated based on a percentage of franchise sales. See“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Key Business Metrics” in Part II, Item 7 of this report.
(7)Comparable sales growth refers to the change in restaurant sales in one period from the same prior year period for restaurants that have been opened for thirteen months or longer.
(8)Tim Hortons 2014PLK 2016 annual figures and historical pre-combination figures are shown for informational purposes only.

Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and Subsidiaries Restaurant Count

The table below sets forth our restaurant portfolio by segment for the periods indicated. Tim Hortons historical pre-combination figures are shown for informational purposes only.

   December 31,   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013 

Number of system-wide restaurants:

      

TH (1)

   4,413     4,258     4,114  

BK

   15,003     14,372     13,667  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total system-wide restaurants

   19,416     18,630     17,781  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Excludes 398, 413
(b)For 2017, PLK comparable sales, system-wide sales growth and 371 limited service kioskssystem-wide sales are for the period from December 26, 2016 through December 31, 2017. Comparable sales and system-wide sales growth are calculated using the same period in the prior year (December 26, 2015 through December 31, 2016). Results for 2016 are consistent with PLK's former fiscal calendar. Consequently, results for 2018 may not be comparable to those of 2017 and 2016.
(c)For 2017, net restaurant growth is for the period from December 26, 2016 through December 31, 2017. Results for 2016 are consistent with PLK's former fiscal calendar. Restaurant count is as of December 31, 2015, 20142018 for 2018, December 31, 2017 for 2017, and 2013, respectively. Commencing in the fourth quarteras of 2015, we revised our presentationDecember 25, 2016 for 2016, inclusive of restaurant counts to exclude limited service kiosks, with the revision applied retrospectively to the earliest period presented to provide period-to-period comparability.temporary closures.

Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

On December 12, 2014, a series



28

Table of transactions (the “Transactions”) were completed resulting in Burger King Worldwide, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Burger King Worldwide”),Contents



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Tim Hortons Inc., a Canadian corporation (“Tim Hortons”), becoming indirect subsidiariesAnalysis of Restaurant Brands International Inc., a Canadian corporation (“RBI”),Financial Condition and Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership, an Ontario limited partnership (“Partnership”).

Our consolidated financial data reflects the consolidationResults of Tim Hortons beginning on December 12, 2014, the closing date of the Transactions.

We are a subsidiary of RBI and the indirect parent of Tim Hortons and Burger King Worldwide. RBI is our sole general partner and owns all of our outstanding Class A common units (“Class A common units”) and preferred units (“Partnership preferred units”). RBI has the exclusive right, power and authority to manage, control, administer and operate the business and affairs and to make decisions regarding the undertaking and business of Partnership in accordance with the partnership agreement of Partnership (the “partnership agreement”) and applicable laws. There is no board of directors of Partnership. RBI has established a conflicts committee composed entirely of “independent directors” (as such term is defined in the partnership agreement) in order to consent to, approve or direct various enumerated actions on behalf of RBI (in its capacity as our general partner) in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement.

Operations

You should read the following discussion together with Part II, Item 6 “Selected Financial Data” of our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 20152018 (our “Annual Report”) and our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary DataData” of our Annual Report.

The following discussion includes information regarding future financial performance and plans, targets, aspirations, expectations, and objectives of management, which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws as described in further detail under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” that is set forth below. Actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements because of a number of risks and uncertainties, including the matters discussed in the “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below. In addition, please refer to the risks set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report for a further description of risks and uncertainties affecting our business and financial results. Historical trends should not be taken as indicative of future operations and financial results. Other than as required under the U.S. Federal securities laws or the Canadian securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update theseforward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”). However, this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations also contains certain non-GAAP financial measures to assist readers in understanding our performance. Non-GAAP financial measures either exclude or include amounts that are not reflected in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, we have provided the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and a reconciliation to GAAP measures.

measures and a discussion of the reasons why management believes this information is useful to it and may be useful to investors.

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to the “Partnership,” “we,” “us,” or “our” are to Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and its subsidiaries, collectively. Unless otherwise stated, comparable sales growth and sales growth are presented on a system-wide basis, which means that these measures include sales at both restaurants owned by us (“Company restaurants”) and franchise restaurants. Franchise sales represent sales at all franchise restaurants and are revenues to our franchisees. We do not record franchise sales as revenues; however, our franchise revenues include royalties based on franchise sales. System-wide results are driven by our franchise restaurants, as approximately 100% of current Tim Hortons and Burger King system-wide restaurants are franchised.

Overview

We are a Canadian limited partnership originally formed to serve as the indirect holding company for Tim Hortons and its consolidated subsidiaries and for Burger King Worldwideand its consolidated subsidiaries. On March 27, 2017, we acquired Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. We were formed on August 25, 2014 as a general partnership and registered on October 27, 2014 as a limited partnership in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario generally, and the Ontario Limited Partnerships Act specifically. We are a subsidiary of RBI, our sole general partner. We are one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant (“QSR”) companies with more than $30 billion in system-wide sales and over 19,00025,000 restaurants in approximatelymore than 100 countries and U.S. territories as of December 31, 20152018. Our Tim Hortons®, Burger King®, and over 110 years of combined brand heritage. OurTim HortonsPopeyes® andBurger King® brands have similar franchisedfranchise business models with complementary daypart mixes.mixes and product platforms. Our twothree iconic brands are managed independently while benefittingbenefiting from global scale and sharing of best practices.

Tim Hortons restaurants are quick service restaurants with a menu that includes premium blend coffee, tea, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks, fresh baked goods, including donuts, Timbits®, bagels, muffins, cookies and pastries, grilled paninis, classic sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Burger King restaurants are quick service restaurants that feature flame-grilled hamburgers, chicken and other specialty sandwiches, french fries, soft drinks and other affordably-priced food items.

Popeyes restaurants are quick service restaurants featuring a unique “Louisiana” style menu that includes spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp and other seafood, red beans and rice, and other regional items.

We generatehave three operating and reportable segments: (1) Tim Hortons (“TH”); (2) Burger King (“BK”); and (3) Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (“PLK”). Our business generates revenue from fourthe following sources: (i) sales exclusive to Tim Hortons franchisees related to our supply chain operations, including manufacturing, procurement, warehousing and distribution, as well as sales to retailers; (ii) property revenues from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees; (iii) franchise revenues, consisting primarily of royalties based on a percentage of sales reported by franchise restaurants and franchise fees paid by franchisees; (ii) property revenues from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees; and (iv)(iii) sales at restaurants owned by us (“Company restaurants.

restaurants”). In addition, our Tim Hortons business generates revenue from sales to franchisees related to our supply chain operations, including manufacturing, procurement, warehousing and distribution, as well as sales to retailers.




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Recent Events and Factors Affecting Comparability
Transition to New Revenue Recognition Accounting Standard
We transitioned to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. Our consolidated financial statements for 2018 reflect the application of ASC 606 guidance, while our consolidated financial statements for 2017 and 2016 were prepared under the guidance of previously applicable accounting standards.
The most significant effects of this transition that affect comparability of our results of operations between 2018 and previous periods include the following:
Franchise fee revenue for franchise agreements entered into subsequent to the acquisitions of BK in 2010, TH in 2014 and PLK in 2017 are deferred and amortized over the franchise agreement term beginning in 2018 compared to upfront recognition in 2017 and 2016 under previously applicable accounting standards. Franchise fees associated with acquired franchise agreements are not included in franchise fee revenue under ASC 606. Consequently, we expect the impact to be greater in those periods in which more openings occur.
Advertising fund contributions and advertising fund expenses are reflected on a gross basis in our 2018 statement of operations and there may be a difference in timing for recognition of advertising fund contributions and advertising fund expenses beginning in 2018. Under previously applicable accounting standards, our statement of operations did not reflect gross advertising fund contributions and advertising fund expenses and temporary net differences between contributions and expenses due to the timing of expenses were reflected as current assets or current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet.
The portion of gift cards sold to customers which are never redeemed is commonly referred to as gift card breakage. Under ASC 606, we recognize gift card breakage income proportionately as each gift card is redeemed using an estimated breakage rate based on our historical experience. Under previously applicable accounting standards, we recognized gift card breakage income for each gift card’s remaining balance when redemption of that balance was deemed remote. This change impacts the timing of when gift card breakage income is recognized.
Please refer to Note 16, Revenue Recognition, to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for further details of the effects of this change in accounting principle.
Tax Reform
In December 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) that significantly revises the U.S. tax code generally effective January 1, 2018 by, among other changes, lowering the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, limiting deductibility of interest expense and performance based incentive compensation and implementing a modified territorial tax system. As discusseda Canadian entity, we generally would be classified as a foreign entity (and, therefore, a non-U.S. tax resident) under general rules of U.S. federal income taxation. However, we have subsidiaries subject to U.S. federal income taxation and therefore the Tax Act impacted our consolidated results of operations in 2017 and 2018, and is expected to continue to impact our consolidated results of operations in future periods.
The impacts to our consolidated statements of operations consist of the following (“Tax Act Impact”):
A provisional benefit of $420 million recorded in our provision from income taxes for 2017 and a favorable adjustment of $9 million recorded for 2018, as a result of the remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities.
Provisional charges of $103 million recorded in 2017 and a favorable adjustment of $3 million recorded in 2018, related to certain deductions allowed to be carried forward before the Tax Act, which potentially may not be carried forward and deductible under the Tax Act.
A provisional estimate for a one-time transitional repatriation tax on unremitted foreign earnings (the “Transition Tax”) of $119 million recorded in 2017, most of which had been previously accrued with respect to certain undistributed foreign earnings, and a favorable adjustment of $15 million (primarily related to utilization of foreign tax credits) recorded in 2018.
In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 issued by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), adjustments to provisional amounts were recorded as discrete items in the provision for income taxes in 2018, the period in which those adjustments became reasonably estimable, as described above.


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We recorded $25 million during 2018 and $2 million during 2017 of costs associated with corporate restructuring initiatives and professional advisory and consulting services related to the interpretation and implementation of the Tax Act (“Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees”). We expect to continue to incur additional Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees related to the Tax Act in 2019.
Popeyes Acquisition and PLK Transaction Costs
As described in Note 263 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, on March 27, 2017, we completed an internal reorganizationthe acquisition of Popeyes for total consideration of $1,655 million (the “Popeyes Acquisition”). The consideration was funded through (1) cash on hand of approximately $355 million and (2) $1,300 million from incremental borrowings under our Term Loan Facility – see Note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our business following the Transactions that resulted in two operating and reportable segments: (1) Tim Hortons (“TH”) and (2) Burger King (“BK”). This change had no effect on our previously reportedAnnual Report. Our 2018 consolidated resultsstatements of operations financial position or cash flows. In connection with this change, we have reclassified historical amounts to conform to our currentincludes PLK revenues and segment presentation.

Operating Metrics and Key Financial Measures

We evaluate our restaurants and assess our business based on the following operating metrics and key financial measures:

System-wide sales growth refers to the change in sales at all franchise restaurants and Company restaurants in one period from the same period in the prior year.

System-wide sales represent sales at all franchise restaurants and Company restaurants. We do not record franchise sales as revenues; however, our franchise revenues include royalties based on a percentage of franchise sales.

Comparable sales growth refers to the change in restaurant sales in one period from the same prior year period for restaurants that have been opened for thirteen months or longer.

Net restaurant growth (“NRG”) represents the opening of new restaurants (other than limited service kiosks) during a stated period, net of closures. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015, we revised our presentation of NRG to exclude limited service kiosks, with the revision applied retrospectively to the earliest period presented to provide period-to-period comparability.

Adjusted EBITDA, which represents earnings (net income or loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude specifically identified items that management believes do not directly reflect our core operations. SeeNon-GAAP Reconciliations.

System-wide sales growth and comparable sales growth are measured on a constant currency basis, which means the results exclude the effect of foreign currency translation (“FX impact”). For system-wide sales growth and comparable sales growth, we calculate FX impact by translating prior year results at current year monthly average exchange rates. For items included in our results of operations, we calculate the FX impact by translating current year results at prior year monthly average exchange rates. We analyze certain financial measures on a constant currency basis as this helps identify underlying business trends, without distortion from the effects of currency movements.

Recent Events and Factors Affecting Comparability

Tim Hortons Acquisition

We have consolidated the results of operations of our TH business commencing on the acquisition date of December 12, 2014, and the changes in our results of operations for 2015 as compared to 2014 are largely driven by the inclusion of the results of operations of Tim Hortons for a full year in 2015 compared to the periodfiscal year. Our 2017 consolidated statements of December 12, 2014operations includes PLK revenues and segment income from March 28, 2017 through December 28, 2014 in 2014. The TH statement of operations data for 2015 and the period of December 12, 2014 through December 28, 2014, the end of Tim Hortons 2014 fiscal year, is summarized as follows:

Tim Hortons Impact (millions)

  2015   December 12,
2014 through
December 28,
2014
 

Revenues:

    

Sales

  $2,074.3    $92.8  

Franchise and property revenues

   882.6     50.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   2,956.9     143.6  

Cost of sales

   1,728.1     92.1  

Franchise and property expenses

   360.7     26.1  

Selling, general and administrative expenses (1)

   172.9     78.4  

(Income) loss from equity method investments

   (7.9   (0.3

Other operating expenses (income), net

   20.9     1.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   2,274.7     197.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

  $682.2    $(53.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Tim Hortons selling, general and administrative expenses for 2015 and the period from December 12, 2014 through December 28, 2014 include (i) $58.5 million and $63.9 million, respectively, of transaction and restructuring costs associated with the Transactions, which are included in the amounts discussed below, and (ii) $13.8 million and $7.7 million, respectively, of share-based compensation expense associated with the remeasurement of liability-classified stock options to fair value.

TH Transaction and Restructuring Costs

31, 2017.

In connection with the Transactions and a series of post-closing transactions during 2015 that resulted in changes to our legal and capital structure,Popeyes Acquisition, we incurred certain non-recurring fees and expenses (“PLK Transaction costs”) totaling $10 million during 2018 and $62 million during 2017 consisting primarily of professional fees and compensation related expenses, all of which are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses during 2015in the consolidated statements of operations. We do not expect to incur any additional PLK Transaction costs.
Office Centralization and 2014, consisting of the following:

Relocation Costs
Financing, legal and advisory fees, share-based compensation expense due to accelerated vesting of equity awards as a result of the Transactions and integration costs related to a realignment of our global structure to better accommodate the needs of the combined business, totaling $83.4 million and $108.7 million during 2015 and 2014, respectively;

Severance benefits, other compensation costs and training expenses of approximately $31.1 million and $16.3 million during 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to a restructuring plan we implemented following the Transactions, which resulted in work force reductions throughout our TH business; and

Financing, legal and advisory fees totaling $2.2 million during 2015, in connection with issuing $1,250.0 million of 4.625% first lien senior secured notes due January 15, 2022 and entering into a first amendment to our credit agreement in May 2015.

Other Factors

In addition to the impact of consolidating TH results of operations commencing on the acquisition date of December 12, 2014 and TH transaction and restructuring costs, we also recorded losses on derivatives, incremental interest expense related to new borrowings and a loss on early extinguishment of debt in connection with the Transactions. SeeResultscentralization and relocation of Operations – Other operating expenses (income), net, –Interest expense, netour Canadian and – Loss on early extinguishment of debt.

Global Portfolio Realignment Project

During 2011, we initiated a projectU.S. restaurant support centers to realign our global restaurant portfolio by selling our BK company restaurants to franchisees, which we refer to as our “refranchising initiative”,new offices in Toronto, Ontario, and establishing strategic partnerships to accelerate development through joint ventures and master franchise and development agreements (the “global portfolio realignment project”). As a result of the global portfolio realignment project,Miami, Florida, respectively, we incurred $26.2certain non-operational expenses (“Office centralization and relocation costs”) totaling $20 million during 2018 consisting primarily of duplicate rent expense, moving costs, and relocation-driven compensation expenses, which are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

Integration Costs
In connection with the implementation of initiatives to integrate the back-office processes of TH and BK to enhance efficiencies, we incurred $16 million related to these initiatives during 2016, primarily consisting of professional fees and severance in 2013. We completed our global portfolio realignment project, including our refranchising initiative, in 2013. As such, we did not incur any expenses related to the global portfolio realignment project during 2015 and 2014.

As a resultfees.





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Table of the global portfolio realignment project, our BK restaurant revenues and BK restaurant expenses have significantly decreased while our BK franchise and property revenues and BK franchise and property expenses have increased. Additionally, our BK selling expenses have decreased as a result of a decrease in advertising fund contributions for Burger King Company restaurants following the refranchisings.

Contents



Results of Operations

Tabular amounts in millions of U.S. dollars unless noted otherwise.

Consolidated

   2015  2014  2013  2015
Compared
to 2014
  2014
Compared
to 2013
 
            Favorable / (Unfavorable) 

Revenues:

      

Sales

  $2,169.0   $167.4   $222.7   $2,001.6   $(55.3

Franchise and property revenues

   1,883.2    1,031.4    923.6    851.8    107.8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

��

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   4,052.2    1,198.8    1,146.3    2,853.4    52.5  

Cost of sales

   1,809.5    156.4    195.3    (1,653.1  38.9  

Franchise and property expenses

   503.2    179.0    152.4    (324.2  (26.6

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   437.7    345.4    242.4    (92.3  (103.0

(Income) loss from equity method investments

   4.1    9.5    12.7    5.4    3.2  

Other operating expenses (income), net

   105.5    327.4    21.3    221.9    (306.1
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   2,860.0    1,017.7    624.1    (1,842.3  (393.6
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income from operations

   1,192.2    181.1    522.2    1,011.1    (341.1

Interest expense, net

   478.3    279.7    200.0    (198.6  (79.7

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   40.0    155.4    —      115.4    (155.4
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   673.9    (254.0  322.2    927.9    (576.2

Income tax expense

   162.2    14.9    88.5    (147.3  73.6  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   511.7    (268.9  233.7    780.6    (502.6
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

   3.4    0.2    —      (3.2  (0.2

Partnership preferred unit distributions

   271.2    13.8    —      (257.4  (13.8

Accretion of Partnership preferred units

   —      546.4    —      546.4    (546.4
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders

  $237.1   $(829.3 $233.7   $1,066.4   $(1,063.0
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NM - Not Meaningful

     
   

 

2015

  2014  2013  

BK Segment FX ImpactFavorable/(Unfavorable)

     

Consolidated total revenues

  $(69.8 $(14.6 $(7.5 

Consolidated franchise and property expenses

   4.8    —      0.3   

Consolidated SG&A

   7.8    0.8    (1.2 

Consolidated income from operations

   (66.4  (15.5  (8.7 

Consolidated net income

   (62.9  (14.7  (8.6 

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA

   (61.9  (14.7  (8.6 
   

 

2015

  2014  2013  

Key Business Metrics

     

System-wide sales growth

     

TH (a)

   9.3  6.6  n/a   

BK

   10.3  6.8  4.2 

System-wide sales

     

TH (a)

  $6,349.8   $6,616.0    n/a   

BK

  $17,303.7   $17,017.1   $16,301.0   

Comparable sales growth

     

TH (a)

   5.6  3.1  n/a   

BK

   5.4  2.1  0.5 

System Net Restaurant Growth (NRG)

     

TH (a)

   155    144    n/a   

BK

   631    705    670   

Restaurant counts at period end

     

TH (b)

   4,413    4,258    n/a   

BK

   15,003    14,372    13,667   

System

   19,416    18,630    13,667   

Segment income may not calculate exactly due to rounding.

       2018 vs. 2017 2017 vs. 2016
Consolidated2018 2017 2016 Variance FX
Impact (a)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
 Variance FX
Impact
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
       Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:                 
Sales$2,355
 $2,390
 $2,205
 $(35) $1
 $(36) $185
 $40
 $145
Franchise and property revenues3,002
 2,186
 1,941
 816
 (10) 826
 245
 18
 227
Total revenues5,357
 4,576
 4,146
 781
 (9) 790
 430
 58
 372
Operating costs and expenses:                 
Cost of sales1,818
 1,850
 1,727
 32
 
 32
 (123) (31) (92)
Franchise and property expenses422
 478
 454
 56
 
 56
 (24) (6) (18)
Selling, general and administrative expenses1,214
 416
 319
 (798) 
 (798) (97) (8) (89)
(Income) loss from equity method investments(22) (12) (20) 10
 
 10
 (8) 
 (8)
Other operating expenses (income), net8
 109
 (1) 101
 (5) 106
 (110) 
 (110)
Total operating costs and expenses3,440
 2,841
 2,479
 (599) (5) (594) (362) (45) (317)
Income from operations1,917
 1,735
 1,667
 182
 (14) 196
 68
 13
 55
Interest expense, net535
 512
 467
 (23) 
 (23) (45) 
 (45)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 122
 
 122
 
 122
 (122) 
 (122)
Income before income taxes1,382
 1,101
 1,200
 281
 (14) 295
 (99) 13
 (112)
Income tax (benefit) expense238
 (134) 244
 (372) (12) (360) 378
 (1) 379
Net income$1,144
 $1,235
 $956
 $(91) $(26) $(65) $279
 $12
 $267
(a)TH 2014 annual figures are shown for informational purposes only.We calculate the FX Impact by translating prior year results at current year monthly average exchange rates. We analyze these results on a constant currency basis as this helps identify underlying business trends, without distortion from the effects of currency movements.



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       2018 vs. 2017 2017 vs. 2016
TH Segment2018 2017 2016 Variance FX
Impact (a)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
 Variance FX
Impact
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
       Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:                 
Sales$2,201
 $2,229
 $2,112
 $(28) $1
 $(29) $117
 $39
 $78
Franchise and property revenues1,091
 926
 889
 165
 (2) 167
 37
 17
 20
Total revenues3,292
 3,155
 3,001
 137
 (1) 138
 154
 56
 98
Cost of sales1,688
 1,707
 1,647
 19
 
 19
 (60) (30) (30)
Franchise and property expenses279
 336
 317
 57
 1
 56
 (19) (6) (13)
Segment SG&A314
 91
 79
 (223) 
 (223) (12) (1) (11)
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)102
 103
 102
 1
 1
 
 (1) (1) 
Segment income (c)1,127
 1,136
 1,072
 (9) (1) (8) 64
 20
 44
(b)Segment depreciation and amortization consists of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales and franchise and property expenses.
(b)Excludes 398
(c)
TH segment income includes $15 million, $13 millionand 413 limited service kiosks at$12 millionof cash distributions received from equity method investments for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
       2018 vs. 2017 2017 vs. 2016
BK Segment2018 2017 2016 Variance FX
Impact (a)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
 Variance FX
Impact
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
       Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:                 
Sales$75
 $94
 $93
 $(19) $
 $(19) $1
 $1
 $
Franchise and property revenues1,576
 1,125
 1,052
 451
 (7) 458
 73
 1
 72
Total revenues1,651
 1,219
 1,145
 432
 (7) 439
 74
 2
 72
Cost of sales67
 86
 80
 19
 
 19
 (6) (1) (5)
Franchise and property expenses131
 135
 137
 4
 (1) 5
 2
 
 2
Segment SG&A577
 143
 160
 (434) (2) (432) 17
 (1) 18
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)48
 47
 48
 (1) (1) 
 1
 (1) 2
Segment income (d)928
 903
 816
 25
 (9) 34
 87
 1
 86
(d)
BK segment income includes $5 millionand $1 millionof cash distributions received from equity method investments for 2018and 2017, respectively.
       2018 vs. 2017
PLK Segment2018 2017(e)   Variance FX
Impact (a)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
       Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:           
Sales$79
 $67
   $12
 $
 $12
Franchise and property revenues335
 135
   200
 (1) 201
Total revenues414
 202
   212
 (1) 213
Cost of sales63
 57
   (6) 
 (6)
Franchise and property expenses12
 7
   (5) 
 (5)
Segment SG&A193
 40
   (153) 
 (153)
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)10
 9
   (1) 
 (1)
Segment income157
 107
   50
 (1) 51
(e)PLK revenues and segment income from the acquisition date of March 27, 2017 through December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Commencing2017 are included in the fourth quarterour consolidated statement of 2015, we revised our presentation of restaurant counts to exclude limited service kiosks, with the revision applied retrospectively to the earliest period presented to provide period-to-period comparability.operations for 2017.



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Table of Contents


Comparable Sales Growth

TH global system comparable sales growth of 5.6%were 0.6% for 2015 was driven by continued strength in beverages and innovative new product launches, such as grilled breakfast and lunch wraps and Nutella baked goods.

BK global system2018, including Canada comparable sales growth of 5.4% and 2.1%0.9%. BK comparable sales were 2.0% for 2015 and 2014, respectively, reflects the impact2018, including U.S. comparable sales of successful new products and promotions.

1.4%. PLK comparable sales were 1.6% for 2018, including U.S. comparable sales of 0.9%.

Sales and Cost of Sales

Sales include TH supply chain sales and sales from Company restaurants. TH supply chain sales represent sales of products, supplies and restaurant equipment, as well as sales to retailers, other thanretailers. In periods prior to January 1, 2018, we classified revenues derived from sales of equipment sales related to initialpackages at the establishment of a restaurant establishmentand in connection with renewal or renovations that are shipped directly from our warehouses or by third-party distributors to restaurants or retailers.renovation as franchise and property revenues. Sales from Company restaurants, including sales by our consolidated TH Restaurant VIEs, (see Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information on Restaurant VIEs), represent restaurant-level sales to our guests.

Cost of sales includes costs associated with the management of our TH supply chain, including cost of goods, direct labor and depreciation, as well as the cost of goods delivered by third-party distributors to the restaurants for which we manage the supply chain logistics, and for products sold through grocery stores.to retailers. Cost of sales also includes food, paper and labor costs of Company restaurants, which are principallyrestaurants. In periods prior to January 1, 2018, we classified costs incurred by our consolidated TH Restaurant VIEs.

related to sales of equipment packages at the establishment of a restaurant and in connection with renewal or renovation as franchise and property expenses.

During 2015, the increase in sales was driven primarily by the inclusion of $2,074.3 million of TH sales for a full year compared to $92.8 million in 2014 as a result of the Transactions.

During 2014,2018, the decrease in sales was driven by a $148.1decrease of $29 million in our TH segment and a decrease of $19 million in our BK segment, partially offset by an increase of $12 million in our PLK segment, primarily as a result of including PLK for a full year in 2018 compared to nine months in 2017, and a favorable FX Impact of $1 million. The decrease in our TH segment was driven by a $48 million decrease in BKour TH Company restaurant revenue, primarily from the conversion of Restaurant VIEs to franchise restaurants, partially offset by a $19 million increase in supply chain sales. The increase in supply chain sales was primarily due to the net refranchisingreclassification of 360 BK Company restaurants during 2013. These factors wererevenue from the sales of equipment packages from franchise and property revenues to sales beginning January 1, 2018, partially offset by $92.8the non-recurrence of the roll-out of espresso equipment and related espresso inventory in 2017. The decrease in our BK segment was due to Company restaurant refranchisings in prior periods.

During 2017, the increase in sales was driven by a $78 million increase in our TH segment, the inclusion of $67 million from our PLK segment, and a $40 million favorable FX Impact. The increase in our TH segment was driven by a $135 million increase in supply chain sales primarily reflecting growth in system-wide sales and the launch of our espresso-based beverage platform, partially offset by a $57 million decrease in our TH Company restaurant revenue, primarily from the conversion of Restaurant VIEs to franchise restaurants.
During 2018, the decrease in cost of sales was driven primarily by a decrease of $19 million in our TH segment and a decrease of $19 million in our BK segment, partially offset by an increase of $6 million in our PLK segment, primarily as a result of including PLK for a full year in 2018 compared to nine months in 2017. The decrease in our TH segment was primarily due to a decrease of $41 million in Company restaurant cost of sales, primarily from the Transactions.

conversion of Restaurant VIEs to franchise restaurants, partially offset by an increase of $22 million in supply chain cost of sales. The increase in supply chain cost of sales was primarily due to the reclassification of costs from the sales of equipment packages from franchise and property expenses to costs of sales beginning January 1, 2018, partially offset by a decrease in costs in connection with the non-recurrence of the roll-out of espresso equipment in 2017. The decrease in our BK segment was due to Company restaurant refranchisings in prior periods.

During 2015,2017, the increase in cost of sales was driven primarily by the inclusion of $1,728.1$57 million offrom our PLK segment, a $30 million increase in our TH segment, a $5 million increase in our BK segment, and a $31 million unfavorable FX Impact. The increase in our TH segment was primarily due to an $80 million increase in supply chain cost of sales for a full year compared to $92.1 million in 2014 as a result of the Transactions.

During 2014, the decrease in cost of sales was driven by the increase in supply chain sales described above, net of supply chain cost savings derived from effective cost management. This factor was partially offset by a $131.0$50 million decrease in BK Company restaurant cost of sales, primarily duefrom the conversion of Restaurant VIEs to the net refranchisingfranchise restaurants.



34

Table of 360 BK Company restaurants during 2013. These factors were partially offset by $92.1 million of TH cost of sales as a result of the Transactions.

Contents



Franchise and Property

Franchise and property revenues consist primarily of royalties earned on franchise sales, rents from real estate leased or subleased to franchisees, franchise fees, revenues derived from equipment packages at establishment of a restaurant and in connection with renewal or renovation, and other revenue. Franchise and property expenses consist primarily of depreciation of properties leased to franchisees, rental expense associated with properties subleased to franchisees, costsamortization of franchise agreements, and bad debt expense (recoveries). In periods prior to January 1, 2018, franchise and property revenues and franchise and property expenses included revenues and cost of sales, respectively, related to equipment packages sold at establishment of a restaurant and in connection with renewals or renovations.
During 2018, the increase in franchise and property revenues was driven by an increase of $458 million in our BK segment, an increase of $201 million in our PLK segment, and an increase of $167 million in our TH segment, partially offset by a $10 million unfavorable FX Impact. The increase in our BK, TH and PLK segments reflects the inclusion of advertising fund contributions from franchisees as a result of the application of ASC 606 beginning January 1, 2018, an increase in PLK franchise and property revenues as a result of including PLK for a full year in 2018 compared to nine months in 2017, and an increase in royalties driven by system-wide sales growth. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in franchise fees and other revenue, primarily due to the deferral of initial and renewal or renovation, amortizationfranchise fees as a result of the application of ASC 606 and for our TH segment, the reclassification of revenue from the sales of equipment packages from franchise agreements and bad debt expense (recoveries).

property revenues to sales beginning January 1, 2018.

During 2015,2017, the increase in franchise and property revenues was driven by the inclusion of $882.6$135 million from our PLK segment, a $72 million increase in our BK segment, a $20 million increase in our TH segment, and an $18 million favorable FX Impact. The increase in our BK segment was primarily due to an increase in royalties, driven by system-wide sales growth. The increase in our TH segment was primarily due to an increase in royalties, driven by system-wide sales growth, and an increase in property revenues, driven by new leases and subleases associated with additional restaurants leased or subleased to franchisees as a result of THconverting Restaurant VIEs to franchise restaurants.
During 2018, the decrease in franchise and property revenuesexpenses was driven by a decrease of $56 million in our TH segment and a decrease of $5 million in our BK segment, partially offset by an increase of $5 million in our PLK segment, primarily as a result of including PLK for a full year in 2018 compared to $50.8 millionnine months in 2014 as a result2017. The decrease in our TH segment was primarily due to the reclassification of the Transactions. To a lesser extent, the increase inexpenses from sales of equipment packages from franchise and property revenues, excluding FX impact, was driven by a $89.0 million increase in BK franchise and property revenues due primarilyexpenses to (i) an increasecost of $75.6 million in BK franchise royalties driven by NRG and comparable sales growth during 2015 and (ii) an increase of $13.7 million in BK franchise fees and other revenue driven primarily by an increase in renewal franchise fees. beginning January 1, 2018.
During 2015, franchise and property revenues had a $69.0 million unfavorable FX impact related to our BK segment.

During 2014, the increase in franchise and property revenues, excluding FX impact, was driven by a $71.6 million increase in BK franchise and property revenues due primarily to (i) an increase of $47.8 million in BK franchise royalties driven by worldwide net restaurants growth of 705 restaurants during 2014, the net refranchising of 360 BK Company restaurants during 2013 and comparable sales growth, (ii) an increase of $21.7 million in BK franchise fees and other revenue driven primarily by an increase in renewal franchise fees, and (iii) an increase of $2.1 million in BK property revenue. Additionally, franchise and property revenues increased due to $50.8 million of TH franchise and property revenues as a result of the Transactions. During 2014, franchise and property revenues had a $14.6 million unfavorable FX impact related to our BK segment.

During 2015,2017, the increase in franchise and property expenses was driven primarily by a $13 million increase in our TH segment, the inclusion of $360.7$7 million offrom our PLK segment, and a $6 million unfavorable FX Impact, partially offset by a $2 million decrease in our BK segment. The increase in our TH franchise andsegment was primarily due to an increase in property expenses for a full year compareddriven by new subleases associated with additional restaurants subleased to $26.1 million in 2014franchisees as a result of the Transactions.

During 2014, the increase inconverting Restaurant VIEs to franchise and property expenses was driven primarily by the inclusion of $26.1 million of TH franchise and property expenses in 2014 as a result of the Transactions.

restaurants.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Our selling, general and administrative expenses were comprised of the following:

               2015 Compared to 2014  2014 Compared to 2013 
   2015   2014   2013   $  %  $  % 
               Favorable / (Unfavorable) 

Selling expenses

  $13.7    $2.4    $6.2    $(11.3  NM   $3.8    61.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Management general and administrative expenses

   238.5     166.7     181.0     (71.8  (43.1)%   14.3    7.9

Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense

   51.8     37.3     17.6     (14.5  (38.9)%   (19.7  (111.9)% 

Depreciation and amortization

   17.0     14.0     11.4     (3.0  (21.4)%   (2.6  (22.8)% 

TH transaction and restructuring costs

   116.7     125.0     —       8.3    NM    (125.0  NM  

Global portfolio realignment project costs

   —       —       26.2     —      NM    26.2    NM  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total general and administrative expenses

   424.0     343.0     236.2     (81.0  (23.6)%   (106.8  (45.2)% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  $437.7    $345.4    $242.4    $(92.3  (26.7)%  $(103.0  (42.5)% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


       2018 vs. 2017 2017 vs. 2016
 2018 2017 2016 $ % $ %
       Favorable / (Unfavorable)
TH Segment SG&A$314
 $91
 $79
 $(223) NM
 $(12) (15.2)%
BK Segment SG&A577
 143
 160
 (434) NM
 17
 10.6 %
PLK Segment SG&A193
 40
 
 (153) NM
 (40) NM
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense55
 55
 42
 
 % (13) (31.0)%
Depreciation and amortization20
 23
 22
 3
 13.0% (1) (4.5)%
PLK Transaction costs10
 62
 
 52
 83.9% (62) NM
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees25
 2
 
 (23) NM
 (2) NM
Office centralization and relocation costs20
 
 
 (20) NM
 
 NM
Integration costs
 
 16
 
 NM
 16
 NM
Selling, general and administrative expenses$1,214
 $416
 $319
 $(798) NM
 $(97) (30.4)%
NM – Not Meaningful

Selling expenses consist primarily



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Table of Company restaurant advertising fund contributions and the increase inContents


Upon our transition to ASC 606 on January 1, 2018, segment selling, expenses for 2015 was primarily a result of advertising fund contributions from TH Restaurant VIEs. During 2014, selling expenses decreased primarily as a result of the net refranchisings of 360 BK Company restaurants during 2013.

Management general and administrative expenses (“Management GSegment SG&A”) include segment selling expenses, which consist primarily of advertising fund expenses, and segment general and administrative expenses, which are comprised primarily of salary and employee relatedemployee-related costs for our non-restaurant employees, professional fees, information technology systems, and general overhead for our corporate offices. Prior to our transition to ASC 606 on January 1, 2018, our statement of operations did not reflect advertising fund contributions or advertising fund expenses, since such amounts were netted under previously applicable accounting standards. Segment SG&A excludes share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, PLK Transaction costs, Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees, Office centralization and relocation costs and Integration costs.

During 2015, the increase in Management G2018, TH, BK and PLK Segment SG&A was drivenincreased primarily bydue to the inclusion of $79.7 millionadvertising fund expenses from the application of ASC 606 beginning January 1, 2018.
During 2017, TH Management GSegment SG&A forincreased primarily due to an increase in salaries and benefits and an unfavorable FX Impact. During the same period, BK Segment SG&A decreased primarily due to a full year compared to $5.6 milliondecrease in 2014 as a result of the Transactions,salaries and benefits, partially offset by favorablean unfavorable FX impact related to our BK segment. The decrease in Management G&A in 2014 was driven primarily by a decrease in BK salary and fringe benefits, professional services and favorable FX impact, partially offset by the inclusion of $5.6 million of TH Management G&A.

Impact.

During 2015,2017, the increase in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense was due primarily to an increase of $4 million in equity award modifications and an increase due to additional stock optionsequity awards granted during 2015, an increase in non-cash incentive compensation of $4.0 million and a $6.1 million increase in share-based compensation expense to $16.2 million related to the remeasurement of stock options that are liability-classified or granted to non-employees to fair value. During 2015, we modified a portion of liability-classified awards that resulted in a change in classification of the awards from liability to equity and as such these modified awards will no longer be revalued after the modification date.

During 2014, the increase in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense was primarily due to additional stock options granted during 2014, a $6.4 million increase in stock option modifications compared to 2013 and a $10.5 million increase in share-based compensation expense to $12.3 million related to the remeasurement of stock options that are liability-classified or granted to non-employees to fair value, including $7.7 million for liability-classified Tim Hortons stock options.

During 2015, the increase in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily due to the inclusion of the TH business for a full year as a result of the Transactions. During 2014, the increase in depreciation and amortization expenses is primarily due to corporate capital expenditures.

2017.

(Income) Loss from Equity Method Investments

(Income) loss from equity method investments reflects our share of investee net income or loss. (Income) loss, non-cash dilution gains or losses from changes in our ownership interests in equity method investments from these investments is considered to be an integrated part of our business operations,investees, and is therefore includedbasis difference amortization.
The change in operating income.

During 2015, the (income) loss from equity method investments includes $7.9during 2018 was primarily driven by the current year recognition of a $20 million non-cash dilution gain on the initial public offering by one of investee net income from THour equity method investments. During 2015,investees, partially offset by an increase in equity method investment net losses that we also recordedrecognized during 2018.

The change in (income) loss from equity method investments during 2017 was primarily driven by the prior year recognition of a $10.9$12 million noncashincrease to the carrying value of our investment balance and a non-cash dilution gain included in (income) loss from equity method investments on the issuance of capital stock by BK Brasil Operacao E Assesoria A Restaurantes S.A., our Brazilian joint venture and one of our equity method investees. The investee net income from THinvestees, partially offset by improved results of our BK equity method investments and dilution gain are offset by net losses from other BK equity method investments.

During 2014, we recorded a $5.8 million noncash dilution gain included in (income) loss from equity method investments on the issuance of stock by Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Carrols”), one of our equity method investees. The dilution gain is offset by net losses from BK equity method investments.

2017.

Other Operating Expenses (Income), net

Our other operating expenses (income), net were comprised of the following:

   2015   2014   2013 

Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings

  $22.0    $25.4    $0.7  

Litigation settlements and reserves, net

   1.3     4.0     7.6  

Net losses on derivatives

   37.3     290.9     —    

Foreign exchange net losses (gains)

   46.7     (3.8   7.4  

Other, net

   (1.8   10.9     5.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other operating expenses (income), net

  $105.5    $327.4    $21.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


 2018 2017 2016
Net losses on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings$19
 $29
 $18
Litigation settlements and reserves, net11
 2
 1
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange(33) 77
 (20)
Other, net11
 1
 
Other operating expenses (income), net$8
 $109
 $(1)
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings represent sales of properties and other costs related to restaurant closures and refranchisings, and are recorded in other operating expenses (income), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.refranchisings. Gains and losses recognized in the current period may reflect certain costs related to closures and refranchisings that occurred in previous periods.

During 2015,

Litigation settlements and reserves, net losses on disposal of assets, restaurant closuresprimarily reflects accruals and refranchisings consisted of net losses associatedproceeds received in connection with refranchisings of $2.6 million and net losses associated with asset disposals and restaurant closures of $19.4 million.

During 2014, net losses on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings consisted of net losses associated with refranchisings of $10.5 million and net losses associated with asset disposals and restaurant closures of $14.9 million.

During 2013, net losses on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings consisted of net gains associated with refranchisings of $5.3 million, net losses from sale of subsidiaries of $1.0 million and net losses associated with asset disposals and restaurant closures of $5.0 million.

litigation matters.

Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange is primarily related to revaluation of foreign denominated assets and liabilities.

During 2015,

Other, net losses on derivativesduring 2018 is comprised primarily reflectsof a payment in connection with the reclassificationsettlement of losses on cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earningscertain provisions associated with the 2017 redemption of our preferred shares as a result of de-designationrecently proposed Treasury regulations.




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Interest Expense, net
 2018 2017 2016
Interest expense, net$535
 $512
 $467
Weighted average interest rate on long-term debt4.8% 4.8% 5.1%
During 2018, interest expense, net increased primarily due to higher outstanding debt from the incurrence of incremental term loans and settlementthe issuance of certain interest rate swaps.

During 2014, we entered into foreign currency forward and foreign currency option contractssenior notes during 2017, partially offset by a $60 million benefit during 2018 from our adoption of the new hedge accounting standard. Please refer to hedge our exposureNote 2, Significant Accounting Policies - New Accounting Pronouncements, to the volatility of the Canadian dollar in connection with the cash portion of the purchase price of the Tim Hortons acquisition. We recorded a net loss on derivatives of $133.0 million related to the change in fair value on these instruments and an expense of $59.9 million related to the premium on the foreign currency option contracts. These instruments were settled in the fourth quarter of 2014. Additionally, as a result of discontinuing hedge accounting on our interest rate caps and forward-starting interest rate swaps, we

recognized a loss of $34.5 million related to the change in fair value related to both instruments and a net gain of $13.4 million related to the reclassification of amounts from AOCI into earnings related to both instruments. These instruments were settled in the fourth quarter of 2014. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2014 we entered into a series of forward-starting interest rate swaps to economically hedge the variability in the interest payments associated with our 2014 Term Loan Facility (as defined below) and recorded a gain of $88.9 million related to the change in fair value related to these instruments. Lastly, during the fourth quarter of 2014 we entered into a series of cross-currency rate swaps to protect the value of our investments in our foreign operations against adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates and recorded a loss of $165.8 million related to the change in fair value on these instruments. See Note 17 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for additional information aboutfurther details of the effects of the adoption of the new hedge accounting for our derivative instruments.

Interest Expense, net

   2015  2014  2013 

Interest expense, net

  $478.3   $279.7   $200.0  

Weighted average interest rate on long-term debt

   5.2  6.0  6.6

standard. Subject to foreign exchange rate movements and other factors, we expect a benefit to continue during 2019.

During 2015,2017, interest expense, net increased compared to 2014 primarily due to higher outstanding debt from the incurrence of incremental term loans and the issuance of senior notes during 2017, partially offset by an increase in outstanding debt forinterest income and a full year as a result of the Transactions in December 2014, partially offset by a reduction in ourlower weighted average interest rate.

During 2014, interest expense, net increased compared to 2013 primarily due to an increase in outstanding debt as a result of the Transactions in December 2014. In connection with the Transactions, we incurred $6,750.0 million of term loans on October 27, 2014 and $2,250.0 million of senior notes on October 8, 2014, with interest expense beginning to accrue from each respective date. See Note 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information on interest expense, net.

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt

In connection with the refinancing and prepayment of a portion of the term loans outstanding under our 2014 Credit Facilities as well as the redemption of a portion of our Tim Hortons Notes (as such terms are defined below),

During 2017, we recorded a $40.0$122 million loss on early extinguishment of debt in 2015. The loss on early extinguishmentwhich primarily reflects the payment of debt primarily reflectspremiums to fully redeem our second lien notes and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts.

Indiscounts in connection with the refinancing of term loans outstanding underour Term Loan Facility.

Income Tax Expense
The change in our effective income tax rate to 17.2% in 2018 from (12.1)% in 2017 is primarily due to the 2012 Credit Agreement,impact of certain aspects of the Tax Act, realignment of certain intercompany financings and changes in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by the release of a valuation allowance related to use of capital losses.
The change in our effective income tax rate to (12.1)% in 2017 from 20.3% in 2016 is primarily due to provisional amounts recorded in 2017 for the Tax Act Impact. Our effective income tax rate in 2017 also includes a benefit from stock option exercises as a result of the required adoption of a new share-based compensation accounting standard, as well as differing tax rules applicable to certain subsidiaries outside Canada. These factors were partially offset by a valuation allowance on foreign exchange capital losses.
Net Income
We reported net income of $1,144 million for 2018 compared to net income of $1,235 million for 2017. The decrease in net income is primarily due to a $372 million increase in income tax expense, a $23 million increase in interest expense, net, a $23 million increase in Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees, the redemptionsinclusion of our 2011 Discount Notes$20 million of Office centralization and 2010 Senior Notes (as such terms are defined below)relocation costs, and a $9 million decrease in TH segment income. These factors were partially offset by the non-recurrence of $122 million of loss on early extinguishment of debt recognized in the prior period, a $101 million favorable change in results from other operating expenses (income), we recordednet, a $155.4$52 million decrease in PLK Transaction costs, a $50 million increase in PLK segment income, primarily as a result of including PLK for a full year in 2018 compared to nine months in 2017, and a $25 million increase in BK segment income.
Our net income increased to $1,235 million for 2017 compared to net income of $956 million for 2016, primarily as a result of a $134 million income tax benefit in 2017 compared to a $244 million income tax expense in 2016, a net change of $378 million. Additionally, segment income in TH and BK increased $151 million and 2017 includes $107 million of PLK segment income. These factors were partially offset by a $122 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, in 2014. The loss on early extinguishment of debt reflects the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs, the write-off of unamortized discounts, commitment fees associated with the bridge loan available at the closing of the Transactions, and the payment of premiums to redeem the 2011 Discount Notes and 2010 Senior Notes.

Income Tax Expense

During 2015 and 2014, we completed a series of transactions which resulted in a change to our legal and capital structure. The restructuring impacts the comparability of the current period effective tax rate to prior periods.

Our effective tax rate was 24.1% in 2015, primarily a result of the mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions, partially offset by the favorable impact from intercompany financing.

Our effective tax rate was a negative 5.9% in 2014, primarily due to the impact of the Transactions, including non-deductible transaction related costs, and the mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions.

Our effective tax rate was 27.5% in 2013, primarily as a result of the mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions and the impact of non-deductible expenses related to our global portfolio realignment project, partially offset by a favorable impact from the sale of foreign subsidiaries and a reduction in the state effective tax rate related to our global portfolio realignment project.

Net Income (Loss)

We reported net income of $511.7$110 million during 2015, compared to a net loss of $268.9 million during 2014, primarily as a result of an increase in income from operations of $1,011.1 million and a decrease in loss on early extinguishment of debt of $115.4 million, partially offset by an increase in interest expense, net of $198.6 million and an increase in income tax expense of $147.3 million. The increase in income from operations was driven by an increase in sales, an increase in franchise and property revenues and a decrease in other operating expenses (income), net, partially offset by an increase in cost of sales, an increase in franchise and property expenses, and an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, as discussed above.

We reported a net loss of $268.9 million during 2014, compared to net income of $233.7 million during 2013, primarily as a result of a $341.1 million decrease in income from operations, which was driven by an increase in other operating expenses (income), net, an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, a decrease in sales and an increase in franchise and property expenses, partially offset by an increase in franchise and property revenues, a decrease in cost$62 million of salesPLK Transaction costs, and a decrease in (income) loss from equity method investments. Additionally, our net loss was also impacted by an$45 million increase in interest expense, net of $79.7 million and the recognition of loss on early extinguishment of debt of $155.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $73.6 million.

net.

Non-GAAP Reconciliations

The table below contains information regarding EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures do not have a standardized meaning under U.S. GAAP and may differ from similar captioned measures of other companies in our industry. We believe that these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in assessing our operating performance, as it provides them with the same tools that management uses to evaluate our performance and is responsive to questions we receive from both investors and analysts. By disclosing these non-GAAP measures, we intend to provide investors with a consistent comparison of our operating results and trends for the periods presented. EBITDA is defined as earnings (net income or loss) before interest expense, net, loss on early extinguishment of debt, taxes,income tax (benefit) expense, and depreciation and amortization.amortization and is


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used by management to measure operating performance of the business. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA excluding the non-cash impact of share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense other operating expenses (income), net,and (income) loss from equity method investments, net of cash distributions received from equity method investments, and allas well as other operating expenses (income), net. Other specifically identified costs associated with non-recurring projects are also excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, including PLK Transaction costs associated with the Popeyes Acquisition, Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees related to the interpretation and implementation of the Tax Act, including Treasury regulations proposed in late 2018, non-operational Office centralization and relocation costs in connection with the centralization and relocation of our Canadian and U.S. restaurant support centers to new offices in Toronto, Ontario, and Miami, Florida, respectively, and Integration costs associated with the acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales and TH transaction and restructuring costs.Tim Hortons. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to measure operating performance of the business, excluding these non-cash and other specifically identified items that management believes doare not directly reflect our core operations, andrelevant to management’s assessment of operating performance or the performance of an acquired business. Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, also represents our measure of segment income.

   2015   2014  2013   2015
Compared
to 2014
  2014
Compared
to 2013
 
              Favorable / (Unfavorable) 

Segment income:

        

TH

  $906.7    $34.9   $—      $871.8   $34.9  

BK

   759.5     726.0    665.6     33.5    60.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   1,666.2     760.9    665.6     905.3    95.3  

Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense

   51.8     37.3    17.6     (14.5  (19.7

Acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales

   0.5     11.8    —       11.3    (11.8

TH transaction and restructuring costs

   116.7     125.0    —       8.3    (125.0

Global portfolio realignment project costs

   —       —      26.2     —      26.2  

Impact of equity method investments (a)

   17.7     9.5    12.7     (8.2  3.2  

Other operating expenses (income), net

   105.5     327.4    21.3     221.9    (306.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

EBITDA

   1,374.0     249.9    587.8     1,124.1    (337.9

Depreciation and amortization

   181.8     68.8    65.6     (113.0  (3.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income from operations

   1,192.2     181.1    522.2     1,011.1    (341.1

Interest expense, net

   478.3     279.7    200.0     (198.6  (79.7

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   40.0     155.4    —       115.4    (155.4

Income tax expense

   162.2     14.9    88.5     (147.3  73.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $511.7    $(268.9 $233.7    $780.6   $(502.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

NM – Not Meaningful

income for each of our three operating segments.

 2018 2017 2016 2018 vs. 2017 2017 vs. 2016
       Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Segment income:         
TH$1,127
 $1,136
 $1,072
 $(9) $64
BK928
 903
 816
 25
 87
PLK157
 107
 
 50
 107
Adjusted EBITDA2,212
 2,146
 1,888
 66
 258
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense55
 55
 42
 
 (13)
PLK Transaction costs10
 62
 
 52
 (62)
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees25
 2
 
 (23) (2)
Office centralization and relocation costs20
 
 
 (20) 
Integration costs
 
 16
 
 16
Impact of equity method investments (a)(3) 1
 (8) 4
 (9)
Other operating expenses (income), net8
 109
 (1) 101
 (110)
EBITDA2,097
 1,917
 1,839
 180
 78
Depreciation and amortization180
 182
 172
 2
 (10)
Income from operations1,917
 1,735
 1,667
 182
 68
Interest expense, net535
 512
 467
 (23) (45)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 122
 
 122
 (122)
Income tax (benefit) expense238
 (134) 244
 (372) 378
Net income$1,144
 $1,235
 $956
 $(91) $279
(a)Represents (i) (income) loss from equity method investments and (ii) cash distributions received from our equity method investments. Cash distributions received from our equity method investments are included in segment income.

Segment income is affected by the application of ASC 606 beginning January 1, 2018, including the deferral of initial and renewal franchise fees and the timing of advertising fund related revenues and expenses. See Note 19, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information, to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for 2018 segment income under Previous Standards. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for 20152018 reflects the increase in segment income in our BK and PLK segments, primarily reflects consolidationas a result of THincluding PLK for a full year in 2015 and,2018 compared to nine months in 2017, partially offset by a decrease in our TH segment.
The increase in EBITDA for 2018 is primarily due to a lesser extent,decrease in other operating expenses (income), net, an increase in segment income in our BK and PLK segments, primarily as a result of including PLK for a full year in 2018 compared to nine months in 2017, a decrease in PLK Transaction costs, and favorable results from the impact of equity method investments in the current period, partially offset by the increase in Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees, the inclusion of Office centralization and relocation costs and a decrease in segment income in our TH segment.
The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for 2014 primarily2017 reflects an increaseincreases in segment income in our TH and BK segment as well assegments and the impactinclusion of the consolidationour PLK segment.


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The increase in EBITDA for 20152017 is primarily reflects consolidation of TH for a full yeardue to increases in 2015, an increase in BK segment income a decreasein our TH and BK segments, the inclusion of PLK segment income, and the non-recurrence of integration costs, partially offset by an increase in other operating expenses (income), net, a decrease in TH transaction and restructuringPLK Transaction costs and a decreaseCorporate restructuring and tax advisory fees recognized in acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales, partially offset bythe current period, an increase in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation, expense.

EBITDA for 2014 decreased primarily from an increase in other operating expenses (income), net, the incurrence of TH transaction and restructuring costs, the acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales and an increase in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expenses, partially offset by the factors described above that resulted in an increase in Adjusted EBITDA as well as the non-recurrence of global portfolio realignment project costs.

Segment Results for 2015

     BK Segment 
  2015  2014  Favorable / (Unfavorable) 
  Total  TH Segment  BK Segment  Total  TH Segment  BK Segment  $  % 

Franchise:

        

Franchise and property revenues

 $1,883.2   $882.6   $1,000.6   $1,031.4   $50.8   $980.6   $20.0    2.0

Franchise and property expenses

  503.2    360.7    142.5    179.0    26.1    152.9    10.4    6.8

Sales and cost of sales (1):

        

Sales

  2,169.0    2,074.3    94.7    167.4    92.8    74.6    20.1    26.9

Cost of sales

  1,809.5    1,728.1    81.4    156.4    92.1    64.3    (17.1  (26.6)% 

Segment SG&A (2)

  252.2    93.2    159.0    169.1    6.6    162.5    3.5    2.2

Segment depreciation and amortization (3)

  164.8    117.7    47.1    54.8    4.3    50.5    3.4    6.7

Segment income (4)

  1,666.2    906.7    759.5    760.9    34.9    726.0    33.5    4.6

(1)Includes Restaurant VIEs.
(2)Segment selling, general and administrative expenses (“Segment SG&A”) consists of segment selling expenses and management general and administrative expenses.
(3)Segment depreciation and amortization consists of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales and franchise and property expenses.
(4)TH segment income for 2015 excludes $0.5 million of acquisition acounting impact on cost of sales and includes $13.6 million of cash distributions received from equity method investments. TH segment income for 2014 excludes $11.8 million of acquisition acounting impact on cost of sales.

Results of Operations for TH Segment for 2015

Results of operations for our TH segment reflect consolidation of TH for a full year in 2015 compared to the period of December 12, 2014 through December 28, 2014 in 2014, as a result of the Transactions in December 2014.

Results of Operations for BK Segment for 2015

Franchise and Property

During 2015, the increase in franchise and property revenues, excluding FX impact, was due primarily to (i) an increase of $75.6 million in franchise royalties primarily driven by NRG and comparable sales growth and (ii) an increase of $13.7 million in franchise fees and other revenue driven by an increase in renewal franchise fees. During 2015, franchise and property revenues had a $69.0 million unfavorable FX impact.

During 2015, the decrease in franchise and property expenses was primarily related to a decrease in property expenses and a $4.8 million favorable FX impact.

Segment SG&A

During 2015, the decrease in Segment SG&A was driven primarily by favorable FX impact.

Segment Income

During 2015, segment income increased primarily due to an increase in franchise and property revenues net of expenses, an increase in sales net of cost of sales and a decrease in Segment SG&A.

Segment Results for 2014

     BK Segment 
  2014  2013  Favorable / (Unfavorable) 
  Total  TH Segment  BK Segment  BK Segment  $  % 

Franchise:

      

Franchise and property revenues

 $1,031.4   $50.8   $980.6   $923.6   $57.0    6.2

Franchise and property expenses

  179.0    26.1    152.9    152.4    (0.5  (0.3)% 

Sales and cost of sales (1):

      

Sales

  167.4    92.8    74.6    222.7    (148.1  (66.5)% 

Cost of sales

  156.4    92.1    64.3    195.3    131.0    67.1

Segment SG&A (2)

  169.1    6.6    162.5    187.2    24.7    13.2

Segment depreciation and amortization (3)

  54.8    4.3    50.5    54.2    3.7    6.8

Segment income (4)

  760.9    34.9    726.0    665.6    60.4    9.1

Results of Operations for BK Segment for 2014

Franchise and Property

During 2014, the increase in franchise and property revenues, excluding FX impact, was due primarily to (i) an increase of $47.8 million in franchise royalties primarily driven by NRG, the net refranchising of 360 BK Company restaurants during 2013 and comparable sales growth, (ii) an increase of $21.7 million in franchise fees and other revenue driven primarily by an increase in renewal franchise fees, and (iii) an increase of $2.1 million in BK property revenue. During 2014, franchise and property revenues had a $14.6 million unfavorable FX impact.

During 2014, the change in franchise and property expensesresults from the prior year was not meaningful.

Segment SG&A

During 2014, the decrease in Segment SG&A was driven primarily by a decrease in salary and fringe benefits.

Segment Income

During 2014, segment income increased primarily due to an increase in franchise and property revenues netimpact of expenses and a decrease in Segment SG&A.

equity method investments.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash generated by operations and borrowings available under our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below). We have used, and may in the future use, our liquidity to make required interest and/or principal payments, to make distributions onrepurchase our common shares, to repurchase Class A commonB exchangeable limited partnership units Partnership preferred units and (“Partnership exchangeable units, to repurchase Partnership exchangeable units, to repurchase RBI common shares,units”), to voluntarily prepay and repurchase our or one of our affiliate’s outstanding debt, and to fund our investing activities.activities and to pay dividends on our common shares and make distributions on the Partnership exchangeable units. As a result of our borrowings, we are highly leveraged. Our liquidity requirements are significant, primarily due to debt service and the cash distribution requirements of Partnership preferred units.

requirements.

At December 31, 2015,2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $757.8$913 million and working capital of $248.5$92 million. In addition, at December 31, 2015,2018, we had borrowing availability of $496.2$480 million under our Revolving Credit Facility. Based on our current level of operations and available cash, we believe our cash flow from operations, combined with availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, will provide sufficient liquidity to fund our current obligations, Preferred Share dividends, debt service requirements and capital spending over the next twelve months.

At December 31, 2015,

During 2018, we received exchange notices representing 10,185,333 Partnership exchangeable units, including 10,020,000 received during the fourth quarter of 2018. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, we satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 10,000,000 Partnership exchangeable units for approximately 22%$561 million in cash during the fourth quarter and full year of our consolidated cash2018 and cash equivalents balances were heldexchanging the remaining Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares.
On August 2, 2016, the RBI board of directors approved a share repurchase authorization that allows us to purchase up to $300 million of RBI common shares through July 2021. Repurchases under this authorization will be made in tax jurisdictions other than Canadathe open market or through privately negotiated transactions. On August 7, 2018, RBI announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) had accepted the notice of RBI's intention to renew the normal course issuer bid. Under this normal course issuer bid, RBI is permitted to repurchase up to 24,087,172 RBI common shares for the one-year period commencing on August 8, 2018 and ending on August 7, 2019, or earlier if RBI completes the U.S. Undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries for periodsrepurchases prior to such date. Share repurchases under the Transactions are considered indefinitely reinvested for U.S. income tax purposes. Subsequentnormal course issuer bid will be made through the facilities of the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and/or other exchanges and alternative Canadian or foreign trading systems, if eligible, or by such other means as may be permitted by the TSX and/or the NYSE under applicable law. Partnership unitholders and RBI shareholders may obtain a copy of the prior notice, free of charge, by contacting us. If RBI repurchases any RBI common shares, pursuant to the Transactions,partnership agreement, Partnership will, immediately prior to such repurchase, make a distribution to RBI on its Class A common units in an amount sufficient for RBI to fund such repurchase. As of the date of this report, there have been no RBI common share repurchases under the normal course issuer bid.
Prior to the Tax Act, we recordprovided deferred taxes on certain undistributed foreign earnings. Under our transition to a modified territorial tax system whereby all previously untaxed undistributed foreign earnings are subject to a transition tax charge at reduced rates and future repatriations of foreign earnings will generally be exempt from U.S. tax, we wrote off the existing deferred tax liability on undistributed foreign earnings and recorded the impact of the new transition tax charge on foreign earnings during the fourth quarter of 2017. We will continue to monitor available evidence and our plans for foreign earnings and expect to continue to provide any applicable deferred taxes based on the tax liability or withholding taxes that would be due upon repatriation of foreign subsidiaries with U.S. parent companies when such amounts are not considered permanently reinvested and would be subject to tax in the U.S. upon repatriationreinvested.



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Debt Instruments and Debt Service Requirements

Our

As of December 31, 2018, our long-term debt is comprisedconsists primarily of borrowings under our 2015 Amended Credit Agreement,Facilities, amounts outstanding under our 20152017 4.25% Senior Notes, 20142015 4.625% Senior Notes and Tim Hortons2017 5.00% Senior Notes (each as defined below), and obligations under capital leases. For further information about our long-term debt, see Note 129 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our Annual Report.

Credit Facilities
On May 22, 2015,October 2, 2018, two of our subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”) issued $1,250.0 million of 4.625% first lien senior secured notes due January 15, 2022 (the “2015 Senior Notes”) and entered into a firstthird amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to ourthe credit agreement dated October 27, 2014 (the “2015 Amended Credit“Credit Agreement”). Under the 2015 Amended Credit Agreement, (1) the aggregate principal amount of the governing our senior secured term loansloan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) was reduced to $5,140.4 million as a result of the repayment of $1,550.0 million from the net proceeds from the offering of the 2015 Senior Notes and cash on hand and (2) the interest rate applicable to the Term Loan Facility was reduced to, at our option, either (i) a base rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.75% or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate plus an applicable margin equal to 2.75%. The 2015 Amended Credit Agreement also provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility forof up to $500.0$500 million of revolving extensions of credit outstanding at any time (including revolving loans, swingline loans and letters of credit), the amount of which was unchanged by the May 22, 2015 amendment (the “Revolving Credit Facility,”Facility”) and together with the Term Loan Facility, the “Credit Facilities”).

2015 Amended The Third Amendment amended the Credit Agreement

to (i) exclude from GAAP any applicable changes with respect to revenue recognition such that the revenue recognition standards from Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, Revenue Recognition and ASC Subtopic 952-605, Franchisors - Revenue Recognition, solely as it relates to initial and renewal franchise fees and upfront fees from development agreements and master franchise and development agreements, shall continue to apply; (ii) provide for mandatory prepayments equal to 50%, 25% and 0% of annual excess cash flow of the Borrowers and their subsidiaries if the first lien senior secured leverage ratio is above 4.00x, between 3.75x and 4.00x and below 3.75x, respectively (rather than above 3.75x, between 3.50x and 3.75x and below 3.50x, respectively); and (iii) allow for unlimited restricted payments when the total leverage ratio is not greater than 4.75x (rather than 4.50x).

As of December 31, 2015,2018, there was $5,097.7$6,338 million outstanding principal amount under the Term Loan Facility. As of December 31, 2015, theFacility with a weighted average interest rate was 3.75% on our Term Loan Facility.of 4.77%. Based on the amounts outstanding under the Term Loan Facility and the three-month LIBOR rate as of December 31, 2015,2018, subject to a floor of 1.00%, required debt service for the next twelve months is estimated to be approximately $194.1$287 million in interest payments and $34.4$65 million in principal payments. In addition, based on LIBOR as of December 31, 2015,2018, net cash settlements that we expect to pay on our $2,500.0$3,500 million interest rate swap are estimated to be approximately $7.6$4 million for the next twelve months.

The Term Loan Facility matures on February 17, 2024, and we may prepay the Term Loan Facility in whole or in part at any time. Additionally, subject to certain exceptions, the Term Loan Facility may be subject to mandatory prepayments using (i) proceeds from non-ordinary course asset dispositions, (ii) proceeds from certain incurrences of debt or (iii) a portion of our annual excess cash flows based upon certain leverage ratios.

As of December 31, 2015,2018, we had no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.Facility, had $20 million of letters of credit issued against the facility, and our borrowing availability was $480 million. Funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility for future borrowings may be used to repay other debt, finance debt or share repurchases, fund acquisitions or capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes. We have a $125.0$125 million letter of credit sublimit as part of the Revolving Credit Facility, which reduces our borrowing capacity under this facilityavailability thereunder by the cumulative amount of outstanding letters of credit. As of December 31, 2015, we had $3.8 million ofWe are also required to pay (i) letters of credit issued againstfees on the aggregate face amounts of outstanding letters of credit plus a fronting fee to the issuing bank and (ii) administration fees. Amounts drawn under each letter of credit bear interest ranging from 1.25% to 2.00%, depending on our leverage ratio. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on October 13, 2022, provided that if on October 15, 2021, more than an aggregate of $150 million of the 2015 4.625% Senior Notes (as defined below) are outstanding, then the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility will be October 15, 2021.
The interest rate applicable to borrowings under our Credit Facilities is, at our option, either (i) a base rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.25% for the Term Loan Facility and ranging from 0.25% to 1.00%, depending on our borrowing availability was $496.2 million.

leverage ratio, for the Revolving Credit Facility, or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate plus an applicable margin of 2.25% for the Term Loan Facility and ranging from 1.25% to 2.00%, depending on our leverage ratio, for the Revolving Credit Facility. Borrowings are subject to a floor of 2.00% for base rate borrowings and 1.00% for Eurocurrency rate borrowings. The obligationsunused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to a commitment fee of 0.25%. Obligations under the Credit Facilities are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the direct parent company of one of the Borrowers and substantially all of its Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including Tim Hortons, Burger King, WorldwidePopeyes and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the “Credit Guarantors”). Amounts borrowed under the Credit Facilities are secured on a first priority basis by a perfected security interest in substantially all of the present and future property (subject to certain exceptions) of each Borrower and Credit Guarantor.

The Term Loan Facility matures on December 12, 2021 and

Senior Notes
In May 2017, the Revolving Credit Facility matures on December 12, 2019. The principal amount of the Term Loan Facility amortizesBorrowers entered into an indenture (the “2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture”) in quarterly installments equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan Facility as of May 22, 2015,connection with the balance payable at maturity. Any prepayments made onissuance of $1,500 million of 4.25% first lien senior secured notes due May 15, 2024 (the “2017 4.25% Senior Notes”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually.


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During 2017, the Term Loan Facility will reduceBorrowers entered into an indenture (the “2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the quarterly installments. Asissuance in August 2017 and October 2017 of an aggregate of $2,800 million of 5.00% second lien senior secured notes due October 15, 2025 (the “2017 5.00% Senior Notes”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually.
The Borrowers are also party to an indenture (the “2015 4.625% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $1,250 million of 4.625% first lien senior notes due January 15, 2022 (the “2015 4.625% Senior Notes”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually.
The Borrowers may redeem a resultseries of the prepayments made during 2015, the annual principal amount due during 2016 was reduced from $51.4 million to $34.4 million.

We may prepay the Term Loan FacilitySenior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time. Additionally, subject to certain exceptions, the Term Loan Facility is subject to mandatory prepayments in amounts equal to (1) 100% of the net cash proceeds from any non-ordinary course sale or other disposition of assets (including as a result of casualty or condemnation); (2) 100% of the net cash proceeds from issuances or incurrences of debt by Partnership or any of its restricted subsidiaries (other than indebtedness permitted by the Credit Facilities); and (3) 50% (with stepdowns to 25% and 0% based upon achievement of specified first lien senior secured leverage ratios) of annual excess cash flow of Partnership and its subsidiaries.

2015 Senior Notes

The Borrowers are party to an indenture, dated as of May 22, 2015 (the “2015 Senior Notes Indenture”), in connection with the issuance of the 2015 Senior Notes. The 2015 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.625% per annum and are payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2015 Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to repay $1,550.0 million of the outstanding borrowings under our Term Loan Facility and to pay related premiums, fees and expenses. Based on the amount outstanding at December 31, 2015, required debt service for the next twelve months on the 2015 Senior Notes is $57.8 million in interest payments. No principal payments are due until maturity.

The 2015 Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Borrowers and substantially all of their Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including Tim Hortons, Burger King Worldwide and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the “Note Guarantors”). The 2015 Senior Notes are secured by a first priority lien, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, on all of the Borrowers’ and the Note Guarantors’ present and future property that secures the Credit Facilities and any outstanding Tim Hortons Notes (as defined below).

The Borrowers may redeem some or all of the 2015 Senior Notes at any time prior to May 15, 2020 for the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes and October 1,15, 2020 for the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus a “make whole”“make-whole” premium, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The 2015 Senior Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time during the twelve-month period beginning on October 1, 2017 at 102.313% of the principal amount redeemed, at any time during the twelve-month period beginning on October 1, 2018 at 101.156% of the principal amount redeemed or at any time on or after October 1, 2019 at 100.0% of the principal amount redeemed. In addition, at any time prior to October 1, 2017, up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2015 Senior Notes may be redeemed with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings, at a redemption price equal to 104.625% of the principal amount of the 2015 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. In connection with any tender offer foraddition, the Borrowers may redeem, in whole or in part, the 2015 4.625% Senior Notes including aat any time and the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes and 2017 5.00% Senior Notes on or after the applicable date noted above, at the redemption prices set forth in the applicable Senior Notes Indenture. The Senior Notes Indentures also contain optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control offer or an asset sale offer, the Borrowers will have the right to redeem the 2015 Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the amount offered in that tender offer if not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2015 Senior Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such 2015 Senior Notes in such tender offer. If the Borrowers experience a change of control, the holders of the 2015 Senior Notes will have the right to require the Borrowers to repurchase the 2015 Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts (as defined in the 2015 Senior Notes Indenture), if any, to the date of such repurchase.

2014 Senior Notes

The Borrowers are parties to an indenture, dated as of October 8, 2014 (the “2014 Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $2,250.0 million of 6.00% second lien senior secured notes due April 1, 2022 (the “2014 Senior Notes”) by the Borrowers. The 2014 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.00% per annum, payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. equity offerings, among others.

Based on the amountamounts outstanding at December 31, 2015,2018, required debt service for the next twelve months on all of the 2014 Senior Notes outstanding is $135.0approximately $262 million in interest payments. No principal payments are due until maturity.

The 2014 Senior Notes are guaranteed on

TH Facility
On October 11, 2018, one of our subsidiaries entered into a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 2014 Senior Notes are secured bynon-revolving delayed drawdown term credit facility in a second-priority lien, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, on all of the Borrowers’ and the Note Guarantors’ present and future property that secures the 2014 Credit Facilities and any outstanding Tim Hortons Notes, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such first-priority senior secured debt.

The Borrowers may redeem some or all of the 2014 Senior Notes at any time prior to October 1, 2017 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus a “make whole” premium and, at any time on or after October 1, 2017, at the redemption prices set forth in the 2014 Senior Notes Indenture. In addition, at any time prior to October 1, 2017, up to 40% of thetotal aggregate principal amount of C$100 million with a maturity date of October 4, 2025 (the “TH Facility”). The interest rate applicable to the 2014TH Facility is the Canadian Bankers’ Acceptance rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.40% or the Prime Rate plus an applicable margin equal to 0.40%, at our option. Obligations under the TH Facility are guaranteed by three of our subsidiaries, and amounts borrowed under the TH Facility are and will be secured by certain parcels of real estate. As of December 31, 2018, we had drawn down the entire C$100 million available under the TH Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 3.64%.

Restrictions and Covenants
Our Credit Facilities, 2017 4.25% Senior Notes may be redeemed with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings, at the redemption price specified in the 2014Indenture, 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture. In connection with any tender offer for the 2014Indenture and 2015 4.625% Senior Notes including a change of control offer or an asset sale offer, the Borrowers will have the right to redeem the 2014 Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the amount offered in that tender offer if not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2014 Senior Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such 2014 Senior Notes in such tender offer. If the Borrowers experience a change of control, the holders of the 2014 Senior Notes will have the right to require the Borrowers to repurchase the 2014 Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts (as defined in the 2014 Senior Notes Indenture), if any, to the date of such repurchase.

Tim Hortons Notes

At December 31, 2015, we had notes outstanding with the following carrying values and terms: (i) C$48.0 million of 4.20% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series 1, due June 1, 2017, (ii) C$2.6 million of 4.52% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series 2, due December 1, 2023 and (iii) C$3.9 million of 2.85% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series 3, due April 1, 2019 (collectively, the “Tim Hortons Notes”). Based on the amounts outstanding at December 31, 2015, required debt service for the next twelve months on the Tim Hortons Notes is C$2.2 million in interest payments. No principal payments are due until maturity.

Restrictions and Covenants

The 2014 Credit FacilitiesIndenture contain a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict the ability of the BorrowersPartnership and certain of theirour subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness; make investments; incur liens; engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions; sell assets; pay dividends and make other payments in respect of capital stock; make investments, loans and advances; pay or modify the terms of certain indebtedness; engage in certain transactions with affiliates. In addition, the Borrowers are not permitted to exceed a specified first lien senior secured leverage ratio when the sum of the amount of letters of credit in excess of $50,000,000 (other than those that are cash collateralized), any loans under the Revolving Credit Facility and any swingline loans outstanding6.50 to 1.00 when, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, the sum of (i) the amount of letters of credit outstanding exceeding $50 million (other than those that are cash collateralized); (ii) outstanding amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility and (iii) outstanding amounts of swing line loans, exceeds 30% of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The terms ofrestrictions under the 2015Credit Facilities, the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture, 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture and 2014 Senior Notes Indenture, among other things, limit the ability of the Borrowers and their restricted subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness; create liens or use assets as security in other transactions; declare or pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions to stockholders; make investments; merge or consolidate, or sell, transfer, lease or dispose of substantially all of the Borrowers’ assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; sell or transfer certain assets; and agree to certain restrictions of the ability of restricted subsidiaries to make payments to us. These covenants are subject to a number of important qualifications, limitations and exceptions that are described in the 2015 Senior Notes Indenture and 2014 Senior Notes Indenture.

The restrictions under the 2015 Amended Credit Agreement, the 2015 Senior Notes Indenture and the 20144.625% Senior Notes Indenture have resulted in substantially all of our consolidated assets being restricted.

As of December 31, 2015,2018, we were in compliance with all debt covenants ofunder the 2015 Amended Credit Agreement,Facilities, the 2015TH Facility, the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture, the 20142017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture and the indenture governing the Tim Hortons2015 4.625% Senior Notes Indenture, and there were no limitations on our ability to draw on the remaining availability under our Revolving Credit Facility.

Cash Distributions
On January 4, 2019, RBI paid a dividend of $0.45 per RBI common share and Partnership Preferred Units

In connection withmade a distribution on the Transactions, we issued 68,530,939 preferred units (“Partnership preferred units”)same day to RBI which are entitled to receive preferred distributions from Partnership that correspond to preferredas holder of Class A common units in the amount of the aggregate dividends paid by RBI on the 68,530,939 Class A 9.0% cumulative compounding perpetual voting preferred shares of RBI (“Preferred Shares”) that were sold by RBI to a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”).

The distribution provisions of the partnership agreement requiringcommon shares. On January 4, 2019, Partnership to fund the redemption of the Preferred Shares represent an in substance redemption provision of the Partnership preferred units and Partnership’s lack of control over this distribution provision results in the requirement for Partnership to classify the Partnership preferred units as temporary equity.

Distribution Entitlements

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, if a dividend has been declared and is payable in respect of the Preferred Shares, Partnership must makealso made a distribution in respect of theeach Partnership preferred unitsexchangeable unit in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of dividends payable in respect of the Preferred Shares. The holders of the Preferred Shares are entitled to receive, as and when declared by$0.45 per Partnership exchangeable unit.

On January 22, 2019, the board of directors of RBI cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of 9.0% on the amount of the purchase price per Preferred Share, payable quarterly in arrears (“regular quarterly dividends”). Such dividends accrue daily on a cumulative basis, whether or not declared by RBI’s board of directors. If any such dividend or make-whole dividend (defined below) is not paid in full on the scheduled payment date or the required payment date, as applicable (the unpaid portion, “past due dividends”), additional cash dividends (“additional dividends”) shall accrue daily on a cumulative basis on past due dividends at an annual rate of 9.0%, compounded quarterly, whether or not such additional dividends are declared by the board of directors of RBI, until the date the same are declared by the board of director of RBI and paid in cash to the holders of the Preferred Shares. While the board of directors of RBI has declared, and RBI has paid, regular quarterly dividends on the Preferred Shares every quarter since the three months ended March 31, 2015, the board of directors of RBI may elect not to declare such dividends in the future and, in such event, additional dividends will accrue on any past due dividends as set forth above.

For each fiscal year during which any Preferred Shares are outstanding, beginning with the year that includes the third anniversary of the original issue date of such shares, in addition to the regular quarterly dividends, RBI is required to pay to the holder of the Preferred Shares an additional amount (a “make-whole dividend”). The amount of the make-whole dividend is determined by a formula designed to ensure that on an after tax basis the net amount of the dividends received by the holder on the Preferred Shares from the original issue date is the same as it would have been had RBI been a U.S. corporation. The make-whole dividend can be paid, at RBI’s option, in cash, common shares or a combination of both. If, however, the common shares issued to the holder would be “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) of the Securities Act, then the resale of such common shares must be covered by an effective registration statement. In addition, any RBI common shares so issued will be valued for purposes of the make-whole dividend at 97% of the average volume weighted average price of RBI common shares over each of the five consecutive trading days prior to the delivery of such shares. The make-whole dividends are payable not later than 75 days after the close of each fiscal year starting with the fiscal year that includes the third anniversary of the original issue date. The right to receive the make-whole dividends shall terminate if and at the time that 100% of the outstanding Preferred Shares are no longer held by Berkshire or any one of its subsidiaries; provided, however, that in the event of a redemption of Preferred Shares or a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of RBI’s affairs, a final make-whole dividend for the year of redemption or liquidation will be computed and paid with respect to all Preferred Shares subject to the redemption, and in the case of a liquidation, with respect to all Preferred Shares.

Voting Rights

Except as otherwise provided by law, the holders of Preferred Shares are entitled to (i) receive notice of and to attend all shareholder meetings that the holders of the RBI common shares are entitled to attend, (ii) receive copies of all notices and other materials sent by RBI to its shareholders relating to such meetings, and (iii) vote at such meetings. At any such meeting, holders of the Preferred Shares are entitled to cast one vote for each Preferred Share. Berkshire has agreed with RBI that (i) with respect to Preferred Shares representing 10% of the total votes attached to all RBI voting shares, Berkshire may vote such shares with respect to matters on which it votes as a class with all RBI voting shares, in any manner it wishes and (ii) with respect to Preferred Shares representing in excess of 10% of the total votes attached to all RBI voting shares, Berkshire will vote such shares with respect to matters on which it votes as a class with all RBI voting shares in a manner proportionate to the manner in which the other holders of voting shares voted in respect of such matter. This voting agreement does not apply with respect to special approval matters.

Redemption

If RBI redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires any Preferred Shares for cash, the partnership agreement requires that Partnership, immediately prior to such redemption, repurchase or acquisition, make a distribution to RBI on its Partnership preferred units in an amount sufficient for RBI to fund such redemption, repurchase or acquisition, as the case may be. The Preferred Shares may be redeemed at RBI’s option, in whole or in part, at any time on and after the third anniversary of their original issuance on the closing date of the Transactions. After the tenth anniversary of the original issue date, holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding Preferred Shares may cause RBI to redeem the Preferred Shares at a 109.9% premium, or a redemption price of $48.109657 per Preferred Share (the “Call Amount”), plus accrued and unpaid dividends and unpaid make-whole dividends. Holders

of Preferred Shares also hold a contingently exercisable option to cause RBI to redeem their Preferred Shares at the redemption price in the event of a triggering event (as defined below). In the event that a triggering event is announced, the holders of not less than a majority of the Preferred Shares may require RBI, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to redeem all of the outstanding Preferred Shares of such holders at a price equal to the redemption price for each redeemed share on the date of the consummation of the triggering event. For this purpose, a “triggering event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following: (i) the acquisition of RBI by another entity by any transaction or series of transactions (including, without limitation, any merger, amalgamation, arrangement, consolidation or reorganization) if RBI’s shareholders constituted immediately prior to such transaction or series of related transactions hold less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring entity; (ii) the closing of the transfer, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to a person or entity (or a group of persons or entities) of RBI’s securities if, after such closing, RBI’s shareholders constituted immediately prior to such transaction or series of related transactions hold less than 50% of the voting power of RBI or its successor; or (iii) a sale, license or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of Partnership. Since the redemption features are not solely within the control of RBI, the Preferred Shares are classified as temporary equity. Once a Preferred Share has been redeemed and all payments and dividends to the holders have been made in full, it must be cancelled and may not be reissued.

Liquidation Preference

Upon any dissolution of Partnership, if there are any assets of Partnership remaining after the receiver pays the debts and liabilities of Partnership and liquidation expenses, the holder of Partnership preferred units, namely RBI, will be entitled to receive a priority distribution (before any distributions are made to the holder of Class A common units, namely RBI, or the holders of Partnership exchangeable units), in an amount sufficient to fund its payment obligations with respect to the Preferred Shares corresponding to Partnership preferred units. Holders of Preferred Shares are entitled to receive for each Preferred Share, out of the assets of RBI or proceeds thereof available for distribution to shareholders of RBI and after satisfaction of all liabilities and obligations to creditors of RBI, before any distribution of such assets or proceeds is made to or set aside for holders of RBI common shares, payment in full in cash in an amount equal to the sum of (i) for each Preferred Share that has not been redeemed the Call Amount, plus (ii) for each Preferred Share that is issued and not yet cancelled, the accrued and unpaid dividends per share, including any and all past due dividends and additional dividends on such past due dividends, in each case, whether or not declared, to each date of payment, and unpaid make-whole dividends for all prior fiscal years and a final make-whole dividend payment, as well as past due dividends in respect thereof and amounts accrued thereon, in each case, whether or not declared.

Transfer

The Preferred Shares are subject to restrictions on transfer. Berkshire has agreed in the Securities Purchase Agreement that, until the fifth anniversary of the closing of the Transactions, it may not transfer the Preferred Shares without the consent of the holders of at least 25% of RBI common shares (except to a subsidiary in which it owns at least 80% of the equity interests). On or after such fifth anniversary, Berkshire (or any such subsidiary) may transfer the Preferred Shares provided that any such transfer must be in minimum increments of at least $600,000,000 of aggregate liquidation value.

Cash Distributions

As noted above, if a dividend has been declared and is payable in respect of the Preferred Shares, we are required to make a distribution in respect of the Partnership preferred units in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of dividends or distributions payable on the Preferred Shares, including cash make-whole dividends. On February 15, 2016, the Board of Directors of RBI declared a quarterly dividend of $0.98$0.50 per Preferred Share, payable on April 1, 2016, for a total of $67.5 millioncommon share for the first quarter of 2016. Accordingly, RBI, in its capacity as general partner of Partnership, will cause a corresponding distribution in respect of the Partnership preferred units. Since RBI expects to make quarterly dividend payments of $67.5 million ($270.0 million per year) on the Preferred Shares going forward, we expect to make quarterly distributions in the same amount in respect of the Partnership preferred units. The quarterly dividend on the Preferred Shares is due on April 1st, July 1st, October 1st and January 1st of each year and the payment of distributions in respect of the Partnership preferred units will correspond to those dates.

On February 16, 2016, the Board of Directors of RBI declared a dividend of $0.14 per common share,2019, payable on April 4, 20163, 2019 to RBI shareholders of record on March 3, 2016.15, 2019. Partnership will make a distribution to RBI as holder of Class A common units in the amount of the aggregate dividends declared and paid by RBI on RBI common shares. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, each Partnership exchangeable unit is entitled to distributions from Partnership in an amount equal to any dividends or distributions that have been declared and are payable in respect of an RBI common share. The record date and payment date for these distributions on the Partnership exchangeable units are to be the same as the relevant record date and payment date for the corresponding dividends on RBI common shares. Accordingly, Partnership will also make a distribution in respect of each



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Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.14$0.50 per Partnership exchangeable unit, and the record date and payment date for distributions on Partnership exchangeable units are the same as the record date and payment date set forth above.

No dividend may be

RBI and Partnership are targeting a total of $2.00 in declared or paid on RBIdividends per common shares orshare and distributions in respect of each Partnership exchangeable units untilunit for 2019.
Because we are a dividend is declared or paid on the Preferred Shares. In addition, if holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Preferred Shares have delivered a notice to exercise their right to have RBI redeem the Preferred Shares, no dividend may be declared or paid on RBI common shares or Partnership exchangeable units (except that dividends declared on RBI common shares and Partnership exchangeable units prior to the date of such delivery may be paid) unless on the date of such declaration or payment all Preferred Shares subject to such notice have been redeemed in full. Additionally, if RBI proposes to redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any RBI common shares, the partnership agreement requires that Partnership, immediately prior to such redemption, repurchase or acquisition, make a distribution to RBI on the Class A common units in an amount sufficient for RBI to fund such redemption, repurchase or acquisition, as the case may be.

Ourholding company, our ability to pay cash distributions on our Partnership exchangeable units may be limited by restrictions under our debt agreements.

Outstanding Security Data

As of February 12, 2016,11, 2019, we had outstanding 202,006,067 Class A common units issued to RBI 68,530,939 Partnership preferred units issued to RBI and 227,992,722207,510,471 Partnership exchangeable units. One special voting share of RBI is held by a trustee, entitling the trustee to that number of votes on matters on which holders of RBI common shares are entitled to vote equal to the number of Partnership exchangeable units outstanding. The trustee is required to cast such votes in accordance with voting instructions provided by holders of Partnership exchangeable units. At any shareholder meeting of RBI, holders of RBI common shares vote together as a single class with the Preferred Shares and the special voting share except as otherwise provided by law. For information on our share-based compensation and RBI’s outstanding equity awards, see Note 2015 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our Annual Report.

Since December 12, 2015, the holders of Partnership exchangeable units have had the right to require Partnership to exchange all or any portion of such holder’s Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares at a ratio of one share for each Partnership exchangeable unit, subject to RBI’s right as the general partner of Partnership to determine to settle any such exchange for a cash payment in lieu of RBI common shares.

Comparative Cash Flows

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $1,200.7$1,165 million in 2015,2018, compared to $259.3$1,431 million in 2014.2017. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was driven by an increase in income tax payments, primarily due to the payment of accrued income taxes related to the December 2017 redemption of preferred shares, increases in interest payments and Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees and Office centralization and relocation costs incurred in the current year. These factors were partially offset by an increase in PLK segment income, primarily as a result of including PLK for a full year in 2018 compared to nine months in 2017, an increase in BK segment income, a decrease in PLK Transaction costs and a decrease in cash used for working capital.
Cash provided by operating activities was $1,431 million in 2017, compared to $1,214 million in 2016. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was driven primarily by an increase in netthe inclusion of PLK segment income excluding non-cash adjustments, as a result of the Transactions in December 2014, changes in working capital driven byand increases in accountsTH and drafts payableBK segment income, partially offset by PLK Transaction costs, increases in income tax payments and the reclassification of restricted cash to cash and cash equivalents during 2015.

Cash provided by operating activities was $259.3 million in 2014, compared to $325.2 million in 2013. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was driven primarily by a decrease in net income, excluding non-cash adjustments, primarily driven by transaction costsinterest payments, and an increase in cash interest payments.

used by changes in working capital.

Investing Activities

Cash used infor investing activities was $61.5$44 million in 2015,2018, compared to cash used in investing activities of $7,790.8$858 million in 2014.2017. The change in investing activities was driven primarily as a result of the acquisition of Tim Hortons in 2014, paymentsby net cash used for the settlement/salePopeyes Acquisition during 2017, partially offset by proceeds from the settlement of derivatives in 2014, partially offset by2017 and an increase in capital expenditures in 2015.

during 2018.

Cash used infor investing activities was $7,790.8$858 million in 2014,2017, compared to cash provided by investing activities of $43.0$27 million in 2013.2016. The change in investing activities was driven primarily as a result of the acquisition of Tim Hortons, paymentsby net cash used for the settlement/sale of derivatives, a decrease in proceeds from refranchisings, net, and an increase in capital expenditures,Popeyes Acquisition partially offset by a decrease in payments for acquired franchisee operations.

Capital expenditures have historically been comprised primarilyproceeds received from the settlement and termination of (i) costs to build new Company restaurants and new restaurants that we lease to franchisees, (ii) costs to maintain the appearance of existing restaurants in accordance with our standards, including investments in new equipment and remodeling, and restaurant replacements and (iii) investments in replacement and expansion projects at our distribution facilities, investments in information technology systems and other corporate needs. The following table presents capital expenditures, by type of expenditure:

   2015   2014   2013 

New restaurants

  $17.8    $4.5    $1.1  

Existing restaurants

   64.3     12.4     11.2  

Other, including corporate

   33.2     14.0     13.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $115.3    $30.9    $25.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

While we expect to have capital expenditures during 2016, we did not have any material capital expenditure commitments as of December 31, 2015. We do not expect capital expenditures in 2016 to be material to our financial position and plan to fund these expenditures from cash on hand and cash flow from operations.

previous cross-currency rate swaps.

Financing Activities

Cash used for financing activities was $2,115.2$1,285 million in 2015,2018, compared to cash provided by$936 million in 2017. The change in financing activities of $8,565.6 million in 2014. The cash used for financing activities in 2015 was driven primarily by the $1,550.0 million repayment of the 2014 Term Loan Facility, the redemption of a portion of the Tim Hortons Notes,an increase in distributions on common units and Partnership exchangeable units during 2018, an increase in payments in connection with the repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units, and dividendthe 2018 distributions to RBI to fund payments on common shares andrelated to the December 2017 redemption of Preferred Shares and a decrease in proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt. These factors were partially offset by non-recurring uses of cash for financing activities in 2017, including the distribution to RBI in connection with the redemption of the Preferred Shares, payment of financing costs, and distributions on preferred units, a decrease in debt repayments in 2018 and an increase in capital contribution from RBI in 2018.


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Cash used for financing activities was $936 million in 2017, compared to $591 million in 2016. The change in financing activities was driven primarily by the distribution to RBI in connection with the redemption of the Preferred Shares, repurchases of Partnership exchangeable units, debt repayments, payment of financing costs and redemption premiums, and higher distribution payments, partially offset by proceeds from the offering of the 2015 Senior Notes. Cash provided by financing activities in 2014 is described below.

Cash provided by financing activities was $8,565.6 million in 2014, compared to cash used for financing activities of $132.7 million in 2013. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was primarily a result of borrowings under the 2014 Term Loan Facility, the issuance of the Preferred Shares and the issuance of the 2014 Senior Notes to fund the Transactions. These increases in cash were partially offset by the principal repayment of the 2012 Term Loan Facility, the redemption of our 2010 Senior Notes and 2011 Discount Notes as a result of the Transactions, payments for financing costs and an increase in dividend payments.

new borrowings.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

Our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 20152018 are shown in the following table.

   Payment Due by Period 

Contractual Obligations

  Total   Less Than
1 Year
   1-3 Years   3-5 Years   More Than
5 Years
 
   (In millions) 

Credit Facilities, including interest (1)

  $6,241.6    $231.0    $489.5    $479.5    $5,041.6  

2015 Senior Notes, including interest

   1,599.2     57.8     115.6     115.6     1,310.2  

2014 Senior Notes, including interest

   3,127.5     135.0     270.0     270.0     2,452.5  

Tim Hortons Notes, including interest

   41.9     1.6     35.2     3.0     2.1  

Other long-term debt

   87.8    ��4.4     10.2     11.9     61.3  

Preferred Shares dividends (2)

   2,430.0     270.0     540.0     540.0     1,080.0  

Operating lease obligations

   1,503.4     165.6     300.0     243.0     794.8  

Purchase commitments (3)

   665.7     536.7     90.6     35.8     2.6  

Capital lease obligations

   328.2     31.0     57.4     50.0     189.8  

Unrecognized tax benefits (4)

   254.7     —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $16,280.0    $1,433.1    $1,908.5    $1,748.8    $10,934.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


 Payment Due by Period
Contractual ObligationsTotal Less Than
1 Year
 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More Than
5 Years
 (In millions)
Credit Facilities, including interest (a)$7,789
 $354
 $699
 $685
 $6,051
Senior Notes, including interest7,025
 262
 526
 1,662
 4,575
Other long-term debt162
 8
 19
 26
 109
Operating lease obligations (b)1,619
 183
 330
 275
 831
Purchase commitments (c)697
 589
 105
 2
 1
Capital lease obligations372
 38
 70
 63
 201
Total$17,664
 $1,434
 $1,749
 $2,713
 $11,768

(1)
(a)We have estimated our interest payments through the maturity of our Credit Facilities based on currentthe three-month LIBOR rates.as of December 31, 2018.
(2)Represents distribution
(b)Operating lease payment obligations have not been reduced by the amount of payments on our Partnership preferred units.due in the future under subleases.
(3)
(c)Includes open purchase orders, as well as commitments to purchase certain food ingredients and advertising expenditures, and obligations related to information technology and service agreements.
(4)We have provided only a total in the table above since the timing of the unrecognized tax benefit payments is unknown.

We have not included in the contractual obligations table approximately $492 million of gross liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits relating to various tax positions we have taken. These liabilities may increase or decrease over time primarily as a result of tax examinations, and given the status of the examinations, we cannot reliably estimate the period of any cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities. For additional information on unrecognized tax benefits, see Note 11 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our Annual Report.
Other Commercial Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000, we entered into long-term, exclusive contracts with soft drink vendors to supply Company and franchise restaurants with their products and obligating Burger King restaurants in the United States to purchase a

specified number of gallons of soft drink syrup. These volume commitments are not subject to any time limit and as of December 31, 2015, we estimate it will take approximately 15 years for these purchase commitments to be completed. If these agreements were terminated, we would be obligated to pay an aggregate amount equal to approximately $530 million as of December 31, 2015 based on an amount per gallon for each gallon of soft drink syrup remaining in the purchase commitments, interest and certain other costs.

In 2014, Tim Hortons entered into an agreement with a supplier requiring minimum purchase obligations, within the normal course of operations. As of December 31, 2015, there is a minimum purchase obligation based on a percentage of our requirements of approximately $92 million remaining over a four year term.

From time to time, we enter into agreements under which we guarantee loans made by third parties to qualified franchisees. As of December 31, 2015,2018, there were $119.1$55 million of loans outstanding to Burger King franchisees that we had guaranteed under six such programs, with additional franchisee borrowing capacity of approximately $235.5$300 million remaining. Our maximum guarantee liability under these six programs is limited to an aggregate of $42.5$42 million, assuming full utilization of all borrowing capacity. We record a liability in the period the loans are funded and the maximum term of the guarantee is approximately ten years. As of December 31, 2015,2018, the liability reflecting the fair value of these guarantee obligations was $4.4$1 million. In addition to these six programs, asAs of December 31, 2015, we also had a liability of $0.1 million, with a potential maximum guarantee exposure of $2.5 million,2018, there were no significant guarantees in connection with Tim Hortons franchisee loan guarantees.loans and no guarantees in connection with Popeyes franchisee loans. No significant payments have been made by us in connection with these guarantees through December 31, 2015.

2018.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires our management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as well as related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis and we base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions we deem reasonable to the situation. These estimates and assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Volatile credit, equity, foreign currency and energy markets, and declines in consumer spending have increased and may continue to create uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in our estimates could materially impact our results of operations and financial condition in any particular period.

We consider our critical accounting policies and estimates to be as follows based on the high degree of judgment or complexity in their application:

Business Combinations

The acquisition



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Table of Tim Hortons was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, or acquisition accounting, in accordance with ASC Topic 805,Business Combinations. The acquisition method of accounting involves the allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. This allocation process involves the use of estimates and assumptions to derive fair values and to complete the allocation. Acquisition accounting allows for up to one year to obtain the information necessary to finalize the fair values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. As of December 31, 2015, we have recorded final acquisition accounting allocations related to the acquisition of Tim Hortons.

See Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for additional information about accounting for the Transactions.

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the Transactions and the 2010 acquisition of Burger King Holdings, Inc. by 3G.acquisitions. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the Tim Hortons brand, the Burger King brand, and the Burger KingPopeyes brand (each a “Brand” and together, the “Brands”). Goodwill and the Brands are tested for impairment at least annually as of October 1 of each year and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change, which indicate impairment might exist. Our annual impairment tests of goodwill and the Brands may be completed through qualitative assessments, as further described below.assessments. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a two-step quantitative impairment test, for any reporting unit or either Brand, in any period. We can resume the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit or Brand in any subsequent period.

Under a qualitative approach, our impairment review for goodwill consists of an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting units, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we perform a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The first step requires us to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all its underlying assets and liabilities, including both recognized and unrecognized tangible and intangible assets, based on their fair value. If necessary, goodwill is then written down to its implied fair value.

We use an income approach to estimate a reporting unit’s fair value, which discounts the reporting unit’s projected cash flows using a discount rate we determine. We make significant assumptions when estimating a reporting unit’s projected cash flows, including revenue, driven primarily by net restaurant growth, comparable sales growth and average royalty rates, general and administrative expenses, capital expenditures and income tax rates.

Under a qualitative approach, our impairment review for the Brands consists of an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that a Brand’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for either Brand,any of our Brands, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated carrying value of a Brand exceeds its fair value, we estimate the fair value of the Brand and compare it to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

We use an income approach to estimate a Brand’s fair value, which discounts the projected Brand-related cash flows using a discount rate we determine. We make significant assumptions when estimating Brand-related cash flows, including system-wide sales, driven by net restaurant growth and comparable sales growth, average royalty rates, brand maintenance costs and income tax rates.

We completed our impairment testsreviews for goodwill and the Brands as of October 1, 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 and no impairment resulted. During 2015,The estimates and assumptions we electeduse to perform aestimate fair values when performing quantitative impairment review of goodwill for allassessments are highly subjective judgments based on our experience and knowledge of our reporting units.operations. Significant changes in the estimatesassumptions used in our analysis such as system-wide sales, cash flows and discount rates, could result in an impairment charge related to goodwill and/or intangible assetsthe Brands. Circumstances that could result in changes to future estimates and assumptions include, but are not subjectlimited to, amortization.

See Note 3 toexpectations of lower system-wide sales growth, which can be caused by a variety of factors, increases in income tax rates and increases in discount rates. Based on the accompanying consolidated financial statements includedannual impairment tests performed in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”2018, the fair values of all of our Annual Report for additional information about goodwillreporting units and intangible assets not subject to amortization.

Brands were substantially in excess of their carrying amounts.

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets (including intangible assets subject to amortization) are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are grouped for recognition and measurement of impairment at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets.

Some of the events or changes in circumstances that would trigger an impairment test include, but are not limited to:

bankruptcy proceedings or other significant financial distress of a lessee;

significant negative industry or economic trends;

knowledge of transactions involving the sale of similar property at amounts below our carrying value; or

��our expectation to dispose of long-lived assets before the end of their estimated useful lives, even though the assets do not meet the criteria to be classified as “held for sale.”

The impairment test for long-lived assets requires us to assess the recoverability of our long-lived assets by comparing their net carrying value to the sum of undiscounted estimated future cash flows directly associated with and arising from our use and eventual disposition of the assets. If the net carrying value of a group of long-lived assets exceeds the sum of related undiscounted estimated future cash flows, we would be required to record an impairment charge equal to the excess, if any, of net carrying value over fair value.

When assessing the recoverability of our long-lived assets, we make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors. Some of these assumptions involve a high degree of judgment and also bear a significant impact on the assessment conclusions. Included among these assumptions are estimating undiscounted future cash flows, including the projection of rental income, capital requirements for maintaining property and residual values of asset groups. We formulate estimates from historical experience and assumptions of future performance, based on business plans and forecasts, recent economic and business trends, and competitive conditions. In the event that our estimates or related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record an impairment charge.

See Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”



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Table of our Annual Report for additional information about accounting for long-lived assets.

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Accounting for Income Taxes

We record income tax liabilities utilizing known obligations and estimates of potential obligations. A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized whenever there are future tax effects from existing temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. When considered necessary, we record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the balance that is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not to be realized. We must make estimates and judgments on future taxable income, considering feasible tax planning strategies and taking into account existing facts and circumstances, to determine the proper valuation allowance. When we determine that deferred tax assets could be realized in greater or lesser amounts than recorded, the asset balance and income statement reflect the change in the period such determination is made. Due to changes in facts and circumstances and the estimates and judgments that are involved in determining the proper valuation allowance, differences between actual future events and prior estimates and judgments could result in adjustments to this valuation allowance.

During 2017, we recorded provisional estimates for the income tax effects of the Tax Act in accordance with SAB 118, which established a one-year measurement period where a provisional amount could be subject to adjustment. We finalized these provisional estimates during 2018 and reflected such refinements as discrete items along with the 2018 income tax effects of the Tax Act based on applicable regulations and guidance issued to date. Given the complexity of the changes in the tax law resulting from the Tax Act, additional regulations and guidance are expected to be issued by applicable authorities (e.g., Treasury, IRS, SEC, FASB, state taxing authorities) subsequent to the date of filing. Accordingly, it is possible that the 2018 amounts recorded may be impacted by such developments. Adjustments to the amounts recorded will be reflected as discrete items in the provision for income taxes in the period in which those adjustments become reasonably estimable.
We file income tax returns, including returns for our subsidiaries, with federal, provincial, state, local and foreign jurisdictions. We are subject to routine examination by taxing authorities in these jurisdictions. We apply a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate available evidence to determine if it appears more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that an uncertain tax position will be sustained on an audit by a taxing authority, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settling the uncertain tax position.

Although we believe we have adequately accounted for our uncertain tax positions, from time to time, audits result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution may result in us owing additional taxes. We adjust our uncertain tax positions in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the completion of a tax audit, expiration of a statute of limitations, the refinement of an estimate, and interest accruals associated with uncertain tax positions until they are resolved. We believe that our tax positions comply with applicable tax law and that we have adequately provided for these matters. However, to the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

In prior periods, we provided deferred taxes on certain undistributed foreign earnings. Under our transition to a modified territorial tax system whereby all previously untaxed undistributed foreign earnings are subject to a transition tax charge at reduced rates and future repatriations of foreign earnings will generally be exempt from U.S. tax, we wrote off the existing deferred tax liability on undistributed foreign earnings and recorded the impact of the new transition tax charge on foreign earnings. We will continue to monitor available evidence and our plans for foreign earnings and expect to continue to provide any applicable deferred taxes based on the tax liability or withholding taxes that would be due upon repatriation of amounts not considered permanently reinvested.
We use an estimate of the annual effective income tax rate at each interim period based on the facts and circumstances available at that time, while the actual effective income tax rate is calculated at year-end.

See Note 1411 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our Annual Report for additional information about accounting for income taxes.

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying amount of our equity investments accounted for using the equity method when there is an indication of potential impairment. When an indication of potential impairment is present, we record a write-down of the equity investment if and when the amount of its estimated realizable value falls below the carrying amount and we determine that this shortfall is other-than-temporary. Indications of a potential impairment that would cause us to perform this evaluation include, but are not necessarily limited to, an inability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity that would justify the carrying amount of the investment or a quoted market price per share that remains significantly below our carrying amount per share for a sustained period of time. In determining whether a decline in the investment’s estimated realizable value is other-than-temporary, we consider the length of time and the extent to which such value has been less than the carrying amount, the financial condition and prospects of the investee, and our ability and intent to retain our equity investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in value. In the event that we determine that a decline in value is other-than-temporary, we recognize an impairment charge for the reduction in the value of the equity investment.

If we need to assess the recoverability of our equity method investments, we will make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors. Some of these assumptions will involve a high degree of judgment and also bear a significant impact on the assessment conclusions. We will formulate estimates from historical experience and assumptions of future performance, based on business plans and forecasts, recent economic and business trends, and competitive conditions. In the event that our estimates or related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record an impairment charge.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 3, “Summary of 2, Significant Accounting Policies – New Accounting Pronouncements,” in the Notes to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our Annual Report for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.

Item 7A.


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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk

Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks associated with currency exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices and inflation. In the normal course of business and in accordance with our policies, we manage these risks through a variety of strategies, which may include the use of derivative financial instruments to hedge our underlying exposures. Our policies prohibit the use of derivative instruments for speculative purposes, and we have procedures in place to monitor and control their use.

Currency Exchange Risk

We report our results in U.S. dollars, which is our reporting currency. The operations of each of TH, BK, and BKPLK that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are impacted by fluctuations in currency exchange rates and changes in currency regulations. The majority of TH’s operations, income, revenues, expenses and cash flows are denominated in Canadian dollars, which we translate to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. Royalty payments from BK franchisees in our European markets and in certain other countries are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Furthermore, franchise royalties from each of TH’s, BK’s, and BK’sPLK's international franchisees are calculated based on local currency sales; consequently franchise revenues are still impacted by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Each of their respective revenues and expenses are translated using the average rates during the period in which they are recognized and are impacted by changes in currency exchange rates.

We have numerous investments in our foreign subsidiaries, the net assets of which are exposed to volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. We have entered into cross-currency rate swaps to hedge a portion of our net investment in such foreign operations against adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. We designated cross-currency rate swaps with a notional value of $5,000.0$5,000 million between Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar and cross-currency rate swaps with a notional value of $1,200.0$1,600 million between the Euro and U.S. dollar, as net investment hedges of a portion of our equity in foreign operations in those currencies. The fair value of the cross-currency rate swaps is calculated each period with changes in the fair value of these instruments reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)AOCI to economically offset the change in the value of the net investment in these designated foreign operations driven by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The net fair value of these derivative instruments totaled $824.6was a liability of $48 million as of December 31, 2015.2018. The net unrealized gains,losses, net of tax, related to these derivative instruments included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)AOCI totaled $684.8$36 million as of December 31, 2015.2018. Such amounts will remain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)AOCI until the complete or substantially complete liquidation of our investment in the underlying foreign operations.

We enter intouse forward currency contracts to reducemanage the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar purchases and payments, such as coffee and certain intercompany purchases, made by our exposure to volatility from foreign currency fluctuations associated with certain foreign currency-denominated assets.TH Canadian operations. However, for a variety of reasons, we do not hedge our revenue exposure in other currencies. Therefore, we are exposed to volatility in those other currencies, and this volatility may differ from period to period. As a result, the foreign currency impact on our operating results for one period may not be indicative of future results. We also use forward currency contracts to manage the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar purchases and payments, such as coffee and certain intercompany purchases, made by our TH Canadian operations.

During 2015,2018, income from operations would have decreased or increased approximately $93.0$119 million if all foreign currencies uniformly weakened or strengthened 10% relative to the U.S. dollar, holding other variables constant, including sales volumes. The effect of a uniform movement of all currencies by 10% is provided to illustrate a hypothetical scenario and related effect on operating income. Actual results will differ as foreign currencies may move in uniform or different directions and in different magnitudes.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to changes in interest rates related to our 2014 Term Loan Facility and 2014 Revolving Credit Facility, which bear interest at LIBOR/EURIBOR plus a spread, subject to a LIBOR/EURIBOR floor. Generally, interest rate changes could impact the amount of our interest paid and, therefore, our future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. To mitigate the impact of changes in LIBOR/EURIBOR on interest expense for a portion of our variable rate debt, we have entered into interest rate swaps. We account for these derivatives as cash flow hedges, and as such, the effective portion of unrealized changes in market

value has beenare recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)AOCI and is reclassified tointo earnings during the period in which the hedgehedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. At December 31, 2015,2018, we had a series of receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge the variability in the interest payments on $2,500.0$3,500 million of our 2014 Term Loan Facility beginning May 28, 2015, through the expiration of the final swap on March 31, 2021.February 17, 2024. The notional value of the swaps is $2,500.0$3,500 million. There are six sequential interest rate swaps to achieve the hedged position. Each year on March 31, the existing interest rate swap is scheduled to expire and be immediately replaced with a new interest rate swap until the expiration of the final swap on March 31, 2021. At inception, these interest rate swaps were designated as a cash flow hedge for hedge accounting, and as such, the effective portion of unrealized changes in market value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to earnings during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses from hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

Based on the portion of our variable rate debt balance in excess of the notional amount of the interest rate swaps and LIBOR as of December 31, 2015,2018, a hypothetical 1.00% increase in the three-month LIBOR would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $15.9$28 million.




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Commodity Price Risk

We purchase certain products, including beef, chicken, cheese, French fries, tomatoes, coffee, wheat, edible oils, sugar and other commodities, which are subject to price volatility that is caused by weather, market conditions and other factors that are not considered predictable or within our control. However, in our TH business, we employ various purchasing and pricing contract techniques, such as setting fixed prices for periods of up to one year with suppliers, in an effort to minimize volatility of certain of these commodities. Given that we purchase a significant amount of green coffee, we typically have purchase commitments fixing the price for a minimum of six to twelve months depending upon prevailing market conditions. We also typically hedge against the risk of foreign exchange on green coffee prices at the same time.

Additionally, our ability to recover increased costs is typically limited by the competitive environment in which we operate. prices.

We occasionally take forward pricing positions through our suppliers to manage commodity prices. As a result, we purchase beefcommodities and other commoditiesproducts at market prices, which fluctuate on a daily basis and may differ between different geographic regions, where local regulations may affect the volatility of commodity prices.

We do not make use of financial instruments to hedge commodity prices. As we make purchases beyond our current commitments, we may be subject to higher commodity prices depending upon prevailing market conditions at such time. Generally, increases and decreases in commodity costs are largely passed through to franchiseesfranchisee owners, resulting in higher or lower revenues and higher or lower costs of sales from our business. These changes may impact margins as many of these products are typically priced based on a fixed-dollar mark-up. We and our franchisees have some ability to increase product pricing to offset a rise in commodity prices, subject to acceptance by franchisees and guests.

Impact of Inflation

We believe that our results of operations are not materially impacted by moderate changes in the inflation rate. Inflation did not have a material impact on our operations in 2015, 20142018, 2017 or 2013. Several factors tend to reduce the impact of inflation for our business: inventories approximate current market prices, property holdings at fixed costs are substantial, and there is some ability to adjust prices.2016. However, severe increases in inflation could affect the global, Canadian and U.S. economies and could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If several of the various costs in our business experience inflation at the same time, such as commodity price increases beyond our ability to control and increased labor costs, we and our franchisees may not be able to adjust prices to sufficiently offset the effect of the various cost increases without negatively impacting consumer demand.

Disclosures Regarding Partnership Pursuant to Canadian Exemptive Relief.

Relief

RBI is the sole general partner of Partnership. To address certain disclosure conditions to the exemptive relief that Partnership received from the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, RBI provides a summary of certain terms of the Partnership exchangeable units in its annual report on Form 10-K. The same summary is provided below. This summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by the complete text of the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, dated December 11, 2014, between RBI, 8997896 Canada Inc. and each person who is admitted as a Limited Partner in accordance with the terms of the agreement (the “partnership agreement”) and the Voting Trust Agreement, dated December 12, 2014, between RBI, Partnership and Computershare Trust Company of Canada (the “voting trust agreement”), copies of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and at www.sec.gov.

The Partnership Exchangeable Units

The capital of Partnership consists of three classes of units: the Partnership Class A common units, the Partnership preferred units and the Partnership exchangeable units. The interest of RBI, as the sole general partner of Partnership, is represented by Class A common units and preferred units. The interests of the limited partners is represented by the Partnership exchangeable units.

Summary of Economic and Voting Rights

The Partnership exchangeable units are intended to provide economic rights that are substantially equivalent, and voting rights with respect to RBI that are equivalent, to the corresponding rights afforded to holders of RBI common shares. Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Partnership exchangeable units include the following:

The Partnership exchangeable units are exchangeable at any time, at the option of the holder (the “exchange right”), on a one-for-one basis for common shares of RBI (the “exchanged shares”), subject to RBI’s right as the general partner (subject to the approval of the conflicts committee in certain circumstances) to determine to settle any such exchange for a cash payment in lieu of RBI common shares. If RBI elects to make a cash payment in lieu of issuing common shares, the amount of the cash payment will be the weighted average trading price of the common shares on the NYSE for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the last business day prior to the exchange date (the “exchangeable units cash amount”). Written notice of the determination of the form of consideration shall be given to the holder of the Partnership exchangeable units exercising the exchange right no later than ten business days prior to the exchange date.



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If a dividend or distribution has been declared and is payable in respect of a common share of RBI, Partnership will make a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in an amount equal to the dividend or distribution in respect of a common share. The record date and payment date for distributions on the Partnership exchangeable units will be the same as the relevant record date and payment date for the dividends or distributions on RBI common shares.

If RBI issues any common shares in the form of a dividend or distribution on the RBI common shares, Partnership will issue to each holder of Partnership exchangeable units, in respect of each exchangeable unit held by such holder, a number of Partnership exchangeable units equal to the number of common shares issued in respect of each common share.

If RBI issues or distributes rights, options or warrants or other securities or assets of RBI to all or substantially all of the holders of its common shares, Partnership is required to make a corresponding distribution to holders of the Partnership exchangeable units.

No subdivision or combination of RBI’s outstanding common shares is permitted unless a corresponding subdivision or combination of Partnership exchangeable units is made.

RBI and its board of directors are prohibited from proposing or recommending an offer for its common shares or for the Partnership exchangeable units unless the holders of the Partnership exchangeable units and the holders of common shares are entitled to participate to the same extent and on equitably equivalent basis.

Upon a dissolution and liquidation of Partnership, if Partnership exchangeable units remain outstanding and have not been exchanged for RBI common shares, then the distribution of the assets of Partnership between holders of RBI common shares and holders of Partnership exchangeable units will be made on a pro rata basis based on the numbers of common shares and Partnership exchangeable units outstanding. Assets distributable to holders of Partnership exchangeable units will be distributed directly to such holders. Assets distributable in respect of RBI common shares will be distributed to RBI. Prior to this pro rata distribution, Partnership is required to pay to RBI sufficient amounts to fund RBI’s expenses or other obligations (to the extent related to RBI’s role as the general partner or its business and affairs that are conducted through Partnership or its subsidiaries) to ensure that any property and cash distributed to RBI in respect of the common shares will be available for distribution to holders of common shares in an amount per share equal to distributions in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit. The terms of the Partnership exchangeable units do not provide for an automatic exchange of Partnership exchangeable units into common shares upon a dissolution or liquidation of Partnership or RBI.

Approval of holders of the Partnership exchangeable units is required for an action (such as an amendment to the Partnershippartnership agreement) that would affect the economic rights of ana Partnership exchangeable unit relative to a common share.share of RBI.

The holders of Partnership exchangeable units are indirectly entitled to vote in respect of matters on which holders of RBI common shares are entitled to vote, including in respect of the election of RBI’s directors, through a special voting share of RBI. The special voting share is held by a trustee, entitling the trustee to that number of votes on matters on which holders of common shares are entitled to vote equal to the number of Partnership exchangeable units outstanding. The trustee is required to cast such votes in accordance with voting instructions provided by holders of Partnership exchangeable units. The trustee will exercise each vote attached to the special voting share only as directed by the relevant holder of Partnership exchangeable units and, in the absence of instructions from a holder of an exchangeable unit as to voting, will not exercise those votes. Except as otherwise required by the partnership agreement, voting trust agreement or applicable law, the holders of the Partnership exchangeable units are not directly entitled to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the unitholders of Partnership or to vote at any such meeting.

Exercise of Optional Exchange Right

In order to exercise the exchange right referred to above, a holder of Partnership exchangeable units must deliver to Partnership’s transfer agent a duly executed exchange notice together with such additional documents and instruments as the transfer agent and Partnership may reasonably require. The exchange notice must (i) specify the number of Partnership exchangeable units in respect of which the holder is exercising the exchange right and (ii) state the business day on which the holder desires to have Partnership exchange the subject units, provided that the exchange date must not be less than 15 business days nor more than 30 business days after the date on which the exchange notice is received by Partnership. If no exchange date is specified in an exchange notice, the exchange date will be deemed to be the 15th business day after the date on which the exchange notice is received by Partnership. An exercise of the exchange right may be revoked by the exercising holder by notice in writing given to Partnership before the close of business on the fifth business day immediately preceding the exchange date. On the exchange date, Partnership will deliver or cause the transfer agent to deliver to the relevant holder, as applicable (i) the applicable number of exchanged shares, or (ii) a cheque representing the applicable exchangeable units cash amount, in each case, less any amounts withheld on account of tax.





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Offers for Units or Shares

The partnership agreement contains provisions to the effect that if a take-over bid is made for all of the outstanding Partnership exchangeable units and not less than 90% of the Partnership exchangeable units (other than units of Partnership held at the date of the take-over bid by or on behalf of the offeror or its associates or associates) are taken up and paid for by the offeror, the offeror will be entitled to acquire the Partnership exchangeable units held by unitholders who did not accept the offer on the terms offered by the offeror. The partnership agreement further provides that for so long as Partnership exchangeable units remain outstanding, (i) RBI will not propose or recommend a formal bid for RBI common shares, and no such bid will be effected with the consent or approval of RBI’s board of directors, unless holders of Partnership exchangeable units are entitled to participate in the bid to the same extent and on an equitably equivalent basis as the holders of RBI’s common shares, and (ii) RBI will not propose or recommend a formal bid for Partnership exchangeable units, and no such bid will be effected with the consent or approval of RBI’s board of directors, unless holders of the RBI common shares are entitled to participate in the bid to the same extent and on an equitably equivalent basis as the holders of Partnership exchangeable units. A holder of Partnership exchangeable units will not be entitled to exchange its Partnership exchangeable units into RBI common shares pursuant to the exchange right (described above) prior to the one year anniversary of the date of the effective time of the Merger. As a result, if a bid with respect to common shares of RBI was made in that one year period, a holder of Partnership exchangeable units could not participate in that bid unless it was proposed or recommended by RBI’s board of directors or was otherwise effected with the consent or approval of RBI’s board of directors. Canadian securities regulatory authorities may intervene in the public interest (either on application by an interested party or by staff of a Canadian securities regulatory authority) to prevent an offer to holders of RBI common shares, Preferred Shares or Partnership exchangeable units being made or completed where such offer is abusive of the holders of one of those security classes that are not subject to that offer.

Merger, Sale or Other Disposition of Assets

As long as any Partnership exchangeable units are outstanding, RBI cannot consummate a transaction in which all or substantially all of its assets would become the property of any other person or entity. This does not apply to a transaction if such other person or entity becomes bound by the partnership agreement and assumes RBI’s obligations, as long as the transaction does not impair in any material respect the rights, duties, powers and authorities of other parties to the partnership agreement.

Mandatory Exchange

Partnership may cause a mandatory exchange of the outstanding Partnership exchangeable units into the RBI common shares in the event that (1) at any time there remain outstanding fewer than 5% of the number of Partnership exchangeable units outstanding as of the effective time of the Merger (other than Partnership exchangeable units held by RBI and its subsidiaries and as such number of Partnership exchangeable units may be adjusted in accordance with the partnership agreement); (2) any one of the following occurs: (i) any person, firm or corporation acquires directly or indirectly any voting security of RBI and immediately after such acquisition, the acquirer has voting securities representing more than 50% of the total voting power of all the then outstanding voting securities of RBI on a fully diluted basis, (ii) the shareholders of RBI shall approve a merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization of RBI, other than any transaction which would result in the holders of outstanding voting securities of RBI immediately prior to such transaction having at least a majority of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such transaction, with the voting power of each such continuing holder relative to other continuing holders not being altered substantially in the transaction; or (iii) the shareholders of RBI shall approve a plan of complete liquidation of RBI or an agreement for the sale or disposition of RBI of all or substantially all of RBI’s assets, provided that, in each case, RBI, in its capacity as the general partner of Partnership, determines, in good faith and in its sole discretion, that such transaction involves a bona fide third party and is not for the primary purpose of causing the exchange of the exchangeable units in connection with such transaction; or (3) a matter arises in respect of which applicable law provides holders of Partnership exchangeable units with a vote as holders of units of Partnership in order to approve or disapprove, as applicable, any change to, or in the rights of the holders of, the Partnership exchangeable units, where the approval or disapproval, as applicable, of such change would be required to maintain the economic equivalence of the Partnership exchangeable units and the RBI common shares, and the holders of the Partnership exchangeable units fail to take the necessary action at a meeting or other vote of holders of Partnership exchangeable units to approve or disapprove, as applicable, such matter in order to maintain economic equivalence of the Partnership exchangeable units and the RBI common shares.



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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in our Annual Report, including information regarding future financial performance and plans, targets, aspirations, expectations, and objectives of management, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws. We refer to all of these as forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are forward-looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “continue”, “will”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “target”, “potential” and other similar expressions and include, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations or beliefs regarding (i) our ability to become one of the most efficient franchised QSR operators in the world; (ii) the benefits of our fully franchised business model; (ii)(iii) the domestic and international growth opportunities for the Tim Hortons, and Burger King and Popeyes brands, both in existing and new markets, including through area representative and area development agreements; (iii)markets; (iv) our ability to accelerate international development through joint venture structures and master franchise and development agreements; (iv)agreements and the impact on future growth and profitability of our brands; (v) our continued use of joint ventures structures and master franchise and development agreements in connection with our domestic and international expansion; (vi) the impact of our four pillar strategystrategies on same store sales, the growth of our Tim Hortons, Burger King and Tim HortonsPopeyes brands and our profitability; (v) the success of(vii) our strategy for the Burger King brand of launching fewer more impactful productscommitment to simplify in-restaurant operationstechnology and reduce waste, focus the innovation pipeline and spend media dollars more wisely in a few high-impact areas and our continued focus on this strategy; (vi) our financial strength based on our combined brands and potential for future growth and operating efficiencies; (vii)innovation; (viii) the correlation between our sales, guest traffic and profitability to consumer discretionary spending and the factors that influence spending; (viii) the amount and timing of additional G&A expenses associated with restructuring activities following the consummation of the Transactions and the anticipated benefits that we will recognize from such restructuring; (ix) our focus with respectability to drive traffic, expand our customer base and allow restaurants to expand into new dayparts through new product offerings and emphasis on streamlining restaurant execution and reducing operational complexity;innovation; (x) the benefits accrued from sharing and leveraging best practices among our Tim Hortons, Burger King and Tim HortonsPopeyes brands; (xi) the drivers of the long-term success for bothand competitive position of each of our brands as well as increased sales and profitability of our franchisees; (xii) the impact of our implementationcost management initiatives at each of our Zero Based Budgeting (ZBB) initiative at TH;brands; (xiii) the continued use of certain franchise incentives and their impact on our financial results; (xiv) the impact of our modern image remodel initiative; (xv) our future financial obligations, including annual debt service requirements, capital expenditures and dividend payments,distributions, the source of liquidity needed to satisfy such obligations, and our ability to meet such obligations; (xv)(xvi) future PLK Transaction costs and Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees; (xvii) our plans to build new warehouses and renovate existing warehouses and the anticipated timing for completion; (xviii) our exposure to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates and the impact of changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates on the amount of our interest payments, future earnings and cash flows; (xvi)(xix) our tax positions and their compliance with applicable tax laws; (xvii)(xx) certain accounting matters, including the impact of changes in accounting standards and our transition to ASC 606; (xxi) certain tax matters; (xviii)matters, such as our estimates with respect to tax matters as a result of the Tax Act, including our effective tax rate for 2019 and the impacts of the Tax Act; (xxii) the impact of inflation on our results of operations; (xxiii) the impact of governmental regulation, both domestically and (xix)internationally, on our business and financial and operational results; (xxiv) the adequacy of our facilities to meet our current requirements; (xxv) our future financial and operational results.

results; (xxvi) certain litigation matters; and (xxvii) our target total distributions for 2019.

These forward looking statements represent management’s expectations as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses that we made by Partnership in light of itsour experience and itsour perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believeswe believe are appropriate in the circumstances. However, these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements include, among other things, risks related to: (1) our substantial indebtedness, which could adversely affect our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations; (2) global economic or other business conditions that may affect the desire or ability of our customers to purchase our products such as inflationary pressures, high unemployment levels, declines in median income growth, consumer confidence and consumer discretionary spending and changes in consumer perceptions of dietary health and food safety; (3) our relationship with, and the success of, our franchisees and risks related to our restaurant ownership mix;fully franchised business model; (4) the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs and franchisee support of these programs; (5) significant and rapid fluctuations in interest rates and in the currency exchange markets and the effectiveness of our hedging activity; (6) our ability to successfully implement our domestic and international growth strategy for botheach of our brands and risks related to our international operations; (7) our reliance on master franchisees and subfranchisees to accelerate restaurant growth; (8) the ability of the counterparties to our credit facilities’ and derivatives’ counterparties to fulfill their commitments and/or obligations; (9) our ability to successfully apply the ZBB model to the TH’s operations and to achieve the anticipated synergies through shared services; (10) the restructuring activities that we have and will continue to implement in connection with the Transactions; and (11) changes in applicable tax laws or interpretations thereof.

thereof; and risks related to the complexity of the Tax Act and our ability to accurately interpret and predict its impact on our financial condition and results.

Finally, our future results will depend upon various other risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those detailed in the section entitled “Item 1A - Risk Factors” of our Annual Report as well as other materials that we from time to time file with, or furnish to, the SEC or file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this section and elsewhere in this annual report. Other than as required under securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.

Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data



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Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 Page

62

63

65

66

67

68

69

70




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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (“RBI”), the sole general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”), is responsible for the preparation, integrity and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements, related notes and other information included in this annual report. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include certain amounts based on management’s estimates and assumptions. Other financial information presented in the annual report is derived from the consolidated financial statements.

Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, and for performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.2018. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our system of internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Partnership; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of Partnership are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of RBI; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Partnership’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20152018 based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our assessment and those criteria, management determined that Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

2018.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The effectiveness of Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20152018 has been audited by KPMG LLP, Partnership’s independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which is included herein.




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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Restaurant Brands International Inc., the sole general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership:


Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and subsidiaries (the Partnership)“Partnership”) as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014, and2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. 2018, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 22, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Partnership has changed its method of accounting for revenue from contracts with customers in 2018 due to the adoption of the new revenue standard.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includesmisstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An auditOur audits also includes assessingincluded evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,

(signed) KPMG LLP
We have served as the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,Partnership's auditor since 1989.
Miami, Florida
February 22, 2019



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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
Restaurant Brands International Inc., the financial positionsole general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership:
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and subsidiariessubsidiaries’ (the “Partnership”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the resultsCommittee of their operations and their cash flows for eachSponsoring Organizations of the yearsTreadway Commission. In our opinion, the Partnership maintained, in the three-year period endedall material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2018, based on criteria established in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership’s internal control over financial reportingthe consolidated balance sheets of the Partnership as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established inInternal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by2018 and 2017, the Committeerelated consolidated statements of Sponsoring Organizationsoperations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the Treadway Commission (COSO)years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”), and our report dated February 26, 201622, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control overthose consolidated financial reporting.

(signed) KPMG LLP

Miami, Florida

February 26, 2016

Certified Public Accountants

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

statements.

Basis for Opinion
The Board of Directors

Restaurant Brands International Inc., the sole general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership:

We have audited Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and subsidiaries’ (the Partnership) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established inInternal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Partnership’sPartnership's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying ManagementManagement’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’sPartnership's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established inInternal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 and our report dated February 26, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

(signed) KPMG LLP

Miami, Florida

February 26, 2016

Certified Public Accountants

22, 2019




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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In millions of U.S. dollars, except unit/shareunit data)

   As of 
   December 31,  December 31, 
   2015  2014 
ASSETS   

Current assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $753.7   $1,803.2  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   —      84.5  

Trade and notes receivable, net of allowance of $14.2 million and $20.1 million, respectively

   421.7    441.2  

Inventories and other current assets, net

   132.2    171.2  

Advertising fund restricted assets

   57.5    53.0  

Deferred income taxes, net

   —      86.6  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   1,365.1    2,639.7  

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $339.3 million and $225.1 million, respectively

   2,150.6    2,436.5  

Intangible assets, net

   9,147.8    10,445.1  

Goodwill

   4,574.4    5,235.7  

Net investment in property leased to franchisees

   117.2    140.5  

Other assets, net

   1,053.4    445.5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $18,408.5   $21,343.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
LIABILITIES, PARTNERSHIP PREFERRED UNITS AND EQUITY   

Current liabilities:

   

Accounts and drafts payable

  $361.5   $223.0  

Accrued advertising

   45.2    25.9  

Other accrued liabilities

   438.3    335.2  

Gift card liability

   168.5    187.0  

Advertising fund liabilities

   48.4    45.5  

Current portion of long term debt and capital leases

   56.1    1,128.8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   1,118.0    1,945.4  

Term debt, net of current portion

   8,462.3    8,826.5  

Capital leases, net of current portion

   203.4    243.7  

Other liabilities, net

   795.9    707.8  

Deferred income taxes, net

   1,618.8    1,982.8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   12,198.4    13,706.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 24)

   

Partnership preferred units; $43.775848 par value; 68,530,939 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

   3,297.0    3,297.0  

Partners’ capital:

   

Class A common units - 202,006,067 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

   2,876.7    1,986.1  

Partnership exchangeable units - 233,739,648 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015; 265,041,783 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014

   1,503.5    2,600.9  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (1,467.8  (248.5
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Partners’ capital

   2,912.4    4,338.5  

Noncontrolling interests

   0.7    1.3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

   2,913.1    4,339.8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities, Partnership preferred units and equity

  $18,408.5   $21,343.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
ASSETS   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$913
 $1,097
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $14 and $16, respectively452
 489
Inventories, net75
 78
Prepaids and other current assets60
 86
Total current assets1,500
 1,750
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $704 and $623, respectively1,996
 2,133
Intangible assets, net10,463
 11,062
Goodwill5,486
 5,782
Net investment in property leased to franchisees54
 71
Other assets, net642
 426
Total assets$20,141
 $21,224
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts and drafts payable$513
 $496
Other accrued liabilities637
 866
Gift card liability167
 215
Current portion of long term debt and capital leases91
 78
Total current liabilities1,408
 1,655
Term debt, net of current portion11,823
 11,801
Capital leases, net of current portion226
 244
Other liabilities, net1,547
 1,455
Deferred income taxes, net1,519
 1,508
Total liabilities16,523
 16,663
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
 
Partners’ capital:   
Class A common units - 202,006,067 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 20174,323
 4,168
Partnership exchangeable units - 207,523,591 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018; 217,708,924 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017730
 1,276
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,437) (884)
Total Partners’ capital3,616
 4,560
Noncontrolling interests2
 1
Total equity3,618
 4,561
Total liabilities and equity$20,141
 $21,224
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors of Restaurant Brands International Inc., as general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership:

By:  

/s/ Alexandre Behring

  By:  

/s/ Paul J. Fribourg

  Alexandre Behring, Executive ChairmanCo-Chairman of Restaurant Brands International Inc.    Paul J. Fribourg, Director of
Restaurant Brands International Inc.Restaurant Brands International Inc.



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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In millions of U.S. dollars, except per unit/shareunit data)

   2015   2014  2013 

Revenues:

     

Sales

  $2,169.0    $167.4   $222.7  

Franchise and property revenues

   1,883.2     1,031.4    923.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   4,052.2     1,198.8    1,146.3  

Cost of sales

   1,809.5     156.4    195.3  

Franchise and property expenses

   503.2     179.0    152.4  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   437.7     345.4    242.4  

(Income) loss from equity method investments

   4.1     9.5    12.7  

Other operating expenses (income), net

   105.5     327.4    21.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   2,860.0     1,017.7    624.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income from operations

   1,192.2     181.1    522.2  

Interest expense, net

   478.3     279.7    200.0  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   40.0     155.4    —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   673.9     (254.0  322.2  

Income tax expense

   162.2     14.9    88.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   511.7     (268.9  233.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 19)

   3.4     0.2    —    

Partnership preferred unit distributions

   271.2     13.8    —    

Accretion of Partnership preferred units

   —       546.4    —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders / shareholders

  $237.1    $(829.3 $233.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per unit / share - basic (Note 4):

     

Class A common units

  $0.51    $(1.63  —    

Partnership exchangeable units

  $0.51    $(1.63  —    

Common shares

   —      $(0.20 $0.67  

Earnings (loss) per unit / share - diluted (Note 4):

     

Class A common units

  $0.51    $(1.63  —    

Partnership exchangeable units

  $0.51    $(1.63  —    

Common shares

   —      $(0.20 $0.65  

Weighted average units / shares outstanding - basic (Note 4):

     

Class A common units

   202.0     202.0    —    

Partnership exchangeable units

   263.5     265.0    —    

Common shares

   —       351.9    351.0  

Weighted average units / shares outstanding - diluted (Note 4):

     

Class A common units

   202.0     202.0    —    

Partnership exchangeable units

   263.5     265.0    —    

Common shares

   —       351.9    357.8  

Dividends per common unit/share

  $0.44    $0.30   $0.24  

 2018 2017 2016
Revenues:     
Sales$2,355
 $2,390
 $2,205
Franchise and property revenues (Note 16)3,002
 2,186
 1,941
Total revenues5,357
 4,576
 4,146
Operating costs and expenses:     
Cost of sales1,818
 1,850
 1,727
Franchise and property expenses422
 478
 454
Selling, general and administrative expenses (Note 16)1,214
 416
 319
(Income) loss from equity method investments(22) (12) (20)
Other operating expenses (income), net8
 109
 (1)
Total operating costs and expenses3,440
 2,841
 2,479
Income from operations1,917
 1,735
 1,667
Interest expense, net535
 512
 467
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 122
 
Income before income taxes1,382
 1,101
 1,200
Income tax (benefit) expense238
 (134) 244
Net income1,144
 1,235
 956
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests1
 2
 3
Partnership preferred unit distributions
 256
 270
Gain on redemption of Partnership preferred units (Note 13)
 (234) 
Net income attributable to common unitholders$1,143
 $1,211
 $683
Earnings per unit - basic and diluted (Note 4):     
Class A common units$3.03
 $3.10
 $1.71
Partnership exchangeable units$2.46
 $2.59
 $1.48
Weighted average units outstanding - basic and diluted (Note 4):     
Class A common units202
 202
 202
Partnership exchangeable units216
 226
 228
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In millions of U.S. dollars)

   2015  2014  2013 

Net income (loss)

  $511.7   $(268.9 $233.7  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   (1,830.8  (219.1  50.1  

Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment into net income

   —      —      (3.0

Net change in fair value of net investment hedges, net of tax of $(111.7), $(20.9), and $5.7

   686.8    45.4    (9.1

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $29.0, $57.6, and $(65.8)

   (81.0  (98.7  103.3  

Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(7.5), $2.7, and $(2.3)

   19.8    (4.1  3.8  

Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax of $7.0, $12.3, and $(10.7)

   (13.8  (23.8  20.8  

Amortization of prior service (credits) costs, net of tax of $1.1, $1.1, $1.2

   (1.8  (1.8  (1.8

Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses, net of tax of $(1.1), $0.0, $(0.4)

   1.5    (1.0  0.8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   (1,219.3  (303.1  164.9  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

  $(707.6 $(572.0 $398.6  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 2018 2017 2016
Net income$1,144
 $1,235
 $956
      
Foreign currency translation adjustment(831) 824
 223
Net change in fair value of net investment hedges, net of tax of $(101), $13, and $(12)282
 (371) (99)
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $7, $4, and $7(19) (11) (20)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(5), $(9), and $(6)14
 25
 16
Gain (loss) recognized on defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $0, $2, and $21
 4
 (8)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(553) 471
 112
Comprehensive income (loss)591
 1,706
 1,068
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests1
 2
 3
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to preferred unitholders
 22
 270
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$590
 $1,682
 $795
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Equity

(In millions of U.S. dollars, except per unit/shareunit data)

  Class A Common
Units
  Partnership
Exchangeable
units
  Issued Common
Shares
  Additional
Paid-In Capital
  Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Treasury
Stock
  Noncontrolling
Interests
            Total           
  Units  Amount  Units  Amount  Shares  Amount       

Balances at December 31, 2012

  —     $—      —     $—      350.2   $3.5   $1,205.7   $76.1   $(110.3 $—     $—     $1,175.0  

Stock option exercises

  —      —      —      —      1.7    —      6.0    —      —      —      —      6.0  

Stock option tax benefits

  —      —      —      —      —      —      10.1    —      —      —      —      10.1  

Share-based compensation

  —      —      —      —      —      —      14.6    —      —      —      —      14.6  

Issuance of shares

  —      —      —      —      0.3    —      3.5    —      —      —      —      3.5  

Treasury stock purchases

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (7.3  —      (7.3

Dividends paid on common shares ($0.24 per share)

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (84.3  —      —      —      (84.3

Net income

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      233.7    —      —      —      233.7  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      164.9    —      —      164.9  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2013

  —     $—      —     $—      352.2   $3.5   $1,239.9   $225.5   $54.6   $(7.3 $—     $1,516.2  

Stock option exercises

  —      —      —      —      0.1    —      0.4    —      —      —      —      0.4  

Share-based compensation

  —      —      —      —      —      —      25.8    —      —      —      —      25.8  

Issuance of shares

  —      —      —      —      0.1    —      3.3    —      —      —      —      3.3  

Dividends paid on common shares ($0.30 per share)

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (105.6  —      —      —      (105.6

Retirement of treasury stock

  —      —      —      —      (0.3  —      (7.3  —      —      7.3    —      —    

Transfer of additional paid-in capital balance to common shares

  —      —      —      —      —      1,262.1    (1,262.1  —      —      —      —      —    

BKW reorganization into Partnership

  87.0    569.8    265.0    746.1    (352.1  (1,265.6  —      (50.3  —      —      —      —    

Issuance of Class A Common units to RBI for acquisition of Tim Hortons

  106.6    3,783.1    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      3,783.1  

Issuance of Class A Common units to RBI for issuance and exercise of Warrant

  8.4    247.6    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      247.6  

Allocation of Partnership equity interests

  —      (2,285.5  —      2,285.5    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Accretion of Partnership preferred units

  —      (236.6  —      (309.8  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (546.4

Preferred unit distributions

  —      (6.0  —      (7.8  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (13.8

Capital contribution from RBI Inc.

  —      0.1    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      0.1  

Noncontrolling interest from acquisition of Tim Hortons

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      1.1    1.1  

Net income (loss)

  —      (86.4  —      (113.1  —      —      —      (69.6  —      —      0.2    (268.9

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (303.1  —      —      (303.1
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2014

  202.0   $1,986.1    265.0   $2,600.9    —     $—     $—     $—     $(248.5 $—     $1.3   $4,339.8  

Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.44 per unit)

  —      (89.1  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (89.1

Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.44 per unit)

  —      —      —      (116.6  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (116.6

Preferred unit distributions

  —      (118.2  —      (153.0  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (271.2

Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units

  —      —      (8.1  (293.7  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (293.7

Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares

  —      820.3    (23.2  (820.3  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Capital contribution from RBI Inc.

  —      55.5    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      55.5  

Restaurant VIE distributions

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (4.0  (4.0

Net income (loss)

  —      222.1    —      286.2    —      —      —      —      —      —      3.4    511.7  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (1,219.3  —      —      (1,219.3
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2015

  202.0   $2,876.7    233.7   $1,503.5    —     $—     $—     $—     $(1,467.8 $—     $0.7   $2,913.1  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 Class A
Common Units
 Partnership
Exchangeable units
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
 Units Amount Units Amount 
Balances at Balances at December 31, 2015202,006,067
 $2,878
 233,739,648
 $1,503
 $(1,467) $
 $2,914
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.72 per unit)
 (145) 
 
 
 
 (145)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.62 per unit)
 
 
 (141) 
 
 (141)
Preferred unit distributions
 (137) 
 (133) 
 
 (270)
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares
 223
 (6,744,244) (223) 
 
 
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.
 63
 
 
 
 
 63
Restaurant VIE distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 482
 
 471
 
 3
 956
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 112
 
 112
Balances at Balances at December 31, 2016202,006,067
 $3,364
 226,995,404
 $1,477
 $(1,355) $3
 $3,489
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.92 per unit)
 (186) 
 
 
 
 (186)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.78 per unit)
 
 
 (175) 
 
 (175)
Preferred unit distributions
 (131) 
 (125) 
 
 (256)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares
 280
 (4,286,480) (280) 
 
 
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units
 
 (5,000,000) (330) 
 
 (330)
Gain on redemption of partnership preferred units
 122
 
 112
 
 
 234
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.
 83
 
 
 
 
 83
Restaurant VIE distributions
 
 
 
 
 (4) (4)
Net income
 636
 
 597
 
 2
 1,235
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 471
 
 471
Balances at Balances at December 31, 2017202,006,067
 $4,168
 217,708,924
 $1,276
 $(884) $1
 $4,561
Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 16)
 (132) 
 (118) 
 
 (250)
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($2.23 per unit)
 (452) 
 
 
 
 (452)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($1.80 per unit)
 
 
 (387) 
 
 (387)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares
 11
 (185,333) (11) 
 
 
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units
 
 (10,000,000) (561) 
 
 (561)
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.
 116
 
 
 
 
 116
Net income
 612
 
 531
 
 1
 1,144
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 (553) 
 (553)
Balances at December 31, 2018202,006,067
 $4,323
 207,523,591
 $730
 $(1,437) $2
 $3,618
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In millions of U.S. dollars)

   2015  2014  2013 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

  $511.7   $(268.9 $233.7  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

   182.0    68.8    65.8  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   40.0    127.3    —    

Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount

   34.9    60.2    56.3  

(Income) loss from equity method investments

   4.1    9.5    12.7  

Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions

   37.0    (6.2  0.3  

Amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement items

   (0.4  (3.9  (2.1

Net losses (gains) on derivatives

   53.6    297.5    6.1  

Net losses (gains) on refranchisings and dispositions of assets

   5.4    17.6    (3.9

Bad debt expense (recoveries), net

   4.1    1.9    2.0  

Share-based compensation expense

   50.8    43.1    14.8  

Acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales

   0.5    11.8    —    

Deferred income taxes

   (32.3  (61.9  32.1  

Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:

    

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   79.2    (36.4  —    

Trade and notes receivable

   (26.2  (24.5  (7.6

Inventories and other current assets

   9.2    (23.0  (7.8

Accounts and drafts payable

   191.2    (17.9  (30.6

Accrued advertising

   32.9    (35.9  (10.6

Other accrued liabilities

   53.2    122.7    (5.4

Other long-term assets and liabilities

   (30.2  (22.5  (30.6
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   1,200.7    259.3    325.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Payments for property and equipment

   (115.3  (30.9  (25.5

(Payments) proceeds from refranchisings, disposition of assets and restaurant closures

   19.6    (7.8  64.8  

Net payments for acquired and disposed franchisee operations, net of cash acquired

   —      (3.9  (11.9

Net payment for purchase of Tim Hortons, net of cash acquired

   —      (7,374.7  —    

Return of investment on direct financing leases

   16.3    15.5    15.4  

Settlement/sale of derivatives, net

   14.2    (388.9  —    

Other investing activities, net

   3.7    (0.1  0.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

   (61.5  (7,790.8  43.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from term debt

   —      6,682.5    —    

Proceeds from Senior Notes

   1,250.0    2,250.0    —    

Proceeds from issuance of preferred units, net

   —      2,998.2    —    

Repayments of term debt, Senior Notes, Discount Notes and capital leases

   (2,627.8  (3,102.0  (57.2

Payment of financing costs

   (81.3  (158.0  —    

Dividends paid on common units/shares

   (362.4  (105.6  (84.3

Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units

   (293.7  —      —    

Proceeds from stock option/warrant exercises

   3.0    0.5    6.0  

Proceeds from issuance of shares

   2.1    —      —    

Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation

   0.5    —      10.1  

Repurchases of common stock

   —      —      (7.3

Other financing activities, net

   (5.6  —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

   (2,115.2  8,565.6    (132.7
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

   (73.5  (17.8  4.7  

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (1,049.5  1,016.3    240.2  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   1,803.2    786.9    546.7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $753.7   $1,803.2   $786.9  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Supplemental cashflow disclosures:

    

Interest paid

  $408.3   $199.9   $139.1  

Income taxes paid

  $208.3   $35.2   $35.6  

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

    

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

  $—     $—     $17.8  

Acquisition of property with capital lease obligations

  $16.7   $—     $1.0  


 2018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$1,144
 $1,235
 $956
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Depreciation and amortization180
 182
 172
Premiums paid and non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt
 119
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount29
 33
 39
(Income) loss from equity method investments(22) (12) (20)
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions(33) 77
 (20)
Net (gains) losses on derivatives(40) 31
 21
Share-based compensation expense48
 48
 35
Deferred income taxes29
 (742) 80
Other5
 18
 4
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:     
Accounts and notes receivable19
 (30) (16)
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets(7) 19
 (10)
Accounts and drafts payable41
 14
 16
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability(219) 360
 (1)
Tenant inducements paid to franchisees(52) (20) (19)
Other long-term assets and liabilities43
 99
 (23)
Net cash provided by operating activities1,165
 1,431
 1,214
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Payments for property and equipment(86) (37) (34)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings8
 26
 30
Net payment for purchase of Popeyes, net of cash acquired
 (1,636) 
Return of investment on direct financing leases16
 16
 17
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net17
 772
 11
Other investing activities, net1
 1
 3
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(44) (858) 27
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt75
 5,850
 
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases(74) (2,742) (70)
Distributions to RBI for payments in connection with redemption of preferred shares(60) (3,006) 
Payment of financing costs(3) (63) 
Distributions paid on common, preferred and Partnership exchangeable units(728) (664) (538)
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units(561) (330) 
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.61
 29
 14
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
 
 8
Other financing activities, net5
 (10) (5)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(1,285) (936) (591)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents(20) 24
 (2)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(184) (339) 648
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,097
 1,436
 788
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$913
 $1,097
 $1,436
Supplemental cashflow disclosures:     
Interest paid$561
 $447
 $407
Income taxes paid$433
 $200
 $159
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Description of Business and Organization

Description of Business

Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership (“Partnership,” “we,”Partnership”, “we”, “us” or “our”) was formed on August 25, 2014 as a general partnership and was registered on October 27, 2014 as a limited partnership in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario. Pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Partnership is a successor issuer to Burger King Worldwide, Inc. Partnership is the indirect parent of The TDL Group Corp. (f/k/a Tim Hortons ULCWe franchise and Tim Hortons Inc.), a limited company existing under the laws of British Columbia that franchises and operatesoperate quick service restaurants serving premium coffee and other beverage and food products under theTim Hortons® brand (“Tim Hortons” or “TH”), and Burger King Worldwide, Inc., a Delaware corporation that franchises and operates fast food hamburger restaurantshamburgers principally under theBurger King® brand (“Burger King Worldwide”, “Burger King” or “BK”), and chicken under the Popeyes® brand (“Popeyes” or “PLK”). We are one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant, or QSR, chainscompanies as measured by total number of restaurants. As of December 31, 2015,2018, we franchised or owned 4,846 Tim Hortons restaurants, 17,796 Burger King restaurants, and 3,102 Popeyes restaurants, for a total of 19,41625,744 restaurants, and operate in approximatelymore than 100 countries and U.S. territories worldwide.territories. Approximately 100% of current Tim Hortons and Burger King system-wide restaurants are franchised.

We are a limited partnership organized under the laws of Ontario and a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (“RBI”). RBI is our sole general partner. As our general partner, and as such, RBI has the exclusive right, power and authority to manage, control, administer and operate the business and affairs and to make decisions regarding the undertaking and business of Partnership in accordance with the partnership agreement of Partnership (“partnership agreement”) and applicable laws. There is no board of directors of Partnership. RBI has established a conflicts committee composed entirely of “independent directors” (as such term is defined in the partnership agreement) in order to consent to, approve or direct various enumerated actions on behalf of RBI (in its capacity as our general partner) in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement.

The following table outlines our restaurant count, by brand and consolidated, and restaurant activity for the periods indicated.

   2015   2014 

Tim Hortons Restaurants

    

Total restaurants – beginning of period

   4,258    

Openings

   227    

Closures

   (72  
  

 

 

   

Total systemwide restaurants – end of period

   4,413     4,258  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   2015   2014   2013 

Burger King Restaurants

      

Total restaurants – beginning of period

   14,372     13,667     12,991  

Openings

   999     999     882  

Closures

   (368   (294   (206
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total restaurants – end of period

   15,003     14,372     13,667  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   2015   2014 

System Wide Restaurants

    

Total restaurants – beginning of period

   18,630    

Openings

   1,226    

Closures

   (440  
  

 

 

   

Total systemwide restaurants – end of period

   19,416     18,630  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Excluded from the table above are 398 and 413 of Tim Hortons limited service kiosks in Canada and the U.S. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and licensed Tim Hortons locations in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015, we revised our presentation of restaurant counts to exclude limited service kiosks, with the revision applied retrospectively to the earliest period presented to provide period-to-period comparability.

All references to “$” or “dollars” are to the currency of the United States unless otherwise indicated. All references to Canadian dollars“Canadian dollars” or C$“C$” are to the currency of Canada unless otherwise indicated.

Note 2. The Transactions

On December 12, 2014 (the “Closing Date”), pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Arrangement Agreement”), dated as of August 26, 2014, by and among Tim Hortons, Burger King Worldwide, RBI, Partnership, Blue Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Partnership (“Merger Sub”), and 8997900 Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Partnership (“Amalgamation Sub”), Amalgamation Sub acquired all of the outstanding shares of Tim Hortons pursuant to a plan of arrangement under Canadian law, which resulted in Tim Hortons becoming an indirect subsidiary of both RBI and Partnership (the “Arrangement”) and Merger Sub merged with and into Burger King Worldwide, with Burger King Worldwide surviving the merger as an indirect subsidiary of both RBI and Partnership (the “Merger” and, together with the Arrangement, the “Transactions”). The Arrangement was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting and Burger King Worldwide was determined to be the accounting acquirer. The primary reason for the acquisition was to create one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant companies.

Upon completion of the Transactions, we issued to RBI 202.0 million Class A common units, which are entitled to receive common distributions from Partnership that correspond to the aggregate common dividends payable by RBI on its common shares, and 68,530,939 Partnership preferred units, which are entitled to preferred distributions from Partnership that correspond to RBI’s distributions and redemption requirements with respect to its preferred shares (see Notes 18 and 19). In connection with the Transactions, Partnership also issued 265.0 million Class B exchangeable limited partnership units of Partnership (“Partnership exchangeable units”) to the former holders of Burger King Worldwide common stock. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, each Partnership exchangeable unit is entitled to distributions from Partnership in an amount equal to any dividends or distributions that RBI declares and pays with respect to an RBI common share. Additionally, each holder of a Partnership exchangeable unit has voting rights with respect to RBI that are equivalent to the corresponding rights afforded to a holder of an RBI common share. Since December 12, 2015, the holder of Partnership exchangeable units has the right to require Partnership to exchange all or any portion of such holder’s Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares at a ratio of one RBI common share for each Partnership exchangeable unit, subject to RBI’s right as the general partner of Partnership, in RBI’s sole discretion, to deliver a cash payment in lieu of RBI common shares. The Partnership exchangeable units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “QSP”.

In 2014, fees and expenses related to the Transactions and related financings totaled $238.4 million, including (1) $70.0 million consisting principally of investment banking fees and legal fees (which are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses), (2) compensation related expenses of $55.0 million (which are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses) (3) commitment fees of $28.1 million associated with the bridge loan available at the closing of the Transactions (which are classified as loss on early extinguishment of debt) and (4) the payment of premiums of $85.3 million to redeem the Burger King Worldwide notes (which are classified as loss on early extinguishment of debt). Debt issuance costs capitalized in connection with the issuance of debt to fund the Transactions and refinancing of Burger King Worldwide indebtedness (see Note 12,Long-term debt) totaled $160.2 million and are classified as a reduction to term debt, net of current portion.

The total consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of Tim Hortons was approximately $11.3 billion. This consideration paid, along with repayment of Burger King Worldwide indebtedness (see Note 12,Long-term debt) and the payment of transaction expenses was funded through (i) RBI’s issuance of 106.6 million of RBI common shares to Tim Hortons shareholders, (ii) $6,750.0 million of proceeds from borrowings by subsidiaries of Partnership under a new term loan credit facility (the “Term Loan Facility”), (iii) $2,250.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of second lien secured senior notes by subsidiaries of Partnership, and (iv) $3,000.0 million of proceeds from RBI’s issuance of the Preferred Shares and the Warrant.

As discussed in Note 20,Equity-based Compensation, at the time of the Transactions, we assumed the obligation for all outstanding Burger King Worldwide stock options and RSUs. Additionally, pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, we assumed the obligation for each vested and unvested Tim Hortons stock option with tandem SARs that was not surrendered in connection with the Arrangement on the same terms and conditions of the original awards, adjusted by an exchange ratio of 2.41.

The computation of consideration paid and the final allocation of consideration to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired are presented in the tables that follow (in millions).

Cash consideration (a)

  $7,516.7  

Share consideration (b)

   3,778.2  
  

 

 

 

Total consideration paid

  $11,294.9  
  

 

 

 

(a)Includes $13.9 million for the settlement of share-based compensation.
(b)Calculated as 106,565,335 shares issued to former holders of Tim Hortons common shares, multiplied by $35.50, which was the closing price of a share of Burger King Worldwide common stock on the Closing Date, reduced by post-combination expense of approximately $4.9 million associated with accelerated vesting and recognition of certain Tim Hortons share-based compensation.

   December 12, 2014 

Total current assets

  $654.7  

Property and equipment

   1,672.3  

Tim Hortons Brand

   7,255.0  

Other intangible assets

   564.3  

Other assets, net

   146.2  

Accounts payable

   (228.2

Advertising fund liabilities

   (49.7

Other accrued liabilities

   (223.0

Total debt and capital lease obligations

   (1,346.0

Other liabilities, net

   (375.3

Deferred income taxes, net

   (1,415.2
  

 

 

 

Total identifiable net assets

   6,655.1  

Noncontrolling interest

   (1.1

Goodwill

   4,640.9  
  

 

 

 

Total

  $11,294.9  
  

 

 

 

All final purchase price allocation adjustments have been reflected on a retrospective basis as of the Closing Date. Additionally, our statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows were retrospectively adjusted to reflect the effects of the measurement period adjustments.

The Tim Hortons brand has been assigned an indefinite life and, therefore, will not be amortized, but tested annually for impairment. Other intangible assets include $228.0 million related to franchise agreements and $336.3 million related to favorable leases. Franchise agreements have a weighted average amortization period of 28 years. Favorable leases have a weighted average amortization period of 11 years.

All of the goodwill from the Transactions was assigned to our TH operating segment. The goodwill attributable to the Transactions will not be amortizable or deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is considered to represent the value associated with the workforce and synergies the two companies anticipate realizing as a combined company.

The following unaudited consolidated pro forma summary has been prepared by adjusting our historical data to give effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2013 (in millions, except per share amounts):

   Pro Forma - Unaudited 
   2014   2013 

Total Revenues

  $4,221.6    $4,316.2  

Net income

   301.7     32.4  

Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

   20.7     (451.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Restaurant Brands International Inc.

   281.0     484.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Preferred shares dividends

   270.0     270.0  

Accretion of preferred shares to redemption value

   —       546.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

  $11.0    $(332.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per common share:

    

Basic

  $0.06    $(1.72

Diluted

  $0.06    $(1.72

The unaudited consolidated pro forma financial information was prepared in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting under existing standards and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the Transactions had been completed on the date indicated, nor is it indicative of our future operating results. The unaudited consolidated pro forma information for 2013 includes certain non-recurring costs as a result of the Transactions, consisting primarily of transaction costs of approximately $223.0 million, loss on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $155.0 million and transaction related derivative losses of approximately $148.0 million. These costs were recorded net of tax, utilizing a tax rate of 26.5%.

The unaudited pro forma results do not reflect future events that either have occurred or may occur after the Transactions, including, but not limited to, the anticipated realization of ongoing savings from operating synergies in subsequent periods. They also do not give effect to certain charges that we incurred in 2015 related to a strategic realignment of our global structure to better accommodate the needs of the combined business and support successful global growth.

Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fiscal Year

We operate on a monthly calendar, with a fiscal year that ends on December 31. Prior to December 31, 2015, the fiscal year of our Tim Hortons subsidiaries ended on the Sunday nearest to December 31 which was December 28 in 2014. The effect of changing the fiscal year of our Tim Hortons subsidiaries during 2015 did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The preparation of consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordanceconformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and related rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All material intercompany balancesCommission requires our management to make estimates and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in other affiliates that are owned 50% or less where we have significant influence are accounted for by the equity method.

We also consider for consolidation entities in which we have certain interests, where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. Our most significant variable interests are in entities that operate restaurants under our subsidiaries’ franchise arrangements and certain equity method investees that operate as master franchisees. Our maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with potential VIEs is attributable to tradeaccounts and notes receivable balances, outstanding loan guarantees and future lease payments, where applicable.

We

As our franchise and master franchise arrangements provide the franchise and master franchise entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not haveconsider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any ownership interests in our franchisees’ businesses, except for investments in various entitiessuch entity that are accounted for under the equity method. might be a VIE.
Tim Hortons has historically entered into certain arrangements in which an operator acquires the right to operate a restaurant, but Tim Hortons owns the restaurant’s assets. In these arrangements, Tim Hortons has the ability to determine which operators manage the restaurants and for what duration. Tim Hortons previously also entered into interest-free financing in connection with a Franchise Incentive Program (“FIP”) with certain U.S. restaurant owners whereby restaurant owners finance the initial franchise fee and purchase of restaurant assets. In both operator and FIP arrangements (“FIP Notes”), weWe perform an analysis to determine if the legal entity in which operations are conducted is a VIE and consolidate a VIE entity if we also determine Tim Hortons is the entity’s primary beneficiary (“Restaurant VIEs”). Additionally, Tim Hortons participates in advertising funds which, on behalfAs of Tim Hortons CompanyDecember 31, 2018 and franchise restaurants, collect contributions and administer funds for advertising and promotional programs. Tim Hortons is the sole shareholder (Canada) and sole member (U.S.) in these funds, and is2017, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of 17 and 31 Restaurant VIEs, respectively, and accordingly, have consolidated the results of operations, assets and liabilities, and cash flows of these funds (the “Advertising VIEs”). As Burger King franchiseRestaurant VIEs in our consolidated financial statements. Material intercompany accounts and master franchise arrangements provide the franchisetransactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


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Assets and master franchise entities the powerliabilities related to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, weconsolidated VIEs are not significant to our total consolidated assets and liabilities. Liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not consider ourselvesnecessarily represent additional claims on our general assets; rather, they represent claims against the primary beneficiaryspecific assets of any such entitythe consolidated VIEs. Conversely, assets recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional assets that mightcould be a VIE.

used to satisfy claims by our creditors as they are not legally included within our general assets.

Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements (the “Notes”) have been reclassified in order to be comparable with the current year classifications. These consist of the reclassification of $20 million and $19 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, from changes in Other long-term assets and liabilities to Tenant inducements paid to franchisees in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the December 31, 2017 reclassification of Advertising fund restricted assets to Cash and cash equivalents, Accounts and notes receivable, net and Prepaids and other current assets and the reclassification of Advertising fund liabilities to Accounts and drafts payable and Other accrued liabilities as detailed below (in millions). These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income.

Concentrations of Risk

As of December 31, 2015, we franchised or owned a total of 19,416 restaurants in approximately 100 countries and U.S. territories worldwide. Approximately 100% of current Tim Hortons and Burger King system-wide restaurants are franchised.

Four distributors currently service approximately 88.7% of our U.S. Burger King system restaurants and the loss of any one of these distributors would likely adversely affect our business. In many of our international markets, a single distributor services all the Burger King restaurants in the market. The loss of any of one of these distributors would likely have an adverse effect on the market impacted, and depending on the market, could have an adverse impact on our financial results. In addition, we have moved to a business model in our international markets (for both TH and BK) and our U.S. market (for TH) in which we enter into exclusive agreements with master franchisees and area developers to develop and operate restaurants, and, in the case of our international markets, subfranchise to third parties the right to develop and operate restaurants in defined geographic areas. The termination of an arrangement with a master franchisee or a lack of expansion by certain master franchisees could result in the delay or discontinuation of the development of franchise restaurants, or an interruption in the operation of our brand in a particular market or markets.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and notes to the financial statements. Management adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Such estimates and assumptions may be affected by volatile credit, equity, foreign currency, energy markets and declines in consumer spending. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

 December 31, 2017   December 31, 2017
 As Reported Reclassification As Adjusted
Current assets:     
Cash and cash equivalents$1,073
 $24
 $1,097
Accounts and notes receivable, net456
 33
 489
Inventories, net78
 
 78
Advertising fund restricted assets83
 (83) 
Prepaids and other current assets60
 26
 86
Total current assets$1,750
 $
 $1,750
      
Current liabilities:     
Accounts and drafts payable$413
 $83
 $496
Other accrued liabilities838
 28
 866
Gift card liability215
 
 215
Advertising fund liabilities111
 (111) 
Current portion of long term debt and capital leases78
 
 78
Total current liabilities$1,655
 $
 $1,655
Foreign Currency Translation

and Transaction Gains and Losses

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, as our Partnership preferred units and related preferred distributions,since our term loan first lien senior secured notes, and second lien senior secured notes are denominated in U.S. dollars. The functional currency of each of our operating subsidiaries is generally the local currency. Foreign currency balance sheetsof the economic environment in which the subsidiary primarily does business. Our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements are translated into U.S. dollars using the foreign exchange rates applicable to the dates of the financial statements. Assets and liabilities are translated using the end-of-period spot foreign exchange rates,rates. Income, expenses and statements of operations and statements of cash flows are translated at the average foreign exchange rates for each period. Equity accounts are translated at historical foreign exchange rates. The effects of these translation adjustments resulting from the translationare reported as a component of foreign currency financial statements are recorded inaccumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Foreign Currency Transaction Gains or Losses

Foreignequity.

For any transaction that is denominated in a currency transaction gains or losses resultingdifferent from the re-measurement of our foreign-denominated assetsentity’s functional currency, we record a gain or loss based on the difference between the foreign exchange rate at the transaction date and liabilities or our subsidiaries are reflected in earnings in the foreign exchange rate at the transaction settlement date (or rate at period when the exchange rates change and areend, if unsettled) which is included within other operating expenses (income) expenses,, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term,

All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and credit card receivables.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

During the year ended December 31, 2015, amounts classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2014 were reclassified to cash and cash equivalents as a result of the restructuring of banking arrangements and our intent to no longer classify this cash as restricted. This reclassification is reflected as a source of cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015.

As of December 31, 2014, proceeds from the initial sale or reloading of the Tim Hortons Tim Card® quick-pay cash card program (“Tim Card”) were classified as restricted cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets along with a corresponding obligation.

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable represent loans made to franchisees arising from refranchisings of Company restaurants, sales of property and FIP Notes. In certain cases, past due trade receivables from franchisees are restructured into an interest-bearing note, which are generally already fully reserved, and as a result, are transferred to notes receivable at a net carrying value of zero. Notes receivable with a carrying value greater than zero are written down to net realizable value when it is likely that we are unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectability of our trade accounts receivable from franchisees based on a combination of factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due and the probabilityconsidered cash equivalents.



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Table of collection from litigation or default proceedings, where applicable. We record a specific allowance for doubtful accounts in an amount required to adjust the carrying values of such balances to the amount that we estimate to be net realizable value. We write off a specific account when (a) we enter into an agreement with a franchisee that releases the franchisee from outstanding obligations, (b) franchise agreements are terminated and the projected cost of collections exceeds the benefits expected to be received from pursuing the balance owed through legal action, or (c) franchisees do not have the financial wherewithal or unprotected assets from which collection is reasonably assured.

Contents



Inventories

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value and consist primarily of raw materials such as green coffee beans and finished goods such as new equipment, parts, paper supplies and restaurant food items. The moving average method is used to determine the cost of raw material inventories and finished goods inventories held for sale to Tim Hortons franchisees.

Property and Equipment, net

We record property and equipment at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization, are computedwhich is recognized using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the assets.

Depreciation Periods

Land

Buildings and improvements

(up to 40 years)

Restaurant equipment

(up to 18 years)

Furniture, fixtures, and other

(up to 10 years)

Manufacturing equipment

(up to 30 years)

Capital leases

(up to 40 years or lease term)

lives: (i) buildings and improvements – up to 40 years; (ii) restaurant equipment – up to 17 years; (iii) furniture, fixtures and other – up to 10 years; (iv) manufacturing equipment – up to 25 years; and (v) capital leases – up to 40 years or lease term. Leasehold improvements to properties where we are the lessee are amortized over the lesser of the remaining term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement.

We are considered to be the owner of certain restaurants leased from an unrelated lessorlessors because Tim Hortons constructed some of the structural elements of those restaurants. Accordingly, we have included these restaurant properties in Property and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheet and recognized the lessor’slessors’ contributions to the construction costs forof these restaurants was recognized as other debt.

debt and was $71 million and $83 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Major improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred.

Assets Held For Sale

We classify assets as held for sale when we commit to a plan to dispose of the assets in their current condition at a price that is reasonable, and we believe completing the plan of sale within one year is probable without significant changes. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or fair value, less costs to sell and we cease depreciation on assets at the time they are classified as held for sale. We classify impairment losses associated with restaurants held for sale as losses on refranchisings.

If we subsequently decide to retain assets previously classified as held for sale, the assets would be reclassified from assets held for sale at the lower of (a) their then-current fair value or (b) the carrying value at the date the assets were classified as held for sale, less the depreciation that would have been recorded since that date.

Leases

We define a lease term as the initial term of thea lease plus any renewals covered by bargain renewal options or that are reasonably assured of exercise because non-renewal would create an economic penalty, plus any periods that we havethe lessee has use of the property but is not charged rent by a landlord (“rent holiday”)(rent holiday).

We record rental income and rental expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term, net of any applicable lease incentive amortization. Contingent rental income is recognized on an accrual basis as earned.

Assets we acquire as lessee under capital leases are stated at the lower of the present value of future minimum lease payments or fair market value at the date of inception of the lease. Capital lease assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the underlying lease term.

We also have net investments in properties leased to franchisees, which meet the criteria of direct financing leases. Investments in direct financing leases are recorded on a net basis, consisting of the gross investment and residual value in the lease, less the unearned income. Earned income on direct financing leases is recognized when earned and collectability is reasonably assured. Unearned income is recognized over the lease term yielding a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease. Direct financing leases are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of anthe asset may not be recoverable based on the payment history under the lease.

We record rent expense and income from operating leases that contain rent holidays or scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Contingent rentals are generally based on a percentage of restaurant sales or as a percentage of restaurant sales in excess of stipulated amounts, and thus are not considered minimum lease payments at lease inception.

Favorablehave recorded favorable and unfavorable operating leases are recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting. We amortize favorable and unfavorable leases on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the leases, as determined at the acquisition date. Upon early termination of a lease, the write-off of the favorable or unfavorable lease carrying value associated with the lease is recognized as a loss or gain within other operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases on Company restaurants is included in costs of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income leases is included in franchise and property revenues in the consolidated statements of operations. Amortization of favorable and unfavorable commitment leases for franchise restaurants is included in franchise and property expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Lease incentives we provide to our lessees are recorded as a lease incentive asset and amortized as a reduction of rental income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives we receive from a landlord are recognized as a liability and amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the lease term.

We recognize a loss on leases and subleases and a related lease liability when expenses to be recorded under the lease exceed future minimum rents to us under the lease or sublease. The lease liability is amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reduction of property expense.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the Transactionsacquisition of Popeyes in 2017, the acquisition of Tim Hortons in 2014 and the 2010 acquisition of Burger King Holdings, Inc. by 3G.3G Capital Partners Ltd. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of theTim Hortons brand, the Burger King brand, and theBurger KingPopeyesbrand (each a “Brand” and together, the “Brands”). Goodwill and the Brands are tested for impairment at least annually as of October 1 of each year and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change which indicate impairment might exist. Our annual impairment tests of goodwill and the Brands may be completed through qualitative assessments, as further described below.assessments. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a two-step quantitative impairment test for any reporting unit or either Brand in any period. We can resume the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit or Brand in any subsequent period.

Under a qualitative approach, our impairment review for goodwill consists of an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we perform a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The first step requires us to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is


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allocated to all its underlying assets and liabilities, including both recognized and unrecognized tangible and intangible assets, based on their fair value. If necessary, goodwill is then written down to its implied fair value.

Under a qualitative approach, our impairment review for the Brands consists of an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that a Brand’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for eithera Brand, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated carrying value of a Brand exceeds its fair value, we estimate the fair value of the Brand and compare it to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

We completed our impairment tests for goodwill and the Brands as of October 1, 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 and no impairment resulted. During 2015, we elected to perform a quantitative impairment review of goodwill for all of our reporting units and the Brands.

When we dispose of a restaurant business within six months of acquisition, the goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition is written off. Otherwise, goodwill is written off based on the relative fair value of the business sold to the reporting unit when disposals occur more than six months after acquisition. The sale of Company restaurants to franchisees is referred to as a “refranchising.”

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization, are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of anthe asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Some of the events or changes in circumstances that would trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, bankruptcy proceedings or other significant financial distress of a lessee; significant negative industry or economic trends; knowledge of transactions involving the sale of similar property at amounts below the carrying value; or our expectation to dispose of long-lived assets before the end of their estimated useful lives. The impairment test for long-lived assets requires us to assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by comparing their net carrying value to the sum of undiscounted estimated future cash flows directly associated with and arising from use and eventual disposition of the assets.assets or asset group. Long-lived assets are grouped for recognition and measurement of impairment at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. If the net carrying value of a group of long-lived assets exceeds the sum of related undiscounted estimated future cash flows, we must record an impairment charge equal to the excess, if any, of the net carrying value over fair value.

Equity Method Investments

Equity investments in which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method and are included in other assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets. Our share of investee net income or loss is classified as (income) loss from equity method investments in our consolidated statements of operations. The difference between the carrying value of our equity investment and the underlying equity in the historical net assets of the investee is accounted for as if the investee were a consolidated subsidiary. Accordingly, the carrying value difference is amortized over the estimated lives of the assets of the investee to which such difference would have been allocated if the equity investment were a consolidated subsidiary. To the extent the carrying value difference represents goodwill or indefinite lived assets, it is not amortized. During 2015, we recorded $3.6 million of basis difference amortization related to equity method investments. We did not record basis difference amortization related to equity method investments for 2014 and 2013. We evaluate our investments in equity method investments for impairment whenever events occur or circumstances change in a manner that indicates our investment may not be recoverable. We did not record impairment charges related to equity method investments for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are included in comprehensive income (loss), but are excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to equity, net of tax. Our other comprehensive income (loss) is primarily comprised of unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on hedging activity, net of tax, and minimum pension liability adjustments, net of tax.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We recognize and measure all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. We may enter into derivatives that are not initially designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, but which largely offset the economic impact of certain transactions.

Gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized in earnings or recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in the consolidated statements of operations when the hedged item affects earnings, depending on the purpose of the derivatives and whether they qualify for, and we have applied, hedge accounting treatment. The ineffective portion of gains or losses on derivatives is reported in current earnings.

When applying hedge accounting, our policy is towe designate at a derivative’s inception, the specific assets, liabilities or future commitments being hedged, and to assess the hedge’s effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. We discontinue hedge accounting when: (i) we determine that the cash flow derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) management determines that designation of the derivatives as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate. We do not enter into or hold derivatives for speculative purposes.

Disclosures Aboutabout Fair Value

Certain assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustment in certain circumstances. These items primarily include: (i) assets acquired and liabilities assumed initially measured at fair value in connection with the application of acquisition accounting; (ii) long-lived assets, reporting units with goodwill and intangible assets for which fair value is determined as part of the related impairment tests; and (iii) asset retirement obligations initially measured at fair value. At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no significant adjustments to fair value or fair value measurements required for non-financial assets or liabilities.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market, or if none exists, the most advantageous market, for the specific asset or liability at the measurement date (the exit price). The fair value is based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the source of the inputs into the calculation, as follows:

Level 1 Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.



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Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

Certain

The carrying amounts for cash and equivalents, accounts and notes receivable and accounts and drafts payable approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these amounts.
We carry all of our derivatives are valuedat fair value and value them using various pricing models or discounted cash flow analysesanalysis that incorporate observable market parameters, such as interest rate yield curves and currency rates, classified aswhich are Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.inputs. Derivative valuations incorporate credit risk adjustments that are necessary to reflect the probability of default by the counterparty or us.

The carrying amounts for cash and equivalents, trade accounts and notes receivable and accounts and drafts payable approximate For disclosures about the fair value based onmeasurements of our derivative instruments, see Note 12, Derivative Instruments.

The following table presents the short-term nature of these amounts.

Restricted investments, consisting of investment securities held in a rabbi trust to invest compensation deferred under our Executive Retirement Plan and fund future deferred compensation obligations, are carried at fair value, with net unrealized gains and losses recorded in our consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of these investment securities are determined using quoted market prices in active markets classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Fair value ofour variable rate term debt wasand senior notes, estimated using inputs based on bid and offer prices andthat are Level 2 inputs, within the fair value hierarchy.

and principal carrying amount (in billions):

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Fair value of our variable term debt and senior notes$11
 $12
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes12
 12
The determinations of fair values of certain tangible and intangible assets for purposes of the application of the acquisition method of accounting to the acquisition of Tim HortonsPopeyes were based upon Level 3 inputs. The determination of fair values of our reporting units and the determination of the fair value of the Brands for our 2015impairment testing using a quantitative approach during 2018 and 2014 annual impairment evaluations of goodwill and brand intangible assets, respectively,2017 were based upon Level 3 inputs.

Revenue Recognition

We transitioned to FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), from ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition and ASC Subtopic 952-605, Franchisors - Revenue Recognition (together, the “Previous Standards”) on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. Our Financial Statements reflect the application of ASC 606 guidance beginning in 2018, while our consolidated financial statements for prior periods were prepared under the guidance of the Previous Standards. See Note 16, Revenue Recognition, for further information about our transition to this new revenue recognition model using the modified retrospective transition method.
Sales
Sales includeconsist primarily of supply chain sales, and sales from Company restaurants. Supply chain saleswhich represent sales of products, supplies and restaurant equipment to franchisees, as well as sales to retailers other than equipmentand are presented net of any related sales relatedtax. Orders placed by customers specify the goods to initial restaurant establishment or renovations that are shipped directly from our warehouses or by third-party distributorsbe delivered and transaction prices for supply chain sales. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control over ordered items, generally upon delivery to restaurants or retailers. Revenues fromthe customer, which is when the customer obtains physical possession of the goods, legal title is transferred, the customer has all risks and rewards of ownership and an obligation to pay for the goods is created. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight for supply chain sales are recognized upon delivery.accounted for as fulfillment costs and classified as cost of sales.
Commencing on January 1, 2018, we classify all sales of restaurant equipment to franchisees as Sales at Company restaurants (including Restaurant VIEs) represent restaurant-leveland related cost of equipment sold as Cost of sales. In periods prior to January 1, 2018, we classified sales to our guests and are recognized at the point of sale.

Franchise and property revenues include franchise revenues, consisting primarily of royalties, initial and renewal franchise fees paid by franchisees, revenues derived fromrestaurant equipment sales at establishment of a restaurant and in connection with a restaurant renewal or renovation as Franchise and property revenues and related costs as Franchise and property expense.

To a much lesser extent, sales also include Company restaurant sales (including Restaurant VIEs), which consist of sales to restaurant guests. Revenue from propertiesCompany restaurant sales is recognized at the point of sale. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that we lease or subleasecollect are excluded from revenue.
Franchise revenues
Franchise revenues consist primarily of royalties, advertising fund contributions, initial and renewal franchise fees and upfront fees from development agreements and master franchise and development agreements (“MFDAs”). Under franchise agreements, we provide franchisees with (i) a franchise license, which includes a license to franchisees.

use our intellectual property and, in those markets where our subsidiaries manage an advertising fund, advertising and promotion management, (ii) pre-opening services, such as training and inspections, and (iii) ongoing services, such as development of training materials and menu items and restaurant monitoring and



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inspections. The services we provide under franchise agreements are highly interrelated and dependent upon the franchise license and we concluded the services do not represent individually distinct performance obligations. Consequently, we bundle the franchise license performance obligation and promises to provide services into a single performance obligation under ASC 606, which we satisfy by providing a right to use our intellectual property over the term of each franchise agreement.
Royalties, including franchisee contributions to advertising funds managed by our subsidiaries, are based oncalculated as a percentage of grossfranchise restaurant sales atover the term of the franchise restaurantsagreement. Under our franchise agreements, advertising contributions paid by franchisees must be spent on advertising, product development, marketing and related activities. Initial and renewal franchise fees are payable by the franchisee upon a new restaurant opening or renewal of an existing franchise agreement. Our franchise agreement royalties, inclusive of advertising fund contributions, represent sales-based royalties that are related entirely to our performance obligation under the franchise agreement and are recognized when earnedas franchise sales occur. Additionally, under ASC 606, initial and collectability is reasonably assured. Initialrenewal franchise fees and equipment sales are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective agreement. Under the Previous Standards, initial franchise fees were recognized as revenue when the related restaurant beginscommenced operations and our completion of all material services and conditions. Fees collected in advance are deferred until earned. Renewal franchise fees arewere recognized as revenue upon receipt of the non-refundable fee and execution of a new franchise agreement. UpfrontOur performance obligation under development agreements other than MFDAs generally consists of an obligation to grant exclusive development rights over a stated term. These development rights are not distinct from franchise agreements, so upfront fees paid by franchisees in connection withfor exclusive development agreementsrights are deferred when the development agreement includes a minimum number of restaurantsand apportioned to beeach franchise restaurant opened by the franchisee. The deferred amounts are recognized as franchise fee revenue on a pro rata amount apportioned to each restaurant is accounted for as an initial franchise fee.
We have a distinct performance obligation under our MFDAs to grant subfranchising rights over a stated term. Under the terms of MFDAs, we typically either receive an upfront fee paid in cash and/or receive noncash consideration in the form of an equity interest in the master franchisee or an affiliate of the master franchisee. Under the Previous Standards, we accounted for noncash consideration as a nonmonetary exchange and did not record revenue or a basis asin the franchisee opens each respective restaurant. The cost recovery accountingequity interest received in arrangements where we received noncash consideration. These transactions now fall within the scope of ASC 606, which requires us to record investments in the applicable equity method is usedinvestee and recognize revenue in an amount equal to recognize revenues forthe fair value of the equity interest received. In accordance with ASC 606, upfront fees from master franchisees, for which collectability is not reasonably assured.

Rental income for base rentals is recordedincluding the fair value of noncash consideration, are deferred and amortized over the MFDA term on a straight-line basis over the termbasis. We may recognize unamortized upfront fees when a contract with a franchisee or master franchisee is modified and is accounted for as a termination of the existing contract.

The portion of gift cards sold to customers which are never redeemed is commonly referred to as gift card breakage. Under ASC 606, we recognize gift card breakage income proportionately as each gift card is redeemed using an estimated breakage rate based on our historical experience. Under the Previous Standards, we recognized gift card breakage income for each gift card's remaining balance when redemption of that balance was deemed remote.
Property revenues
Property revenues consists of rental income from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees. Property revenues are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance for leases and earned income on direct financing leases are recognized when earned and collectability is reasonably assured. Contingent rent is recognized on an accrual basis as earned, and any amounts receivedexcluded from lessees in advancethe scope of achieving stipulated thresholds are deferred until such threshold is actually achieved.

Our businesses are moderately seasonal. Our restaurant sales are typically higher in the spring and summer months when weather is warmer than in the fall and winter months. Because our businesses are moderately seasonal, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for any other quarter or for the full fiscal year.

ASC 606.

Advertising and Promotional Costs

Company restaurants and franchise restaurants contribute to advertising funds that our subsidiaries manage in the United States and Canada and certain other international markets. Under our franchise agreements, advertising contributions received from franchisees must be spent on advertising, product development, marketing and related activities. Since we act as an agent for these specifically designated contributions, the revenues and expenses of the advertising funds are generally netted in our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows.

The advertising funds expense the production costs of advertising when the advertisements are first aired or displayed. All other advertising and promotional costs are expensed in the period incurred.

Under our franchise agreements, advertising contributions received from franchisees must be spent on advertising, product development, marketing and related activities. As a result of our transition to ASC 606, advertising contributions received from franchisees are included in franchise and property revenues and advertising expenses are included as selling, general and administrative expenses commencing on January 1, 2018. Advertising expense,expenses included in selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $793 million for 2018. Prior to January 1, 2018, since we were deemed to be acting as an agent for these specifically designated contributions in accordance with the Previous Standards, the revenues and expenses of the advertising funds were generally netted in our consolidated statements of operations.

Prior to our transition to ASC 606, advertising expenses, which primarily consistsconsisted of advertising contributions by Company restaurants (including Restaurant VIEs) based on a percentage of gross sales, totaled $13.7$7 million for 2015, $2.42017 and $6 million for 20142016 and $6.2 million for 2013 and iswere included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

As a result of our transition to ASC 606, the advertising contributions by Company restaurants (including Restaurant VIEs) are eliminated in consolidation in 2018.



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Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the balance sheet date, contributions received may not equal advertising and promotional expenditures forrelated debt agreement into interest expense using the period due to the timing of advertising promotions. To the extent that contributions received exceed advertising and promotional expenditures, the excess contributions are accounted for as a deferred liability and are recorded in accrued advertising in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. To the extent that advertising and promotional expenditures temporarily exceed contributions received, the excess expenditures are accounted for as a receivable from the fund and are recorded in prepaids and other current assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

For our Burger King business, in Canada and most of our international markets, franchisees contribute to advertising funds that are not managed by us. Such contributions and related fund expenditures are not reflected in our results of operations or financial position.

Insurance Reserves

We carry insurance to cover claims such as workers’ compensation, general liability, automotive liability, executive risk and property, and we are self-insured for healthcare claims for eligible participating employees. Through the use of insurance program deductibles (up to $5.0 million) and self-insurance, we retain a significant portion of the expected losses under these programs. Insurance reserves have been recorded based on our estimates of the anticipated ultimate costs to settle all claims, on an undiscounted basis, both reported and incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”).

Litigation Accruals

From time to time, we are subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims related to competitors, customers, employees, franchisees, government agencies and suppliers. We are required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each matter. The required accrual may change in the future due to new developments in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters.

Guarantees

We record a liability to reflect the estimated fair value of guarantee obligations at the inception of the guarantee. Expenses associated with the guarantee liability, including the effects of any subsequent changes in the estimated fair value of the liability, are classified as other operating expenses (income), net in our consolidated statements of operations.

effective interest method.

Income Taxes

Amounts in the financial statements related to income taxes are calculated using the principles of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)ASC Topic 740,Income Taxes.Taxes. Under these principles, deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for tax purposes, as well as tax credit carryforwardscarry-forwards and loss carryforwards.carry-forwards. These deferred taxes are measured by applying currently enacted tax rates. A deferred tax asset is recognized when it is considered more-likely-than-not to be realized. The effects of changes in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in income in the year in which the law is enacted. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be recognized.

Income tax benefits credited to equity relate to tax benefits associated with amounts that are deductible for income tax purposes but do not affect earnings. These benefits are principally generated from employee exercises of nonqualified stock options and settlement of restricted stock awards.

realized.

We recognize positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in the financial statements when it is more-likely-than-not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit with greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Transaction

Translation gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of foreign deferred tax assets or liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are classified as other operating expenses (income), net in the consolidated statements of operations.

Equity-based

Share-based Compensation

Subsequent

Compensation expense related to the Transactions, equity-based compensation expense associated withissuance of share-based awards to our employees is measured at fair value on the participation of Partnership and its subsidiaries in RBI’s share-based compensation plan is recognized in Partnership’s financial statements.

grant date. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value RBI stock options, which requires the use of observable and unobservable assumptions. These assumptions include the estimated length of time employees will retain their stock options before exercising them (the “expected term”), the expected volatility of RBI common share priceoptions. The compensation expense for awards that vest over a future service period is recognized over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis, adjusted for estimated forfeitures of awards that are not expected term,to vest. The compensation expense for awards that do not require future service is recognized immediately. Upon the risk-free interest rate,end of the dividend yield andservice period, compensation expense is adjusted to account for the actual forfeiture rate. With the exception of stock options issued with tandem stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) (see below), we recognize equity-based compensation cost based on the grant date estimated fair value of each award, net of estimated forfeitures.

In connection with the Transactions, RBI issued stock options with tandem SARs in exchange for historical vestedCash settled share-based awards are classified as liabilities and unvested Tim Hortons stock options issued with SARs not surrendered as part of the Transactions. These stock options with tandem SARs are accounted for as cash settled awards, as these tandem awards allow the employee to exercise the stock option to receive common shares or to exercise the SAR and receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the difference between the market price of the common share on the exercise date and the exercise price of the stock option. The accounting for stock options with tandem SARs results in a revaluation of the liability to fair valuere-measured at the end of each reporting period, which is generally classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Equity-basedperiod. The compensation costexpense for awards that contain performance conditions is recognized overwhen it is probable that the employee’s requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the equity grant. For awards that have a cliff-vesting schedule, equity-based compensation cost is recognized ratably over the requisite service period.

performance conditions will be achieved.

Restructuring

The determination of when we accrue for employee involuntary termination benefits depends on whether the termination benefits are provided under an on-going benefit arrangement or under a one-time benefit arrangement. We record charges for ongoing benefit arrangements in accordance with ASC Topic 712,Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits. We record charges for one-time benefit arrangements in accordance with ASC Topic 420,Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations.

Retirement Plans

New Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue Recognition – In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued a new single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. We adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2018. See Note 16, Revenue Recognition, for further information about our transition to this new revenue recognition model using the modified retrospective transition method.
Lease Accounting – In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on leases. The funded statusnew guidance requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by finance and operating leases with lease terms of more than 12 months, amends various other aspects of accounting for leases by lessees and lessors, and requires enhanced disclosures. The new guidance is effective commencing in 2019 and requires a modified retrospective transition approach with application in all comparative periods presented (the “comparative method”), or alternatively, as of the effective date as the date of initial application without restating comparative period financial statements (the “effective date method”). The new guidance also provides several practical expedients and policies that companies may elect under either transition method. We have elected to apply the effective date method and the package of practical expedients under which we will not reassess the classification of our defined benefit pension plansexisting leases, reevaluate whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases or reassess initial direct costs under the new guidance. Additionally, we have elected lessee and postretirement benefit planslessor practical expedients to not separate non-lease components from lease components. We did not elect the practical expedient that permits a reassessment of lease terms for existing leases.


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We performed an analysis of the impact of the new lease guidance and are recognized in the process of completing the final phase of a comprehensive plan for our implementation of the new guidance, including implementation of a new lease accounting system. The project plan includes analyzing the impact of the new guidance on our current lease contracts, reviewing the completeness of our existing lease portfolio, comparing our accounting policies under current accounting guidance to the new accounting guidance and identifying potential differences from applying the requirements of the new guidance to our lease contracts. Upon our transition to the new guidance, we currently expect to recognize approximately $1.1 billion of operating lease liabilities. Additionally, we expect to record right-of-use assets in a corresponding amount, net of amounts reclassified from other assets and liabilities, as specified by the new lease guidance.
We also expect this guidance will result in the gross presentation of property tax and maintenance expenses and related lessee reimbursements as franchise and property expenses and franchise and property revenues, respectively. These expenses and reimbursements are presented on a net basis under current accounting guidance. Otherwise, we do not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets. The funded status isstatements of operations. We do not expect an impact to the amount or timing of our cash flows or liquidity.
Goodwill Impairment – In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to simplify how an entity measures goodwill impairment by removing the second step of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity will no longer be required to perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. Instead, impairment will be measured asat the difference betweenamount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of plan assetsa reporting unit; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The amendment requires prospective adoption and is effective commencing in 2020 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Hedge Accounting – In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance to improve the transparency and understandability of information conveyed to financial statement users about an entity's risk management activities and to simplify the application of hedge accounting by preparers. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018 (the “Adoption Date”).
The new guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness for cash flow and net investment hedges that are deemed effective. Most notably, for our cross-currency swaps designated as net investment hedges, the new guidance permits the exclusion of the interest component (the “Excluded Component”) from the accounting hedge without affecting net investment hedge designation. The initial value of the Excluded Component may be recognized in earnings on a systematic and rational basis over the life of the derivative instrument.
Subsequent to the Adoption Date, we changed the method of assessing effectiveness for net investment hedges using derivatives from the forward method to the spot method. We de-designated the cross-currency swaps and re-designated them as of March 15, 2018 (the “Re-designation Date”). As a result of adopting the new guidance and the re-designation of our cross-currency swaps, we will recognize a benefit obligation at December 31,from the measurement date. The fairamortization of the initial value of plan assets represents the current market valueExcluded Component as a component of contributions made to irrevocable trust funds, held for the sole benefitInterest expense, net in our consolidated statements of participants, which are invested by the trust funds. For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation represents the actuarial present value of benefits expected to be paid upon retirement. For postretirement benefit plans, the benefit obligation represents the actuarial present value of postretirement benefits attributed to employee services already rendered. Gains or losses and prior service costs or credits related to our pension plans are being recognized as they ariseoperations rather than as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) to the extent they have not been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.

We sponsor a pension plan for employees of Tim Hortons (the “Canadian Plan”), a defined contribution pension plan under the provisionsincome. All changes in fair value of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the Ontario Pension Benefits Act. Allinstruments related to currency fluctuations will continue to be recognized within other comprehensive income.

The impact of adoption did not have a material effect on our Tim Hortons Canadian employees meeting the eligibility requirements, including executives, are required to participate. A participant contributes 2% of their base salary, while we contribute an amount equal to 5% of their base salary. Participants can make voluntary additional contributions, which we match up to an additional 1% of base salary, subject to legislative maximum limits.

We also sponsor two defined contribution benefit plans for U.S. employees of Tim Hortons (the “U.S. Plans”), under the provisions of Section 401(k)Financial Statements as of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The U.S. Plans are voluntary and providedAdoption Date. We recorded a $60 million net benefit to all our Tim Hortons U.S. employees who meetInterest expense, net from the eligibility requirements. The participant can contribute up to 75% of their base salary, subject to IRS limits, and we contribute a specified percentage and match a specified percentage of employees contributions, based on their eligibility under the specific plan.

We also sponsor the Burger King Savings Plan (the “Savings Plan”), a defined contribution plan under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The Savings Plan is voluntary and is provided to all employees who meet the eligibility requirements. A participant can elect to contribute up to 50% of their compensation, subject to IRS limits, and we match 100% of the first 4% of employee compensation.

Aggregate amounts recorded in the consolidated statements of operations representing our contributions to the Canadian Plan, U.S. Plans and Savings Plan on behalf of restaurant and corporate employees was $6.9 million for 2015, $1.3 million for 2014 and $1.0 million for 2013. Our contributions made on behalf of restaurant employees are classified as cost of salesRe-designation Date through December 31, 2018 in our consolidated statements of operations for the amortization of the initial value of the Excluded Component, as described above. We believe the new guidance better portrays the economic results of our risk management activities and net investment hedges in our Financial Statements.

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects – In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for the tax effects of certain items within accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendment is effective commencing in 2019 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Share-based payment arrangements with nonemployees – In June 2018, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services. Most of the guidance on such payments to nonemployees would be aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees. The amendment is effective commencing in 2019 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Note 3. Popeyes Acquisition
On March 27, 2017, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (the “Popeyes Acquisition”). Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. is one of the world’s largest chicken quick service restaurant companies and its global footprint complements RBI’s existing portfolio. Like our other brands, the Popeyes brand is


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managed independently, while benefiting from our contributions madeglobal scale and resources. The Popeyes Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting.
Total consideration in connection with the Popeyes Acquisition was $1,655 million, which includes $33 million for the settlement of equity awards. The consideration was funded through (1) cash on behalfhand of corporate employeesapproximately $355 million, and (2) $1,300 million from incremental borrowings under our Term Loan Facility – see Note 9, Long-Term Debt.
Fees and expenses related to the Popeyes Acquisition and related financings totaled $34 million consisting primarily of professional fees and compensation related expenses, all of which are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in ourthe accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standards update that amended accounting guidance These fees and expenses were funded through cash on revenue recognition. Under this guidance, an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transferhand.

The final allocation of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expectsnet tangible and intangible assets acquired is presented in the table below (in millions):

 March 27, 2017
Total current assets$64
Property and equipment114
Intangible assets1,405
Other assets1
Total current liabilities(73)
Total debt and capital lease obligations(159)
Deferred income taxes(523)
Other liabilities(20)
Total identifiable net assets809
Goodwill846
Total consideration$1,655
Intangible assets include $1,355 million related to the Popeyes brand, $41 million related to franchise agreements and $9 million related to favorable leases. The Popeyes brand has been assigned an indefinite life and, therefore, will not be amortized, but rather tested annually for impairment. Franchise agreements have a weighted average amortization period of 17 years. Favorable leases have a weighted average amortization period of 14 years.
Goodwill attributable to the Popeyes Acquisition will not be amortizable or deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is considered to represent the value associated with the workforce and synergies anticipated to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. An entity should disclose sufficient informationrealized as a combined company.
The Popeyes Acquisition is not material to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which deferred the effective date for adoption of the new revenue standard by one year. As such, this standard will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption of the accounting standard is allowed as of the original effective date, which is for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The accounting standards update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the impact of this accounting standards update on our consolidated financial statements, and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the accounting standards update on our ongoingtherefore, supplemental pro forma financial reporting.

In February 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that changed the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We expect the adoption of this guidance to have no significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that changed the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the new guidance, an entity presents such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. During 2015 we adopted this updated standard, which required retrospective application and resulted in the reclassification of debt issuance costs of $20.5 million from Inventories and other current assets, net and $129.6 million from Other assets, net to a reduction of $150.1 million in Term debt, net of current portion in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014. Other than this change in presentation, this accounting standards update did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 12,Long-term debt for more information.

In July 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify the measurement of inventory and to change the measurement from lower of cost or market to lower of cost or net realizable value. The update does not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We expect the adoption of this guidance to have no significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that amended accounting guidanceinformation related to restating prior periods to reflect adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. The update requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, including the cumulative effect of the change in provisional amount as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The adjustments related to previous reporting periods since the acquisition date must be disclosed by income statement line item either on the face of the income statement or in the notes. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance must be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date. The adoption is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In November 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. Under the new guidance, an entity presents all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The requirement that deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the update. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this updated standard during the three months ended December 31, 2015. The guidance allows for prospective application of this change in accounting principle. As such, prior periods’ balances have not been adjusted.

included herein.

Note 4. Earnings Per Unit/Share

As a result of the reorganization of Burger King Worldwide into Partnership described in Note 19,Equity, following the Transactions, Unit

Partnership uses the two-class method in the computation of earnings per unit. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, RBI, as the holder of the Class A common units, is entitled to receive distributions from Partnership in an amount equal to the aggregate dividends payable by RBI to holders of RBI common shares, and the holders of PartnershipClass B exchangeable limited partnership units (the “Partnership exchangeable units”) are entitled to receive distributions from Partnership in an amount per unit equal to the dividends payable by RBI on each RBI common share. Partnership’s net income available to common unitholders / shareholders is allocated between RBI common shares, the Class A common units and Partnership exchangeable units on a fully-distributed basis and reflects residual net income after noncontrolling interests, Partnership preferred unit distributions and accretiongain on redemption of Partnership preferred units. Basic and diluted earnings per Class A common unit is determined by dividing net income allocated to Class A common unit holdersunitholders by the weighted average number of Class A common units outstanding for the period. Basic and diluted earnings per Partnership exchangeable unit is determined by dividing net income allocated to the Partnership exchangeable units by the weighted average number of Partnership exchangeable units outstanding during the period.

During 2014, the net income (loss) allocated to Class A units was calculated as 43.3% of net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders for the period December 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014, and the net income (loss) allocated to Partnership exchangeable units was calculated as 56.7% of net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders for the period December 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The calculation of weighted average Class A common units outstanding for 2014 reflects (i) the 87.0 million Class A common units issued to correspond to the Burger King Worldwide common shares exchanged for RBI common shares, as outstanding for the period December 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and (ii) the 115.0 million Class A common units issued to RBI in connection with the issuance of common shares by RBI for the acquisition of Tim Hortons and exercise of the warrant discussed above, which were outstanding for the period December 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The weighted average Partnership exchangeable units for 2014 reflects the 265.0 million Partnership exchangeable units received in exchange for Burger King Worldwide common shares, which were outstanding for the period December 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Prior to the Transactions, our equity reflected 100% ownership by Burger King Worldwide shareholders. Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the period January 1, 2014 through December 11, 2014, and the calendar year 2013 is computed by dividing net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for Burger King Worldwide shareholders during this period.

Since December 12, 2015, the one year anniversary of the effective date of the Transactions, the holders of Partnership exchangeable units each have the right to require Partnership to exchange all or any portion of such holder’s Partnership exchangeable units on a one-for-one basis for RBI common shares, subject to RBI’s right as the general partner of Partnership, in RBI’s sole discretion, to deliver a cash payment in lieu of RBI common shares. The allocation of net income attributable to common unitholders between Partnership’s Class A common units and Partnership exchangeable units is affected by the exchange of Partnership exchangeable units.

We apply the treasury stock method to determine the dilutive weighted average common shares represented by Burger King Worldwide outstanding stock options prior to the date of the Transactions, unless the effect of their inclusion was anti-dilutive. Subsequent to the Transactions, since all stock options were issued by RBI, there

There are no dilutive securities for Partnership as the exercise of stock options will not affect the numbers of Class A common units or Partnership exchangeable units outstanding. However, the issuance of shares by RBI in future periods will affect the allocation of net income attributable to common unitholders between Partnership’s Class A common units and Partnership exchangeable units.



68

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The following table summarizes the basic and diluted earnings per unit/shareunit calculations for the periods indicated (in millions, except per unit/shareunit amounts):

   2015   2014   2013 

Numerator - Basic and Diluted:

      

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders/shareholders

  $237.1    $(829.3  $233.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allocation of net income (loss) among partner interests and common shareholders:

      

Net income (loss) allocated to Class A common unitholders

  $103.9    $(329.0  $—    

Net income (loss) allocated to Partnership exchangeable unitholders

   133.2     (430.7   —    

Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders

   —       (69.6   233.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders / shareholders

  $237.1    $(829.3  $233.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator - Basic and Diluted partnership units:

      

Weighted average Class A common units

   202.0     202.0     —    

Weighted average Partnership exchangeable units

   263.5     265.0     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total weighted average basic and diluted units outstanding

   465.5     467.0     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator - common shares:

      

Weighted average common shares - basic

   —       351.9     351.0  

Effect of other dilutive securities (a)

   —       —       6.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares - diluted

   —       351.9     357.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per unit / share - basic:

      

Class A common units

  $0.51    $(1.63   —    

Partnership exchangeable units

  $0.51    $(1.63   —    

Common shares

  $—      $(0.20  $0.67  

Earnings (loss) per unit / share - diluted:

      

Class A common units

  $0.51    $(1.63   —    

Partnership exchangeable units

  $0.51    $(1.63   —    

Common shares

  $—      $(0.20  $0.65  

Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding

   —       —       2.9  

 2018 2017 2016
Allocation of net income among partner interests:     
Net income allocated to Class A common unitholders$612
 $626
 $346
Net income allocated to Partnership exchangeable unitholders531
 585
 337
Net income attributable to common unitholders$1,143
 $1,211
 $683
Denominator - basic and diluted partnership units:     
Weighted average Class A common units202
 202
 202
Weighted average Partnership exchangeable units216
 226
 228
Earnings per unit - basic and diluted:     
Class A common units (a)$3.03
 $3.10
 $1.71
Partnership exchangeable units (a)$2.46
 $2.59
 $1.48
(a)ThereEarnings per unit may not recalculate exactly as it is no effect of other dilutive securities for the period January 1, 2014 through December 11, 2014 because a net loss was reported during this period causing any potentially dilutive securities to be anti-dilutive. Therefore, 21.3 million shares of potentially dilutive securities were excluded in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share since their impact would have been anti-dilutive.calculated based on unrounded numbers.

Note 5. Trade and Notes Receivable, net

Trade and notes receivable, net, consists of the following (in millions):

   As of December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Trade accounts receivable

  $434.2    $448.1  

Notes receivable, current portion

   1.7     13.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   435.9     461.3  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (14.2   (20.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total, net

  $421.7    $441.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The change in allowances for doubtful accounts is as follows (in millions):

   As of December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Beginning balance

  $20.1    $15.8  

Bad debt expense, net

   4.1     1.9  

Write-offs and other, net

   (10.0   2.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  $14.2    $20.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 6. Inventories and Other Current Assets, net

Inventories and other current assets, net consist of the following (in millions):

   As of 
   December 30,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Raw materials

  $22.7    $26.3  

Finished goods

   58.6     71.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Inventory

   81.3     97.8  

Refundable and prepaid income taxes

   21.5     18.3  

Prepaid rent

   10.6     13.4  

Prepaids and other current assets

   18.8     41.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Inventories and other current assets, net

  $132.2    $171.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 7. Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment, net, consist of the following (in millions):

   As of December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Land

  $969.6    $1,040.0  

Buildings and improvements

   1,055.6     1,115.5  

Restaurant equipment

   118.8     156.1  

Furniture, fixtures, and other

   91.4     81.2  

Manufacturing equipment

   28.9     32.8  

Capital leases

   180.3     199.2  

Construction in progress

   45.3     36.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,489.9     2,661.6  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

   (339.3   (225.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

  $2,150.6    $2,436.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Construction in progress represents new restaurant and equipment construction, reimaging of restaurants and software.


 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Land$998
 $1,020
Buildings and improvements1,145
 1,172
Restaurant equipment99
 122
Furniture, fixtures, and other182
 171
Capital leases257
 256
Construction in progress19
 15
 2,700
 2,756
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(704) (623)
Property and equipment, net$1,996
 $2,133
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment totaled $154.9$148 million for 2015, $51.22018, $150 million for 20142017 and $49.7$144 million for 2013.

Assets2016.

Included in our property and equipment, net at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are $180 million and $193 million, respectively, of assets leased under capital leases (mostly buildings and included in propertyimprovements), net of accumulated depreciation and equipment, net consistamortization of the following (in million):

   As of December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Buildings and improvements

  $174.3    $190.5  

Other

   6.0     8.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   180.3     199.2  

Accumulated depreciation

   (27.5   (15.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets leased under capital leases, net

  $152.8    $183.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

$77 million and $63 million, respectively.










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Note 8.6. Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill

Intangible assets, net and goodwill consist of the following (in millions):

  As of December 31,  Weighted
Average Life as
of December 31,
2015
 
  2015  2014  
  Gross  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net  Gross  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net  

Identifiable assets subject to amortization:

       

Franchise agreements

 $653.0   $(106.8 $546.2   $696.8   $(83.1 $613.7    21.5 Years  

Favorable leases

  436.5    (107.5  329.0    490.7    (62.8  427.9    10.4 Years  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Subtotal

  1,089.5    (214.3  875.2    1,187.5    (145.9  1,041.6    17.1 Years  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Indefinite lived intangible assets:

       

Tim Hortons brand

 $6,175.4   $—     $6,175.4   $7,236.5   $—     $7,236.5   

Burger King brand

  2,097.2    —      2,097.2    2,167.0    —      2,167.0   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Subtotal

  8,272.6    —      8,272.6    9,403.5    —      9,403.5   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Intangible assets, net

   $9,147.8     $10,445.1   
   

 

 

    

 

 

  

Goodwill

 $4,574.4     $5,235.7     

We recorded amortization


 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Accumulated Amortization Net
Identifiable assets subject to amortization:           
   Franchise agreements$705
 $(194) $511
 $725
 $(168) $557
   Favorable leases407
 (200) 207
 456
 (194) 262
      Subtotal1,112
 (394) 718
 1,181
 (362) 819
Indefinite lived intangible assets:           
   Tim Hortons brand$6,259
 $
 $6,259
 $6,727
 $
 $6,727
   Burger King brand2,131
 
 2,131
 2,161
 
 2,161
   Popeyes brand1,355
 
 1,355
 1,355
 
 1,355
      Subtotal9,745
 
 9,745
 10,243
 
 10,243
Intangible assets, net    $10,463
     $11,062
            
Goodwill           
   Tim Hortons segment$4,038
     $4,326
    
   Burger King segment602
     610
    
   Popeyes segment846
     846
    
      Total$5,486
     $5,782
    
Amortization expense on intangible assets of $78.3totaled $70 million for 2015, $35.92018, $72 million for 20142017, and $36.3$72 million for 2013. The increase in amortization expense during 2015 from the prior year was due to amortization recorded on intangible assets acquired in connection with the Acquisition. Identifiable assets subject to amortization also decreased as a result of foreign currency translation effect.2016. The change in the Brandsbrands and goodwill balances for the year ended December 31, 2015during 2018 was due principally to the impact of foreign currency translation effect.

translation.

As of December 31, 2015,2018, the estimated future amortization expense on identifiable assets subject to amortization is as follows (in millions):

Twelve-months ended December 31,

  Amount 

2016

  $70.5  

2017

   67.8  

2018

   64.4  

2019

   61.0  

2020

   56.1  

Thereafter

   555.4  
  

 

 

 

Total

  $875.2  
  

 

 

 

The changes in the carrying amount


Twelve-months ended December 31,Amount
2019$64
202059
202155
202251
202348
Thereafter441
Total$718



70

Table of goodwill during 2015 and 2014 by operating segment (Tim Hortons, “TH” and Burger King, “BK”) are as follows (in millions):

   TH   BK   Total 

Balances at December 31, 2013

  $—      $630.0    $630.0  

Purchase of Tim Hortons

   4,640.9     —       4,640.9  

Effects of foreign currency adjustments

   (10.1   (25.1   (35.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2014

   4,630.8     604.9     5,235.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effects of foreign currency adjustments

   (642.7   (18.6   (661.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2015

  $3,988.1    $586.3    $4,574.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contents



Note 9. Other Assets, net

Other assets, net consist of the following (in millions):

   As of 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Derivative assets - noncurrent

  $830.9    $164.8  

Equity method investments

   139.0     169.7  

Other assets

   83.5     111.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other assets, net

  $1,053.4    $445.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 10.7. Equity Method Investments

The aggregate carrying amount of our equity method investments was $139.0$259 million and $155 million as of December 31, 20152018 and $169.7 million as of December 31, 20142017, respectively, and is included as a component of Other assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets. Below areThe increase in the namescarrying amount of the entities, country of operation and our equity interest in our significant equity method investments based on the carrying value as of December 31, 2015.

Entity

CountryEquity
Interest

Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.

United States21.35%

Operadora de Franquicias Alsea S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Mexico20.00%

Pangaea Foods (China) Holdings, Ltd.

China27.50%

TIMWEN Partnership

Canada50.00%

2018 compared to December 31, 2017 is primarily attributable to the recognition of investments received in connection with master franchise and development arrangements as a result of our transition to ASC 606. See Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies. TH and BK both have equity method investments. PLK does not have any equity method investments.

With respect to our TH business, the most significant equity method investment is our 50.0% joint venture interest with The Wendy’s Company (the “TIMWEN Partnership”), which jointly holds real estate underlying Canadian combination restaurants. Distributions received from this joint venture were $13 million, $12 million and $11 million during 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The aggregate market value of our 20.5% equity interest in Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Carrols”), based on the quoted market price on December 31, 2015,2018 is approximately $110.5$93 million. The aggregate market value of our 10.1% equity interest in BK Brasil Operação e Assessoria a Restaurantes S.A. based on the quoted market price on December 31, 2018 is approximately $120 million. No quoted market prices are available for our remainingother equity method investments.

With respect to our BK operations, most of the

We have equity interests in entities in which we have an equity interestthat own or franchise Tim Hortons or Burger King restaurants. Franchise and property revenue we recognized from franchisees that are owned or franchised by entities in which we have an equity interest consist of the following (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Revenues from affiliates:

      

Franchise royalties

  $93.2    $88.5    $57.2  

Property revenues

   27.7     29.2     26.3  

Franchise fees and other revenue

   13.1     11.3     6.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $134.0    $129.0    $90.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

With respect to our TH business, the most significant equity investment is our 50% joint-venture interest with The Wendy’s Company (the “TIMWEN Partnership”), which jointly holds real estate underlying Canadian combination restaurants. During 2015, TH received $12.7


 2018 2017 2016
Revenues from affiliates:     
Royalties$310
 $175
 $132
Property revenues36
 27
 28
Franchise fees and other revenue11
 26
 19
Total$357
 $228
 $179
We recognized $20 million in distributions and recognized $20.8 million of contingent rent expense associated with this joint venture.

the TIMWEN Partnership during each of 2018, 2017 and 2016.

At December 31, 20152018 and December 31, 2014,2017, we had $23.9$41 million and $22.6$32 million, respectively, of accounts receivable from our equity method investments which were recorded in Tradeaccounts and notes receivable, net in our consolidated balance sheets.

(Income) loss from equity method investments reflects our share of investee net income or loss. During 2015, we recorded a $10.9 million noncashloss, non-cash dilution gain includedgains or losses from changes in (Income) loss fromour ownership interests in equity method investments oninvestees and basis difference amortization. We recorded increases to the carrying value of our equity method investment balances and non-cash dilution gains in the amounts of $20 million and $12 million during 2018 and 2016, respectively. No non-cash dilution gains were recorded during 2017. The dilution gains resulted from the issuance of capital stock by BK Brasil Operacao E Assesoria A Restaurantes S.A. (“Brazil JV”), one of our equity method investees. Thisinvestees, which reduced our ownership interests in these equity method investments. The dilution gains we recorded in connection with the issuance of capital stock reduced our ownership interest in the Brazil JV. The dilution gain reflects an adjustmentreflect adjustments to the differencedifferences between the amount of our underlying equity in the net assets of the Brazil JVequity method investees before and after thetheir issuance of capital stock. During 2014, we recorded a $5.8 million noncash dilution gain included in (Income) loss from equity method investments on the issuance



71

Table of stock by Carrols, one of our equity method investees. This issuance of common stock reduced our ownership interest in Carrols. The dilution gain reflects an adjustment to the difference between the carrying value of our investment in Carrols and the amount of our underlying equity in the net assets of Carrols.

Contents



Note 11.8. Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities

Other accrued liabilities (current) and Otherother liabilities, net (non-current) consist of the following (in millions):

   As of December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Current:

    

Taxes payable - current

  $46.9    $78.8  

Accrued compensation and benefits

   61.6     39.4  

Interest payable

   63.1     36.3  

Restructuring and other provisions

   13.5     29.5  

Deferred income - current

   33.5     19.8  

Closed property reserve

   14.0     15.2  

Dividend payable

   128.3     13.8  

Other

   77.4     102.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other accrued liabilities

  $438.3    $335.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current:

    

Unfavorable leases

  $322.0    $428.5  

Accrued pension

   80.2     62.9  

Taxes payable - noncurrent

   236.7     50.3  

Lease liability - noncurrent

   29.5     35.2  

Share-based compensation liability

   5.5     34.8  

Deferred income - noncurrent

   23.7     18.9  

Derivatives liabilities - noncurrent

   47.3     25.6  

Other

   51.0     51.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other liabilities, net

  $795.9    $707.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Current:   
Dividend payable$207
 $97
Interest payable87
 89
Accrued compensation and benefits69
 67
Taxes payable113
 401
Deferred income27
 43
Accrued advertising expenses30
 27
Closed property reserve9
 11
Restructuring and other provisions11
 12
Other84
 119
Other accrued liabilities$637
 $866
Non-current:   
Derivatives liabilities$179
 $499
Taxes payable493
 496
Contract liabilities, net486
 10
Unfavorable leases192
 252
Accrued pension64
 72
Accrued lease straight-lining liability69
 46
Deferred income22
 27
Other42
 53
Other liabilities, net$1,547
 $1,455
Note 12. Long-term9. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt is comprisedconsist of the following (in millions):

      As of 
   Maturity dates  December 31,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 

2014 Term Loan Facility

  December 12, 2021  $5,097.7    $6,750.0  

2015 Senior Notes

  January 15, 2022   1,250.0     —    

2014 Senior Notes

  April 1, 2022   2,250.0     2,250.0  

Tim Hortons Notes

  various   39.4     1,044.8  

Other

  N/A   88.5     107.9  

Less: unamortized discount and deferred financing costs

     (224.3   (217.3
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt, net

     8,501.3     9,935.4  

Less: current maturities of debt

     (39.0   (1,108.9
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

    $8,462.3    $8,826.5  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

As

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Term Loan Facility (due February 17, 2024)$6,338
 $6,389
2017 4.25% Senior Notes (due May 15, 2024)1,500
 1,500
2015 4.625% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2022)1,250
 1,250
2017 5.00% Senior Notes (due October 15, 2025)2,800
 2,800
Other150
 89
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issuance discount(145) (170)
Total debt, net11,893
 11,858
Less: current maturities of debt(70) (57)
Total long-term debt$11,823
 $11,801



72

Table of December 31, 2015 and 2014, unamortized discount included $43.2 million and $67.2 million, respectively, related to the 2014 Term Loan Facility.

As of December 31, 2015, deferred financing costs included $131.3 million related to the 2014 Term Loan Facility (as defined below), $9.0 million related to the 2015 Senior Notes (as defined below) and $40.8 million related to the 2014 Senior Notes (as defined below). As of December 31, 2014, deferred financing costs included $104.1 million related to the 2014 Term Loan Facility and $46.0 million related to the 2014 Senior Notes. Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the debt into interest expense using the effective interest method. The amortization of deferred financing costs included in Interest expense, net was $26.8 million for 2015, $9.7 million for 2014 and $8.9 million for 2013.

2015 Amended Contents



Credit Agreement

Facilities

On May 22, 2015,February 17, 2017, two of our subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”) entered into a firstsecond amendment (the “2015 Amended Credit Agreement”“Second Amendment”) to the credit agreement dated as of October 27, 2014. Under the 2015 Amended Credit Agreement, the aggregate principal amount ofgoverning our senior secured term loansloan facility (the “2014 Term“Term Loan Facility”) was decreased to $5,140.4 million as a result of the repayment of $1,550.0 million from the net proceeds from the offering of the 2015 Senior Notes (as defined below) and cash on hand, and the interest rate applicable to the 2014 Term Loan Facility was reduced to, at the Borrowers’ option, either (i) a base rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.75% or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate plus an applicable margin equal to 2.75%. The 2015 Amended Credit Agreement also provides for aour senior secured revolving credit facility forof up to $500.0$500 million of revolving extensions of credit outstanding at any time (including revolving loans, swingline loans and letters of credit), the amount of which was unchanged by the May 22, 2015 amendment (the “2014 Revolving“Revolving Credit Facility,”Facility” and together with the 2014 Term Loan Facility, the “2014“Credit Facilities”). Under the Second Amendment, (i) the outstanding aggregate principal amount under our Term Loan Facility was decreased to $4,900 million as a result of a repayment of $146 million from cash on hand, (ii) the interest rate applicable to our Term Loan Facility was reduced to, at our option, either (a) a base rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.25%, or (b) a Eurocurrency rate plus an applicable margin equal to 2.25%, (iii) the maturity of our Term Loan Facility was extended from December 12, 2021 to February 17, 2024, and (iv) the Borrowers and their subsidiaries were provided with additional flexibility under certain negative covenants, including incurrence of indebtedness, making of investments, dispositions and restricted payments, and prepayment of subordinated indebtedness. Except as described herein, the Second Amendment did not materially change the terms of the Credit Facilities”).

Facilities.

In connection with the Second Amendment, we capitalized approximately $11 million in debt issuance costs and recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $20 million during 2017. The obligationsloss on early extinguishment of debt primarily reflects the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts.
Incremental Term Loans
In connection with the Popeyes Acquisition, we obtained an incremental term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $1,300 million (the “Incremental Term Loan No. 1”) under our Term Loan Facility. Also, simultaneously and in connection with the issuance of the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes (described below), we obtained an additional incremental term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $250 million (the “Incremental Term Loan No. 2” and together with the Incremental Term Loan No. 1, the “Incremental Term Loans”) under our Term Loan Facility. The Incremental Term Loans bear interest at the same rate as the Term Loan Facility and also mature on February 17, 2024. In connection with the Incremental Term Loan No. 1, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. was included as loan guarantor and its assets as collateral under the 2014Credit Facilities. Except as described herein, there were no other material changes to the terms of the Credit Facilities. Debt issuance costs capitalized in connection with the Incremental Term Loans were approximately $23 million.
Revolving Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2018, we had no amounts outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility. Funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used to repay other debt, finance debt or share repurchases, to fund acquisitions or capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes. We have a $125 million letter of credit sublimit as part of the Revolving Credit Facility, which reduces our borrowing availability thereunder by the cumulative amount of outstanding letters of credit. As of December 31, 2018, we had $20 million of letters of credit issued against the Revolving Credit Facility, and our borrowing availability was $480 million.
During 2017, the Borrowers extended the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility from December 12, 2019 to October 13, 2022. The extension was effected through the termination of the existing revolving credit commitments and the entry into Incremental Facility Amendment No. 3 (the “Third Amendment”) to the credit agreement. The Third Amendment maintained the same $500 million in aggregate principal amount of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility but reduced interest rates and commitment fees. As amended, the Revolving Credit Facility matures on October 13, 2022, provided that if, on October 15, 2021, more than an aggregate of $150 million of the 2015 4.625% Senior Notes (as defined below) are outstanding, then the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility shall be October 15, 2021. Except as described herein, there were no other material changes to the Revolving Credit Facility. In connection with the Third Amendment we capitalized approximately $1 million in debt issuance costs.
Interest Rate Applicable to the Credit Facilities
The interest rate applicable to the Credit Facilities is, at our option, either (i) a base rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.25% in respect of the Term Loan Facility and ranging from 0.25% to 1.00%, depending on our leverage ratio, in respect of the Revolving Credit Facility, or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate plus an applicable margin equal to 2.25% in respect of the Term Loan Facility and ranging from 1.25% to 2.00%, depending on our leverage ratio, in respect of the Revolving Credit Facility. Borrowings are subject to a floor of 2.00% in the case of the base rate and a floor of 1.00% in the case of Eurocurrency rate. Amounts drawn under each letter of credit that is issued and outstanding under this facility bear interest ranging from 1.25% to 2.00%, depending on our leverage ratio. The unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to a commitment fee of 0.25%. We are also required to pay (i) letters of credit fees on the aggregate face amounts of outstanding letters of credit plus a fronting fee to the issuing bank and (ii) administration fees. As of December 31, 2018, the weighted average interest rate on our Term Loan Facility was 4.77%. The principal amount of the Term Loan Facility amortizes in quarterly installments equal to $16 million, with the balance payable at maturity.
Obligations under the Credit Facilities are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the direct parent company of one of the Borrowers and substantially all of its Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including The TDL Group Corp., Burger


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King Worldwide, Tim HortonsInc., Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the “Credit Guarantors”). Amounts borrowed under the 2014 Credit Facilities are secured on a first priority basis by a perfected security interest in substantially all of the present and future property (subject to certain exceptions) of each Borrower and Credit Guarantor.

The 2014 Term Loan Facility matures on December 12, 2021 and

2017 4.25% Senior Notes
During 2017, the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility matures on December 12, 2019. The principal amount of the 2014 Term Loan Facility amortizes in quarterly installments equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Term Loan Facility as of May 22, 2015, with the balance payable at maturity. Any prepayments made on the 2014 Term Loan Facility will reduce the quarterly installments.

We may prepay the 2014 Term Loan Facility in whole or in part at any time. Additionally, subject to certain exceptions, the 2014 Term Loan Facility is subject to mandatory prepayments in amounts equal to (1) a percentage, as defined in the Credit Agreement, of the net cash proceeds from any non-ordinary course sale or other disposition of assets (including as a result of casualty or condemnation); (2) 100% of the net cash proceeds from issuances or incurrences of debt by Partnership or any of its restricted subsidiaries (other than indebtedness permitted by the 2014 Credit Facilities); and (3) 50% (with stepdowns to 25% and 0% based upon achievement of specified first lien senior secured leverage ratios) of annual excess cash flow of Partnership and its subsidiaries.

Under the 2015 Amended Credit Agreement, at the Borrowers’ option, the interest rate per annum applicable to the 2014 Credit Facilities is based on a fluctuating interest rate determined by reference to either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, (c) the Eurocurrency rate applicable for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% and (d) in respect of the 2014 Term Loan Facility, 2.00% per annum (“Base Rate Loans”), plus an applicable margin equal to 1.75% for the 2014 Term Loan Facility and 2.00% for loans under the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility, or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate determined by reference to LIBOR, adjusted for statutory reserve requirements (“Eurocurrency Rate Loans”), plus an applicable margin equal to 2.75% for any 2014 Term Loan Facility and 2.50% to 3.00% for loans under the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility. Borrowings under the 2014 Credit Facilities will be subject to a floor of 1.00% in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans and 2.00% in the case of Base Rate Loans. We have elected our applicable rate per annum as Eurocurrency rate determined by reference to LIBOR. As of December 31, 2015, the interest rate on our 2014 Term Loan Facility was 3.75%.

We are required to pay certain recurring fees with respect to the 2015 Amended Credit Facilities, including (i) fees on the unused commitments of the lenders under the revolving facility, (ii) letters of credit fees on the aggregate face amounts of outstanding letters of credit plus a fronting fee to the issuing bank and (iii) administration fees. Amounts outstanding under the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin equal to 2.5% to 3.0%, depending on our leverage ratio, on the amount drawn under each letter of credit that is issued and outstanding under the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility. The interest rate on the unused portion of the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility ranges from 0.375% to 0.50%, depending on our leverage ratio, and our current rate is 0.50%.

As of December 31, 2015, we had no amounts outstanding under the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility. Funds available under the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility may be used to repay other debt, finance debt or share repurchases, to fund acquisitions or capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes. We have a $125.0 million letter of credit sublimit as part of the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility, which reduces our borrowing availability under this facility by the cumulative amount of outstanding letters of credit. As of December 31, 2015, we had $3.8 million of letters of credit issued against the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility and our borrowing availability was $496.2 million.

2015 Senior Notes

The Borrowers are party toentered into an indenture dated as of May 22, 2015 (the “2015“2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $1,250.0$1,500 million of 4.625%4.25% first lien senior secured notes due JanuaryMay 15, 20222024 (the “2015“2017 4.25% Senior Notes”). The 2015 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.625% per annum, payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. No principal payments are due until maturity.maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 20152017 4.25% Senior Notes, together with cash on hand,other sources of liquidity, were used to repay $1,550.0 millionredeem all of the outstanding borrowingsRBI Class A 9.0% cumulative compounding perpetual voting preferred shares (see Note 13, Partnership Preferred Units) and for other general corporate purposes. In connection with the issuance of the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes, we capitalized approximately $13 million in debt issuance costs.

Obligations under our 2014 Term Loan Facility and to pay related premiums, fees and expenses.

The 2015the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Borrowers and substantially all of theirthe Borrowers' Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Worldwide, Tim HortonsInc., Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the “Note Guarantors”).

The 20152017 4.25% Senior Notes are first lien senior secured obligations and rank (i) equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings under and guarantees of the Credit Facilities.

Our 2017 4.25% Senior Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after May 15, 2020 at the redemption prices set forth in the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
2017 5.00% Senior Notes
During 2017, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $2,800 million of 5.00% second lien senior notes due October 15, 2025 (the “2017 5.00% Senior Notes”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes were used to redeem the entire outstanding principal balance of $2,250 million of 6.00% second lien secured notes due April 1, 2022 (the “2014 6.00% Senior Notes”), pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes. In connection with the issuance of the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes, we capitalized approximately $15 million in debt issuance costs. In connection with the full redemption of the 2014 Credit Facilities6.00% Senior Notes, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $102 million that primarily reflects the payment of premiums to redeem the notes and the 2014write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
Obligations under the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes (as defined below); (ii)are guaranteed on a second priority senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 2017 5.00% Senior Notes are second lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future first-priority senior secured debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including the borrowings under and guarantees of the 2014 Credit Facilities, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such debt; (iii) equal in right of payment with the Tim Hortons Notes (as defined below) to the extent of the value of the Tim Hortons collateral securing such debt; (iv) effectively senior in the right of payment to all of the existing and future unsecured senior debt and junior lien debt of Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including the 2014Facilities.
Our 2017 5.00% Senior Notes to the extent of the value of collateral securing the 2015 Senior Notes; (v) senior in right of payment to all of the existing and future subordinated debt of Borrowers and Note Guarantors; and (vi) structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of the Borrowers’ non-guarantor subsidiaries.

The Borrowers may redeem some or all of the 2015 Senior Notes at any time prior to October 1, 2017 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amountbe redeemed plus a “make whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The 2015 Senior Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time during the twelve-month period beginning on October 1, 2017 at 102.313% of the principal amount redeemed, at any time during the twelve-month period beginning on October 1, 2018 at 101.156% of the principal amount redeemed or at any time on or after October 1, 201915, 2020 at 100.0% of the principal amount redeemed. In addition, at any time prior to October 1,redemption prices set forth in the 2017 up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 20155.00% Senior Notes may be redeemed with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings, at a redemption price equal to 104.625% of the principal amount of the 2015 Senior NotesIndenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, toat the redemption date. In connection with any tender offer for the 2015date of redemption. The 2017 5.00% Senior Notes including aIndenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control offer or an asset sale offer, the Borrowers will have the right to redeem the and equity offerings, among others.

2015 4.625% Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the amount offered in that tender offer if not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2015 Senior Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such 2015 Senior Notes in such tender offer. If the Borrowers experience a change of control, the holders of the 2015 Senior Notes will have the right to require the Borrowers to repurchase the 2015 Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts (as defined in the 2015 Senior Notes Indenture), if any, to the date of such repurchase.

2014 Senior Notes

The Borrowers are also party to an indenture dated as of October 8, 2014 (the “2014“2015 4.625% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $2,250.0$1,250 million of 6.00% second4.625% first lien senior secured notes due April 1,January 15, 2022 (the “2014“2015 4.625% Senior Notes”). The 2014 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.00% per annum, payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. No principal payments are due until maturity.

The 2014maturity and interest is paid semi-annually.

Obligations under the 2015 4.625% Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 20142015 4.625% Senior Notes are first lien senior secured by a second-priority lien, subject to certain exceptionsobligations and permitted liens, onrank equal in right of payment with all of the Borrowers’ and the Note Guarantors’ presentexisting and future property that securessenior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees of the Credit Facilities and any outstanding Tim Hortons Notes, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such first-priority senior secured debt.

The Borrowers may redeem some or all of the 2014Facilities.

Our 2015 4.625% Senior Notes at any time prior to October 1, 2017 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2014 Senior Notesmay be redeemed plus a “make whole” premium and, at any timein whole or in part, on or after October 1, 2017, at the redemption prices set forth in the 2014 Senior Notes Indenture. In addition, at any time prior to October 1, 2017, up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Senior Notes may be redeemed with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings, at the redemption price specified in the Indenture. In connection with any tender offer for the 2014 Senior Notes, including a change of control offer or an asset sale offer, the Borrowers will have the right to redeem the 2014 Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the amount offered in that tender offer if not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2014 Senior Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such 2014 Senior Notes in such tender offer. If the Borrowers experience a change of control, the holders of the 2014 Senior Notes will have the right to require the Borrowers to repurchase the 2014 Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal amountcorresponding indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and Additional Amounts (as defined in the Indenture), if any, toat the date of such repurchase.

2012 Credit Agreement

On September 28, 2012, Burger King Corporation (“BKC”) and Burger King Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”) entered into a Credit Agreement (the “2012 Credit Agreement”) to refinance amounts borrowed under the 2011 Amended Credit Agreement (as defined below).redemption. The 2012 Credit Agreement provided for (i) tranche A term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $1,030.0 million (the “Tranche A Term Loans”), (ii) tranche B term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $705.0 million (the “Tranche B Term Loans”), in each case under the senior secured term loan facility (the “2012 Term Loan Facility”), and (iii) a senior secured revolving credit facility for up to $130.0 million of revolving extensions of credit outstanding at any time (including revolving loans, swingline loans and letters of credit) (the “2012 Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the 2012 Term Loan Facility, the “2012 Credit Facilities”). The Tranche A Term Loans had a maturity date of September 28, 2017, the Tranche B Term Loans had a maturity date of September 28, 2019 and the 2012 Revolving Credit Facility had a maturity date of October 19, 2015. Borrowings under the 2012 Credit Agreement were refinanced by the 2015 Amended Credit Agreement, as described above.

Under the 2012 Credit Agreement, BKC was required to comply with customary financial ratios and the 2012 Credit Agreement4.625% Senior Notes Indenture also contained a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants. BKC was in compliance with all 2012 Credit Agreement financial ratios and covenants at the time of the refinancing in December 2014.

Tim Hortons Notes

At the time of the Transactions, Tim Hortons had the following Canadian dollar denominated senior unsecured notes outstanding: (i) C$300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.20% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series 1, due June 1, 2017 (“Series 1 Notes”), (ii) C$450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.52% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series 2, due December 1, 2023 (“Series 2 Notes”) and (iii) C$450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.85% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series 3, due April 1, 2019 (“Series 3 Notes”) (collectively, the “Tim Hortons Notes”). During 2015, Tim Hortons accepted for purchase, and settled for cash, the following: (i) C$252.6 million principal amount of Series 1 Notes; (ii) C$447.4 million principal amount of Series 2 Notes and (iii) C$446.1 million principal amount of Series 3 Notes, pursuantcontains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, made following the Transactions.

At December 31, 2014, the entire outstanding amountchange of the Tim Hortons Notes was classified within current liabilities, as we expected to fully redeem the Tim Hortons Notes during the first quarter of 2015. At December 31, 2015, the Tim Hortons Notes that remain outstanding,control and therefore not redeemed, are classified within long-term liabilities, as we intend to leave these outstanding until maturity.

On March 12, 2015, we made a mandatory prepayment on the 2014 Term Loan Facility of $42.7 million equal to the U.S. dollar equivalent of the principal amount of Tim Hortons Notes that remained outstanding after 90 days following the Closing Date.

equity offerings, among others.

Restrictions and Covenants

The 2014

Our Credit Facilities, 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture, 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture and 2015 4.625% Senior Notes Indenture contain a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, will limit or restrict our ability and


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the ability of the Borrowers and certain of theirour subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness; incur liens; engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions; sell assets; pay dividends and make other payments in respect of capital stock; make investments, loans and advances; pay or modify the terms of certain indebtedness; engage in certain transactions with affiliates. In addition, the Borrowers are not permitted to exceed a specified first lien senior secured leverage ratio when the sum of the amount of letters of credit in excess of $50,000,000 (other than those that are cash collateralized), any loans under the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility and any swingline loans outstanding6.50 to 1.00 when, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, the sum of (i) the amount of letters of credit outstanding exceeding $50 million (other than those that are cash collateralized); (ii) outstanding amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility and (iii) outstanding amounts of swing line loans, exceeds 30%30.0% of the commitments under the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility.

The terms ofrestrictions under the 2015Credit Facilities, the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture, and 2014the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture, among other things, limit the ability of the Borrowers and their restricted subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness; create liens or use assets as security in other transactions; declare or pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions to stockholders; make investments; merge or consolidate, or sell, transfer, lease or dispose of substantially of the Borrowers’ assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; sell or transfer certain assets; and agree to certain restrictions of the ability of restricted subsidiaries to make payments to us. These covenants are subject to a number of important qualifications, limitations and exceptions that are described in the 2015 4.625% Senior Notes Indenture and 2014 Senior Notes Indenture.

have resulted in substantially all of our consolidated assets being restricted.

As of December 31, 2015,2018, we were in compliance with all debt covenants ofunder the 2015 Amended Credit Agreement, the 2015Facilities, 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture, the 20142017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture and the indenture governing the Tim Hortons2015 4.625% Senior Notes Indenture and there were no limitations on our ability to draw on the remaining availability under our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility.

Other Debt

Included

On October 11, 2018, one of our subsidiaries entered into a non-revolving delayed drawdown term credit facility in other debt asa total aggregate principal amount of C$100 million with a maturity date of October 4, 2025 (the “TH Facility”). The interest rate applicable to the TH Facility is the Canadian Bankers’ Acceptance rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.40% or the Prime Rate plus an applicable margin equal to 0.40%, at our option. Obligations under the TH Facility are guaranteed by three of our subsidiaries, and amounts borrowed under the TH Facility are and will be secured by certain parcels of real estate. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is2018, we had drawn down the entire C$100 million available under the TH Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 3.64%.
On March 27, 2017, we repaid $156 million of debt assumed in connection with the Popeyes Acquisition. Additionally, $36 million of $85.2 million and $102.6 million, respectively, recognized in accordance with applicable lease accounting rules. We are considered to beTim Hortons Series 1 notes were repaid on June 1, 2017, the owner of certain restaurants leased by us from an unrelated lessor because we constructed some of the structural elements of those restaurants, and records the lessor’s contributions to the construction costs for these restaurants as other debt.

original maturity date.

Debt Issuance Costs

In connection with entering into the 2015 Amended Credit Agreement and issuing the 2015 Senior Notes,

During 2017, we incurred an aggregate of $80.3 million of costs that were recorded as deferred financing costs and included as a component of term debt, net of current portion within our consolidated balance sheets.

In connection with the 2014 Credit Agreement and the 2014 Senior Notes, we incurred an aggregate of $160.2 million of$63 million. No significant deferred financing costs.

costs were incurred in 2018 and 2016.

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt

In connection with the 2015 Amended Credit Agreement and the related repayment of a portion of the 2014 Term Loan Facility,

During 2017, we recorded a $40.0$122 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, during 2015. The loss on early extinguishmentwhich primarily reflects the payment of debt primarily reflectspremiums to redeem our 2014 6.00% Senior Notes and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and the write-off of unamortized discounts.

Indiscounts in connection with the refinancing of term loans outstanding underour Term Loan Facility and the 2012 Credit Agreement, as well as the redemptionsredemption of our 2011 Discount Notes and 20102014 6.00% Senior Notes, we recorded a $155.4 million loss on early extinguishment of debt in 2014. The loss on early extinguishment of debt reflects the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs, the write-off of unamortized discounts, commitment fees associated with the bridge loan available at the closing of the Transactions, and the payment of premiums to redeem the 2011 Discount Notes and 2010 Senior Notes.

Maturities

The aggregate maturities of our long-term debt as of December 31, 20152018 are as follows (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,

  Principal Amount 

2016

  $38.9  

2017

   90.6  

2018

   56.9  

2019

   60.1  

2020

   57.6  

Thereafter

   8,421.5  
  

 

 

 

Total

  $8,725.6  
  

 

 

 


Year Ended December 31,Principal Amount
2019$70
202074
202172
20221,324
202378
Thereafter10,420
Total$12,038


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Interest Expense, net

Interest expense, net consists of the following (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

2014 Term Loan Facility

  $250.3    $54.8    $—    

2015 Senior Notes

   35.2     —       —    

2014 Senior Notes

   135.0     31.1     —    

Tim Hortons Notes

   3.7     1.8     —    

2012 Term Loan Facility

   —       47.5     52.9  

Interest Rate Caps

   —       7.1     6.8  

2010 Senior Notes

   —       74.3     78.5  

2011 Discount Notes

   —       48.5     46.0  

Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount

   34.9     11.7  ��  10.3  

Capital lease obligations

   20.8     5.7     6.4  

Other

   2.6     0.9     1.7  

Interest income

   (4.2   (3.7   (2.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

  $478.3    $279.7    $200.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


 2018 2017 2016
Debt (a)$498
 $484
 $412
Capital lease obligations23
 21
 20
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount29
 33
 39
Interest income(15) (26) (4)
Interest expense, net$535
 $512
 $467
(a)
Amount includes $60 million benefit during 2018 from our adoption of a new hedge accounting standard. See Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies – New Accounting Pronouncements, for further details of the effects of this change in accounting principle on Interest expense, net.

Note 13.10. Leases

Partnership as Lessor
As of December 31, 2015,2018, we leased or subleased 5,4125,284 restaurant properties to franchisees and 87129 non-restaurant properties to third parties under direct financingoperating leases and operatingdirect financing leases where we are the lessor. Initial lease terms generally range from 10 to 20 years. Most leases to franchisees provide for fixed monthly payments and many of these leases provide for future rent escalations and renewal options. Certain leases also include provisions for contingent rent, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specific levels. The lesseesLessees typically bear the cost of maintenance, insurance and property taxes.


Assets leased to franchisees and other third partiesothers under operating leases where we are the lessor thatand which are included within our Propertyproperty and equipment, net wasare as follows (in millions):

   As of December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Land

  $888.7    $941.4  

Buildings and improvements

   1,066.3     1,081.8  

Restaurant equipment

   24.7     36.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross property and equipment leased

   1,979.7     2,059.7  

Accumulated depreciation

   (228.0   (153.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net property and equipment leased

  $1,751.7    $1,906.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Land$906
 $931
Buildings and improvements1,175
 1,215
Restaurant equipment17
 17
 2,098
 2,163
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(475) (407)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,623
 $1,756
Our net investment in direct financing leases wasis as follows (in millions):

   As of December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Future rents to be received

    

Future minimum lease receipts

  $126.6    $154.4  

Contingent rents(1)

   63.7     78.1  

Estimated unguaranteed residual value

   20.7     22.2  

Unearned income

   (75.7   (97.1

Allowance on direct financing leases

   (0.3   (0.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   135.0     157.3  

Current portion included within trade receivables

   (17.8   (16.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment in property leased to franchisees

  $117.2    $140.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Future rents to be received:   
Future minimum lease receipts$60
 $77
Contingent rents (a)29
 39
Estimated unguaranteed residual value16
 17
Unearned income(35) (45)
 70
 88
Current portion included within accounts receivables(16) (17)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$54
 $71

(1)
(a)Amounts represent estimated contingent rents recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting.



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Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):

 2018 2017 2016
Rental income:     
Minimum$454
 $464
 $451
Contingent273
 284
 282
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net8
 8
 9
Total rental income735
 756
 742
Earned income on direct financing leases9
 9
 11
Total property revenues$744
 $765
 $753

Partnership as Lessee
In addition, we lease land, building, equipment, office space and warehouse space, including 710675 restaurant buildings under capital leases.leases where we are the lessee. Land and building leases generally have an initial term of 10 to 30 years, while land-only lease terms can extend longer, and most leases provide for fixed monthly payments. Many of these leases provide for future rent escalations and renewal options and certainoptions. Certain leases also include provisions for contingent rent, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specific levels. Most leases also obligate us to pay the cost of maintenance, insurance and property taxes.

As of December 31, 2015, future minimum lease receipts and commitments were as follows (in millions):

   Lease Receipts   Lease Commitments (a) 
   Direct
Financing
Leases
   Operating
Leases
   Capital
Leases
   Operating Leases 

2016

  $21.6    $338.7    $31.0    $165.6  

2017

   20.9     313.4     29.5     156.4  

2018

   19.6     286.2     27.9     143.6  

2019

   16.3     258.8     26.0     127.9  

2020

   9.7     229.2     24.0     115.1  

Thereafter

   38.5     1,461.0     189.8     794.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total minimum payments

  $126.6    $2,887.3    $328.2    $1,503.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less amount representing interest

       (107.7  
      

 

 

   

Present value of minimum capital lease payments

       220.5    

Current portion of capital lease obligation

       (17.1  
      

 

 

   

Long-term portion of capital lease obligation

      $203.4    
      

 

 

   

(a)Lease commitments under operating leases have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,636.7 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Rental income:

      

Minimum

  $453.9    $182.1    $165.9  

Contingent

   281.7     38.1     25.0  

Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net

   11.0     7.2     5.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total rental income

   746.6     227.4     196.5  

Earned income on direct financing leases

   13.6     15.3     17.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property revenues

  $760.2    $242.7    $213.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


Rent expense associated with thethese lease commitments is as follows (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Rental expense:

      

Minimum

  $199.5    $109.1    $115.0  

Contingent

   73.1     8.0     4.9  

Amortization of favorable and unfavorable payable lease contracts, net

   10.1     3.5     0.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total rental expense (a)

  $282.7    $120.6    $120.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


 2018 2017 2016
Rental expense:     
Minimum$201
 $198
 $193
Contingent71
 71
 71
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable payable lease contracts, net9
 10
 9
Total rental expense (a)$281
 $279
 $273

(a)Amounts include rental expense related to properties subleased to franchisees of $267.0$263 million for 2015, $103.32018, $263 million for 20142017, and $94.0$254 million for 2013.2016.

The impact

As of favorableDecember 31, 2018, future minimum lease receipts and unfavorable lease amortization on operating income is as follows (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Franchise and property revenues

  $11.0    $7.2    $5.6  

Cost of sales

   —       (0.3   (1.3

Franchise and property expenses

   10.1     3.8     2.2  

Estimated future amortization of favorable and unfavorable lease contracts subject to amortizationcommitments are as follows (in millions):

   Cost of Sales  Franchise and Property Revenue  Franchise and Property Expenses 
   Favorable   Unfavorable  Favorable   Unfavorable  Favorable   Unfavorable 

2016

  $0.2    $(0.2 $16.4    $(25.3 $27.0    $(18.4

2017

   0.2     (0.2  15.5     (24.0  25.3     (17.0

2018

   0.2     (0.1  14.3     (22.5  23.1     (15.6

2019

   0.2     (0.1  13.1     (20.6  20.8     (13.7

2020

   0.2     (0.1  11.6     (17.6  17.5     (12.1

Thereafter

   2.1     (0.4  55.4     (75.9  85.9     (58.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $3.1    $(1.1 $126.3    $(185.9 $199.6    $(135.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 


 Lease Receipts Lease Commitments (a)
 Direct
Financing
Leases
 Operating
Leases
 Capital
Leases
 Operating
Leases
2019$14
 $416
 $38
 $183
202010
 388
 36
 172
20217
 360
 34
 158
20225
 331
 33
 145
20235
 306
 30
 130
Thereafter19
 1,704
 201
 831
Total minimum receipts / payments$60
 $3,505
 372
 $1,619
Less amount representing interest    (125)  
Present value of minimum capital lease payments    247
  
Current portion of capital lease obligation    (21)  
Long-term portion of capital lease obligation    $226
  

(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $2,290 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.


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Note 14.11. Income Taxes

Tax Act
In December 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) that significantly revises the U.S. tax code generally effective January 1, 2018 by, among other changes, lowering the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, limiting deductibility of interest expense and performance based incentive compensation and implementing a modified territorial tax system. As a Canadian entity, we generally would be classified as a foreign entity (and, therefore, a non-U.S. tax resident) under general rules of U.S. federal income taxation. However, we have subsidiaries subject to U.S. federal income taxation and therefore the Tax Act impacted our consolidated results of operations during 2017 and 2018, and is expected to continue to impact our consolidated results of operations in future periods.
The impacts to our consolidated statement of operations consist of the following (the “Tax Act Impact”):

A provisional benefit of $420 million recorded in our provision from income taxes for 2017 and a favorable adjustment of $9 million recorded for 2018, as a result of the Transactions enteredremeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities.

Provisional charges of $103 million recorded in December 2014, the tables below were prepared considering the following: (i) the Domestic figures represent Canada for 20152017 and 2014, and the U.S. for 2013; (ii) the statutory rate is the Canadian ratea favorable adjustment of 26.5% for 2015 and 2014, and the U.S. rate of 35.0% for 2013; and (iii) costs and taxes$3 million recorded in 2018, related to certain deductions allowed to be carried forward before the Tax Act, which potentially may not be carried forward and deductible under the Tax Act.

A provisional estimate for a one-time transitional repatriation tax on unremitted foreign operations consistsearnings (the “Transition Tax”) of non-Canadian$119 million recorded in 2017, most of which had been previously accrued with respect to certain undistributed foreign earnings, and a favorable adjustment of $15 million (primarily related to utilization of foreign tax credits) recorded in 2018.

In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 issued by the staff of the SEC, adjustments to provisional amounts were recorded as discrete items in the provision for income taxes in 2018, the period in which those adjustments became reasonably estimable, as described above.

The ultimate impact of the Tax Act on our effective tax rate in future periods will depend on interpretations and regulatory changes from the Internal Revenue Service, the SEC, the FASB and various tax jurisdictions, for 2015 and 2014, and non-U.S. jurisdictions for 2013.

or actions we may take.


Income (loss) before income taxes, classified by source of income (loss), is as follows (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Domestic

  $546.9    $(261.7  $127.4  

Foreign

   127.0     7.7     194.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $673.9    $(254.0  $322.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


 2018 2017 2016
Canadian$1,111
 $1,223
 $1,050
Foreign271
 (122) 150
Income before income taxes$1,382
 $1,101
 $1,200

Income tax (benefit) expense (benefit) attributable to income from continuing operations consists of the following (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Current:

      

Canada

  $107.2    $25.5    $0.5  

U.S. Federal

   46.1     16.1     29.9  

U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit

   4.1     (0.3   3.7  

Other Foreign

   37.1     35.5     22.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $194.5    $76.8    $56.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred:

      

Canada

  $(48.1  $(29.8  $(4.5

U.S. Federal

   21.0     (28.4   27.8  

U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit

   (7.5   (4.1   (1.2

Other Foreign

   2.3     0.4     10.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $(32.3  $(61.9  $32.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $162.2    $14.9    $88.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


 2018 2017 2016
Current:     
Canadian$25
 $438
 $79
U.S. Federal95
 113
 45
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit17
 3
 2
Other Foreign72
 54
 38
 $209
 $608
 $164
Deferred:     
Canadian$78
 $(302) $49
U.S. Federal(65) (473) 37
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit13
 34
 (7)
Other Foreign3
 (1) 1
 $29
 $(742) $80
Income tax (benefit) expense$238
 $(134) $244


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The statutory rate reconciles to the effective income tax rate as follows:

   2015  2014  2013 

Statutory rate

   26.5  26.5  35.0

U.S. state income taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit

   —      —      0.5  

Costs and taxes related to foreign operations

   16.7    (9.8  6.2  

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

   (1.9  (2.2  —    

Foreign tax rate differential (1)

   (5.4  29.8    (14.6

Taxes provided on earnings due to Transactions

   —      (22.3  —    

Change in valuation allowance

   4.7    (3.0  0.6  

Change in accrual for tax uncertainties

   0.7    (0.3  1.5  

Deductible FTC

   —      3.7    (1.9

Non deductible Transaction costs

   —      (4.9  0.3  

Impact of Transactions

   0.7    (14.5  —    

Capital gain (loss) rate differential

   —      (8.6  —    

Intercompany financing

   (20.2  —      —    

Other

   2.3    (0.3  (0.1
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   24.1  (5.9)%   27.5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Amounts reflect statutory rates in jurisdictions in which we operate outside of Canada for 2015 and 2014 and outside of the U.S. for 2013.

Our effective


 2018 2017 2016
Statutory rate26.5 % 26.5 % 26.5 %
Costs and taxes related to foreign operations4.2
 8.9
 9.6
Foreign exchange gain (loss)(0.1) (7.7) 0.1
Foreign tax rate differential(6.1) (1.9) (1.0)
Change in valuation allowance3.2
 12.0
 0.2
Change in accrual for tax uncertainties0.1
 (0.4) 1.0
Intercompany financing(4.4) (19.5) (16.0)
Impact of Tax Act(1.9) (27.4) 
Benefit from stock option exercises(5.0) (4.9) 
Other0.7
 2.3
 (0.1)
Effective income tax rate17.2 % (12.1)% 20.3 %
Income tax rate was 24.1% for 2015, primarily due to the mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions, partially offset by the favorable impact from intercompany financing. Our effective tax rate was (5.9)% for 2014, primarily due to the impact of the

Transactions, including non-deductible transaction related costs, and the mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate was 27.5% for 2013, primarily as a result of the mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions and the impact of non-deductible expenses related to our refranchisings, partially offset by a favorable impact from the sale of a foreign subsidiary and a reduction in the U.S. state effective tax rate related to our refranchisings.

The following table provides the amount of income tax(benefit) expense (benefit) allocated to continuing operations and amounts separately allocated to other items was (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Income tax expense from continuing operations

  $162.2    $15.3    $88.5  

Cash flow hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (21.5   (60.3   68.1  

Net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   111.7     20.9     (5.7

Pension liability in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (7.0   (13.4   9.9  

Stock option tax benefit in additional paid-in capital

   (0.5   —       (10.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $244.9    $(37.5  $150.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2018 2017 2016
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations$238
 $(134) $244
Cash flow hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(2) 5
 (2)
Net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)101
 (13) 12
Pension liability in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 (2) (2)
Stock option tax benefit in common shares
 
 (9)
Total$337
 $(144) $243

The significant components of deferred income tax (benefit) expense (benefit) attributable to income from continuing operations are as follows (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

  $(51.9  $(71.9  $9.9  

Change in valuation allowance

   31.8     6.7     22.6  

Change in effective U.S. state income tax rate

   (7.2   3.0     (4.0

Change in effective foreign income tax rate

   (5.0   0.3     3.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $(32.3  $(61.9  $32.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


 2018 2017 2016
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense$(14) $(449) $78
Change in valuation allowance43
 133
 2
Change in effective Canadian income tax rate(3) 
 
Change in effective U.S. federal income tax rate(8) (433) 
Change in effective U.S. state income tax rate15
 4
 (3)
Change in effective foreign income tax rate(4) 3
 3
Total$29
 $(742) $80


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The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below (in millions):

   As of December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Deferred tax assets:

    

Trade and notes receivable, principally due to allowance for doubtful accounts

  $7.3    $11.6  

Accrued employee benefits

   66.1     53.1  

Unfavorable leases

   162.0     132.5  

Liabilities not currently deductible for tax

   45.1     52.0  

Tax loss and credit carryforwards

   287.3     215.5  

Other

   1.2     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gross deferred tax assets

   569.0     464.7  

Valuation allowance

   (124.6   (68.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

   444.4     395.9  

Less deferred tax liabilities:

    

Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation

   46.0     48.4  

Intangible assets

   1,633.9     1,800.7  

Leases

   161.2     117.3  

Statutory Impairment

   24.3     8.0  

Derivatives

   90.2     28.1  

Outside basis difference

   98.9     272.3  

Other

   —       16.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

   2,054.5     2,291.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liability

  $1,610.1    $1,895.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Deferred tax assets:   
Accounts and notes receivable$5
 $5
Accrued employee benefits49
 49
Unfavorable leases123
 146
Liabilities not currently deductible for tax176
 74
Tax loss and credit carryforwards509
 550
Derivatives25
 136
Other8
 
Total gross deferred tax assets895
 960
Valuation allowance(325) (282)
Net deferred tax assets570
 678
Less deferred tax liabilities:   
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation43
 33
Intangible assets1,734
 1,791
Leases105
 129
Statutory impairment31
 26
Outside basis difference35
 68
Total gross deferred tax liabilities1,948
 2,047
Net deferred tax liability$1,378
 $1,369
The valuation allowance had a net increase of $55.8$43 million during 20152018 primarily due to current year losses and true-up adjustmentsthe change in provisional estimates related to prior year ordinary andthe utilization of foreign tax credits. This increase was partially offset by a release due to the utilization of capital losses.

losses that had been previously valued.

Changes in the valuation allowance are as follows (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Beginning balance

  $68.8    $97.7    $93.3  

Additions due to Tim Hortons acquisition

   —       19.5     —    

Change in estimates recorded to deferred income tax expense

   31.8     6.7     22.6  

Expiration of foreign tax credits and capital losses

   (3.2   (11.3   —    

Changes from foreign currency exchange rates

   (8.2   (2.1   0.1  

True-ups from changes in ordinary and capital losses

   35.4     (41.7   —    

Sale of foreign subsidiaries

   —       —       (18.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  $124.6    $68.8    $97.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


 2018 2017 2016
Beginning balance$282
 $133
 $125
Additions due to acquisition
 9
 
Change in estimates recorded to deferred income tax expense43
 133
 2
Changes from foreign currency exchange rates
 6
 (1)
True-ups from changes in losses and credits
 1
 7
Ending balance$325
 $282
 $133

The gross amount and expiration dates of operating loss and tax credit carryforwardscarry-forwards as of December 31, 20152018 are as follows (in millions):

   Amount   Expiration Date

Canadian net operating loss carryforwards

  $197.9    2024-2035

Canadian capital loss carryforwards

   278.0    Indefinite

U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards

   198.4    2034

U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards

   326.9    2016-2034

U.S. capital loss carryforwards

   59.4    2018

U.S. foreign tax credits

   33.9    2020-2035

Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards

   131.8    Indefinite

Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards

   1.5    2016-2034

Other foreign capital loss carryforward

   34.7    Indefinite

Other

   3.6    Indefinite
  

 

 

   

Total

  $1,266.1    
  

 

 

   

Income

 Amount Expiration Date
Canadian net operating loss carryforwards$735
 2036-2038
Canadian capital loss carryforwards1,139
 Indefinite
U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards595
 2019-2038
U.S. foreign tax credits81
 2019-2028
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards192
 Indefinite
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards57
 2020-2037
Other foreign capital loss carryforward30
 Indefinite
Foreign credits2
 2019-2036
Total$2,831
  


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In prior periods, we provided deferred taxes have not been providedon certain undistributed foreign earnings. Under our transition to a modified territorial tax system whereby all previously untaxed undistributed foreign earnings are subject to a transition tax charge at reduced rates and future repatriations of foreign earnings will generally be exempt from U.S. tax, we wrote off the existing deferred tax liability on undistributed foreign earnings and recorded the impact of the new transition tax charge on foreign earnings. We will continue to monitor available evidence and our plans for foreign earnings and expect to continue to provide any applicable deferred taxes based on the excesstax liability or withholding taxes that would be due upon repatriation of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of investment in foreign subsidiaries that areamounts not considered indefinitelypermanently reinvested. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities on this temporary difference is not practical because of the complexity of the hypothetical calculation. Income taxes of approximately $98.9 million have been recognized on foreign unremitted earnings that are expected to be repatriated.

We had $238.6$441 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2015,2018, which if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Beginning balance

  $41.6    $27.7    $23.3  

Additions on tax position related to the current year

   0.8     2.7     2.2  

Additions for tax positions of prior years

   4.3     2.5     2.4  

Additions due to acquisitions (1)

   202.5     13.4     —    

Reductions for tax positions of prior year

   (2.8   (3.6   (0.1

Reductions for settlement

   (7.4   (0.3   (0.1

Reductions due to statute expiration

   (0.4   (0.8   —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  $238.6    $41.6    $27.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Positions taken in conjunction with the Transactions.

 2018 2017 2016
Beginning balance$461
 $241
 $239
Additions on tax position related to the current year1
 186
 2
Additions for tax positions of prior years18
 41
 6
Additions for tax positions taken in conjunction with acquisition of Tim Hortons
 2
 
Reductions for tax positions of prior year(18) 
 (1)
Reductions for settlement(18) (2) (5)
Reductions due to statute expiration(3) (7) 
Ending balance$441
 $461
 $241
During the twelve months beginning January 1, 2016,2019, it is reasonably possible we will reduce unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $7.0$6 million, primarily as a result of the expiration of certain statutes of limitations and the resolution of audits.

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Incomeincome tax expense. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties was $16.1$51 million and $12.8$37 million at December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively. Potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions recognized was $3.3$14 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, $0.52018, $10 million during the year ended December 31, 2014,2017 and $0.6$11 million during the year ended December 31, 2013.2016. To the extent interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision.

We file income tax returns with Canada and its provinces and territories. Generally we are subject to routine examinations by the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”). The CRA is conducting examinations of the 20102013 through 20132015 taxation years. Additionally, income tax returns filed with various provincial jurisdictions are generally open to examination for periods of three to five years subsequent to the filing of the respective return. The appeals for tax years 2005 through 2009 were successfully resolved during 2015. A hearing at the federal court of appeal with respect to the tax year 2002 was heard in early 2016. We are awaiting a decision. At this time, we believe that we have complied with all applicable Canadian tax laws and that we have adequately provided for these matters.

We also file income tax returns, including returns for our subsidiaries, with U.S. federal, U.S. state, and foreign jurisdictions. Generally we are subject to routine examination by taxing authorities in the U.S. jurisdictions, as well as other foreign tax jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Singapore.jurisdictions. None of the foreign jurisdictions should be individually material. The examination phase of our U.S. federal income tax returns for fiscal 2009, 2010, the period July 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010 and the period October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010 was completedclosed during 2015. Variousthe first half of 2018. The U.S. federal income tax positions related to thosereturns for our U.S. companies for fiscal years 2014, 2015 and 2016 are currently under appeals.audit by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. We have various U.S. state and foreign income tax returns in the process of examination. From time to time, these audits result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution may result in owing additional taxes. We believe that our tax positions comply with applicable tax law and that we have adequately provided for these matters.

Note 15. Pension and Post Retirement Medical Benefits

Pension Benefits

We sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans for our employees in the United States (the “U.S. Pension Plans”) and certain employees in the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland (the “International Pension Plans”). Effective December 31, 2005, all benefits accrued under the U.S. Pension Plans were frozen at the benefit level attained as of that date.

Postretirement Medical Benefits

Our Burger King postretirement medical plan (the “U.S. Retiree Medical Plan”) provides medical, dental and life insurance benefits to U.S. salaried retirees hired prior to June 30, 2001 and who were age 40 or older as of June 30, 2001, and their eligible dependents. The amount of retirement health care coverage an employee will receive depends upon the length of credited service. In 2011, the credited service for this plan was frozen for all participants. Beginning January 1, 2012, the annual employer-provided subsidy will be $160 (pre-age 65) and $80 (post-age 65) per year of credited service for anyone not already receiving benefits prior to this date.

Obligations and Funded Status

The following table sets forth the change in benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and amounts recognized in the balance sheets for the U.S. Pension Plans, International Pension Plans and U.S. Retiree Medical Plan (in millions):

   U.S. Pension Plans   U.S. Retiree Medical Plan 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 

Change in benefit obligation

        

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $231.7    $193.6    $9.2    $7.9  

Interest cost

   9.1     9.2     0.4     0.4  

Actuarial (gains) losses

   0.6     38.1     (0.6   1.5  

Benefits paid

   (17.0   (9.2   (0.6   (0.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

  $224.4    $231.7    $8.4    $9.2  

Change in plan assets

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

  $172.9    $159.6    $—      $—    

Actual return on plan assets

   (8.4   17.3     —       —    

Employer contributions

   1.1     5.2     0.6     0.6  

Benefits paid

   (17.0   (9.2   (0.6   (0.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

  $148.6    $172.9    $—      $—    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status of plan

  $(75.8  $(58.8  $(8.4  $(9.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet

        

Current liabilities

  $(0.8  $(0.8  $(0.7  $(0.7

Noncurrent liabilities

   (75.0   (58.0   (7.7   (8.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net pension liability, end of fiscal year

  $(75.8  $(58.8  $(8.4  $(9.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI)

        

Prior service cost / (credit)

  $—      $—      $(6.5  $(9.5

Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)

   42.5     27.1     (1.0   (0.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total AOCI (before tax)

  $42.5    $27.1    $(7.5  $(9.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   International Pension Plans 
   2015   2014 

Benefit obligation at end of year

  $34.9    $33.4  

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   29.7     30.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status of plan

  $(5.2  $(2.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet

    

Current assets

  $—      $0.3  

Noncurrent assets

   —       2.0  

Noncurrent liabilities

   (5.2   (4.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net pension liability, end of fiscal year

  $(5.2  $(2.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI)

    

Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)

  $3.1    $(0.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total AOCI (before tax)

  $3.1    $(0.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Additional Year-end Information for the U.S. Pension Plans, International Pension Plans and U.S. Retiree Medical Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets

The following sets forth the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the U.S. Pension Plans, International Pension Plans and U.S. Retiree Medical Plan (in millions):

   U.S. Pension Plans   U.S. Retiree Medical Plan   International Pension Plans 
   As of December 31,   As of December 31,   As of December 31, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014 

Projected benefit obligation

  $224.4    $231.7    $8.4    $9.2    $34.9    $33.4  

Accumulated benefit obligation

  $224.4    $231.7    $8.4    $9.2    $24.2    $24.0  

Fair value of plan assets

  $148.6    $172.9    $—      $—      $29.7    $30.8  

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The following sets forth the net periodic benefit costs (income) for the U.S. Pension Plans and U.S. Retiree Medical Plan for the periods indicated (in millions):

   U.S. Pension Plans  U.S. Retiree Medical Plan 
   2015  2014  2013  2015  2014  2013 

Interest costs on projected benefit obligations

  $9.1   $9.2   $8.4   $0.3   $0.4   $0.3  

Expected return on plan assets

   (9.1  (9.2  (8.3  —      —      —    

Amortization of prior service costs (credit)

   —      —      —      (2.9  (2.9  (2.9

Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)

   2.7    —      1.2    —      (0.2  (0.1
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit costs (income)

  $2.7   $—     $1.3   $(2.6 $(2.7 $(2.7
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The net periodic benefit costs (income) for our International Pension Plans was not significant for any comparative period.

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Projected Benefit Obligation Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

   U.S. Pension Plans  U.S. Retiree Medical Plan 
   2015  2014   2013  2015  2014   2013 

Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss

  $18.1   $30.0    $(26.2 $(0.5 $1.5    $(0.6

(Gain) loss recognized due to settlement

   —      —       (0.3  —      —       —    

Amortization of prior service (cost) credit

   —      —       —      2.9    2.9     2.9  

Amortization of actuarial gain (loss)

   (2.7  —       (1.2  —      0.2     0.1  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recognized in OCI

  $15.4   $30.0    $(27.7 $2.4   $4.6    $2.4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   International Pension Plans 
   2015   2014   2013 

Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss

  $2.6    $4.9    $(4.4

Amortization of actuarial gain (loss)

   0.2     0.4     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recognized in OCI

  $2.8    $5.3    $(4.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2015, for the combined U.S. Pension Plans, U.S. Retiree Medical Plan, and International Pension Plans, we expect to amortize during 2016 from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) into net periodic pension cost an estimated $2.9 million of net prior service credit and $2.4 million of net actuarial loss.

Assumptions

The weighted-average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligations of the U.S. Pension Plans, International Pension Plans and U.S. Retiree Medical Plan are as follows:

   2015  2014  2013 

U.S. Pension Plans:

    

Discount rate as of year-end

   4.35  4.03  4.84

U.S. Retiree Medical Plan:

    

Discount rate as of year-end

   4.35  4.03  4.84

International Pension Plans:

    

Discount rate as of year-end

   3.34  3.57  4.70

Range of compensation rate increase

   3.49  3.36  3.52

The discount rate used in the calculation of the benefit obligation at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 for the U.S. Plans is derived from a yield curve comprised of the yields of approximately 768 and 774 market-weighted corporate bonds, respectively, rated AA on average by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch, matched against the cash flows of the U.S. Plans. The discount rate used in the calculation of the benefit obligation at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 for the International Pension Plans is primarily derived from the yields on Swiss government bonds with a maturity matched against the cash flows of the International Pension Plans.

The weighted-average assumptions used in computing the net periodic benefit cost of the U.S. Pension Plans, International Pension Plans and the U.S. Retiree Medical Plan are as follows:

   2015  2014  2013 

U.S. Pension Plans:

    

Discount rate

   4.03  4.84  4.04

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

   5.95  6.20  6.05

U.S. Retiree Medical Plan:

    

Discount rate

   4.03  4.84  4.04

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

   N/A    N/A    N/A  

International Pension Plans:

    

Discount rate

   3.59  4.67  4.18

Range of compensation rate increase

   3.40  3.52  3.27

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

   4.50  4.58  5.64

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is determined by expected future returns on the asset categories in target investment allocation. These expected returns are based on historical returns for each asset’s category adjusted for an assessment of current market conditions.

The assumed healthcare cost trend rates are as follows:

   2015  2014  2013 

Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year

   7.00  8.00  8.00

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

   5.00  5.00  5.00

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

   2020    2020    2020  

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates do not have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement healthcare plans, since a one-percentage point increase or decrease in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would have a minimal effect on service and interest cost for the postretirement obligation.

Plan Assets

The fair value of the major categories of pension plan assets for U.S. and International Pension Plans at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is presented below (in millions):

   U.S.
Pension Plans
   International
Pension Plan
   U.S.
Pension Plans
   International
Pension Plan
 
   As of December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Level 1

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $—      $—      $3.0    $—    

Level 2

        

Cash and cash equivalents (a)

   2.5     0.2     2.8     0.2  

Equity Securities (b):

        

U.S.

   38.3     5.7     47.7     3.0  

Non - U.S.

   32.7     14.7     36.3     18.1  

Fixed Income (b) :

        

Corporate bonds and notes

   51.2     —       57.1     —    

U.S. Government treasuries

   19.4     —       17.0     —    

International debt

   3.3     4.3     4.6     4.5  

Mortgage-backed securities

   0.5     —       0.2     —    

U.S. Government agencies

   2.4     —       3.4     —    

Non- U.S. bonds

   —       4.5     —       4.7  

Other (c)

   (1.7   0.3     0.8     0.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fair value of plan assets

  $148.6    $29.7    $172.9    $30.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a)Short-term investments in money market funds and short term receivables for investments sold
(b)Securities held in common commingled trust funds
(c)Other securities held in common commingled trust funds including interest rate swaps and foreign currency contracts

We categorize plan assets within a three level fair value hierarchy as described in Note 3. Pooled funds are primarily classified as Level 2 and are valued using net asset values of participation units held in common collective trusts, as reported by the managers of the trusts and as supported by the unit prices of actual purchase and sale transactions.

The investment objective for the U.S. Pension Plans and International Pension Plans is to secure the benefit obligations to participants while minimizing our costs. The goal is to optimize the long-term return on plan assets at an average level of risk. The Investment Committee developed a strategic allocation policy for the U.S. Pension Plan to reduce return seeking assets and increase fixed income assets as the plan’s funded status improves. The portfolio of equity securities, currently targeted at 50% for U.S. Pension Plan and 70% for International Pension Plan, includes primarily large-capitalization companies with a mix of small-capitalization U.S. and foreign companies well diversified by industry. The portfolio of fixed income asset allocation, currently targeted at 50% for U.S. Pension Plan and 30% for International Pension Plan, is actively managed and consists of long duration fixed income securities primarily in U.S. debt markets and non-U.S. bonds with long-term maturities that help to reduce exposure to interest variation and to better correlate asset maturities with obligations.

Estimated Future Cash Flows

Total contributions to the U.S. Pension Plans and International Pension Plans were $1.8 million for 2015, $6.1 million for 2014 and $8.2 million for 2013.

The U.S. and International Pension Plans’ and U.S. Retiree Medical Plan’s expected contributions to be paid in the next year, the projected benefit payments for each of the next five years and the total aggregate amount for the subsequent five years are as follows (in millions):

   U.S. Pension
Plans
   International
Pension
Plans
   U.S. Retiree
Medical Plan
 

Estimated Net Contributions During Year Ended 2016

  $4.6    $0.1    $0.7  

Estimated Future Benefit Payments During Years Ended:

      

2016

  $10.8    $0.2    $0.7  

2017

  $11.1    $0.2    $0.7  

2018

  $11.2    $0.2    $0.6  

2019

  $11.6    $0.2    $0.6  

2020

  $12.3    $0.3    $0.6  

2021 - 2025

  $68.8    $1.5    $2.7  

Note 16. Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the levels of inputs used to measure fair value, which include derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments, derivatives designated as net investment hedges, derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, investments held in a rabbi trust which consist of money market accounts and mutual funds established to fund a portion of our current and future obligations under the Burger King Executive Retirement Plan (“ERP”), and ERP liabilities as well as their location on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

    Fair Value Measurements
at December 31, 2015
  Fair Value Measurements
at December 31, 2014
 
  

Balance Sheet Location

 (Level 1)  (Level 2)  Total  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  Total 
Assets:       

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

       

Foreign currency

 Trade and notes receivable, net $—     $6.6   $6.6   $—     $6.0   $6.0  

Derivatives designated as net investment hedges

       

Foreign currency

 Inventories and other current assets, net  —      —      —      —      2.1    2.1  

Foreign currency

 Other assets, net  —      830.9    830.9    —      75.9    75.9  

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

       

Interest rate

 Other assets, net  —      —      —      —      88.9    88.9  

Other

       

Investments held in a rabbi trust

 Inventories and other current assets, net  0.9    —      0.9    1.1    —      1.1  

Investments held in a rabbi trust

 Other assets, net  4.3    —      4.3    5.2    —      5.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value

  $5.2   $837.5   $842.7   $6.3   $172.9   $179.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
Liabilities:       

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

       

Interest rate

 Other liabilities, net $—     $40.9   $40.9   $—     $25.6   $25.6  

Derivatives designated as net investment hedges

       

Foreign currency

 Other liabilities, net  —      6.3    6.3    —      —      —    

Other

       

ERP liabilities

 Other accrued liabilities  —      0.9    0.9    —      1.1    1.1  

ERP liabilities

 Other liabilities, net  —      4.3    4.3    —      5.2    5.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value

  $—     $52.4   $52.4   $—     $31.9   $31.9  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Our derivatives are valued using a discounted cash flow analysis that incorporates observable market parameters, such as interest rate yield curves and currency rates, classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. Derivative valuations incorporate credit risk adjustments that are necessary to reflect the probability of default by us or the counterparty.

Investments held in a Rabbi trust consist of money market funds and mutual funds and the fair value measurements are derived using quoted prices in active markets for the specific funds which are based on Level 1 inputs of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value measurements of the ERP liabilities are derived principally from observable market data which are based on Level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy.

At December 31, 2015, the fair value of our variable rate term debt and bonds was estimated at $8.7 billion, compared to a principal carrying amount of $8.6 billion. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of our variable rate term debt and bonds was estimated at $10.1 billion, compared to a principal carrying amount of $10.0 billion. Fair value of variable rate term debt and fixed rate debt was estimated using inputs based on bid and offer prices and are Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.

Certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to periodic impairment tests. These items primarily include long-lived assets, goodwill, the Brand and other intangible assets. Refer to Note 3 for inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of these nonfinancial assets.

Note 17.12. Derivative Instruments

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We enter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes, including derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, derivatives designated as net investment hedges and those utilized as economic hedges. We use derivatives to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and currency exchange rates. See Note 16 for fair value measurements



81

Table of our derivative instruments.

Contents



Interest Rate Swaps – Outstanding as of December 31, 2015

During May 2015,2018, we entered into a series of receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a notional value of $3,500 million to hedge the variability in the interest payments on $2,500.0 milliona portion of our 2014 Termsenior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan FacilityFacility”) beginning May 28, 2015,March 29, 2018 through the expiration of the final swap on March 31, 2021. The notional value of the swaps is $2,500.0 million. There are six sequential interest rate swaps to achieve the hedged position. Each year on March 31, the existing interest rate swap is scheduled to expire and be immediately replaced with a new interest rate swap until the expiration of the final swap on March 31, 2021.February 17, 2024, resetting each March. At inception, these interest rate swaps were designated as a cash flow hedgehedges for hedge accounting, and as such, the effective portion ofaccounting. The unrealized changes in market value are recorded in AOCI and reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses from hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

Interest Rate Swaps – Settled Prior to December 31,

During 2015,

The following derivative instruments were settled during May 2015. During November 2014, we entered into a series of receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a notional value of $2,500 million to hedge the variability in the interest payments associated withon a portion of our 2014 Term Loan Facility beginning April 1, 2015, through the expirationMay 28, 2015. All of the final swap on March 31, 2021. The initial notional value of the swaps was $6,733.1 million, which initially aligned with the outstanding principal balance of the 2014 Term Loan Facility as of April 1, 2015, and was to be reduced quarterly in accordance with the principal repayments of the 2014 Term Loan Facility. There were six sequentialthese interest rate swaps to achieve the hedged position. Each yearwere settled on March 31, the existing interest rate swap was scheduled to expire and be immediately replaced with a new interest rate swap until the expiration of the arrangement on March 31, 2021.April 26, 2018 for an insignificant cash receipt. At inception, these interest rate swaps were designated as a cash flow hedgehedges for hedge accounting, and as such, the effective portion ofaccounting. The unrealized changes in market value were recorded in AOCI and reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses from hedge ineffectiveness were recognized in earnings.

During the first quarter of 2015, we temporarily discontinued hedge accounting on the entire balance of thesesettled certain interest rate swaps asand recognized a result of the $42.7 million mandatory prepayment of our 2014 Term Loan Facility as well as changes to forecasted cash flows and settled $42.7 million of these instruments equal to the amount of the mandatory prepayment of our 2014 Term Loan Facility. During this same period, of the remaining $6,690.4 million of notional outstanding, we re-designated $5,690.4 million of notional amount as a cash flow hedge for hedge accounting and $1,000.0 million of notional amount was not designated for hedge accounting and as such changes in fair value on this portion of the interest rate swaps were recognized in earnings. During April 2015, in order to offset the

cash flows associated with our $1,000.0 million notional value receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap that was not designated for hedge accounting, we entered into a pay-variable, receive-fixed mirror interest rate swap with a notional value of $1,000.0 million and a maturity date of March 31, 2021.

The following derivative instruments were settled during May 2015. During October 2014, we entered into a series of receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a combined initial notional value of $6,750.0 million that was amortized each quarter at the same rate of the 2014 Term Loan Facility. To offset the cash flows associated with these interest rate swaps, in November 2014 we entered into a series of receive-fixed, pay-variable mirror interest rate swaps with a combined initial notional value of $6,750.0 million that was amortized each quarter at the same rate of the 2014 Term Loan Facility. For all of these derivative instruments, each year on March 31, the existing interest rate swap was scheduled to expire and be immediately replaced with a new interest rate swap until the expiration of the arrangement on March 31, 2021. These interest rate swaps were not designated for hedge accounting and as such changes in fair value were recognized in earnings.

In connection with the foregoing interest rate swaps settled during May 2015, we paid $36.2 million that is reflected as a use of cash within investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for 2015. The net unrealized loss remainingof $85 million in AOCI totaled $84.6 million at the date of settlement and will besettlement. This amount gets reclassified into Interest expense, net as the original hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The amount of pre-tax losses in AOCI as of December 31, 20152018 that we expect to be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months is $12.7$12 million.

Interest Rate Swaps – Settled Prior to December 31, 2014

During 2012, we entered into three forward-starting interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $2,300.0 million to hedge the variability of forecasted interest payments on our forecasted debt issuance attributable to changes in LIBOR. These swaps were settled during the fourth quarter of 2014. The forward-starting interest rate swaps fixed LIBOR on $1,000.0 million of floating-rate debt beginning 2015 and an additional $1,300.0 million of floating-rate debt starting 2016. During 2014, we discontinued hedge accounting on our forward-starting interest rate swaps as it was probable at the time that the forecasted transactions will not occur since we intended to repay our outstanding 2012 Term Loan Facility concurrently with the Transactions and did not anticipate issuing new debt in 2015 or 2016. Whenever hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, we continue to carry the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet and recognize any subsequent changes in fair value in earnings. When it is no longer probable that a forecasted transaction will occur, we discontinue hedge accounting and recognize immediately in earnings any gains and losses, attributable to those forecasted transactions that are probable not to occur, that were recorded in AOCI related to the hedging relationship. Prior to the discontinuance of hedge accounting, we accounted for these swaps as cash flow hedges, and as such, the effective portion of unrealized changes in market value was recorded in AOCI and was to be reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses from hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in earnings.

Cross-Currency Rate Swaps

To protect the value of our investments in our foreign operations against adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we may, from time to time, hedge a portion of our net investment in one or more of our foreign subsidiaries by using cross-currency rate swaps. At December 31, 2015,2018, we had outstanding cross-currency rate swap contracts between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar and the Euro and U.S. dollar that have been designated as net investment hedges of a portion of our equity in foreign operations in those currencies. The component of the gains and losses on our net investment in these designated foreign operations driven by changes in foreign exchange rates are economically offset by movements in the fair value of our cross currency swap contracts. The fair value of the swaps is calculated each period with changes in fair value reported in AOCI, net of tax. Such amounts will remain in AOCI until the complete or substantially complete liquidation of our investment in the underlying foreign operations.

At December 31, 2015,

During 2017, we had outstandingterminated and settled our previous cross-currency rate swaps in which we pay quarterly between 4.802% and 7.002% on a tiered payment structure per annum on the Canadian dollar notional amount of C$5,641.7 million and receive quarterly between 3.948% and 6.525% on a tiered payment structure per annum on the U.S. dollar notional amount of $5,000.0 million through the maturity date of March 31, 2021. At inception, these derivative instruments were not designated for hedge accounting and, as such, changes in fair value were initially recognized in earnings. Beginning with the closing of the Transactions on December 12, 2014, we designated these cross-currency rate swaps as hedges and began accounting for these derivative instruments as net investment hedges.

At December 31, 2015, we also had outstanding a cross-currency rate swap in which we pay quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the Euro notional amount of €1,107.8 million and receive quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the U.S. dollar notional amount of $1,200.0 million through the maturity date of March 31, 2021. At inception, this cross-currency rate swap was designated as a hedge and is accounted for as a net investment hedge.

During 2015, we terminated our cross-currency rate swaps entered into prior to the Transactions with an aggregate notional value of $315.0 million.$5,000 million, between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar. In connection with this termination, we received $52.1$764 million which is reflected as a source of cash provided by investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for 2015.flows. The net unrealized gains totaled $31.8$533 million, net of tax, as of December 31, 2015. Such amountsthe termination date and will remain in AOCI until the complete or substantially complete liquidation of our investment in the underlying foreign operations. Additionally during 2017, we entered into new fixed-to-fixed cross-currency rate swaps to partially hedge the net investment in our Canadian subsidiaries. At inception, these cross-currency rate swaps were designated as a hedge and wereare accounted for as net investment hedges. A total notional value of $115.0 million of theseThese swaps wereare contracts to exchange quarterly fixed-rate interest payments we make in Euroson the Canadian dollar notional amount of C$6,754 million for quarterly fixed-rate interest payments we receive on the U.S. dollar notional amount of $5,000 million through the maturity date of June 30, 2023. In making such changes, we effectively realigned our Canadian dollar hedges to reflect our current cash flow mix and capital structure maturity profile.

At December 31, 2018, we also had outstanding cross-currency rate swaps in which we pay quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the Euro notional amount of €1,108 million and receive quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the U.S. dollarsdollar notional amount of $1,200 million. At inception, these cross-currency rate swaps were designated as a hedge and had an originalare accounted for as a net investment hedge. During 2018, we extended the term of the swaps from March 31, 2021 to the maturity date of October 19, 2016. A totalFebruary 17, 2024. The extension of the term resulted in a re-designation of the hedge and the swaps continue to be accounted for as a net investment hedge. Additionally, during 2018, we entered into cross-currency rate swaps in which we receive quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the U.S. dollar notional value of $200.0$400 million through the maturity date of February 17, 2024. At inception, these swaps were contracts to exchange quarterly floating-rate interest payments we make in Euros based on EURIBOR for quarterly floating-rate interest payments we receive in U.S. dollars based on LIBOR and had an original maturity of September 28, 2017. These cross-currency rate swaps were designated as a hedge are accounted for as a net investment hedge.
The fixed to fixed cross-currency rate swaps hedging Canadian dollar and Euro net investments utilized the forward method of effectiveness assessment prior to March 15, 2018. On March 15, 2018, we dedesignated and subsequently redesignated the outstanding fixed to fixed cross-currency rate swaps to prospectively use the spot method of hedge effectiveness assessment. We also requiredelected to amortize the exchangeExcluded Component over the life of Eurosthe derivative instrument. The amortization of the Excluded Component is recognized in Interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. The change in fair value that is not related to the Excluded Component is recorded in AOCI and U.S. dollar principal payments upon maturity.

will be reclassified to earnings when the foreign subsidiaries are sold or substantially liquidated. See Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies - New Accounting Pronouncements, for further information on the adoption of this new guidance.




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Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

In connection with the Transactions, we were exposed to foreign currency risk as the cash consideration paid to Tim Hortons shareholders in connection with the Transactions was denominated in Canadian dollars. As such, during 2014 we entered into foreign currency forward and foreign currency option contracts to hedge our exposure to the volatility of the Canadian dollar. We had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts to effectively exchange $9,000.0 million U.S. dollars for C$9,971.8 million Canadian dollars and foreign currency option contracts to exchange $5,230.0 million U.S. dollars for C$5,635.3 million Canadian dollars that were settled during the fourth quarter of 2014. At any point in time, the aggregate notional value of these derivative instruments never exceeded $9,230.0 million U.S. dollars. The foreign currency option contracts had a total premium of $59.9 million that was paid at expiration. These derivative instruments did not qualify for hedge accounting and changes in fair values were immediately recognized in Other operating expenses (income), net in current earnings.

We use foreign exchange derivative instruments to manage the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar purchases and payments, such as coffee purchases made by our Canadian Tim Hortons operations. At December 31, 2015,2018, we had outstanding forward currency contracts to manage this risk in which we sell Canadian dollars and buy U.S. dollars with a notional value of $170.0$124 million with maturities to March 2017.January 2020. We have designated these instruments as cash flow hedges, and as such, the effective portion of unrealized changes in market value of effective hedges are recorded in AOCI and are reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses from hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

Interest Rate Caps

During 2010, we entered into interest rate cap agreements (the “Cap Agreements”) to manage interest rate risk related to our variable rate debt. The six year Cap Agreements were a series of individual caplets that reset and settle quarterly with an original maturity of October 19, 2016, consistent with the payment dates of our LIBOR-based term debt. The Cap Agreements were designated as cash flow hedges and, to the extent they were effective in offsetting the variability of the variable rate interest payments, changes in the derivatives’ fair values were not included in earnings but were included in AOCI. At each cap maturity date, the portion of the fair value attributable to the matured cap was reclassified from AOCI into earnings as a component of Interest expense, net.

During 2014, we terminated the Cap Agreements and discontinued hedge accounting for our Cap Agreements in connection with the repayment of the 2012 Term Loans, 2010 Senior Notes and 2011 Discount Notes concurrently with the Transactions.

Credit Risk

By entering into derivative instrument contracts, we are exposed to counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is in an asset position, the counterparty has a liability to us, which creates credit risk for us. We attempt to minimize this risk by selecting counterparties with investment grade credit ratings and regularly monitoring our market position with each counterparty.

Credit-Risk Related Contingent Features

Our derivative instruments do not contain any credit-risk related contingent features.

Quantitative Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present the required quantitative disclosures for our derivative instruments, including their estimated fair values (all estimated using Level 2 inputs) and their location on our consolidated balance sheets (in millions):

   Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(effective portion)
 
   2015   2014   2013 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:

      

Interest rate caps

  $—      $(1.9  $—    

Forward-starting interest rate swaps

  $(128.2  $(155.5  $169.1  

Forward-currency contracts

  $18.2    $1.1    $—    

Derivatives designated as net investment hedges:

      

Cross-currency rate swaps

  $798.5    $66.3    $(14.8

Classification on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

  Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into
Earnings
 
   2015   2014   2013 

Interest expense, net

  $(12.0  $(6.6  $(6.1

Other operating expenses (income), net

  $(27.6  $13.4    $—    

Cost of sales

  $12.3    $—      $—    
   Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Other operating expenses (income), net
 
   2015   2014   2013 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

      

Interest rate caps

  $—      $(1.0  $—    

Interest rate swaps

  $(12.4  $55.4    $—    

Cross-currency rate swaps

  $4.3    $(358.7  $(0.4

Ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges:

      

Interest rate swaps

  $(1.6  $—      $—    

 Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 2018 2017 2016
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
     
Interest rate swaps$(37) $(6) $(23)
Forward-currency contracts$11
 $(9) $(5)
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges     
Cross-currency rate swaps$383
 $(384) $(87)
(1)We did not exclude any components from the cash flow hedge relationships presented in this table.
  Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings 
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into
Earnings
    2018 2017 2016
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges        
Interest rate swaps Interest expense, net $(19) $(31) $(21)
Forward-currency contracts Cost of sales $(1) $(3) $
         
  Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
    2018 2017 2016
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges        
Cross-currency rate swaps Interest expense, net $60
 $
 $


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 Fair Value as of
December 31,
  
 2018 2017 Balance Sheet Location
Assets:     
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges     
Foreign currency$7
 $1
 Prepaids and other current assets
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges     
Foreign currency58
 
 Other assets, net
Total assets at fair value$65
 $1
  
Liabilities:     
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges     
Interest rate$72
 $42
 Other liabilities, net
Foreign currency
 5
 Other accrued liabilities
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges     
Foreign currency107
 456
 Other liabilities, net
Total liabilities at fair value$179
 $503
  
Note 18.13. Partnership Preferred Units

In connection with the Transactions,

On December 12, 2014 we issued 68,530,939 Partnership preferred units to RBI. Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership iswas required to make distributions to RBI on the Partnership preferred units (all of which are owned by RBI) that correspondin amounts equal to (i) preferred dividends declared and payable by RBI on the 68,530,939 Class A 9.0% cumulative compounding perpetual voting preferred shares of RBI (“Preferred Shares”) soldissued by RBI to a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Additionally,(the “Preferred Shares”) and (ii) in the event RBI redeemed the Preferred Shares, are redeemed for cash, Partnership is required to make a distribution on the Partnership preferred units in an amount sufficient for RBI to fund the redemption amount.

The 9.0% annual dividend on the Preferred Shares will accrue whether or not declared by RBI’s Board of Directors and will be payable, quarterly in arrears, only when declared and approved by RBI’s Board of Directors. In addition to the preferred dividends, RBI is required to pay the holderamount of the Preferred Shares an additional amount (the “make-whole dividend”) determined by a formula designed to ensure that on an after-tax basis, the net amount of the dividends received by the holder of the Preferred Shares from the original issue date is the same as it would have been if RBI were a U.S. corporation. The make-whole dividend can be paid, at RBI’s option, in cash, common shares or any combination thereof. The make-whole dividends are payable not later than 75 days after the close of each fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. The right to receive the make-whole dividends will terminate if and at the time that 100% of the outstanding Preferred Shares are no longer held by the original purchaser or any of its subsidiaries.

The Preferred Shares may be redeemed at RBI’s option on and after the third anniversary of the original issue date. After the tenth anniversary of the original issue date, holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding Preferred Shares may cause RBI to redeem their Preferred Shares. In either case, the fixed redemption price is 109.9% of the Purchase Price per share (the “redemption price”) plus accrued and unpaid dividends and unpaid make-whole dividends. Holders of the Preferred Shares also hold a contingently exercisable option to cause RBI to redeem their Preferred Shares at the redemption price in the eventUpon payment of a change of control.

The distribution provisions of the Partnership preferred unitsto RBI to fund the redemption of the Preferred Shares, representthe Partnership preferred units remain outstanding, but provide no economic rights to RBI, other than a nominal dividend of $100 per year.

The distribution provisions of the partnership agreement requiring Partnership to fund RBI's redemption of the Preferred Shares were accounted for as an in substancein-substance redemption provision of the Partnership preferred units that is not solely in the control of Partnership. Consequently, Partnership has classified theunits. The Partnership preferred units were classified as temporary equity. Additionally, duringequity as a result of Partnership's lack of control over this distribution provision. In 2014, wePartnership adjusted the carrying value of the Partnership preferred units to reflect the Preferred Shares redemption price of $48.109657 per Preferred Share (the “redemption price”).
On December 12, 2017 (the “Redemption Date”), RBI redeemed all of the RBIissued and outstanding Preferred Shares whichfor aggregate consideration of $3,116 million (the “Redemption Consideration”), including $54 million of accrued and unpaid Preferred Share dividends up to the Redemption Date. Partnership made a distribution to RBI in an equal amount under the terms of the partnership agreement described above. Partnership accounted for $54 million of this distribution as a preferred unit distribution, with the remainder accounted for as an in-substance redemption of the Partnership preferred units. The difference between (i) the Redemption Consideration and related transaction costs, net of the $54 million preferred unit distribution and (ii) the carrying amount of the Partnership preferred units on the Redemption Date is reflected as a $546.4$234 million reductionincrease in net income attributable to common unitholders/shareholders.

Note 19. Equity

For the period of January 1, 2014,unitholders and partner's capital.

During 2018, RBI made a payment, which was funded by Partnership through December 11, 2014 (i.e., prior to the closing date of the Transactions), our common equity reflected 100% ownership by Burger King Worldwide common stockholders. In connection with the Transactions, Burger King Worldwide completed a reorganization into Partnership and holders of 352.0 million shares of common stock of Burger King Worldwide exchanged their holdings for 265.0 million Partnership exchangeable units and 87.0 million RBI common shares. During 2014, we also issued 202.0 million Class A common units to RBI, which correspond to (i) the 87.0 million RBI common shares issued by RBI to former holders of Burger King Worldwide common stock, (ii) 106.6 million RBI common shares issued by RBI to former holders of Tim Hortons common stockdistribution, in connection with the acquisitionsettlement of Tim Hortons and (iii) 8.4 million RBI common shares issued by RBI tocertain provisions associated with the holder2017 redemption of RBIthe Preferred Shares in connection with the exercise of a warrant. Asas a result of the foregoing, during 2014 the carrying amountrecently proposed Treasury regulations included within Other operating expense (income), net in our consolidated statements of Partnership’s equity was allocated between Class A common units and Partnership exchangeable units to reflect the relative ownership interests of the two classes of common equity.

operations.

Note 14. Equity
Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, RBI, as the holder of Class A common units, is entitled to receive distributions from Partnership in an amount equal to the aggregate dividends payable by RBI to holders of RBI common shares, and the holders of Partnership exchangeable units are entitled to receive distributions from Partnership in an amount per unit equal to the dividend payable by RBI on each RBI common share. Additionally, if RBI proposes to redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any RBI common shares, the partnership agreement requires that Partnership, immediately prior to such redemption, repurchase or acquisition, make a distribution to RBI on the Class A common units in an amount sufficient for RBI to fund such redemption, repurchase or acquisition, as the case may be.

Each holder of a Partnership exchangeable unit is entitled to vote in respect of matters on which holders of RBI common shares are entitled to vote through one special voting share of RBI. Since December 12, 2015, the one year anniversary of the effective date of the Transactions, thea holder of a Partnership exchangeable unit may require Partnership to exchange all or any portion of such holder’s Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares at a ratio of one common share for each Partnership exchangeable unit, subject to RBI’s right as the general



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partner of Partnership, in its sole discretion, to deliver a cash payment in lieu of RBI common shares. If RBI elects to make a cash payment in lieu of issuing common shares, the amount of the payment will be the weighted average trading price of the RBI common shares on the New York Stock Exchange for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the last business day prior to the exchange date.

During 2015,2018, Partnership receivedexchanged 10,185,333 Partnership exchangeable units, pursuant to exchange notices representing 31,302,135 Partnership exchangeable units. Pursuant toreceived. In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 8,150,00310,000,000 Partnership exchangeable units for approximately $293.7$561 million in cash and exchanging 23,152,132185,333 Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares,shares. During 2017, Partnership exchanged 9,286,480 Partnership exchangeable units, pursuant to exchange notices received. In accordance with the issuanceterms of which was accountedthe partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 5,000,000 Partnership exchangeable units for as a capital contributionapproximately $330 million in cash and exchanging 4,286,480 Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. During 2016, Partnership exchanged 6,744,244 Partnership exchangeable units, pursuant to exchange notices received. In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by exchanging these Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI to Partnership.common shares. The exchangeexchanges of Partnership exchangeable units waswere recorded as an increaseincreases to the Class A common units balance within partner’s capital in our consolidated balance sheetsheets in an amount equal to the market value of the newly issued RBI common shares and a reduction to the Partnership exchangeable units balance within partner’s capital of our consolidated balance sheetsheets in an amount equal to the cash paid by Partnership and the market value of the newly issued RBI common shares. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, upon the exchange of Partnership exchangeable units, each such Partnership exchangeable unit is automatically deemedwas cancelled concurrently with suchthe exchange.

Noncontrolling Interests

The noncontrolling interest recognized in connection with the Restaurant VIEs



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Table of Tim Hortons was $0.7 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

We adjust the Net income (loss) in our consolidated statement of operations to exclude the noncontrolling interests’ proportionate share of results. Also, we present the proportionate share of equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests as a separate component of equity within our consolidated balance sheet.

Distributions / Dividends Declared

Distributions declared on Class A common units were $89.1 million during 2015. Distributions declared on Partnership exchangeable units were $116.6 million during 2015. Dividends paid to shareholders of Burger King Worldwide common stock were $105.6 million in 2014 and $84.3 million in 2013.

As described above, following the Transactions, the partnership agreement requires Partnership to make distributions to RBI as the holder of the Class A common units in an amount equal to the aggregate dividends payable by RBI to holders of RBI common shares. Additionally, the partnership agreement requires Partnership to make distributions to holders of Partnership exchangeable units in an amount per unit equal to the dividend payable by RBI on each RBI common share. The terms of the Preferred Shares and the 2015 Amended Credit Agreement, 2015 Senior Notes Indenture and 2014 Senior Notes Indenture and applicable Canadian law limit RBI’s ability to pay cash dividends in certain circumstances.

Annual Bonus Election

We have a bonus program under which eligible employees may elect to use a portion of their annual bonus compensation to purchase RBI common shares, and prior to the Transactions, Burger King Worldwide common stock. During 2015, RBI issued approximately 0.1 million shares of RBI common shares to participants in this program, for aggregate consideration of $6.9 million. During 2014, we issued approximately 0.1 million shares of Burger King Worldwide common stock to participants in this program, for aggregate consideration of $3.3 million. During 2013, we issued approximately 0.3 million shares of Burger King Worldwide common stock to participants in this program, for aggregate consideration of $3.5 million.

Contents



Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table displays the change in the components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)AOCI (in millions):

  Derivatives  Pensions  Foreign Currency
Translation
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 

Balances at December 31, 2012

 $(29.2 $(3.8 $(77.3 $(110.3

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —      —      50.1    50.1  

Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment into net income

  —      —      (3.0  (3.0

Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax

  94.2    —      —      94.2  

Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax

  3.8    —      —      3.8  

Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax

  —      20.8    —      20.8  

Amortization of prior service (credits) costs, net of tax

  —      (1.8  —      (1.8

Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses, net of tax

  —      0.8    —      0.8  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2013

 $68.8   $16.0   $(30.2 $54.6  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —      —      (219.1  (219.1

Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax

  (53.3  —      —      (53.3

Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax

  (4.1  —      —      (4.1

Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax

  —      (23.8  —      (23.8

Amortization of prior service (credits) costs, net of tax

  —      (1.8  —      (1.8

Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses, net of tax

  —      (1.0  —      (1.0
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2014

 $11.4   $(10.6 $(249.3 $(248.5
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —      —      (1,830.8  (1,830.8

Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax

  605.8    —      —      605.8  

Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax

  19.8    —      —      19.8  

Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax

  —      (13.8  —      (13.8

Amortization of prior service (credits) costs, net of tax

  —      (1.8  —      (1.8

Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses, net of tax

  —      1.5    —      1.5  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2015

 $637.0   $(24.7 $(2,080.1 $(1,467.8
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The following table displays the reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

  Affected Line Item in the Amounts Reclassified from AOCI 

Details about AOCI Components

 

Statements of Operations

 2015  2014  2013 

Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:

    

Interest rate derivative contracts

 Interest expense, net $(12.0 $(6.6 $(6.1

Interest rate derivative contracts

 Other operating expenses (income), net  (27.6  13.4    —    

Forward-currency contracts

 Cost of sales  12.3    —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 Total before tax  (27.3  6.8    (6.1
 Income tax (expense) benefit  7.5    (2.7  2.3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 Net of tax $(19.8 $4.1   $(3.8
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Defined benefit pension:

    

Amortization of prior service credits(costs)

 SG&A (1) $2.9   $2.9   $3.0  

Amortization of actuarial gains(losses)

 SG&A (1)  (2.6  1.0    (1.2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 Total before tax  0.3    3.9    1.8  
 Income tax (expense) benefit  —      (1.1  (0.8
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 Net of tax $0.3   $2.8   $1.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment into net income:

    

Sale of foreign entity

 Other operating expenses (income), net  —      —      (3.0
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total reclassifications

 Net of tax $(19.5 $6.9   $(5.8
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Refers to Selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.


 Derivatives Pensions Foreign
Currency
Translation
 Accumulated 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balances at December 31, 2015$637
 $(24) $(2,080) $(1,467)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 223
 223
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax(119) 
 
 (119)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax16
 
 
 16
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax
 (8) 
 (8)
Balances at December 31, 2016$534
 $(32) $(1,857) $(1,355)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 824
 824
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax(382) 
 
 (382)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax25
 
 
 25
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax
 4
 
 4
Balances at December 31, 2017$177
 $(28) $(1,033) $(884)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 (831) (831)
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax263
 
 
 263
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax14
 
 
 14
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax
 1
 
 1
Balances at December 31, 2018$454
 $(27) $(1,864) $(1,437)
Note 20. Equity-based15. Share-based Compensation

Subsequent to the Transactions, equity-based

Share-based compensation expense associated with the participation of Partnership and its subsidiaries in RBI’s share-based compensation plans is recognized in Partnership’s financial statements.

On February 2, 2011, theJanuary 30, 2015, RBI’s board of directors approved: (i) adoption of Burger King Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (“Worldwide”) approved and adopted the Burger King Worldwide Holdings, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2011 Omnibus Plan”). The 2011 Omnibus Plan generally provided for the grant of awards to employees, directors, consultants and other persons who provide services to Worldwide and its subsidiaries.

On June 20, 2012, the board of directors of Burger King Worldwide adopted the Burger King Worldwide, Inc. 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2012 Omnibus Plan”). The 2012 Omnibus Plan generally provided for the grant of awards to employees, directors and other persons who provide services to Burger King Worldwide and its subsidiaries. All stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) under the 2011 Omnibus Plan outstanding on June 20, 2012 were assumed by Burger King Worldwide and converted into stock options to acquire common stock and RSUs of Burger King Worldwide, and Burger King Worldwide assumed all of the obligations of Worldwide under the 2011 Omnibus Plan. The Board also froze the 2011 Omnibus Plan. Subsequently, the board of directors of Burger King Worldwide adopted the Burger King Worldwide, Inc. Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan”) which increased the shares available for issuance. The Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan was approved by Burger King Worldwide stockholders at its annual meeting on May 15, 2013.

On December 12, 2014, the board of directors of RBI adopted the Restaurant Brands International Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, (the “2014 Omnibus Plan”). Thecurrently the Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, generally provides(the “Omnibus Plan”), to provide for the grant of awards to employees, directors, consultants and other persons who provide services to RBI and its subsidiaries. The 2014 Omnibus Plansubsidiaries; (ii) assumption and amendment of various legacy plans of BK, and assumption of the obligation for all BK stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) outstanding; and (iii) assumption and amendment of various legacy plans of TH, and assumption of the obligation for each vested and unvested TH stock option issued with tandem stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) that was approved bynot surrendered in connection with the shareholdersTim Hortons transaction on the same terms and conditions of RBI at RBI’s 2015 annual and special meeting held on June 17, 2015. the original awards, as adjusted. No new awards may be granted under these legacy BK plans or legacy TH plans.

RBI is currently issuing stock awards under the 2014 Omnibus Plan and the number of shares available for issuance under such Planplan as of December 31, 20152018 was 9,802,906.

On December 12, 2014, in connection with the Transactions, RBI assumed and amended the 2011 Omnibus Plan and Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Plan, assumed the obligation for all Burger King Worldwide stock options and RSUs outstanding under the 2011 Omnibus Plan and Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Plan at December 12, 2014 and froze the Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Plan. Additionally, RBI assumed and amended two legacy Tim Hortons plans and assumed the obligation for each vested

and unvested Tim Hortons stock option with tandem SARs that was not surrendered in connection with the Transactions on the same terms and conditions of the original awards, adjusted by an exchange ratio of 2.41.16,945,969. The assumed Tim Hortons awards vest ratably over a three year period commencing on the grant date and no new awards under these legacy Tim Hortons plans may be granted.

The 2014 Omnibus Plan permits the grant of several types of awards with respect to RBI common shares, including stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stocktime-vested RSUs, and performance-based RSUs, which may include RBI and/or individual performance shares. based-vesting conditions. Under the terms of the Omnibus Plan, RSUs are entitled to dividend equivalents, unless otherwise noted. Dividends are not distributed unless the awards vest. Upon vesting, the amount of the dividend, which is distributed in additional RSUs, except in the case of RSUs awarded to non-management members of RBI's board of directors, is equal to the equivalent of the aggregate dividends declared on common shares during the period from the date of grant of the award compounded until the date the shares underlying the award are delivered.

Stock option awards are granted with an exercise price or market value equal to the last salesclosing price of RBI’sRBI's common shares on the trading day preceding the date of grant. RBI satisfies stock option exercises through the issuance of authorized but previously unissued common shares. New stock option grants generally cliff vest five5 years from the original grant date, provided the employee is continuously employed by RBI or one of itsour subsidiaries, and the stock options expire ten10 years following the grant date. Additionally, if we terminateRBI terminates the employment of a stock option holder without cause prior to the vesting date, or if the employee retires or becomes disabled, the employee will become vested in the number of stock options as if the stock options vested 20% on each anniversary of the grant date. If the employee dies, the employee will become vested in the number of stock options as if the stock


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options vested 20% on the first anniversary of the grant date, 40% on the second anniversary of the grant date and 100% on the third anniversary of the grant date. If an employee is terminated with cause or resigns before vesting, all stock options are forfeited. If there is an event such as a return of capital or dividend that is determined to be dilutive, the exercise price of the awards will be adjusted accordingly.

During 2015, RBI granted a total of 198,065 performance based stock options and 262,889 performance based restricted stock units (the “Performance Awards”). The Performance Awards will vest one-third each on September 30, 2017, September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively, if the performance condition is met. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was used to determine the fair value of performance based stock options at the date of grant. The fair value of the performance based restricted stock units is based on the last sales price of RBI common shares on the trading day preceding the date of grant. Equity-based

Share-based compensation expense for the Performance Awards is recognized on a straight-line basis by tranche over the vesting period, once it is determined that it is probable that the performance condition will be met.

Equity-based compensation expense consistedconsists of the following for the periods presented:

   2015   2014   2013 

Stock options, stock options with tandem SARs and restricted stock units (a)

  $50.8    $43.1    $14.8  

Accelerated vesting of Tim Hortons restricted stock units and performance stock units (b)

   —       14.8     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity-based compensation expense (c)

  $50.8    $57.9    $14.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

presented (in millions):

 2018 2017 2016
Stock options, stock options with tandem SARs and RSUs (a)$48
 $48
 $35
Accelerated vesting of Popeyes stock options (b)
 12
 
Total share-based compensation expense (c)$48
 $60
 $35

(a)Includes (i) $5.1$2 million, $5 million, and $9.8$1 million due to accelerated vesting of awards due to terminations in 2015 and 2014, respectively, and (ii) $9.0 million, $10.4 million and $4.0 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, due to modification of awards.awards in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(b)Represents expense attributed to the post-combination service associated with the accelerated vesting of restricted and performance stock unitsoptions in connection with the Transactions. See Note 2,The Transactions.Popeyes Acquisition.
(c)Generally classified as Selling,selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

As of December 31, 2018, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements was $126 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.3 years.
The following assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock option awards at the grant date and, for stock options issued with tandem SARs, at each subsequent re-measurement date:

   2015  2014  2013

Risk-free interest rate

  1.17% - 2.07%  0.96% - 2.11%  1.26%

Expected term (in years)

  3.53 - 7.35  1.00 - 6.71  6.83

Expected volatility

  24.0% - 25.0%  20.0% - 25.0%  30.0%

Expected dividend yield

  1.00% - 1.09%  1.00% - 1.03%  1.10%


 2018 2017 2016
Risk-free interest rate2.13% 1.23% - 1.25% 0.85%
Expected term (in years)6.39 6.74 6.74
Expected volatility25.2% 24.5% 26.6%
Expected dividend yield3.08% 1.37% 1.81%
The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury or Canadian Sovereign bond yield with a remaining term equal to the expected option life assumed at the date of grant. The expected term was calculated based on the analysis of a three to five-year vesting period coupled with our expectations of exercise activity. Expected volatility was based on the historical equity volatility of RBI and a review of the equity volatilities of publicly-traded guideline companies. The expected dividend yield is based on the annual dividend yield at the time of grant.

The following is a summary of stock option activity under RBI’sour plans for the year ended December 31, 2015:

  Total Number of
Options (in 000’s)
  Weighted Average
Exercise Price
  Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (1)

(in 000’s)
  Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(Yrs)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2015

  21,328   $11.42    

Granted

  5,046   $41.34    

Exercised

  (1,703 $16.95    

Forfeited

  (655 $31.75    
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

  24,016   $16.28   $521,555    6.8  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2015

  8,120   $4.69   $265,297    5.0  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2015

  21,765   $15.71   $484,263    6.8  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2018:

 Total Number of
Options 
(in 000’s)
 Weighted 
Average
Exercise Price
 Aggregate 
Intrinsic
Value (a)
(in 000’s)
 Weighted 
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(Years)
Outstanding at January 1, 201820,071
 $25.15
    
Granted1,548
 $58.19
    
Exercised(7,268) $8.37
    
Forfeited(748) $48.26
    
Outstanding at December 31, 201813,603
 $36.41
 $231,988
 6.2
Exercisable at December 31, 20183,118
 $16.32
 $112,215
 3.8
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 201812,479
 $35.75
 $220,320
 6.1

(1)
(a)The intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair value of RBI common shareour stock exceeds the option exercise price at December 31, 2015.2018.



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The weighted-average grant date fair value per stock option granted was $10.12, $7.17$10.82, $12.57, and $5.23$7.53 during 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $40.3$371 million during 2015, $4.92018, $288 million during 20142017, and $25.3$47 million during 2013. As of December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options outstanding was $56.5 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.2 years.

2016.

The total fair value for liability classified stock options with SARs outstanding was $5.5 million and $34.8 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and is classified as Other liabilities, net in the consolidated balance sheets. During 2015, RBI modified a portion of these awards to remove the SAR and such SARs were cancelled as a result. The modification to remove the SARs resulted in a change in classification of the awards from liability to equitytime-vested RSUs and a corresponding reclassification of $10.2 million from Other liabilities, net to common shares in the consolidated balance sheets. As such these awards will no longer be remeasured to fair value after the modification date. Cash settlements of stock options with SARs was $30.6 million in 2015. There were no cash settlements of stock options with SARs in 2014 or 2013.

performance-based RSUs are measured at fair valueis based on the closing price of RBI’s common shares on the first businesstrading day preceding the date of grant. New grants generally cliff vest five years from the original grant date. RBI has awarded a limited number of performance-based RSUs that proportionally vest over a four year period. Time-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, exceptbased upon the probability that during 2014 and 2013the performance target will be met. RBI grants fully vested RSUs, with dividend equivalent rights that accrue in cash, to non-employee members of RBI’s board of directors were expensed immediately. RBI grants RSUs to non-employee members of itsRBI's board of directors in lieu of a cash retainer and committee fees. All such RSUs will settle and common shares of RBI will be issued upon termination of service by the board member.

The time-vested RSUs generally cliff vest five years from December 31st of the year preceding the grant date and performance-based RSUs generally cliff vest five years from the grant date (in each case, the “Anniversary Date”). If the employee is terminated for any reason within the first two years of the Anniversary Date, 100% of the time-vested RSUs granted will be forfeited. If RBI terminates the employment of a time-vested RSU holder without cause two years after the Anniversary Date, or if the employee retires, the employee will become vested in the number of time-vested RSUs as if the time-vested RSUs vested 20% for each year after the Anniversary Date. If the employee is terminated for any reason within the first three years of the Anniversary Date, 100% of the performance-based RSUs granted will be forfeited. If RBI terminates the employment of a performance-based RSU holder without cause between three and five years after the Anniversary Date, or if the employee retires, the employee will become vested in 50% of the performance-based RSUs on the fourth anniversary date. An alternate ratable vesting schedule applies to the extent the participant ends employment by reason of death or disability.
The following is a summary of RSUtime-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs activity for the year ended December 31, 2015:

   Total Number of
Shares

(in 000’s)
   Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2015

   287    $18.23  

Granted

   299    $35.00  

Vested & Settled

   —       —    

Forfeited

   —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

   586    $26.61  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The weighted average grant date fair value per RSU granted was $35.00 during 2015, $38.99 during 2014 and $22.74 during 2013. No RSUs settled during 2015 and 2014. 2018:


 Time-vested RSUs Performance-based RSUs
 Total Number of
Shares
(in 000’s)
 Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
 Total Number of
Shares
(in 000’s)
 Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 20181,293
 $38.64
 1,590
 $36.31
Granted329
 $57.68
 920
 $58.49
Vested and settled(43) $41.62
 (81) $34.68
Dividend equivalents granted31
 $
 58
 $
Forfeited(110) $51.05
 (80) $34.65
Outstanding at December 31, 20181,500
 $41.88
 2,407
 $45.25
The total intrinsic value, determined as of the date of vesting, of RSUs vested and converted to common shares of RBI during 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $7 million, $6 million and $3 million, respectively.
Note 16. Revenue Recognition
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
We transitioned to ASC 606 from the Previous Standards on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. Our Financial Statements reflect the application of ASC 606 guidance beginning in 2018, while our consolidated financial statements for prior periods were prepared under the guidance of the Previous Standards. The $250 million cumulative effect of our transition to ASC 606 is reflected as an adjustment to January 1, 2018 Partners' capital.
Our transition to ASC 606 represents a change in accounting principle. ASC 606 eliminates industry-specific guidance and provides a single revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of ASC 606 is that a reporting entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which settled was $0.8 million during 2013. Asthe reporting entity expects to be entitled for the exchange of those goods or services.


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Contract Liabilities
Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue resulting from initial and renewal franchise fees paid by franchisees, as well as upfront fees paid by master franchisees, which are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying agreement. We classify these contract liabilities as Other liabilities, net in our consolidated balance sheets. The following table reflects the change in contract liabilities by segment and on a consolidated basis between the date of adoption (January 1, 2018) and December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs outstanding was $8.7 million and is2018 (in millions):
Contract Liabilities TH BK PLK Consolidated
Balance at January 1, 2018 $47
 $402
 $6
 $455
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year (6) (43) 
 (49)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 24
 58
 13
 95
Impact of foreign currency translation (3) (12) 
 (15)
Balance at December 31, 2018 $62
 $405
 $19
 $486
The following table illustrates estimated revenues expected to be recognized overin the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) by segment and on a weighted-average periodconsolidated basis as of approximately 2.7 years.

Note 21. Sales and Cost of Sales

Sales and cost of sales consists of the followingDecember 31, 2018 (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Supply chain sales

  $1,828.4    $79.4    $—    

Company restaurant sales (a)

   340.6     88.0     222.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sales

  $2,169.0    $167.4    $222.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a)Includes Restaurant VIEs’ sales.

   2015   2014   2013 

Supply chain cost of sales

  $1,525.5    $80.5    $—    

Company restaurant expenses (b)

   284.0     75.9     195.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of sales

  $1,809.5    $156.4    $195.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(b)Includes Restaurant VIEs’ cost of sales.

Note 22. Franchise and Property

Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in TH BK PLK Consolidated
2019 $7
 $30
 $1
 $38
2020 7
 29
 1
 37
2021 7
 28
 1
 36
2022 6
 28
 1
 35
2023 6
 27
 1
 34
Thereafter 29
 263
 14
 306
Total $62
 $405
 $19
 $486

Disaggregation of Total Revenues

Franchise and property

Total revenues consist of the following (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Franchise royalties

  $936.5    $701.1    $657.0  

Property revenues

   760.2     242.7     213.7  

Franchise fees and other revenue

   186.5     87.6     52.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Franchise and property revenues

  $1,883.2    $1,031.4    $923.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Refer

 2018 2017 2016
Sales$2,355
 $2,390
 $2,205
Royalties2,165
 1,215
 993
Property revenues744
 765
 753
Franchise fees and other revenue93
 206
 195
Total revenues$5,357
 $4,576
 $4,146








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Financial Statement Impact of Transition to Note 13ASC 606
As noted above, we transitioned to ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method on January 1, 2018. The cumulative effect of this transition to applicable contracts with customers that were not completed as of January 1, 2018 was recorded as an adjustment to Partners’ capital as of this date. As a result of applying the modified retrospective method to transition to ASC 606, the following adjustments were made to the consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2018 (in millions):
 As Reported Total Adjusted
 December 31, 2017 Adjustments January 1, 2018
ASSETS     
Current assets:     
Cash and cash equivalents$1,097
 $
 $1,097
Accounts and notes receivable, net489
 
 489
Inventories, net78
 
 78
Prepaids and other current assets86
 (23) 63
Total current assets1,750
 (23) 1,727
Property and equipment, net2,133
 
 2,133
Intangible assets, net11,062
 
 11,062
Goodwill5,782
 
 5,782
Net investment in property leased to franchisees71
 
 71
Other assets, net426
 107
 533
Total assets$21,224
 $84
 $21,308
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY     
Current liabilities:     
Accounts and drafts payable$496
 $
 $496
Other accrued liabilities866
 9
 875
Gift card liability215
 (43) 172
Current portion of long term debt and capital leases78
 
 78
Total current liabilities1,655
 (34) 1,621
Term debt, net of current portion11,801
 
 11,801
Capital leases, net of current portion244
 
 244
Other liabilities, net1,455
 426
 1,881
Deferred income taxes, net1,508
 (58) 1,450
Total liabilities16,663
 334
 16,997
Partners' capital     
Class A common units4,168
 (132) 4,036
Partnership exchangeable units1,276
 (118) 1,158
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(884) 
 (884)
Total Partners' capital4,560
 (250) 4,310
Noncontrolling interests1
 
 1
Total equity4,561
 (250) 4,311
Total liabilities and equity$21,224
 $84
 $21,308


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Franchise Fees
The cumulative adjustment for franchise fees consists of the following:
A $321 million increase in Other liabilities, net for the componentscumulative reversal and deferral of previously recognized franchise fees related to franchise agreements in effect at January 1, 2018 that were entered into subsequent to the acquisitions of BK in 2010, TH in 2014 and PLK in 2017 (net of the cumulative revenue attributable for the period through January 1, 2018), with a corresponding decrease to Partners’ capital.
A $107 million increase in Other assets, net for the previously unrecognized value of equity interests received in connection with MFDA arrangements. This increase resulted in a corresponding increase in Other liabilities, net of $105 million and an increase to Partners’ capital of $2 million for the cumulative effect of revenue attributable for the period between the inception of each such arrangement and January 1, 2018.
A $67 million decrease to Deferred income taxes, net for the tax effects of the two adjustments noted above, with a corresponding increase to Partners’ capital.
Advertising Funds
The cumulative adjustment for advertising funds reflects the recognition of cumulative advertising expenditures temporarily in excess of cumulative advertising fund contributions as of January 1, 2018, which is reflected as a $23 million decrease in Prepaids and other current assets and a $23 million decrease to Partners’ capital.
Gift Card Breakage
The adjustment for gift card breakage reflects the impact of the change to recognize gift card breakage proportionately as gift card balances are used rather than when it is deemed remote that the unused gift card balance would be redeemed, as done under the Previous Standards. The cumulative effect of applying ASC 606 accounting to gift card balances outstanding at January 1, 2018 is reflected as a $43 million decrease in Gift card liability, a $9 million increase in Other accrued liabilities, a $9 million increase in Deferred income taxes, net and a $25 million increase in January 1, 2018 Partners’ capital.


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Comparison to Amounts if Previous Standards Had Been in Effect
The following tables reflect the impact of adoption of ASC 606 on our consolidated statements of operations for 2018 and cash flows from operating activities for 2018 and our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 and the amounts as if the Previous Standards were in effect (“Amounts Under Previous Standards”) (in millions):
Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2018
 As Reported Total Adjustments Amounts Under Previous Standards
Revenues:     
Sales$2,355
 $
 $2,355
Franchise and property revenues3,002
 (750) 2,252
Total revenues5,357
 (750) 4,607
Operating costs and expenses:     
Cost of sales1,818
 
 1,818
Franchise and property expenses422
 
 422
Selling, general and administrative expenses1,214
 (785) 429
(Income) loss from equity method investments(22) (6) (28)
Other operating expenses (income), net8
 (1) 7
Total operating costs and expenses3,440
 (792) 2,648
Income from operations1,917
 42
 1,959
Interest expense, net535
 1
 536
Income before income taxes1,382
 41
 1,423
Income tax expense238
 9
 247
Net income1,144
 32
 1,176
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests1
 
 1
Net income attributable to common unitholders$1,143
 $32
 $1,175
      
Earnings per unit - basic and diluted:     
Class A common units$3.03
   $3.12
Partnership exchangeable units$2.46
   $2.53
The following summarizes the adjustments to our condensed consolidated statement of operations for 2018 to reflect our consolidated statement of operations as if we had continued to recognize revenue under the Previous Standards:
As described above, our transition to ASC 606 resulted in the deferral of franchise fees, recognition of franchise fees in connection with MFDAs where we received an equity interest in the equity method investee, and a change in the timing of recognizing gift card breakage income. The adjustments for 2018 to reflect the recognition of this revenue as if the Previous Standards were in effect consists of a $43 million increase in Franchise and property revenues.

revenue and a $11 million increase in Income tax expense.

The adjustments to (income) loss from equity method investments for 2018 reflect the amount of losses from equity method investments we would not have recognized if the Previous Standards were in effect. There is no tax impact related to these adjustments.
As described above, under the Previous Standards our statement of operations did not reflect gross presentations of advertising fund contributions and expenses. Our transition to ASC 606 requires the presentation of advertising fund contributions and advertising fund expenses on a gross basis. The adjustments for 2018 reflect advertising fund contributions and expenses as if the Previous Standards were in effect consist of a $793 million decrease in Franchise and property revenues, a $785 million decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses, a $1 million decrease in Other operating expenses (income), net, a $1 million increase in Interest expense, net, and a $2 million decrease in Income tax expense.


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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for 2018
The transition to ASC 606 had no net impact on our cash provided by operating activities and no impact on our cash used for investing activities or cash used for financing activities during 2018.
    Total Amounts Under
  As Reported Adjustments Previous Standards
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $1,144
 $32
 $1,176
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 180
 
 180
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount 29
 
 29
(Income) loss from equity method investments (22) (6) (28)
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions (33) 
 (33)
Net (gains) losses on derivatives (40) 
 (40)
Share-based compensation expense 48
 
 48
Deferred income taxes 29
 9
 38
Other 5
 
 5
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:      
Accounts and notes receivable 19
 
 19
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets (7) 6
 (1)
Accounts and drafts payable 41
 7
 48
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability (219) (6) (225)
Tenant inducements paid to franchisees (52) 
 (52)
Other long-term assets and liabilities 43
 (42) 1
Net cash provided by operating activities $1,165
 $
 $1,165


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Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018
 As Reported Total Amounts Under
 December 31, 2018 Adjustments Previous Standards
ASSETS     
Current assets:     
Cash and cash equivalents$913
 $
 $913
Accounts and notes receivable, net452
 
 452
Inventories, net75
 
 75
Prepaids and other current assets60
 17
 77
Total current assets1,500
 17
 1,517
Property and equipment, net1,996
 
 1,996
Intangible assets, net10,463
 
 10,463
Goodwill5,486
 
 5,486
Net investment in property leased to franchisees54
 
 54
Other assets, net642
 (101) 541
Total assets$20,141
 $(84) $20,057
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY     
Current liabilities:     
Accounts and drafts payable$513
 $7
 $520
Other accrued liabilities637
 (15) 622
Gift card liability167
 42
 209
Current portion of long term debt and capital leases91
 
 91
Total current liabilities1,408
 34
 1,442
Term debt, net of current portion11,823
 
 11,823
Capital leases, net of current portion226
 
 226
Other liabilities, net1,547
 (468) 1,079
Deferred income taxes, net1,519
 67
 1,586
Total liabilities16,523
 (367) 16,156
Partners' capital     
Class A common units4,323
 155
 4,478
Partnership exchangeable units730
 128
 858
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,437) 
 (1,437)
Total Partners' capital3,616
 283
 3,899
Noncontrolling interests2
 
 2
Total equity3,618
 283
 3,901
Total liabilities and equity$20,141
 $(84) $20,057
Note 23.17. Other Operating Expenses (Income), net

Other operating expenses (income), net, consist of the following (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings

  $22.0    $25.4    $0.7  

Litigation settlements and reserves, net

   1.3     4.0     7.6  

Net losses on derivatives

   37.3     290.9     —    

Foreign exchange net losses (gains)

   46.7     (3.8   7.4  

Other, net

   (1.8   10.9     5.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other operating expenses (income), net

  $105.5    $327.4    $21.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closures and Dispositions


 2018 2017 2016
Net losses on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings$19
 $29
 $18
Litigation settlements and reserves, net11
 2
 1
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange(33) 77
 (20)
Other, net11
 1
 
Other operating expenses (income), net$8
 $109
 $(1)


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Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings represent sales of properties and other costs related to restaurant closures and refranchisings, and are recorded in Other operating expenses (income), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.refranchisings. Gains and losses recognized in the current period may reflect certain costs related to closures and refranchisings that occurred in previous periods.

During 2015,

Litigation settlements and reserves, net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closuresprimarily reflects accruals and refranchisings consisted of net losses associatedpayments made and proceeds received in connection with refranchisings of $2.6 million and net losses associated with asset disposals and restaurant closures of $19.4 million.

During 2014, net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings consisted of net losses associated with refranchisings of $10.5 million and net losses associated with asset disposals and restaurant closures of $14.9 million.

During 2013, net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings consisted of net gains associated with refranchisings of $5.3 million, net losses from sale of subsidiaries of $1.0 million and net losses associated with asset disposals and restaurant closures of $5.0 million.

litigation matters.

Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange is primarily related to revaluation of foreign denominated assets and liabilities.

During 2015,

Other, net losses on derivativesduring 2018 is comprised primarily reflectsof a payment in connection with the reclassificationsettlement of losses on cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earningscertain provisions associated with the 2017 redemption of our preferred shares as a result of de-designation and settlement of certain interest rate swaps.

During 2014, we entered into foreign currency forward and foreign currency option contracts to hedge our exposure to the volatility of the Canadian dollar in connection with the cash portion of the purchase price of the Tim Hortons acquisition. We recorded a net loss on derivatives of $133.0 million related to the change in fair value on these instruments and an expense of $59.9 million related to the premium on the foreign currency option contracts. These instruments were settled in the fourth quarter of 2014. Additionally, as a result of discontinuing hedge accounting on our interest rate caps and forward-starting interest rate swaps, we recognized a loss of $34.5 million related to the change in fair value related to both instruments and a net gain of $13.4 million related to the reclassification of amounts from AOCI into earnings related to both instruments. These instruments were settled in the fourth quarter of 2014. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2014, we entered into a series of forward-starting interest rate swaps to hedge the variability in the interest payments associated with our 2014 Term Loan Facility and recorded a gain of $88.9 million related to the change in fair value related to these instruments. Lastly, during the fourth quarter of 2014, we entered into a series of cross-currency rate swaps to protect the value of our investments in our foreign operations against adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates and recorded a loss of $165.8 million related to the change in fair value on these instruments. See recently proposed Treasury regulations.

Note 17,Derivative Instruments for additional information about accounting for our derivative instruments.

Note 24.18. Commitments and Contingencies

Guarantees

We guarantee certain lease payments

Letters of franchisees arising from leases assigned in connection with sales of Company restaurants to franchisees, by remaining secondarily liable for base and contingent rents under the assigned leases of varying terms. The maximum contingent rent amount is not determinable as the amount is based on future revenues. In the event of default by the franchisees, we have typically retained the right to acquire possession of the related restaurants, subject to landlord consent. The potential amount of undiscounted payments we could be required to make in the event of non-payment by the franchisee arising from these assigned lease guarantees, excluding contingent rents, was $18.6 million as of December 31, 2015, expiring over an average period of four years.

From time to time, we enter into agreements under which we guarantee loans made by third parties to qualified franchisees. Credit

As of December 31, 2015, there were $119.1 million of loans outstanding to Burger King franchisees that2018, we had guaranteed under six such programs, with additional franchisee borrowing capacity of approximately $235.5 million remaining. Our maximum guarantee liability under these six programs is limited to an aggregate of $42.5 million, assuming full utilization of all borrowing capacity. We record a liability in the period the loans are funded and the maximum term of the guarantee is approximately ten years. As of December 31, 2015, the liability reflecting the fair value of these guarantee obligations was $4.4 million. In addition to these six programs, as of December 31, 2015, we also had a liability of $0.1 million, with a potential maximum guarantee exposure of $2.5 million, in connection with Tim Hortons franchisee loan guarantees. No significant payments have been made by us in connection with these guarantees through December 31, 2015.

Letters of Credit

As of December 31, 2015, we had $25.8$20 million in irrevocable standby letters of credit outstanding, which were issued primarily to certain insurance carriers to guarantee payments of deductibles for various insurance programs, such as health and commercial liability insurance. Of theseThese letters of credit outstanding $3.8 million are secured by the collateral under our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility and the remainder are secured by cash collateral.Facility. As of December 31, 2015,2018, no amounts had been drawn on any of these irrevocable standby letters of credit.

Vendor Relationships

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000, we entered into long-term, exclusive contracts with soft drink vendors to supply Company and franchise restaurants with their products and obligating Burger King restaurants in the United States to purchase a specified number of gallons of soft drink syrup. These volume commitments are not subject to any time limit and as of December 31, 2015, we estimate it will take approximately 15 years for these purchase commitments to be completed. In the event of early termination of this arrangement, we may be required to make termination payments that could be material to our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Purchase Commitments
We have separate arrangements for information technology and telecommunication services with an aggregate contractual obligation of $78.9$41 million over the next fivethree years, with nosome of which have early termination fee.

fees. We also enter into commitments to purchase advertising. As of December 31, 2015,2018, these commitments to purchase advertising totaled $224.3$380 million and run through December 2016.

2024.

Litigation

On March 1, 2013, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against BKC in the U.S. District Court of Maryland. The complaint alleges that BKC and/or its agents sent unsolicited advertisements by fax to thousands of consumers in Maryland and elsewhere in the United States to promote its home delivery program in violation of the Telephone Consumers Protection Act. The plaintiff sought monetary damages and injunctive relief. On August 19, 2014, BKC agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle the lawsuit. On December 2, 2014, the parties finalized a settlement agreement which received final court approval on April 15, 2015.

From time to time, we are involved in other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business relating to matters including, but not limited to, disputes with franchisees, suppliers, employees and customers, as well as disputes over our intellectual property.

New BK Global Headquarters

On June 19, 2017, a claim was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against The TDL Group Corp, a subsidiary of RBI, RBI, the Tim Hortons Ad Fund and certain individual defendants. The plaintiff, a franchisee of two Tim Hortons restaurants, seeks to certify a class of all persons who have carried on business as a Tim Hortons franchisee in Canada at any time after December 15, 2014. The claim alleges various causes of action against the defendants in relation to the purported misuse of amounts paid by members of the proposed class to the Tim Hortons Canada advertising fund (the “Ad Fund”). The plaintiff seeks to have the Ad Fund franchisee contributions held in trust for the benefit of members of the proposed class, an accounting of the Ad Fund, as well as damages for breach of contract, breach of trust, breach of the statutory duty of fair dealing, and breach of fiduciary duties.
On October 6, 2017, a claim was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against the same defendants as named above. The plaintiffs, two franchisees of Tim Hortons restaurants, seek to certify a class of all persons who have carried on business as a Tim Hortons franchisee at any time after March 8, 2017. The claim alleges various causes of action against the defendants in relation to the purported adverse treatment of member and potential member franchisees of the Great White North Franchisee Association. The plaintiffs seek damages for, among other things, breach of contract, breach of the statutory duty of fair dealing, and breach of the franchisees’ statutory right of association.
In November 2015, we entered into an agreementconnection with these two lawsuits, the court granted our motion to lease a buildingstrike the individuals named in Miami, Florida, to serve as our U.S. headquartersthe lawsuits, RBI and BK global restaurant support center beginning inthe Tim Hortons Ad Fund on October 22, 2018. The initial termonly defendant that remains in the lawsuits is The TDL Group Corp.
On July 24, 2018, a complaint for declaratory relief was filed against Tim Hortons USA, Inc. (“THUSA”) and Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership in the Circuit Court of the lease is for 15 years with two 5-year renewal options.11th Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County, Florida by Great White North Franchisee Association - USA, Inc., on behalf of its members. The annual base rent steps up over the termcomplaint alleges certain breaches of the lease from $1.8 millionfranchise agreements between THUSA and its franchisees and the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, as well as violations of the U.S. franchise rules and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
On October 5, 2018, a class action complaint was filed against Burger King Worldwide, Inc. (“BKW”) and Burger King Corporation (“BKC”) in the first year to $4.9 millionU.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Jarvis Arrington, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. On October 18, 2018, a second class action complaint was filed against RBI, BKW and BKC in the final year.

Insurance Programs

We carry insurance programs to cover claims such as workers’ compensation, general liability, automotive liability, executive riskU.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Monique Michel, individually and property,on behalf of all others similarly situated. On October 31, 2018, a third class action complaint was filed against BKC and are self-insuredBKW in the U.S. District Court for healthcare claimsthe Southern District



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of Florida by Geneva Blanchard and Tiffany Miller, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. On November 2, 2018, a fourth class action complaint was filed against RBI, BKW and BKC in the U.S. District Court for eligible participating employees. Through the useSouthern District of insurance program deductibles (up to $5.0 million)Florida by Sandra Muster, individually and self-insurance, we retain a significant portionon behalf of all others similarly situated. These complaints allege that the defendants violated Section 1 of the expected losses under these programs.

Insurance reserves have been recorded based on our estimateSherman Act by incorporating an employee no-solicitation and no-hiring clause in the standard form franchise agreement all Burger King franchisees are required to sign. Each plaintiff seeks injunctive relief and damages for himself or herself and other members of the anticipated ultimate costs to settle allclass.

While we believe the claims both reported and incurred-but-not-reported (IBNR), and such reserves include judgments and independent actuarial assumptions about economic conditions, the frequency or severity of claims and claim development patterns, and claim reserve, management and settlement practices. We had $9.8 million in accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and $12.8 million as of December 31, 2014 for these claims.

Note 25. Variable Interest Entities

VIEs for Which We Are the Primary Beneficiary

We consolidate 141 and 270 Restaurant VIEs at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, where TH is the restaurants’ primary beneficiary and Advertising VIEs. During the year ended December 31, 2015, sales and operating costs and expenses associated with Restaurant VIEs were $226.9 million and $222.8 million, respectively, prior to consolidation adjustments. During the year ended December 31, 2014, sales and operating costs and expenses associated with Restaurant VIEs were $12.6 million and $12.4 million, respectively, prior to consolidation adjustments.

The balance sheet data associated with Restaurant VIEs and Advertising VIEs presented on a gross basis, prior to consolidation adjustments, are as follows:

   As of December 31, 2015   As of December 31, 2014 
   Restaurant
VIE’s
   Advertising
VIE’s
   Restaurant
VIE’s
   Advertising
VIE’s
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $2.8    $—      $5.9    $—    

Inventories and other current assets, net

   2.5     —       5.2     —    

Advertising fund restricted assets – current

   —       57.5     —       53.0  

Property and equipment, net

   4.9     37.4     10.7     55.7  

Other assets, net

   0.1     0.1     0.2     0.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $10.3    $95.0    $22.0    $109.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Notes payable to Tim Hortons – current (1)

  $4.6    $9.6    $9.2    $11.4  

Other accrued liabilities

   3.6     0.1     7.5     0.2  

Advertising fund liabilities – current

   —       49.1     —       45.5  

Notes payable to Tim Hortons – long-term (1)

   —       30.2     0.3     45.5  

Long-term debt

   1.1     —       —       —    

Other liabilities, net

   0.3     6.0     3.9     6.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   9.6     95.0     20.9     109.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity of VIEs

   0.7     —       1.1     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $10.3    $95.0    $22.0    $109.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Various assets and liabilities are eliminated upon the consolidation of these VIEs.

The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not necessarily represent additional claims on our general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs. Conversely, assets recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims by our creditors as they are not legally included within our general assets.

VIEs for Which We Are Not the Primary Beneficiary

We have investments in certain TH real estate ventures and certain BK master franchisees, which were determined to be VIEs of whichwithout merit, we are notunable to predict the primary beneficiary. We do not consolidateultimate outcome of these entities as control is considered to be shared by both THcases or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.

Note 19. Segment Reporting and the other joint ownersGeographical Information
As stated in the caseNote 1, Description of the TH real estate ventures, or control rests with other parties in the case of BK master franchisee VIEs.

Note 26. Segment Reporting

Business and Organization, we manage three brands. Under the Tim Hortons brand, we operate in the donut/coffee/tea category of the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. Under the Burger King brand, we operate in the fast food hamburger restaurant category of the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. We generateUnder the Popeyes brand, we operate in the chicken category of the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. Our business generates revenue from fourthe following sources: (i) sales exclusive to Tim Hortons franchisees related to our supply chain operations, including manufacturing, procurement, warehousing and distribution, as well as sales to retailers; (ii) property revenues from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees; (iii) franchise revenues, consisting primarily of royalties based on a percentage of sales reported by franchise restaurants and franchise fees paid by franchisees; (ii) property revenues from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees; and (iv)(iii) sales at restaurants owned by us (“Company restaurants.

Priorrestaurants”). In addition, our TH business generates revenue from sales to 2015, we had five operating segments consisting of TH and four geographical regions of BK. We completed an internal reorganization of our business following the Transactions, which resulted in two brand presidents, both of whom reportfranchisees related to our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”),supply chain operations, including manufacturing, procurement, warehousing and distribution, as well as sales to retailers.

Each brand is managed by a brand president that reports directly to our Chief Executive Officer, who is our Chief Executive Officer. This reorganization changed the way our CODM manages and evaluates our business. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2015,Operating Decision Maker. Therefore, we determined we had twohave three operating segments: (1) TH, which includes all operations of our Tim Hortons brand, and (2) BK, which includes all operations of our Burger King brand.

We also determined that brand, and (3) PLK, which includes all operations of our twoPopeyes brand. Our three operating segments represent our reportable segments. This

As stated in Note 16, Revenue Recognition, we transitioned to ASC 606 on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. Our Financial Statements reflect the application of ASC 606 guidance beginning in 2018, while our Financial Statements for prior periods were prepared under the guidance of the Previous Standards. For comparability purposes, we have disclosed 2018 total revenues by operating segment under the Previous Standards as well as segment income with a reconciliation to net income under the Previous Standards. See Note 16, Revenue Recognition, for further details of the effects of this change had no effectin accounting principle on total revenues and net income.
PLK revenues and segment income from the acquisition date of March 27, 2017 through December 31, 2017 are included in our previously reported consolidated resultsstatement of operations financial position or cash flows. In connection with this change, we have reclassified historical amounts to conform to our current segment presentation.

for 2017. The following tables present revenues, by segment income,and by country, depreciation and amortization, (income) loss from equity method investments, and capital expenditures assets, and long-lived assets by segment (in millions):

   2015   2014   2013 

Revenues:

      

TH

  $2,956.9    $143.6    $—    

BK

   1,095.3     1,055.2     1,146.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

  $4,052.2    $1,198.8    $1,146.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues in

 
2018
As Reported
 
2018
Amounts Under Previous Standards
 2017 2016
Revenues by operating segment:       
TH$3,292
 $3,077
 $3,155
 $3,001
BK1,651
 1,251
 1,219
 1,145
PLK414
 279
 202
 
Total$5,357
 $4,607
 $4,576
 $4,146
        
Revenues by country (a):       
Canada$2,984
   $2,832
 $2,672
United States1,785
   1,190
 1,004
Other588
   554
 470
Total$5,357
   $4,576
 $4,146


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Depreciation and amortization:       
TH$108
   $110
 $108
BK61
   62
 64
PLK11
   10
 
Total$180
   $182
 $172
(Income) loss from equity method investments:       
TH$(6)   $(8) $(8)
BK(16)   (4) (12)
Total$(22)   $(12) $(20)
Capital expenditures:       
TH$59
   $13
 $12
BK25
   23
 22
PLK2
   1
 
Total$86
   $37
 $34

(a)Only Canada were $2,623.2 million in 2015, $152.0 million in 2014, and $60.9 million in 2013. Total revenues outside of Canada were $1,429.0 million in 2015, $1,046.8 million in 2014, and $1,085.4 million in 2013.

Thethe United States represented 10% or more of our total revenues in each period presented.

Total revenuesassets by segment, and long-lived assets by segment and country are as follows (in millions):
 Assets Long-Lived Assets
 As of December 31, As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
By operating segment:       
TH$12,666
 $13,733
 $1,226
 $1,351
BK4,514
 4,633
 729
 751
PLK2,420
 2,440
 95
 102
Unallocated541
 418
 
 
Total$20,141
 $21,224
 $2,050
 $2,204
By country:       
Canada    $945
 $1,059
United States    1,098
 1,138
Other    7
 7
Total    $2,050
 $2,204
Long-lived assets include property and equipment, net, and net investment in property leased to franchisees. Only Canada and the United States were $982.2 million in 2015, $630.9 million in 2014,represented 10% or more of our total long-lived assets as of December 31, 2018 and $604.4 million in 2013.

December 31, 2017.



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Our measure of segment income is Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings (net income or loss) before interest expense, net, loss on early extinguishment of debt, taxes,income tax expense (benefit), and depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude the non-cash impact of share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense other operating expenses (income), net,and (income) loss from equity method investments, net of cash distributions received from equity method investments, as well as other operating expenses (income), net. Other specifically identified costs associated with non-recurring projects are also excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, including fees and allexpenses associated with the Popeyes Acquisition (“PLK Transaction costs”), Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees related to the interpretation and implementation of the Tax Act, including Treasury regulations proposed in late 2018, non-operational Office centralization and relocation costs in connection with the centralization and relocation of our Canadian and U.S. restaurant support centers to new offices in Toronto, Ontario, and Miami, Florida, respectively, and integration costs associated with the acquisition of Tim Hortons. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to measure operating performance of the business, excluding these non-cash and other specifically identified items that management believes doare not directly reflect our core operations. Adjusted EBITDA assists management in comparing segmentrelevant to management’s assessment of operating performance by removingor the impactperformance of such items, including acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales and TH transaction and restructuring costs.an acquired business. A reconciliation of segment income to net income (loss) consists of the following:

   2015   2014   2013 

Segment Income:

      

TH

  $906.7    $34.9    $—    

BK

   759.5     726.0     665.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   1,666.2     760.9     665.6  

Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense

   51.8     37.3     17.6  

Aquisition accounting impact on cost of sales

   0.5     11.8     —    

TH transaction and restructuring costs

   116.7     125.0     —    

Global portfolio realignment project costs

   —       —       26.2  

Impact of equity method investments (a)

   17.7     9.5     12.7  

Other operating expenses (income), net

   105.5     327.4     21.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

   1,374.0     249.9     587.8  

Depreciation and amortization

   181.8     68.8     65.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

   1,192.2     181.1     522.2  

Interest expense, net

   478.3     279.7     200.0  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   40.0     155.4     —    

Income tax expense

   162.2     14.9     88.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $511.7    $(268.9  $233.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

following (in millions):
 
2018
As Reported
 
2018
Amounts Under Previous Standards
 2017 2016
Segment income:       
TH$1,127
 $1,128
 $1,136
 $1,072
BK928
 950
 903
 816
PLK157
 169
 107
 
Adjusted EBITDA2,212
 2,247
 2,146
 1,888
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense55
 55
 55
 42
PLK Transaction costs10
 10
 62
 
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees25
 25
 2
 
Office centralization and relocation costs20
 20
 
 
Integration costs
 
 
 16
Impact of equity method investments (a)(3) (9) 1
 (8)
Other operating expenses (income), net8
 7
 109
 (1)
EBITDA2,097
 2,139
 1,917
 1,839
Depreciation and amortization180
 180
 182
 172
Income from operations1,917
 1,959
 1,735
 1,667
Interest expense, net535
 536
 512
 467
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
 122
 
Income tax expense (benefit)238
 247
 (134) 244
Net income (loss)$1,144
 $1,176
 $1,235
 $956
(a)Represents (i) (income) loss from equity method investments and (ii) cash distributions received from our equity method investments. Cash distributions received from our equity method investments are included in segment income.

   2015   2014   2013 

Depreciation and Amortization:

    

TH

  $121.4    $4.5    $—    

BK

   60.4     64.3     65.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total depreciation and amortization

  $181.8    $68.8    $65.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2015   2014   2013 

(Income) Loss from Equity Method Investments:

    

TH

  $(7.9  $(0.3  $—    

BK

   12.0     9.8     12.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (income) loss from equity method investments

  $4.1    $9.5    $12.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2015   2014   2013 

Capital Expenditures:

    

TH

  $88.1    $8.0    $—    

BK

   27.2     22.9     25.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capital expenditures

  $115.3    $30.9    $25.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Assets   Long-Lived Assets 
   As of December 31,   As of December 31, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 

TH

  $12,646.8    $14,814.4    $1,407.5    $1,667.0  

BK

   4,693.1     5,277.6     860.3     910.0  

Unallocated

   1,068.6     1,251.0     —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $18,408.5    $21,343.0    $2,267.8    $2,577.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-lived assets include Property and equipment, net, and Net investment in property leased to franchisees. Long-lived assets in Canada totaled $1,056.9 million as




98

Table of December 31, 2015 and $1,288.8 million as of December 31, 2014. Long-lived assets in the United States totaled $1,187.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and $1,261.3 million as of December 31, 2014. Only Canada and the United States represented 10% or more of our total long-lived assets as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Contents



Note 27.20. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Our Financial Statements reflect the application of ASC 606 guidance beginning in 2018, while our consolidated financial statements for prior periods were prepared under the guidance of the Previous Standards. As such, 2018 results are not comparable to 2017 results.
Summarized unaudited quarterly financial data (in millions, except per share data):

   Quarters Ended 
   March 31,
2015
   June 30,
2015
   September 30,
2015
   December 31,
2015
 

Revenues

  $933.3    $1,042.1    $1,019.8    $1,057.0  

Income from operations

  $224.1    $302.1    $344.2    $321.8  

Net income

  $50.6    $93.7    $182.9    $184.5  

Earnings (loss) per unit - basic:

        

Class A common units

  $(0.04  $0.05    $0.25    $0.25  

Partnership exchangeable units

  $(0.04  $0.05    $0.25    $0.25  

Earnings (loss) per unit - diluted:

        

Class A common units

  $(0.04  $0.05    $0.25    $0.25  

Partnership exchangeable units

  $(0.04  $0.05    $0.25    $0.25  
   Quarters Ended 
   March 31,
2014
   June 30,
2014
   September 30,
2014
   December 31,
2014
 

Revenues

  $240.9    $261.2    $278.9    $417.8  

Income (loss) from operations

  $131.3    $151.5    $0.9    $(102.6

Net income (loss)

  $60.4    $75.1    $(23.5  $(380.9

Earnings (loss) per unit / share - basic:

        

Class A common units

   —       —       —      $(1.63

Partnership exchangeable units

   —       —       —      $(1.63

Common shares

  $0.17    $0.21    $(0.07  $(0.52

Earnings (loss) per unit / share - diluted:

        

Class A common units

   —       —       —      $(1.63

Partnership exchangeable units

   —       —       —      $(1.63

Common shares

  $0.17    $0.21    $(0.07  $(0.52

was as follows:


 Quarters Ended
 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Total revenues$1,254
 $1,001
 $1,343
 $1,132
 $1,375
 $1,209
 $1,385
 $1,234
Income from operations$421
 $336
 $503
 $415
 $477
 $479
 $516
 $505
Net income$279
 $167
 $314
 $243
 $250
 $247
 $301
 $578
Basic and diluted earnings per unit               
Class A common units$0.73
 $0.25
 $0.83
 $0.44
 $0.66
 $0.45
 $0.81
 $1.96
Partnership exchangeable units$0.60
 $0.21
 $0.67
 $0.38
 $0.53
 $0.39
 $0.65
 $1.64
Note 28.21. Supplemental Financial Information

On May 22, 2015, 1011778 B.CB.C. Unlimited Liability Company (the “Parent Issuer”) and New Red Finance Inc. (the “Co-Issuer” and together with the Parent Issuer, the “Issuers”) entered into the 2015 Amended Credit Agreementan amended credit agreement that provides for obligations under the 2014 Credit Facilities. On May 22, 2015 the Issuers entered into the 2015 Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 2015 Senior Notes. On October 8, 2014 the Issuers entered into an indenture (the “2014the 2014 Senior Notes Indenture”)Indenture with respect to the 2014 Senior Notes.

The 2015 Amendedagreement governing our Credit Agreement,Facilities, the 2015 Senior Notes Indenture and the 2014 Senior Notes Indenture allow the financial reporting obligation of the Parent Issuer to be satisfied through the reporting of Partnership’s consolidated financial information, provided that the consolidated financial information of the Parent Issuer and its restricted subsidiaries is presented on a standalone basis.

The following represents the condensed consolidating financial information for the Parent Issuer and its restricted subsidiaries (“Consolidated Borrowers”) on a consolidated basis, together with eliminations, as of and for the periods indicated. The condensed consolidating financial information of Partnership is combined with the financial information of its wholly-owned subsidiaries that are also parent entities of the Parent Issuer and presented in a single column under the heading “RBILP”. The consolidating financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the financial position, results of operations or cash flows had the Issuers and Partnership operated as independent entities.



Table of Contents


RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

(In millions)

As of December 31, 2015

   Consolidated
Borrowers
  RBILP  Eliminations  Consolidated 
ASSETS     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

  $753.7   $—     $—     $753.7  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   —      —      —      —    

Trade and notes receivable, net

   421.7    —      —      421.7  

Inventories and other current assets, net

   132.2    —      —      132.2  

Advertising fund restricted assets

   57.5    —      —      57.5  

Deferred income taxes, net

   —      —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   1,365.1    —      —      1,365.1  

Property and equipment, net

   2,150.6    —      —      2,150.6  

Intangible assets, net

   9,147.8    —      —      9,147.8  

Goodwill

   4,574.4    —      —      4,574.4  

Net investment in property leased to franchisees

   117.2    —      —      117.2  

Intercompany receivable

   —      128.3    (128.3  —    

Investment in subsidiaries

   —      6,210.1    (6,210.1  —    

Other assets, net

   1,053.4    —      —      1,053.4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $18,408.5   $6,338.4   $(6,338.4 $18,408.5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
LIABILITIES, PARTNERSHIP PREFERRED UNITS AND EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts and drafts payable

  $361.5   $—     $—     $361.5  

Accrued advertising

   45.2    —      —      45.2  

Other accrued liabilities

   310.0    128.3    —      438.3  

Gift card liability

   168.5    —      —      168.5  

Advertising fund liabilities

   48.4    —      —      48.4  

Current portion of long term debt and capital leases

   56.1    —      —      56.1  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   989.7    128.3    —      1,118.0  

Term debt, net of current portion

   8,462.3    —      —      8,462.3  

Capital leases, net of current portion

   203.4    —      —      203.4  

Other liabilities, net

   795.9    —      —      795.9  

Payables to affiliates

   128.3    —      (128.3  —    

Deferred income taxes, net

   1,618.8    —      —      1,618.8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   12,198.4    128.3    (128.3  12,198.4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Partnership preferred units

   —      3,297.0    —      3,297.0  

Partners’ capital:

     

Class A common units

   —      2,876.7    —      2,876.7  

Partnerhsip exchangeable units

   —      1,503.5    —      1,503.5  

Common shares

   7,318.1    —      (7,318.1  —    

Retained earnings

   359.1    —      (359.1  —    

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (1,467.8  (1,467.8  1,467.8    (1,467.8
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Partners’ capital/shareholders’ equity

   6,209.4    2,912.4    (6,209.4  2,912.4  

Noncontrolling interests

   0.7    0.7    (0.7  0.7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

   6,210.1    2,913.1    (6,210.1  2,913.1  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities, Partnership preferred units and equity

  $18,408.5   $6,338.4   $(6,338.4 $18,408.5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2018

 Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
ASSETS       
Current assets:       
Cash and cash equivalents$913
 $
 $
 $913
Accounts and notes receivable, net452
 
 
 452
Inventories, net75
 
 
 75
Prepaids and other current assets60
 
 
 60
Total current assets1,500
 
 
 1,500
Property and equipment, net1,996
 
 
 1,996
Intangible assets, net10,463
 
 
 10,463
Goodwill5,486
 
 
 5,486
Net investment in property leased to franchisees54
 
 
 54
Intercompany receivable
 207
 (207) 
Investment in subsidiaries
 3,618
 (3,618) 
Other assets, net642
 
 
 642
Total assets$20,141
 $3,825
 $(3,825) $20,141
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY       
Current liabilities:       
Accounts and drafts payable$513
 $
 $
 $513
Other accrued liabilities430
 207
 
 637
Gift card liability167
 
 
 167
Current portion of long term debt and capital leases91
 
 
 91
Total current liabilities1,201
 207
 
 1,408
Term debt, net of current portion11,823
 
 
 11,823
Capital leases, net of current portion226
 
 
 226
Other liabilities, net1,547
 
 
 1,547
Payables to affiliates207
 
 (207) 
Deferred income taxes, net1,519
 
 
 1,519
Total liabilities16,523
 207
 (207) 16,523
Partners’ capital:       
Class A common units
 4,323
 
 4,323
Partnership exchangeable units
 730
 
 730
Common shares3,071
 
 (3,071) 
Retained earnings1,982
 
 (1,982) 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,437) (1,437) 1,437
 (1,437)
Total Partners’ capital/shareholders’ equity3,616
 3,616
 (3,616) 3,616
Noncontrolling interests2
 2
 (2) 2
Total equity3,618
 3,618
 (3,618) 3,618
Total liabilities and equity$20,141
 $3,825
 $(3,825) $20,141


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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

Balance Sheets

(In millions)

2015

   Consolidated
Borrowers
  RBILP  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Revenues:

     

Sales

  $2,169.0   $—     $—     $2,169.0  

Franchise and property revenues

   1,883.2    —      —      1,883.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   4,052.2    —      —      4,052.2  

Cost of sales

   1,809.5    —      —      1,809.5  

Franchise and property expenses

   503.2    —      —      503.2  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   437.7    —      —      437.7  

(Income) loss from equity method investments

   4.1    —      —      4.1  

Other operating expenses (income), net

   105.5    —      —      105.5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   2,860.0    —      —      2,860.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income from operations

   1,192.2    —      —      1,192.2  

Interest expense, net

   478.3    —      —      478.3  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   40.0    —      —      40.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   673.9    —      —      673.9  

Income tax expense

   162.2    —      —      162.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   511.7    —      —      511.7  

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

   —      511.7    (511.7  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   511.7    511.7    (511.7  511.7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

   3.4    3.4    (3.4  3.4  

Partnership preferred unit distributions

   —      271.2    —      271.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders / shareholders

  $508.3   $237.1   $(508.3 $237.1  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

  $(707.6 $(707.6 $707.6   $(707.6
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017
 Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
ASSETS       
Current assets:       
Cash and cash equivalents$1,097
 $
 $
 $1,097
Accounts and notes receivable, net489
 
 
 489
Inventories, net78
 
 
 78
Prepaids and other current assets86
 
 
 86
Total current assets1,750
 
 
 1,750
Property and equipment, net2,133
 
 
 2,133
Intangible assets, net11,062
 
 
 11,062
Goodwill5,782
 
 
 5,782
Net investment in property leased to franchisees71
 
 
 71
Intercompany receivable
 97
 (97) 
Investment in subsidiaries
 4,561
 (4,561) 
Other assets, net426
 
 
 426
Total assets$21,224
 $4,658
 $(4,658) $21,224
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY       
Current liabilities:       
Accounts and drafts payable$496
 $
 $
 $496
Other accrued liabilities769
 97
 
 866
Gift card liability215
 
 
 215
Current portion of long term debt and capital leases78
 
 
 78
Total current liabilities1,558
 97
 
 1,655
Term debt, net of current portion11,801
 
 
 11,801
Capital leases, net of current portion244
 
 
 244
Other liabilities, net1,455
 
 
 1,455
Payables to affiliates97
 
 (97) 
Deferred income taxes, net1,508
 
 
 1,508
Total liabilities16,663
 97
 (97) 16,663
Partners’ capital:       
Class A common units
 4,168
 
 4,168
Partnership exchangeable units
 1,276
 
 1,276
Common shares3,516
 
 (3,516) 
Retained earnings1,928
 
 (1,928) 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(884) (884) 884
 (884)
Total Partners’ capital/shareholders’ equity4,560
 4,560
 (4,560) 4,560
Noncontrolling interests1
 1
 (1) 1
Total equity4,561
 4,561
 (4,561) 4,561
Total liabilities and equity$21,224
 $4,658
 $(4,658) $21,224


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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Operations

(In millions)

2015

   Consolidated
Borrowers
  RBILP  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Cash flows from operating activities:

     

Net income (loss)

  $511.7   $511.7   $(511.7 $511.7  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

     

Equity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries

   —      (511.7  511.7    —    

Depreciation and amortization

   182.0    —      —      182.0  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   40.0    —      —      40.0  

Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount

   34.9    —      —      34.9  

(Income) loss from equity method investments

   4.1    —      —      4.1  

Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions

   37.0    —      —      37.0  

Amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement items

   (0.4  —      —      (0.4

Net losses (gains) on derivatives

   53.6    —      —      53.6  

Net losses (gains) on refranchisings and dispositions of assets

   5.4    —      —      5.4  

Bad debt expense (recoveries), net

   4.1    —      —      4.1  

Share-based compensation expense

   50.8    —      —      50.8  

Acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales

   0.5    —      —      0.5  

Deferred income taxes

   (32.3  —      —      (32.3

Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:

     

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   79.2    —      —      79.2  

Trade and notes receivable

   (26.2  —      —      (26.2

Inventories and other current assets

   9.2    —      —      9.2  

Accounts and drafts payable

   191.2    —      —      191.2  

Accrued advertising

   32.9    —      —      32.9  

Other accrued liabilities

   53.2    —      —      53.2  

Other long-term assets and liabilities

   (30.2  —      —      (30.2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   1,200.7    —      —      1,200.7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

     

Payments for property and equipment

   (115.3  —      —      (115.3

Proceeds (payments) from refranchisings, disposition of assets and restaurant closures

   19.6    —      —      19.6  

Net payments for acquired and disposed franchisee operations, net of cash acquired

   —      —      —      —    

Net payment for purchase of Tim Hortons, net of cash acquired

   —      —      —      —    

Return of investment on direct financing leases

   16.3    —      —      16.3  

Settlement/sale of derivatives, net

   14.2    —      —      14.2  

Other investing activities, net

   3.7    —      —      3.7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

   (61.5  —      —      (61.5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

     

Proceeds from term debt

   —      —      —      —    

Proceeds from Senior Notes

   1,250.0    —      —      1,250.0  

Proceeds from issuance of preferred units, net

   —      —      —      —    

Repayments of term debt, Senior Notes, Discount Notes and capital leases

   (2,627.8  —       (2,627.8

Payment of financing costs

   (81.3  —      —      (81.3

Dividends paid on Partnership units

   —      (362.4  —      (362.4

Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units

   —      (293.7   (293.7

Proceeds from stock option/warrant exercises

   3.0    —      —      3.0  

Proceeds from issuance of shares

   2.1    —      —      2.1  

Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation

   0.5    —      —      0.5  

Repurchases of common stock

   —      —      —      —    

Distributions from subsidiaries

   (656.1  656.1    —      —    

Other financing activities, net

   (5.6  —      —      (5.6
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

   (2,115.2  —      —      (2,115.2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

   (73.5  —      —      (73.5

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (1,049.5  —      —      (1,049.5

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   1,803.2    —      —      1,803.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $753.7   $—     $—     $753.7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2018

 Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:       
Sales$2,355
 $
 $
 $2,355
Franchise and property revenues3,002
 
 
 3,002
Total revenues5,357
 
 
 5,357
Operating costs and expenses:       
Cost of sales1,818
 
 
 1,818
Franchise and property expenses422
 
 
 422
Selling, general and administrative expenses1,214
 
 
 1,214
(Income) loss from equity method investments(22) 
 
 (22)
Other operating expenses (income), net8
 
 
 8
Total operating costs and expenses3,440
 
 
 3,440
Income from operations1,917
 
 
 1,917
Interest expense, net535
 
 
 535
Income before income taxes1,382
 
 
 1,382
Income tax (benefit) expense238
 
 
 238
Net income1,144
 
 
 1,144
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 1,144
 (1,144) 
Net income (loss)1,144
 1,144
 (1,144) 1,144
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests1
 1
 (1) 1
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders / shareholders$1,143
 $1,143
 $(1,143) $1,143
Total comprehensive income (loss)$591
 $591
 $(591) $591


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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

AsStatements of December 31, 2014

   Consolidated
Borrowers
  RBILP  Eliminations  Consolidated 
ASSETS     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,803.2   $—     $—     $1,803.2  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   84.5    —      —      84.5  

Trade and notes receivable, net

   441.2    —      —      441.2  

Inventories and other current assets, net

   171.2    —      —      171.2  

Advertising fund restricted assets

   53.0    —      —      53.0  

Deferred income taxes, net

   86.6    —      —      86.6  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   2,639.7    —      —      2,639.7  

Property and equipment, net

   2,436.5    —      —      2,436.5  

Intangible assets, net

   10,445.1    —      —      10,445.1  

Goodwill

   5,235.7    —      —      5,235.7  

Net investment in property leased to franchisees

   140.5    —      —      140.5  

Intercompany receivable

   —      13.8    (13.8  —    

Investment in subsidiaries

   —      7,636.8    (7,636.8  —    

Other assets, net

   445.5    —      —      445.5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $21,343.0   $7,650.6   $(7,650.6 $21,343.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts and drafts payable

  $223.0   $—     $—     $223.0  

Accrued advertising

   25.9    —      —      25.9  

Other accrued liabilities

   321.4    13.8    —      335.2  

Gift card liability

   187.0    —      —      187.0  

Advertising fund liabilities

   45.5    —      —      45.5  

Current portion of long term debt and capital leases

   1,128.8    —      —      1,128.8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   1,931.6    13.8    —      1,945.4  

Term debt, net of current portion

   8,826.5    —      —      8,826.5  

Capital leases, net of current portion

   243.7    —      —      243.7  

Other liabilities, net

   707.8    —      —      707.8  

Payables to affiliates

   13.8    —      (13.8  —    

Deferred income taxes, net

   1,982.8    —      —      1,982.8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   13,706.2    13.8    (13.8  13,706.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Partnership preferred units

   —      3,297.0    —      3,297.0  

Partners’ capital:

     

Class A common units

   —      1,986.1    —      1,986.1  

Partnerhsip exchangeable units

   —      2,600.9    —      2,600.9  

Common shares

   8,033.2    —      (8,033.2  —    

Accumulated deficit

   (149.2  —      149.2    —    

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (248.5  (248.5  248.5    (248.5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Partners’ capital/shareholders’ equity

   7,635.5    4,338.5    (7,635.5  4,338.5  

Noncontrolling interests

   1.3    1.3    (1.3  1.3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

   7,636.8    4,339.8    (7,636.8  4,339.8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities, Partnership preferred units and equity

  $21,343.0   $7,650.6   $(7,650.6 $21,343.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operations

(In millions)
2017

 Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:       
Sales$2,390
 $
 $
 $2,390
Franchise and property revenues2,186
 
 
 2,186
Total revenues4,576
 
 
 4,576
Operating costs and expenses:       
Cost of sales1,850
 
 
 1,850
Franchise and property expenses478
 
 
 478
Selling, general and administrative expenses416
 
 
 416
(Income) loss from equity method investments(12) 
 
 (12)
Other operating expenses (income), net109
 
 
 109
Total operating costs and expenses2,841
 
 
 2,841
Income from operations1,735
 
 
 1,735
Interest expense, net512
 
 
 512
Loss on early extinguishment of debt122
 
 
 122
Income before income taxes1,101
 
 
 1,101
Income tax expense(134) 
 
 (134)
Net income1,235
 
 
 1,235
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 1,235
 (1,235) 
Net income (loss)1,235
 1,235
 (1,235) 1,235
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests2
 2
 (2) 2
Partnership preferred unit distributions
 256
 
 256
Gain on redemption of Partnership preferred units
 (234) 
 (234)
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders / shareholders$1,233
 $1,211
 $(1,233) $1,211
Total comprehensive income (loss)$1,706
 $1,706
 $(1,706) $1,706


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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

2014

   Consolidated
Borrowers
  RBILP  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Revenues:

     

Sales

  $167.4   $—     $—     $167.4  

Franchise and property revenues

   1,031.4    —      —      1,031.4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues

   1,198.8    —      —      1,198.8  

Cost of sales

   156.4    —      —      156.4  

Franchise and property expenses

   179.0    —      —      179.0  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   345.4    —      —      345.4  

(Income) loss from equity method investments

   9.5    —      —      9.5  

Other operating expenses (income), net

   327.4    —      —      327.4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   1,017.7    —      —      1,017.7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income from operations

   181.1    —      —      181.1  

Interest expense, net

   279.7    —      —      279.7  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   155.4    —      —      155.4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   (254.0  —      —      (254.0

Income tax expense

   14.9    —      —      14.9  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   (268.9  —      —      (268.9

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

   —      (268.9  268.9    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   (268.9  (268.9  268.9    (268.9
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

   0.2    0.2    (0.2  0.2  

Partnership preferred unit distributions

   —      13.8    —      13.8  

Accretion of Partnership preferred units

   —      546.4    —      546.4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders / shareholders

  $(269.1 $(829.3 $269.1   $(829.3
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

  $(572.0 $(572.0 $572.0   $(572.0
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(In millions)
2016
 Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:       
Sales$2,205
 $
 $
 $2,205
Franchise and property revenues1,941
 
 
 1,941
Total revenues4,146
 
 
 4,146
Operating costs and expenses:       
Cost of sales1,727
 
 
 1,727
Franchise and property expenses454
 
 
 454
Selling, general and administrative expenses319
 
 
 319
(Income) loss from equity method investments(20) 
 
 (20)
Other operating expenses (income), net(1) 
 
 (1)
Total operating costs and expenses2,479
 
 
 2,479
Income from operations1,667
 
 
 1,667
Interest expense, net467
 
 
 467
Income before income taxes1,200
 
 
 1,200
Income tax expense244
 
 
 244
Net income956
 
 
 956
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 956
 (956) 
Net income (loss)956
 956
 (956) 956
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests3
 3
 (3) 3
Partnership preferred unit distributions
 270
 
 270
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders / shareholders$953
 $683
 $(953) $683
Total comprehensive income (loss)$1,068
 $1,068
 $(1,068) $1,068


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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

2014

   Consolidated
Borrowers
  RBI  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Cash flows from operating activities:

     

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling and noncontrolling interests

  $(268.9 $(268.9 $268.9   $(268.9

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

     

Equity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries

   —      268.9    (268.9  —    

Depreciation and amortization

   68.8    —      —      68.8  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   127.3    —      —      127.3  

Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount

   60.2    —      —      60.2  

(Income) loss from equity method investments

   9.5    —      —      9.5  

Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions

   (6.2  —      —      (6.2

Amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement items

   (3.9  —      —      (3.9

Net losses (gains) on derivatives

   297.5    —      —      297.5  

Net losses (gains) on refranchisings and dispositions of assets

   17.6    —      —      17.6  

Bad debt expense (recoveries), net

   1.9    —      —      1.9  

Share-based compensation expense

   43.1    —      —      43.1  

Acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales

   11.8      11.8  

Deferred income taxes

   (61.9  —      —      (61.9

Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:

     

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   (36.4  —      —      (36.4

Trade and notes receivable

   (24.5  —      —      (24.5

Inventories and other current assets

   (23.0  —      —      (23.0

Accounts and drafts payable

   (17.9  —      —      (17.9

Accrued advertising

   (35.9  —      —      (35.9

Other accrued liabilities

   122.7    —      —      122.7  

Other long-term assets and liabilities

   (22.5   —      (22.5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   259.3    —      —      259.3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

     

Payments for property and equipment

   (30.9  —      —      (30.9

(Payments) proceeds from refranchisings, disposition of assets and restaurant closures

   (7.8  —      —      (7.8

Net payments for acquired and disposed franchisee operations, net of cash acquired

   (3.9  —      —      (3.9

Net payment for purchase of Tim Hortons, net of cash acquired

   (7,374.7  —      —      (7,374.7

Return of investment on direct financing leases

   15.5    —      —      15.5  

Settlement/sale of derivatives

   (388.9  —      —      (388.9

Other investing activities

   (0.1  —      —      (0.1
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

   (7,790.8  —      —      (7,790.8
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

     

Proceeds from term debt

   6,682.5    —      —      6,682.5  

Proceeds from Senior Notes

   2,250.0    —      —      2,250.0  

Proceeds from issuance of preferred units

   —      2,998.2    —      2,998.2  

Repayments of term debt, Senior Notes, Discount Notes and capital leases

   (3,102.0  —      —      (3,102.0

Payment of financing costs

   (158.0  —      —      (158.0

Dividends paid on common stock

   (105.6  —      —      (105.6

Proceeds from stock option/warrant exercises

   0.5    —      —      0.5  

Distributions from sudsidiaries

   2,998.2    (2,998.2  —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

   8,565.6    —      —      8,565.6  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

   (17.8  —      —      (17.8

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   1,016.3    —      —      1,016.3  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   786.9    —      —      786.9  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $1,803.2   $—     $—     $1,803.2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(In millions)
2018

 
Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:       
Net income$1,144
 $1,144
 $(1,144) $1,144
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:       
Equity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries
 (1,144) 1,144
 
Depreciation and amortization180
 
 
 180
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount29
 
 
 29
(Income) loss from equity method investments(22) 
 
 (22)
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions(33) 
 
 (33)
Net (gains) losses on derivatives(40) 
 
 (40)
Share-based compensation expense48
 
 
 48
Deferred income taxes29
 
 
 29
Other5
 
 
 5
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:       
Accounts and notes receivable19
 
 
 19
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets(7) 
 
 (7)
Accounts and drafts payable41
 
 
 41
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability(219) 
 
 (219)
Tenant inducements paid to franchisees(52) 
 
 (52)
Other long-term assets and liabilities43
 
 
 43
Net cash provided by operating activities1,165
 
 
 1,165
Cash flows from investing activities:       
Payments for property and equipment(86) 
 
 (86)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings8
 
 
 8
Return of investment on direct financing leases16
 
 
 16
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net17
 
 
 17
Other investing activities, net1
 
 
 1
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(44) 
 
 (44)
Cash flows from financing activities:       
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt75
 
 
 75
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases(74) 
 
 (74)
Distributions to RBI for payments in connection with redemption of Preferred Shares
 (60) 
 (60)
Payment of financing costs(3) 
 
 (3)
Distributions paid on common, preferred and Partnership exchangeable units
 (728) 
 (728)
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units
 (561) 
 (561)
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.61
 
 
 61
Distributions from subsidiaries(1,349) 1,349
 
 
Other financing activities, net5
 
 
 5
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(1,285) 
 
 (1,285)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents(20) 
 
 (20)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(184) 
 
 (184)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,097
 
 
 1,097
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$913
 $
 $
 $913


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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions)
2017
 
Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:       
Net income$1,235
 $1,235
 $(1,235) $1,235
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:       
Equity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries
 (1,235) 1,235
 
Depreciation and amortization182
 
 
 182
Premiums paid and non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt119
 
 
 119
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount33
 
 
 33
(Income) loss from equity method investments(12) 
 
 (12)
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions77
 
 
 77
Net losses on derivatives31
 
 
 31
Share-based compensation expense48
 
 
 48
Deferred income taxes(742) 
 
 (742)
Other18
 
 
 18
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:       
Accounts and notes receivable(30) 
 
 (30)
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets19
 
 
 19
Accounts and drafts payable14
 
 
 14
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability360
 
 
 360
Tenant inducements paid to franchisees(20) 
 
 (20)
Other long-term assets and liabilities99
 
 
 99
Net cash provided by operating activities1,431
 
 
 1,431
Cash flows from investing activities:       
Payments for property and equipment(37) 
 
 (37)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings26
 
 
 26
Net payment for purchase of Popeyes, net of cash acquired(1,636) 
 
 (1,636)
Return of investment on direct financing leases16
 
 
 16
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net772
 
 
 772
Other investing activities, net1
 
 
 1
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(858) 
 
 (858)
Cash flows from financing activities:       
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt5,850
 
 
 5,850
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases(2,742) 
 
 (2,742)
Distributions to RBI for payments in connection with redemption of Preferred Shares
 (3,006) 
 (3,006)
Payment of financing costs(63) 
 
 (63)
Distributions paid on common, preferred and Partnership exchangeable units
 (664) 
 (664)
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units
 (330) 
 (330)
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.29
 
 
 29
Distributions from subsidiaries(4,000) 4,000
 
 
Other financing activities, net(10) 
 
 (10)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(936) 
 
 (936)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents24
 
 
 24
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(339) 
 
 (339)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,436
 
 
 1,436
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,097
 $
 $
 $1,097


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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions)
2016

 
Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:       
Net income$956
 $956
 $(956) $956
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:       
Equity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries
 (956) 956
 
Depreciation and amortization172
 
 
 172
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount39
 
 
 39
(Income) loss from equity method investments(20) 
 
 (20)
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions(20) 
 
 (20)
Net losses on derivatives21
 
 
 21
Share-based compensation expense35
 
 
 35
Deferred income taxes80
 
 
 80
Other4
 
 
 4
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:       
Accounts and notes receivable(16) 
 
 (16)
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets(10) 
 
 (10)
Accounts and drafts payable16
 
 
 16
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability(1) 
 
 (1)
Tenant inducements paid to franchisees(19) 
 
 (19)
Other long-term assets and liabilities(23) 
 
 (23)
Net cash provided by operating activities1,214
 
 
 1,214
Cash flows from investing activities:       
Payments for property and equipment(34) 
 
 (34)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings30
 
 
 30
Return of investment on direct financing leases17
 
 
 17
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net11
 
 
 11
Other investing activities, net3
 
 
 3
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities27
 
 
 27
Cash flows from financing activities:       
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases(70) 
 
 (70)
Distributions paid on common, preferred and Partnership exchangeable units
 (538) 
 (538)
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.14
 
 
 14
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation8
 
 
 8
Distributions from subsidiaries(538) 538
 
 
Other financing activities, net(5) 
 
 (5)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(591) 
 
 (591)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents(2) 
 
 (2)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents648
 
 
 648
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period788
 
 
 788
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,436
 $
 $
 $1,436



107

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Note 29.22. Subsequent Event

Dividend

Events

Dividends
On January 5, 2016,4, 2019, RBI paid a cash dividend of $0.13$0.45 per RBI common share to common shareholders of record on November 25, 2015.December 15, 2018. Partnership made a distribution to RBI as holder of Class A common units in the amount of the aggregate dividends declared and paid by RBI on RBI common shares and also made a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.13$0.45 per exchangeable unit to holders of record on November 25, 2015. December 15, 2018.
On January 4, 2016, RBI paid a cash dividend of $0.98 per Preferred Share, for a total dividend of $67.5 million, to the holder of the Preferred Shares. The dividend on the Preferred Shares included the amount due for the fourth calendar quarter of 2015. Partnership made a distribution to RBI as holder of the Partnership preferred units in an equal amount on the same date.

On February 16, 2016,22, 2019, the RBI board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.14$0.50 per RBI common share whichfor the first quarter of 2019. The dividend will be paid on April 4, 20163, 2019 to RBI common shareholders of record on March 3, 2016.15, 2019. Partnership will make a distribution to RBI as holder of Class A common units in the amount of the aggregate dividends declared and paid by RBI on RBI common shares. Partnership will also make a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.14$0.50 per Partnership exchangeable unit, and the record date and payment date for such distribution will be the same as the record date and payment date for the cash dividend per RBI common share set forth above. On February 15, 2016, the RBI board

*****


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Table of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.98 per Preferred Share, for a total dividend of $67.5 million which will be paid to the holder of the Preferred SharesContents


Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on April 1, 2016. The dividend on the Preferred Shares includes the amount due for the first calendar quarter of 2016. Partnership will make a distribution to RBI as holder of the Partnership preferred units in an equal amount on the same date.

Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Accounting andFinancial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.Controls and Procedures

Item 9A.Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of the management of RBI, as the general partner of Partnership, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of RBI, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15e under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2015.2018. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO of RBI concluded that Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.

date.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

RBI’s management, including the CEO and CFO, confirm that there were no changes in Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 20152018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Overover Financial Reporting

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and the report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Part III

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item, other than the information regarding the executive officers of RBI, as general partner of Partnership, set forth below required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K, is incorporated herein by reference from RBI’s definitive proxy statement to be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2015.2018. We refer to this proxy statement as the RBI Definitive Proxy Statement.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Set forth below is certain information about RBI’s executive officers. Ages are as of February 26, 2016. For purposes of Canadian securities laws, our chair and vice-chair are deemed to be executive officers; however, given that these individuals are not employees of RBI and do not meet the definition of “executive officer” set out in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act, they are not included below.

date hereof.

Name

 Age 

Position

Daniel S. Schwartz 3538Executive Chairman
José E. Cil49 Chief Executive Officer
Joshua KobzaMatthew Dunnigan 2935 Chief Financial Officer
José E. CilJoshua Kobza 4632 President, Burger KingChief Operating Officer
Elias Diaz SeséAlexandre Macedo 4241 President, Tim Hortons
Heitor GonçalvesAlexandre Santoro 5047 Chief Information and Performance Officer and Chief People OfficerPresident, Popeyes
Jacqueline Friesner 4346 Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Jill Granat 5053 General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Daniel S. Schwartz.

José Cil. Mr. SchwartzCil was appointed Chief Executive Officer and a director of RBI on December 12, 2014. From June 2013 until December 2014, Mr. Schwartzin January 2019, and previously served as Chief Executive Officer, from April 2013 until June 2013, he served as Chief Operating Officer and from January 1, 2011 until April 2013, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Burger King Worldwide and its predecessor. Mr. Schwartz joined Burger King Worldwide in October 2010 as Executive Vice President, Deputy Chief Finance Officer and was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in December 2010, effective January 1, 2011. Since January 2008, Mr. Schwartz has been a partner with 3G Capital, where he was responsible for managing 3G Capital’s private equity business. He joined 3G Capital in January 2005 as an analyst and worked with the firm’s public and private equity investments until October 2010. From March 2003 until January 2005, Mr. Schwartz worked for Altair Capital Management, a hedge fund located in Stamford, Connecticut and served as an analyst in the mergers and acquisitions group at Credit Suisse First Boston from June 2001 to March 2003. Mr. Schwartz is a director of 3G Capital.

Joshua Kobza. Mr. Kobza was appointed Chief Financial Officer of RBI on December 15, 2014. From April 11, 2013 until December 14, 2014, Mr. Kobza served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Burger King Worldwide. Mr. Kobza joined Burger King Worldwide in June 2012 as Director, Investor Relations, and was promoted to Senior Vice President, Global Finance in December 2012. From January 2011 until June 2012, Mr. Kobza worked at SIP Capital, a Sao Paulo based private investment firm, where he evaluated investments across a number of industries and geographies. From July 2008 until December 2010, Mr. Kobza served as an analyst in the corporate private equity area of the Blackstone Group in New York City.

José Cil. Mr. Cil was appointed President, Burger King onsince December 15, 2014. Mr. Cil served as Executive Vice President and President of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Burger King Worldwide and its predecessor from November 2010 until December 2014. Prior to this role, Mr. Cil was Vice President and Regional General Manager for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in Florida from February 2010 to November 2010. From September 2008 to January 2010, Mr. Cil served as Vice President of Company Operations of Burger King Corporation and from September 2005 to September 2008, he served as Division Vice President, Mediterranean and NW Europe Divisions, EMEA of a subsidiary of Burger King Corporation.

Daniel S. Schwartz. Mr. Cil isSchwartz was appointed Executive Chairman of RBI in January 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Schwartz served as Chief Executive Officer of RBI from December 2014 to January 2019. Mr. Schwartz has also served as a director of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., RBI’s largest franchisee.

Elias Diaz Sesé. Mr. Diaz SeséRBI since December 2014 and was appointed President, Tim Hortons on December 15, 2014.as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors in January 2019. From January 2012 toJune 2013 until December 2014, he was the president of BK AsiaPac, Pte. Ltd. located in Singapore. From August 2011 to December 2011, he was a Senior Vice President Continental Europe for Burger King Europe GmbH located in Zug, Switzerland. Between January 2011 and August 2011, Mr. Díaz SeséSchwartz served as a Vice President Franchise and Emerging Markets for Burger King Europe GmbH. From August 2008 to December 2010,Chief Executive Officer, from April 2013 until June 2013, he served as General Manager for Burger King’s operations in Spain and Portugal.

Heitor Gonçalves. Mr. Gonçalves was appointed Chief Information and PerformanceOperating Officer and Chief People Officer



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Table of RBI on December 15, 2014. Mr. GonçalvesContents


from January 2011 until April 2013, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Information and PerformanceFinancial Officer of Burger King Worldwide and its predecessor frompredecessor. Mr. Schwartz joined Burger King Worldwide in October 2010 as Executive Vice President, Deputy Chief Finance Officer and was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in December 2010, effective January 2011. Since January 2008, Mr. Schwartz has been a partner with 3G Capital, where he was responsible for managing 3G Capital’s private equity business until October 2010. Mr. Schwartz is a director of 3G Capital.
Joshua Kobza. Mr. Kobza was appointed Chief Operating Officer of RBI in January 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Kobza served as Chief Technology Officer and Development Officer of RBI from January 2018 to January 2019, and as Chief Financial Officer of RBI from December 2014 to January 2018. From April 2013 to December 2014, Mr. Kobza served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Burger King Worldwide. Mr. Kobza joined Burger King Worldwide in June 2012 as Director, Investor Relations, and was promoted to Senior Vice President, Global Finance in December 2012. From January 2011 until June 2012, Mr. Kobza worked at SIP Capital, a Sao Paulo based private investment firm, where he evaluated investments across a number of industries and geographies. From July 2008 until December 2012, assuming2010, Mr. Kobza served as an analyst in the additional rolecorporate private equity area of the Blackstone Group in New York City.
Matthew Dunnigan. Mr. Dunnigan was appointed Chief PeopleFinancial Officer in January 2018. From October 2014 until January 2018, Mr. Dunnigan held the position of Treasurer, where he took on increasing responsibilities and successfully led all of RBI's capital markets activities. Before he joined RBI, Mr. Dunnigan served as Vice President of Crescent Capital Group LP, from September 2013 through October 2014, where he evaluated investments across the credit markets. Prior to that, Mr. Dunnigan spent three years as a private equity investment professional for H.I.G. Capital.
Alexandre Macedo. Mr. Macedo has served as President, Tim Hortons since December 2017. Previously, he served as President North America for Burger King from April 2013.2013 until December 2017, where he led the turnaround of the Burger King business. Mr. Macedo joined Burger King Corporation in July 2011 as SVP, Marketing, North America and later was General Manager of the U.S. franchise business. Prior to joining Burger King, Worldwide, Mr. GonçalvesMacedo was founder and partner of True Marketing, a Brazilian based marketing consulting firm form from December 2008 to June 2011. He also worked at AmBev, a Brazilian brewing company from June 2003 through March 2007, where he served as head of the Brahma Beer business unit.
Alexandre Santoro. Mr. Santoro was appointed President, Popeyes in March 2017. From April 2015 until March 2017, Mr. Santoro was responsible for Global Supply Chain, Quality Assurance and Global Operations. Mr. Santoro served in multiple strategic roles for Anheuser-Busch InBevAmerica Latina Logistica from October 2008 toApril 2002 through March 2010,2015, including global M&A director and headChief Executive Officer of Western Europe logistics. From November 2004 to September 2008, Mr. Gonçalves served as VP, Global Rewards at InBev. He served in positions of increasing responsibility at Brahma, a brewing company, and at its successor, AmBev,America Latina Logistica from September 1995 until October 2004.

June 2013 through March 2015.

Jacqueline Friesner.Friesner. Ms. Friesner was appointed PrincipalController and Chief Accounting Officer and Controller of RBI onin December 15, 2014. Ms. Friesner served as Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Burger King Worldwide and its predecessor from March 2011 until December 2014. Prior thereto, Ms. Friesner served as Senior Director, Global Accounting and Reporting of Burger King from December 2010 until March 2011 and as Director, Global and Technical Accounting from November 2008 until December 2010. From October 2002 until December 2010, Ms. Friesner served in positions of increasing responsibility with Burger King Corporation. Before joining Burger King Corporation in October 2002, she was an audit manager at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Miami, Florida.

Jill Granat.Granat. Ms. Granat was appointed General Counsel and Corporate Secretary onin December 15, 2014. Ms. Granat served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Burger King Worldwide and its predecessor since February 2011. Prior to her appointment,this time, Ms. Granat was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Burger King Corporation from July 2009 until March 2011. Ms. Granat joined BKCBurger King Corporation in 1998 as a member of the legal department and served in positions of increasing responsibility with BKC and RBI.

Item 11.Executive Compensation

Burger King Corporation.

Item 11.Executive Compensation
The information required by this item will be contained in the RBI Definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item, other than the information regarding our equity plans set forth below required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, will be contained in the RBI Definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
Information regarding equity awards outstanding under RBI's compensation plans as of December 31, 2018 was as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):


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 (a) (b) (c)
Plan CategoryNumber of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
 Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
 Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance
under Equity
Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected
in Column (a))
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders13,603
 $36.41
 16,946
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders
 
 
Total13,603
 $36.41
 16,946
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item will be contained in the RBI Definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item will be contained in the RBI Definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.




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Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item will be contained in the RBI Definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Part IV

Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1)All Financial Statements

Consolidated financial statements filed as part of this report are listed under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

(a)(2)Financial Statement Schedules

No schedules are required because either the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

(a)(3)Exhibits

The following exhibits listed in the accompanying index are filed as part of this report.

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

Incorporated by Reference

    2.1

Business Combination Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 3, 2012, by and among Justice Holdings Limited, Justice Delaware Holdco Inc., Justice Holdco LLC and Burger King Worldwide Holdings, Inc.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Burger King Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on April 10, 2012.Reference

    2.2

 Contingent Contribution Agreement, dated April 3, 2012, by and among Justice Holdings Limited, Justice Delaware Holdco Inc., and each of the other parties set forth on the signature pages thereto. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Burger King Worldwide, Inc.’s Form S-1 (File No. 333-181261).

   

    2.4

 
  

    3.1

 

  

    3.2

 
  

    4.1

 
  

    4.2

 
  

    4.3(a)

 Indenture, dated October 8, 2014, between 1011778 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, as Issuer, New Red Finance, Inc., as Co-Issuer, the Guarantors party thereto, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent.
 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Form S-4 (File No. 333-198769).

    4.3(b)

 Form of 6.00% Second Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (included in Exhibit 4.3(a)).
 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Form S-4 (File No. 333-198769).

    4.3(c)

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 12, 2014, by and among 1011778 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, New Red Finance, Inc., the parties that are signatories thereto as Guarantors, and Wilmington Trust National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on December 12, 2014.

    4.4

Securities Purchase Agreement, dated August 26, 2014, between 1011778 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company and Berkshire Hathaway Inc.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on December 12, 2014.

    4.5(a)

Trust Indenture, dated June 1, 2010, by and between the Tim Hortons Inc. and BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K of Tim Hortons Inc. filed on June 1, 2010.

    4.5(b)

First Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated June 1, 2010, by and between the Tim Hortons Inc. and BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 8-K of Tim Hortons Inc. filed on June 1, 2010.

    4.5(c)

First (Reopening) Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated December 1, 2010, by and between the Tim Hortons Inc. and BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K of Tim Hortons Inc. filed on December 1, 2010.

    4.5(d)

Supplement to Guarantee, dated December 1, 2010, from The TDL Group Corp.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 8-K of Tim Hortons Inc. filed on December 1, 2010.

    4.5(e)

Second Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated November 29, 2013, by and between Tim Hortons Inc. and BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K of Tim Hortons Inc. filed on December 5, 2013.

    4.5(f)

Supplement to Guarantee, dated November 29, 2013, from The TDL Group Corp. in favor of BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 8-K of Tim Hortons Inc. filed on December 5, 2013.

    4.5(g)

Third Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated March 28, 2014, by and between Tim Hortons Inc. and BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K of Tim Hortons Inc. filed on March 28, 2014.

    4.5(h)

Supplement to Guarantee, dated March 28, 2014, from The TDL Group Corp. in favor of BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 8-K of Tim Hortons Inc. filed on March 28, 2014.

    4.5(i)

Fourth Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated December 12, 2014, by and between Tim Hortons Inc. and BNY Trust Company of Canada, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5(i) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Restaurant Brands International Inc. filed on March 2, 2015.

    4.5(j)

Deed of Guarantee dated April 16, 2015 by Restaurant Brands International Inc., as general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership, in favor of BNY Trust Company of Canada.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5(j) to Form 10-Q of Restaurant Brands International Inc. filed on May 5, 2015.

    4.6(a)

 

    4.6(b)

 
 

    4.7

 Form of Senior Indenture Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Form S-3ASR of Restaurant Brands International Inc. filed on December 3, 2015.

    4.8

 Form of Subordinated IndentureIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Form S-3ASR of Restaurant Brands International Inc. filed on December 3, 2015.

    4.9

 



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    9.1

 







 

  10.1*

 
 

  10.2(a)*

 
 

  10.2(b)*

 
 

  10.3(a)*

 Employment Agreement by and between Burger King Corporation and Jose Cil, dated November 2, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.78 to Burger King Holdings, Inc.’s Form 10-K filed on March 14, 2012.

  10.3(b)

 Assignment Letter from Jose Tomas, Chief Human Resources Officer, Burger King Corporation to Jose Cil dated November 2, 2010.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.79 to Burger King Holdings, Inc.’s Form 10-K filed on March 14, 2012.

  10.4(a)*

 

  10.4(b)*

 
 

  10.4(c)*

 
 

  10.4(d)*

 
 

  10.4(e)*

 
 

  10.4(f)*

 
 

  10.4(g)*

 
 



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Table of Contents


  

  10.4(i)*

 
 

  10.4(j)*

 
 

  10.5

 
 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Burger King Worldwide, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on June 25, 2012.

  10.6(a)*

Amended and Restated Option Award Agreement between Flavia Faugeres and Burger King Worldwide, Inc. under 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to Burger King Worldwide, Inc.’s Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2014.

  10.6(b)*

Amended and Restated Option Award Agreement between Flavia Faugeres and Burger King Worldwide, Inc. under 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to Burger King Worldwide, Inc.’s Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2014.

  10.7*

Burger King Corporation U.S. Severance Pay Plan.Incorporated herein by reference Exhibit 10.31 to Burger King Worldwide, Inc.’s Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2013.

  10.8

Voting Agreement, dated August 26, 2014, by and among Tim Hortons Inc. and 3G Special Situations Fund II, L.P.

  10.9

Form8-K of Lock-Up Agreement between Tim Hortons Directors and Burger King Worldwide, Inc. filed on June 25, 2012.
 

  10.10(a)

 
 

  10.10(b)

 
 

  10.10(c)

 

 

  10.11(a)*

 









 



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Table of Contents


  

  10.11(c)*

 
 

  10.11(d)*

 
 

  10.11(e)*

 
 

  10.11(f)*

 
 

  10.12

 
 

  10.13

 
 

  10.14*

 
 

  10.15

 
 

  10.16(a)*

 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended effective December 12, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the Form S-8 filed by Restaurant Brands International Inc. (File No. 333-200997).

  10.16(b)

 Tim Hortons Inc. Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (2010 Award).Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Form 10-Q of Tim Hortons Inc. filed on August 12, 2010.

  10.16(c)*

 

  10.17(a)*

 
 

  10.17(b)*

 
 

  10.17(c)*

 
 

  10.17(d)*

 
 

  10.18*

 
 

  10.19*

 
 

  10.20*

 
 



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  10.22*

 
 

  10.23*

 
 

  10.24*

 
 

  10.25*

 
 

  10.26*

 
 

  10.27*

 
 

  10.28*

 
 


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  10.29

 


 

  10.30*

Award Agreement Amendment dated August 12, 2015 between Restaurant Brands International Inc. and Marc Caira.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3010.46 to the Form 10-Q of Restaurant Brands International Inc. filed on October 30, 2015.26, 2017.

  10.31*

 Tax Equalization Letter dated July 1, 2015 between Restaurant Brands International Inc. and Elias Diaz-Sese 

  10.32*

 Form of Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreement 


  10.33*

 Restaurant Brands International Inc. 2015 Employee Share Purchase Plan. 

  10.34

 Underwriting

 

April 24, 2018.

  21.1

 

 Filed herewithherewith.

  31.1

 
 Filed herewithherewith.

  31.2

 
 Filed herewithherewith.



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Table of Contents


  Filed herewithFurnished herewith.

  32.2

 
 Filed herewithFurnished herewith.

101.INS

 XBRL Instance DocumentDocument. Filed herewith.

101.SCH

 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. Filed herewith.

101.CAL

 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.

101.DEF

 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.

101.LAB

 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.

101.PRE

 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.

*
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

Certain instruments relating to long-term borrowings, constituting less than 10 percent of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, are not filed as exhibits herewith pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant agrees to furnish copies of such instruments to the SEC upon request.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.


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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership
By: Restaurant Brands International Inc., its general partner
By: 

/s/ Daniel Schwartz

José E. Cil
Name: Daniel SchwartzJosé E. Cil
Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 26, 2016

22, 2019

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Daniel Schwartz

Daniel Schwartz

 

/s/ José E. Cil
Chief Executive Officer and Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc.

(principal executive officer)

 February 26, 201622, 2019

/s/ Joshua Kobza

Joshua Kobza

José E. Cil
 

/s/ Matthew Dunnigan
Chief Financial Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc.

(principal financial officer)

 February 26, 201622, 2019
Matthew Dunnigan

/s/ Jacqueline Friesner

Jacqueline Friesner

  

Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc.

(principal accounting officer)

 February 26, 201622, 2019
Jacqueline Friesner

/s/ Alexandre Behring

Alexandre Behring

  

Executive ChairmanCo-Chairman of Restaurant Brands

International Inc.

 February 26, 201622, 2019
Alexandre Behring

/s/ Daniel SchwartzCo-Chairman of Restaurant Brands International Inc.February 22, 2019
Daniel Schwartz
/s/ Marc Caira

Marc Caira

  

Vice Chairman of Restaurant Brands

International Inc.

 February 26, 201622, 2019
Marc Caira

/s/ Martin Franklin

Martin Franklin

  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 26, 201622, 2019
Martin Franklin

/s/ Paul J. Fribourg

Paul J. Fribourg

  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 26, 201622, 2019
Paul J. Fribourg

/s/ Alan Parker

Alan Parker

Neil Golden
  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 26, 201622, 2019
Neil Golden

/s/ Carlos Alberto Sicupira

Carlos Alberto Sicupira

Ali Hedayat
  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 26, 201622, 2019
Ali Hedayat

/s/ Roberto Thompson Motta

Roberto Thompson Motta

Golnar Khosrowshahi
  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 26, 201622, 2019
Golnar Khosrowshahi

/s/ Alexandre Van Damme

Alexandre Van Damme

  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 26, 201622, 2019
Carlos Alberto Sicupira

/s/ Thomas Milroy

Thomas Milroy

Joao M. Castro-Neves
  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 26, 201622, 2019
Joao M. Castro-Neves

/s/ John Lederer

John Lederer

Roberto Thompson Motta
  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 26, 2016

EXHIBIT INDEX

22, 2019

Exhibit

Number

Roberto Thompson Motta
 

Description

 21.1 List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant
  31.1/s/ Alexandre Van Damme  Certification of Chief Executive OfficerDirector of Restaurant Brands International Inc., as general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc., as general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002February 22, 2019
  32.1Alexandre Van Damme Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc., as general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc., as general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

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