UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-K
 
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172019
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
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.)
  
226 Wyecroft Road
Oakville, Ontario
130 King Street West, Suite 300
L6K 3X7M5X 1E1
Toronto,Ontario
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
(905) 845-6511(905) 339-6011
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
  
Title of each classTrading SymbolsName of each exchange on which registered
Class B Exchangeable Limited Partnership UnitsQSPToronto 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      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  
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      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      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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer   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  
The aggregate market value of Class B exchangeable limited partnership units held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2017,2019, computed by reference to the closing price for such units on the Toronto Stock Exchange on such date, was C$565,795,657.918,299,107.
The number of the registrant’s Class B exchangeable limited partnership units and Class A common units outstanding as of February 9, 201810, 2020 was 217,706,858165,372,429 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 20182020 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of Restaurant Brands International Inc., which is to be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017,2019, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
 









RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
20172019 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
  Page
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
Item 16.
Tim Hortons® and Timbits® are trademarks of Tim Hortons Canadian IP Holdings Corporation. Burger King® and BK® are trademarks of Burger King Corporation. Popeyes®, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen® and Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits® are 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.






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Explanatory Note
We are a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (“RBI”) and the indirect parent of The TDL Group Corp. (“Tim Hortons”), Burger King 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”). 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. The Class B exchangeable limited partnership units of Partnership (the“Partnership exchangeable units”) are deemed to be registered under Section 12(b)12(g) of the Exchange Act, and we are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The Partnership exchangeable units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “QSP”. RBI’s common shares trade 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 Canadian continuous disclosure and other 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 holding company for Tim Hortons and its consolidated subsidiaries and Burger King and 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 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$34 billion in system-wide sales and over 24,00027,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories as of December 31, 2017.2019. Our Tim Hortons®, Burger King® and Popeyes® brands have similar franchise business models with complementary daypart mixes and product platforms. Our three iconic brands are managed independently while benefiting from global scale and sharing of best practices. As of December 31, 2017,2019, approximately 100% of total restaurants for each of our brands was franchised.
Our business generates revenue from the following 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 we lease or sublease to franchisees; and (iii) sales at restaurants owned by us (“Company 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 Tim Hortons®Brand
Founded in 1964, Tim Hortons (“TH”) is one of the largest donut/coffee/tea restaurant chains in North America and the largest in Canada.Canada as measured by total number of restaurants. As of December 31, 2017,2019, we owned or franchised a total of 4,7484,932 TH restaurants. TH 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 Burger King® Brand
Founded in 1954, Burger King (“BK”) is the world’s second largest fast food hamburger restaurant (“FFHR”) chain as measured by total number of restaurants. As of December 31, 2017,2019, we owned or franchised a total of 16,76718,838 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 Popeyes® Brand
Founded in 1972, Popeyes (“PLK”) is the world’s second largest quick service chicken concept as measured by total number of restaurants. As of December 31, 2017,2019, we owned or franchised a total of 2,8923,316 PLK restaurants. PLK restaurants are quick service restaurants that distinguish themselves with a unique “Louisiana” style menu featuring spicyfried 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 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 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 consists of three operating segments, which are also our reportable segments, at December 31, 2017:segments: (1) TH; (2) BK; and (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 19 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.Operations.”
Restaurant Development
As part of our development approach for our brands in the U.S., we have granted limited development rights in specific areas to franchisees in connection with area development agreements. We expect to enter into similar arrangements in 20182020 and beyond. In Canada, we have not granted exclusive or protected areas to anyBK or TH franchisees, with limited exceptions.
As part of our international growth strategy for BK and TH,all of our brands, we have established master franchise and development agreements in a number of markets andmarkets. We have also created strategic master franchise joint ventures in which we received a meaningful minority equity stake in each joint venture. We will continue to evaluate opportunities to accelerate international development of all three of our brands, including through the establishment of master franchises with exclusive development rights and joint ventures with new and existing franchisees.
Advertising and Promotions
In general, franchisees fund substantially all of the marketing programs for each of our brands by making contributions ranging from 2.0% to 5.0% of gross sales to advertising funds 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 each of our brands in the U.S. and Canada, as well as in certain other markets for BK. However, in many international BK 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 BK 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 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. Based on what our guests tell us globally,guest feedback, we drive product innovation in order to satisfy the needs of our guests around the world in the best way.world. This strategy will continue to be a focus in 20182020 and beyond.
Operations Support
Our operations strategy is designed to deliver best-in-class restaurant operations by our franchisees and to improve friendliness, cleanliness, speed of service and overall guest satisfaction. Each of our brands has uniform operating standards and specifications relating to product quality, cleanliness and maintenance of the premises. In addition, our restaurants are required to be operated in accordance with quality assurance and health standards that 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 restaurant in accordance with each brand’s operating standards.
Manufacturing, Supply and Distribution
In general, we approve the manufacturers of the food, packaging, equipment and other products used in restaurants for each of our brands. We have a comprehensive supplier approval process, which requires all products to pass our quality standards and the supplier’ssuppliers’ 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.
TH products are sourced from a combination of third-party suppliers and our own manufacturing facilities. To protect our proprietary blends, we operate two coffee roasting facilities in Hamilton,Ancaster, Ontario and Rochester, New York, where we blend all of the coffee for our TH restaurants 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 TH products. As of December 31, 2017,2019, we have only one or a few suppliers to service each category of products sold at our system restaurants.
We sell most other raw materials and supplies, including coffee, sugar, paper goods and other restaurant supplies, to 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-




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high-qualityquality 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 TH restaurants in Canada through sixfive distribution centers located in Canada. In 2018, we announced plans to build two new warehouses in Western Canada to replace existing facilities 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 BK and PLK restaurants are sourced from third-party suppliers. In the U.S. and Canada, there is a purchasing cooperative for each brand that negotiates the purchase terms for most equipment, food, beverages (other than branded soft drinks which we negotiate separately under long-term agreements) and other products used in BK and PLK restaurants. The purchasing agent is also authorized to purchase and manage distribution services on behalf of most of the BK and PLK restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. PLK also utilizes exclusive suppliers for certain of its proprietary products. As of December 31, 2017,2019, four distributors serviced approximately 88%92% of BK restaurants in the U.S. and five distributors serviced approximately 83%85% of PLK restaurants in the 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 BK restaurants with their products and which obligate restaurants in the U.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, 2017,2019, we estimate that it will take approximately 107 years to complete the Coca-Cola purchase commitment and approximately 1210 years to complete the Dr Pepper/Snapple, Inc. purchase commitment. If these agreements were terminated, we would be obligated to pay an aggregate amount equal to approximately $449$376 million as of December 31, 20172019 based on an amount per gallon for each gallon of soft drink syrup remaining in the purchase commitments, interest and certain other costs. We have also entered into long-term beverage supply arrangements with certain major beverage vendors for TH and PLK. Pursuant to the terms of these arrangements, marketing rebates are provided to the owner/operators of TH and PLK restaurants based uponbrands in the volume of beverage purchases.U.S. and Canada.
Franchise Agreements and Other Arrangements
General. We grant franchisees the right to operate restaurants using our 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 TH franchise agreements grant us the right to reacquire a restaurant under certain circumstances, and our 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. 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 10 years in the aggregate 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, TH 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 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.
The typical BK and PLK franchise agreement in the U.S. and Canada has a 20-year term and contemplates a one-time franchise fee. Subject to the incentive programs described below, most new BK franchise restaurants in the U.S. and Canada pay a royalty on gross sales of 4.5% and most PLK restaurants in the 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 U.S., we offered U.S. franchisees reduced up-front franchise fees and limited-term royalty and advertising fund rate reductions to remodel restaurants to our modern image during 2015, 20162017, 2018 and 20172019 and we plan to continue to offer remodel incentives to U.S. franchisees during 2018.2020. These limited-term incentive programs are expected to negatively impact our effective royalty rate until 2025.2027. 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 BK restaurants in


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the U.S. with a 4.5% royalty rate. We alsoFor PLK, we offered development incentive programs in 2017 pursuant to which we reduced or waived franchise fees and royalty payments to encourage our PLK


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franchisees to develop and open new restaurants. We do not expect to offer mostMost of these programs were discontinued in 2018. To accelerate the remodel of TH restaurants in the U.S. in 2018, we will offer a remodel incentive program to TH U.S. franchisees, which will include a reduced up-front franchise fees and limited-term royalty rate reduction.
International. Historically, we entered into franchise agreements for each BK 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 the international growth strategy for each of our brands, we have 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 2017,2019, we entered into master franchise agreements or development agreements for the TH brand in Mexico and Spain,Thailand and for the BKPLK brand in multiple markets including sub-Saharan Africa, the United Kingdom, JapanChina and Taiwan.Spain. 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 expect to continue implementing similar arrangements for our brands in 20182020 and beyond.
Franchise Restaurant Leases. We leased or subleased 3,6033,646 properties to TH franchisees, 1,6611,542 properties to BK franchisees, and 7884 properties to PLK franchisees as of December 31, 20172019 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 brands, including trademarks, service marks, patents, industrial designs, copyrights, trade secrets and other proprietary 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 restaurants. These proprietary standards, specifications and restaurant operating procedures are our trade secrets. Additionally, we own certain patents and industrial designs of varying duration relating to equipment and packaging used in BK and TH restaurants.
Information Systems
Our corporate financial, human resources and similar systems are fully integrated across our brands and provide a solid foundation for our business. Our restaurant systems are provided by a set of approved third-party vendors that provide point of sale software. Depending on the region, they may also provide labor scheduling, inventory, production management, and cash control services. We are in the process of rolling out in the US and Canada an architecture that enables us to build custom customer-facing applications and integrate them with our third-party providers, to support mobile ordering, web ordering, and kiosks. In the future, we plan to deploy this architecture to additional markets.
Although our systems are provided through third parties, we have the ability to obtain transaction-level data from most of our franchised restaurants and Company restaurants.  This allows us to assess how our new and existing products are performing around the world.  Additionally, we have been investing to upgrade our supply chain systems and improve efficiency. We expect to continue to invest in technology capabilities to support and drive our business.
Competition
Each of our brands competes in the U.S., Canada and internationally with many well-established food service companies on the basis of product choice, quality, affordability, service and location. With 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, 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. Furthermore, delivery aggregators and other food delivery services provide consumers with convenient access to a broad range of competing restaurant chains and food retailers, particularly in urban areas.
Government Regulations and Affairs
General. We and our franchisees are subject to various laws and regulations including (i) licensing and regulation relating to health, food preparation, sanitation and safety standards and, for our distribution business, traffic and transportation regulations; (ii) information security, privacy and consumer protection laws; and (iii) other laws regulating the design, accessibility and operation of facilities, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Accessibility 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


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legislation or regulation seeking to tax and/or regulate high-fat, high-calorie and high-sodium foods, particularly in Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom and Spain. Certain 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 as well as in Ontario.
U.S. and Canada. Our restaurants 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 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
We are subject to federal franchising laws adopted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) and state and 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 us and our franchisees in the U.S. and 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 and Sustainability
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 don'tdo not believe that compliance with applicable environmental regulations will have a material effect on our capital expenditures, financial condition, results of operations, or 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. While we cannot predict the precise nature of these initiatives, we expect that they may impact our business both directly and indirectly. There is a possibility that government initiatives, or actual or perceived effect of changes in weather patterns, climate or water resources could have a direct impact on the operations of our brands in ways that we cannot predict at this time.
We are committed to the simple principle of doing what’s right. Our “Restaurant Brands for Good” plan provides a framework for serving our guests the food and drinks they love while contributing to a sustainable future and having a positive social impact in the communities we serve. Our ongoing efforts will focus on three key pillars:
Food - serving high quality and great tasting food every day;
Planet - continuously reducing our environmental footprint; and
People & Communities - supporting communities and enhancing livelihoods.
The sustainability section of our corporate website sets forth our initiatives with respect to these pillars and will be updated periodically.
Seasonal Operations
Our restaurant sales are typically higher in the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer and typically lowest during the winter 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, 2017,2019, we had approximately 6,2006,300 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 at www.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


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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, 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 RBI'sRBI’s website at www.rbi.com.
Our principal executive offices are located at 226 Wyecroft Road, Oakville,130 King Street West, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M5X 1E1, Canada. Our telephone number is (905) 845-6511.339-6011.




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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business
We face intense competition in our markets, which could negatively impact our business.
The restaurant industry is intensely competitive and we compete with many well-established food service companies on the basis of product choice, quality, affordability, service and location. With 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, and new competitors may emerge at any time. Furthermore, delivery aggregators and food delivery services provide consumers with convenient access to a broad range of competing restaurant chains and food retailers, particularly in urbanized areas. Each of our brands also competes for qualified franchisees, suitable restaurant locations and 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, 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 implement their operational strategies more quickly or effectively than we can.can or benefit from changes in technologies, which could harm our competitive position. These competitive advantages 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 could have a negative impact on our financial results.
We depend in large part on the value of the Tim Hortons, Burger KingTH, BK and PopeyesPLK 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 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. 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.
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. 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, inflation, 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 sales and profitability, which may cause our business and operating results to suffer.
Our substantial leverage and obligations to service our debt could adversely affect our business.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, we had aggregate outstanding indebtedness of $12,027.8$11,981 million, including a senior secured term loan facilityfacilities in an aggregate principal amount of $6,388.7$6,100 million, senior secured first lien notes in an aggregate principal amount of $2,750.0$2,250 million and senior secured second lien notes in an aggregate principal amount of $2,800.0$3,550 million. 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.


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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 our debt service, thereby reducing the availability of such cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, joint ventures, product research, dividends,distributions, RBI 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 who 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;
the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) after 2021 and the replacement with an alternative reference rate may adversely impact interest rates and our interest rate hedging strategy;
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 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. An inability to generate sufficient cash flow or refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
The terms of our indebtedness limit our ability to take certain actions and perform certain corporate 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;
make intercompany transactions; and
enter into transactions with affiliates; and
prepay certain kinds of indebtedness.affiliates.
These limitations may 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. In thean event of default, our debt holders may accelerate repayment of such debt, which may result in the acceleration of the repayment of any other


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debt to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies. In addition, 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 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 shareholders.unitholders.
InFollowing the occurrence of either an 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


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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.
Our fully franchised business model presents a number of disadvantages and risks.
Substantially all of our restaurants are owned and operated by franchisees. Under our fully franchised business model, our future prospects depend on (i) our ability to attract new franchisees for each of our brands that meet our criteria and (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, limited ability to facilitate changes in restaurant ownership, limitations on enforcement of franchise obligations due to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings and reliance 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, who are independent operators, and we have limited influence over their restaurant operations.
We generate 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 TH 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.


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Under our franchise agreements, we can, among other things, establish operating procedures and approve suppliers, distributors and products. However, franchisees may not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards and requirements or standards set by applicable law.law, including sanitation and pest control standards. Any operational shortcoming of a franchise restaurant is likely to be attributed by guests to the entire brand, thus damaging the brand’s reputation and potentially affecting our revenues and profitability. We 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 depend on the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs and the successful development and launch of new products.


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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 use value offerings in our marketing and advertising programs to drive traffic, the low price offerings may condition our guests to resist higher prices in a more favorable economic environment.
In addition, we continue to focus on restaurant modernization and technology and digital engagement in order to transform the restaurant experience. As part of these initiatives we 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 franchise sales and therefore we may not fully realize the intended benefits of these 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 each 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.
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, to accelerate international growth. 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 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.
If we are unable to effectively manage our growth, it could adversely affect our business and operating results.
We are the indirect holding company for TH, BK, and PLK and their respective consolidated subsidiaries with over 24,00027,000 restaurants, of which approximately 100% are franchised restaurants. In addition, 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.


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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 that permit them to develop and operate restaurants in defined geographic areas. As permitted by certain of these agreements, master franchisees may elect to license sub-franchisees to develop and operate TH, BK, or PLK restaurants, as applicable in the geographic area covered by the agreement. These agreements contractually obligate our master franchisees 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 are dependent upon our master franchisees 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 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.


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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 or anti-Canadian 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;
uncertainties and effects on our joint ventures of the expected withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (referred to as "Brexit"), including supply chain, financial, tax, legal and trade consequences;
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 each of our brands to open new restaurants in international markets as part of our growth strategy.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 TH, BK, and PLK 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. In addition, fluctuations in interest rates may affect our combined business. Although we attempt to minimize these risks through geographic diversification and the utilization of derivative financial instruments, our risk management strategies may not be effective and our results of operations could be adversely affected.


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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 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, the marketmarkets for beef and chicken (the principal raw material of our PLK business) isare subject to significant price fluctuations due to seasonal shifts, climate conditions, the cost of grain, disease, industry demand, international commodity markets, food safety concerns, product recalls, government regulation and other factors, all of which are beyond our control and, in many instances unpredictable. Such increases in commodity costs may materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
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 ingredients, which would adversely affect our operating results.
Our vertically integrated supply chain operations subject us to additional risks and may cause our profitability to decline.


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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 supplierssupplies to our restaurants arising from shortages or greater than expected demand, such as we experienced with the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich in 2019, may increase costs or reduce revenues. As of December 31, 2017,2019, we have only one or a few suppliers to service each category of products sold at our TH systemand 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 each 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, difficulty negotiating leases with acceptable terms, onerous land use or zoning restrictions, or challenges in securing required governmental 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


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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 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 salesrevenues 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 applicable 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 may 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


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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.
Food safety concerns and 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 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. 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 revenuessales and profits. Such 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.
Some of our products 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 of adverse health effects. Particularly in the U.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 products. An unfavorable report on the health effects of caffeine or other compounds present in our products, or negative publicity or litigation arising from other health risks such as obesity, could significantly reduce the demand for our beverages and food products. A decrease in customer traffic as a result of these health concerns or negative publicity could materially and adversely affect 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, pandemics or other 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, cause damage to or closure of restaurants and result in lost opportunities for our restaurants. For example, the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020 led to a temporary closure of a number of our franchised restaurants in China. In addition, these events could lead to delays or interruptions in the delivery of food or other supplies to our franchised restaurants arising from delays or restrictions on shipping and/or manufacturing. 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 are 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.losses and our loss of royalties.


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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 each 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.
U.S. federal incomeIncome tax reform in the US and other jurisdictions 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 (1) a provision designed to tax currently global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) (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 (2) a base erosion anti-abuse tax (BEAT) that eliminates the deduction of certain base-erosion payments made to related non-U.S. corporations and imposes a minimum tax if greater than regular tax, (3) significant additional limitations on the deductibility of interest, (4) a one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries that may, if elected, be paid over eight years, (5) limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation and (6) 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 further regulatory and administrative guidance.
Prospectively, our effective tax rate may be adversely impacted by the provisions of the Tax Act. In addition, there may be adverse adjustments to our 2017 provisional estimates of the impact of the Tax Act as we finalize such amounts during 2018. Furthermore, the impact of the Tax Act may be affected by additional regulatory or accounting guidance, which may adversely affect us. Accordingly, our effective tax rate and results of operations could be adversely impacted. Additionally, other jurisdictions have and are considering various tax reform initiatives that may adversely impact us if enacted.
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 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,


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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. 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 result in us not being 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 have a material adverse effect on our 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 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 sections 385 and 7874 of the Code or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, or other changes in law, could adversely affect our and/or Partnership’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 Partnership. It is presently uncertain whether any such legislative proposals will be enacted into law and, if so, what impact


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such legislation would have on us. 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 any 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.
Moreover, like the U.S. Congress, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and other government agencies in jurisdictions where the CompanyPartnership 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 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 brands and branded products and adversely affect our business.
We depend in large part on the value of our brands, which represent 48.3%approximately 45% of the total assets on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.2019. 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, industrial designs, 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


16



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 registrationsapplications pending registration in the 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 U.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 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. For example, during 2017, two separatethere have been multiple class action lawsuits were filed against us regarding the no-poaching provision of our BK franchise agreements in the U.S. and a similar case has been filed in Canada by TH franchisees.against TH. 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.
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. Should management’s evaluation of our current exposure to legal matters pending against us 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.
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 U.S. and Europe, we and our franchisees are subject to increasing regulation regarding our operations


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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. If we fail to comply with existing or future laws, we may be subject to governmental fines and sanctions.
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 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.
Additionally, we, our franchisees and our 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 increased pressure to make commitments, set targets or establish additional goals and take actions to meet them. These risks could expose us to market, operational and execution costs or risks. If we are unable to effectively manage the risks associated with our complex regulatory environment, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
The personal information that we collect may be vulnerable to breach, theft, or loss that could adversely affect our reputation, results of operationoperations, 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. For example, in 2019, we expanded our development and management of our brands’ mobile apps, online ordering platforms, and in-restaurant kiosks. While our deployment of such technology facilitates our primary goals of generating both incremental sales at our franchisees’ restaurants as well as additional customer awareness and interest in our brands, such deployment also means that we are collecting and responsible for additional personal information about our customers. Some of this personal information is also held and managed by our franchisees and certain of our vendors. A third-party may be able to circumvent the security and business controls we use to limit access and use of personal information, 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 adversely affect our reputation and restaurant operations as well as result in substantial fines, penalties, indemnification claims, and potential litigation against us which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial


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condition. For example, the European Union adopted a new regulation that becomes effective in May 2018, called the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), that became effective in May 2018, 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. Furthermore, the collection and safeguarding of personal information has increasingly attracted enhanced scrutiny from the general public in the United States, which has resulted in additional actual and proposed legislative and regulatory rules at both the federal and state levels (e.g., the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018). As a result of such 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, as well as the systems of our third partythird-party vendors to whom we outsource certain administrative functions. Despite our implementation of security measures, all of our technology systems are vulnerable to damage, disruption or failures due to physical theft, fire, power loss,


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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 our 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,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 receive and maintain certain personal information about our customers, franchisees and employees, anddo business, including our franchisees, receivehe 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 maintain similar information. The use of this information by us is regulated by applicable law. Ifcould seriously disrupt our securityoperations. Any resulting negative publicity could significantly harm our reputation and information systems or those of our franchisees are compromised or our business associates fail to comply with these lawscould materially and regulations and this information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used inappropriately, it could adversely affect our reputation, as well as our restaurant operationsbusiness and results of operations and financial condition. We could also be subject to litigation or the imposition of penalties. As privacy and information security laws and regulations change, we may incur additional costs to ensure that we remain in compliance.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.
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.
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 the Investment Canada Act and obtain approval of the Minister prior to


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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 units.
Risks Related to our Partnership Exchangeable Units
3G RBH owns 43.6% approximately 32%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 RBH”) currently owns 92.4%approximately 90% of the Partnership exchangeable units and 43.6%approximately 32% 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.


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3G RBH is affiliated with 3G Capital Partners, Ltd. a global 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.
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.


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A shareholder’sunitholder’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. 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 of RBI shareholders or our unitholders. Issuances of RBI common shares or Partnership exchangeable units would 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 20172019 and for the first quarter of 2018,2020, any future dividends on the RBI common shares and distributions 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 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 $1.80$2.08 in declared dividends per RBI common share and distributions per Partnership exchangeable unit for 2018,2020, there is no assurance that RBI will achieve its target total dividend for 20182020 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.
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


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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;


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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.
The Limited 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
None.



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Executive Officers of Restaurant Brands International Inc., General Partner of Registrant
Set forth below is certain information about our executive officers. Ages are as of the date hereof.
NameAge  Position
José E. Cil50Chief Executive Officer
Matthew Dunnigan36Chief Financial Officer
Joshua Kobza33Chief Operating Officer
Axel Schwan46President, Tim Hortons Americas
Christopher Finazzo38President, Burger King Americas
Felipe Athayde41President, Popeyes Americas
Fernando Machado45Chief Marketing Officer
Jill Granat54General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Jacqueline Friesner47Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
José E. Cil. Mr. Cil was appointed Chief Executive Officer of RBI in January 2019, and previously served as President, Burger King since December 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.
Matthew Dunnigan. Mr. Dunnigan was appointed Chief Financial Officer of RBI 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.
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 2010, Mr. Kobza served as an analyst in the corporate private equity area of the Blackstone Group in New York City.
Axel Schwan. Mr. Schwan was appointed President of Tim Hortons, Canada & America in October 2019. Mr. Schwan served as Global Chief Marketing Officer of Tim Hortons from October 2017 to October 2019 and prior to that served as the Chief Marketing Officer of Burger King from January 2014 to October 2017.
Christopher Finazzo. Mr. Finazzo was appointed President of Burger King, Americas in December 2017. Mr. Finazzo served as Head of Marketing, North America for Burger King from January 2017 to December 2017 and was Head of Development for Burger King from January 2016 to January 2017. Since joining Burger King in May 2014, he has held various roles in marketing and development. Prior to joining Burger King, Mr. Finazzo was on the strategy team at Macy’s.
Felipe Athayde. Mr. Athayde was appointed President of Popeyes, Americas in March 2019. From July 2017 until March 2019, he served as President, Latin American and Caribbean for Burger King, in Miami, Florida. From December 2015 until June 2017, he served as President, U.S. for Burger King and from December 2014 to December 2015 as Executive Vice President, U.S. Development for Tim Hortons. From April 2013 to December 2014, Mr. Athayde was General Manager, U.S. West Division for Burger King.
Fernando Machado. Mr. Machado was appointed Chief Marketing Officer for RBI in January 2019. Mr. Machado served as Chief Marketing Officer of Burger King beginning July 2019 and prior to that served as Head of Brand Marketing, Burger King from October 2017 through June 2019 and Senior Vice President, Global Brand Management of Burger King from March 2014 to October 2017. Prior to joining Burger King, Mr. Machado held several brand development positions at Unilever.


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Jill Granat. Ms. Granat was appointed General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of RBI in December 2014. Ms. Granat served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Burger King Worldwide and its predecessor since February 2011. Prior to this time, Ms. Granat was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Burger King Corporation from July 2009 until March 2011. Ms. Granat joined Burger King Corporation in 1998 as a member of the legal department and served in positions of increasing responsibility with Burger King Corporation.
Jacqueline Friesner. Ms. Friesner was appointed Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of RBI in December 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 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.
Item 2. Properties
Our corporate headquarters is located in Oakville,Toronto, Ontario 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 213,000150,000 square feet which we lease. We also lease office property in Atlanta, Georgia and in Switzerland and Singapore. Related to the TH business, we own five distribution centers and two manufacturing centers, one warehouse and four officesplants throughout Canada. In addition to our corporate headquarters in Toronto, Ontario, we lease one office and one distribution centercross-docking facility in Canada and one manufacturing centerplant in the U.S. In 2018, we announced plans to build two new distribution centers in Western Canada, to replace two existing distribution centers, 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.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, our restaurant footprint was as follows:
TH BK PLK TotalTH BK PLK Total
Franchise Restaurants(1)
              
Sites owned by us and leased to franchisees743
 704
 32
 1,479
763
 691
 36
 1,490
Sites leased by us and subleased to franchisees2,860
 957
 46
 3,863
2,883
 851
 48
 3,782
Sites owned/leased directly by franchisees1,119
 15,056
 2,761
 18,936
1,264
 17,244
 3,191
 21,699
Total franchise restaurant sites4,722
 16,717
 2,839
 24,278
4,910
 18,786
 3,275
 26,971
Company Restaurants              
Sites owned by us6
 15
 13
 34
6
 16
 10
 32
Sites leased by us20
 35
 40
 95
16
 36
 31
 83
Total company restaurant sites26
 50
 53
 129
22
 52
 41
 115
Total system-wide restaurant sites4,748
 16,767
 2,892
 24,407
4,932
 18,838
 3,316
 27,086
(1) Includes VIE restaurants.
We believe that our existing headquarters and other leased and owned facilities are adequate to meet our current requirements.



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Item 3. Legal Proceedings


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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.
On June 19, 2017,October 5, 2018, a claimclass action complaint was filed against Burger King Worldwide, Inc. (“BKW”) and Burger King Corporation (“BKC”) in the Ontario SuperiorU.S. District Court for the Southern District of Justice. The plaintiff, a franchisee of two Tim Hortons restaurants, seeks to certify a classFlorida by Jarvis Arrington, individually and on behalf of all persons who have carried on business asothers similarly situated. On October 18, 2018, a Tim Hortons franchisee in Canada at any time after December 15, 2014. The claim alleges various causes ofsecond class action complaint was filed against the Company, 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 relationthe standard form franchise agreement all Burger King franchisees are required to the purported misuse of amounts paid bysign. Each plaintiff seeks injunctive relief and damages for himself or herself and other members of the proposedclass. These actions have been consolidated.
In July 2019, a class toaction complaint was filed against The TDL Group Corp. ("TDL") in the Supreme Court of British Columbia by Samir Latifi, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. The complaint alleges that TDL violated the Canadian Competition Act by incorporating an employee no-solicitation and no-hiring clause in the standard form franchise agreement all Tim Hortons Canada advertising fund (the “Ad Fund”).franchisees are required to sign. The plaintiff seeks to have the Ad Fund franchisee contributions held in trust for the benefitdamages and restitution, on behalf of himself and other 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. 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.class.
While we currently believe thethese claims are without merit, and we intend to vigorously defend against these lawsuits, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these cases or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.
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
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”. As of February 9, 2018,10, 2020, there were 5350 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 and RBI common shares on the NYSE and TSX, and distributions declared on Partnership exchangeable units and dividends declared per common share of RBI.
 
 
NYSE (U.S. $)
 
 
TSX (C$)
 
Dividends /
Distributions
per Common Share /
Partnership Exchangeable Unit (U.S.$)
 High Low High Low 
2017         
First Quarter - QSR$57.60 $47.00 C$75.65 C$63.07 $0.18
Second Quarter - QSR$62.54 $55.76 C$83.69 C$74.68 $0.19
Third Quarter - QSR$65.58 $59.25 C$80.78 C$74.01 $0.20
Fourth Quarter - QSR$67.60 $60.45 C$86.20 C$77.20 $0.21
First Quarter - QSP$— $— C$75.50 C$63.15 $0.18
Second Quarter - QSP$— $— C$84.00 C$74.00 $0.19
Third Quarter - QSP$— $— C$81.50 C$74.00 $0.20
Fourth Quarter - QSP$— $— C$86.00 C$77.00 $0.21
2016         
First Quarter - QSR$39.33 $30.25 C$51.78 C$42.08 $0.14
Second Quarter - QSR$43.61 $38.03 C$55.93 C$49.49 $0.15
Third Quarter - QSR$48.53 $41.34 C$63.52 C$53.81 $0.16
Fourth Quarter - QSR$49.66 $43.01 C$65.41 C$57.52 $0.17
First Quarter - QSP$— $— C$51.69 C$41.99 $0.14
Second Quarter - QSP$— $— C$56.23 C$49.00 $0.15
Third Quarter - QSP$— $— C$63.84 C$53.75 $0.16
Fourth Quarter - QSP$— $— C$65.82 C$57.50 $0.17
Dividend Policy
On February 12, 2018,10, 2020, we announced that the RBI board of directors of RBIhad declared a cash dividend of $0.45$0.52 per RBI common share for the first quarter of 2018.2020. The dividend will be paid on April 2, 20183, 2020 to common shareholders of record on March 15, 2018.16, 2020. Partnership will also make a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.45$0.52 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.
RBI is targeting a total of $1.80$2.08 in declared dividends per common share and declared distributions in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit for 2018.
Because we are a holding company, our ability to pay cash distributions on our Partnership exchangeable units may be limited by restrictions under the agreements governing our debt.


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2020.
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 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 2017 and the full year 2017,2019, we received exchange notices representing 9,130,494 and 9,286,48042,016,392 Partnership exchangeable units, respectively.including 22,623 during the fourth quarter of 2019. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, we satisfied the exchange notices by exchanging the Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. During 2018 and 2017, we received exchange notices representing 10,185,333 and 9,286,480 Partnership exchangeable units, respectively. We satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 10,000,000 and 5,000,000 Partnership exchangeable units for approximately $330.2$561 million and $330 million in cash during the fourth quarter2018 and full year of 2017, respectively, and exchanging the remaining Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. During 2016 and 2015, we received exchange notices representing 6,744,244 and 31,302,135 Partnership exchangeable units, respectively. We satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 8,150,003 Partnership exchangeable units for approximately $293.7 million in cash during 2015 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’sRBI's common shares on the NYSE for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the last business day prior to the exchange date. Upon the exchange of Partnership exchangeable units, each such Partnership exchangeable unit was automatically deemed cancelled concurrently with such exchange.



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Stock Performance Graph
The following graph depicts the total return to the holders of Partnership exchangeable units from December 31, 20142015 through December 31, 2017,2019, relative to the performance of the Standard & Poor’s/TSX Composite Index and the Standard & Poor’s/TSX Capped Consumer Discretionary Index, a peer group. December 15, 2014 was the first day of trading on the TSX of Partnership exchangeable units. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in Partnership exchangeable units and each index on December 31, 20142015 and the reinvestment of distributions paid since that date. The price performance shown in the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.


chart-2775b73842ab556e9b4.jpg
12/31/2014 12/31/2015 12/31/2016 12/31/201712/31/2014 12/31/2015 12/31/2016 12/31/2017 12/31/2018 12/31/2019
Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership (TSX)$100
 $118
 $146
 $176
$100
 $118
 $146
 $176
 $163
 $189
S&P/TSX Composite Index (C$)$100
 $89
 $104
 $111
$100
 $89
 $104
 $111
 $98
 $117
S&P/TSX Capped Consumer Discretionary Index (C$)$100
 $97
 $104
 $126
$100
 $97
 $104
 $126
 $103
 $117




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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 data as of the dates and for each of the periods indicated. The selected historical financial data as of December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 and for 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 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, 2015,2017, December 31, 20142016 and December 31, 20132015 and for 20142016 and 20132015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which are not included in this report.
Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the new lease accounting standard ("New Lease Standard"). Our consolidated financial statements for 2019 reflect the application of the New Lease Standard, while our consolidated financial statements for periods prior to 2019 were prepared under the guidance of the previously applicable lease accounting standard. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted the new revenue recognition accounting standard ("New Revenue Recognition Standard"). Our consolidated financial statements for 2019 and 2018 reflect the application of the New Revenue Recognition Standard, while our consolidated financial statements for periods prior to 2018 were prepared under the guidance of previously applicable accounting standards.
The selected historical consolidated financial 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 data included below and elsewhere in this report are not necessarily indicative of future results. The information presented in 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.
2017(a) 2016 2015 2014(b) 20132019 2018 2017(a) 2016 2015
(In millions, except per share data)(In millions, except per unit data)
Statement of Operations Data:                  
Revenues:                  
Sales$2,390.3
 $2,204.7
 $2,169.0
 $167.4
 $222.7
$2,362
 $2,355
 $2,390
 $2,205
 $2,169
Franchise and property revenues2,185.8
 1,941.1
 1,883.2
 1,031.4
 923.6
3,241
 3,002
 2,186
 1,941
 1,883
Total revenues4,576.1
 4,145.8
 4,052.2
 1,198.8
 1,146.3
5,603
 5,357
 4,576
 4,146
 4,052
Income from operations (c)(b)1,735.9
 1,666.7
 1,192.2
 181.1
 522.2
2,007
 1,917
 1,735
 1,667
 1,192
Net income (loss) (c)$1,235.3
 $955.9
 $511.7
 $(268.9) $233.7
Earnings (loss) per unit/share - Basic:         
Net income (b)1,111
 1,144
 1,235
 956
 512
Earnings per unit - Basic and Diluted:         
Class A common units$3.10
 $1.71
 $0.51
 $(1.63) $
$3.18
 $3.03
 $3.10
 $1.71
 $0.51
Partnership exchangeable units$2.59
 $1.48
 $0.51
 $(1.63) $
$2.40
 $2.46
 $2.59
 $1.48
 $0.51
Common shares$
 $
 $
 $(0.20) $0.67
Earnings (loss) per unit/share - Diluted:         
Distributions per unit:         
Class A common units$3.10
 $1.71
 $0.51
 $(1.63) $
$2.70
 $2.23
 $0.92
 $0.72
 $0.44
Partnership exchangeable units$2.59
 $1.48
 $0.51
 $(1.63) $
$2.00
 $1.80
 $0.78
 $0.62
 $0.44
Common shares$
 $
 $
 $(0.20) $0.65
Distributions/dividends per common unit/share         
Class A common units$0.92
 $0.72
 $0.44
 $
 $
Partnership exchangeable units$0.78
 $0.62
 $0.44
 $
 $
Common shares$
 $
 $
 $0.30
 $0.24
Other Financial Data:                  
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities$1,422.0
 $1,233.1
 $1,200.7
 $259.3
 $325.2
Net cash provided by operating activities$1,476
 $1,165
 $1,431
 $1,214
 $1,207
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(857.8) 26.9
 (61.5) (7,790.8) 43.0
(30) (44) (858) 27
 (62)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(935.2) (590.9) (2,115.2) 8,565.6
 (132.7)
Net cash used for financing activities(842) (1,285) (936) (591) (2,115)




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December 31,December 31,
2017(a) 2016 2015 2014(b) 20132019 2018 2017(a) 2016 2015
(In millions)(In millions)
Balance Sheet Data:                  
Cash and cash equivalents$1,073.4
 $1,420.4
 $753.7
 $1,803.2
 $786.9
$1,533
 $913
 $1,097
 $1,436
 $788
Total assets21,223.9
 19,125.3
 18,408.5
 21,343.0
 5,785.5
22,360
 20,141
 21,224
 19,125
 18,409
Total debt and capital lease obligations12,122.9
 8,722.5
 8,721.8
 10,199.0
 2,994.0
Total debt and finance lease obligations12,148
 12,140
 12,123
 8,723
 8,722
Total liabilities16,662.9
 12,339.3
 12,198.4
 13,706.2
 4,269.3
18,101
 16,523
 16,663
 12,339
 12,198
Partnership preferred units
 3,297.0
 3,297.0
 3,297.0
 

 
 
 3,297
 3,297
Total equity4,561.0
 3,489.0
 2,913.1
 4,339.8
 1,516.2
4,259
 3,618
 4,561
 3,489
 2,913
 
(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 TH. Statement of operations data and other financial data include TH results from the acquisition date through December 28, 2014, the end of TH's 2014 fiscal year. Balance sheet data includes TH data as of December 28, 2014.
(c)Amount includes $61.7$31 million of Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees and $6 million of Office centralization and relocation costs for 2019. Amount includes $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 $1.9$2 million of Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees for 2017. Amount includes $16.4$16 million of integration costs for 2016.2016 in connection with the implementation of initiatives to integrate the back-office processes of TH and BK to enhance efficiencies. Amount includes $116.7$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 million of TH transaction and restructuring costs, $11.8 million of acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales and $290.9 million of net losses on derivatives for 2014. Amount includes $26.2 million of global portfolio realignment project costs for 2013.
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 (referred to as system-wide sales) 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 thirteen13 months or longer for TH and BK and 65 weeks17 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.franchised. 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.
Commencing in 2017, we are presenting netNet restaurant growth on a percentage basis, reflectingrefers 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. This presentation has been applied retrospectively to
These metrics are important indicators of the earliest period presented to provide period-to-period comparability. Previously, we presented net restaurantoverall direction of our business, including trends in sales and the effectiveness of each brand’s marketing, operations and growth as the number of new restaurants opened, net of closures, during a stated period. We have disclosed restaurant count at period end which can be used to determine net restaurant growth as previously presented.initiatives.









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The following table presents our operating metrics for each of the periods indicated. The operating metrics for 2017, 2016 and 2015indicated, 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. 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.

2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
System-wide sales growth          
Tim Hortons3.0 % 5.2% 9.3%(0.3)% 2.4% 3.0 %
Burger King10.1 % 7.8% 10.3%9.3 % 8.9% 10.1 %
Popeyes (a)(b)5.1 % 7.4% 11.8%
Popeyes (a)18.5 % 8.9% 5.1 %
Consolidated8.3 % 7.4% 7.9 %
System-wide sales ($ in millions)          
Tim Hortons$6,716.9
 $6,405.2
 $6,349.8
$6,716
 $6,869
 $6,717
Burger King$20,075.1
 $18,209.2
 $17,303.7
$22,921
 $21,624
 $20,075
Popeyes (a)(b)$3,511.5
 $3,286.3
 $3,059.5
Popeyes (a)$4,397
 $3,732
 $3,512
Consolidated$34,034
 $32,225
 $30,304
Comparable sales          
Tim Hortons(0.1)% 2.5% 5.6%(1.5)% 0.6% (0.1)%
Burger King3.1 % 2.3% 5.4%3.4 % 2.0% 3.1 %
Popeyes (a)(b)(1.5)% 1.7% 5.9%
Popeyes (a)12.1 % 1.6% (1.5)%
Net restaurant growth          
Tim Hortons2.9 % 4.5% 3.6%1.8 % 2.1% 2.9 %
Burger King6.5 % 4.9% 4.4%5.9 % 6.1% 6.5 %
Popeyes (a)(c)6.1 % 6.2% 6.9%
Popeyes (b)6.9 % 7.3% 6.1 %
Consolidated5.2 % 5.5% 5.8 %
System Restaurant count          
Tim Hortons4,748
 4,613
 4,413
4,932
 4,846
 4,748
Burger King16,767
 15,738
 15,003
18,838
 17,796
 16,767
Popeyes (a)(c)2,892
 2,725
 2,567
Popeyes3,316
 3,102
 2,892
Consolidated27,086
 25,744
 24,407


(a)PLK 2016 and 2015 annual figures are shown for informational purposes only.
(b)For 2017, PLK comparable sales, system-wide sales growth and system-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 and 2015 are consistent with PLK's former fiscal calendar. Consequently, results for 20172019 and 2018 may not be comparable to those of 2016 and 2015.2017.
(c)(b)For 2017, net restaurant growth is for the period from December 26, 2016 through December 31, 2017. Results for 2016 and 2015 are consistent with PLK's former fiscal calendar. Restaurant count is as of December 31, 2017 for the current period, and as of December 25, 2016 for 2016 and December 27, 2015 for 2015, inclusive of temporary closures.



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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition andResults of 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, 20172019 (our “Annual Report”) and our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” 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 these forward-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, a reconciliation to GAAP 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 “Partnership,” “we,” “us,” or “our” are to Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and its subsidiaries, collectively.
Overview
We are a limited partnershipCanadian corporation originally formed on August 25, 2014 to serve as the indirect holding company for Tim Hortons and its consolidated subsidiaries and for Burger King and 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$34 billion in system-wide sales and over 24,00027,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories as of December 31, 2017.2019. Our Tim Hortons®, Burger King®, and Popeyes® brands have similar franchise business models with complementary daypart mixes and product platforms. Our three iconic brands are managed independently while benefiting 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 spicyfried chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp and other seafood, red beans and rice, and other regional items.
We have three operating and reportable segments: (1) Tim Hortons (“TH”); (2) Burger King (“BK”); and (3) Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (“PLK”). Our business generates revenue from the following 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 we lease or sublease to franchisees; and (iii) sales at restaurants owned by us (“Company 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 Lease Accounting Standard

We transitioned to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), effective January 1, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis using the effective date transition method. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the application of ASC 842 guidance beginning in 2019, while our consolidated financial statements for prior periods were prepared under the guidance of a previously applicable accounting standard.

The most significant effects of this transition that affect comparability of our results of operations between 2019 and 2018 include the following:

Beginning on January 1, 2019, we record lease income and lease cost on a gross basis for lessee reimbursements of costs such as property taxes and maintenance when we are the lessor in the lease. Although there was no net impact to our consolidated statement of operations from this change, the presentation resulted in total increases to both franchise and property revenues and franchise and property expenses of $130 million ($85 million related to our TH segment, $43 million related to our BK segment and $2 million related to our PLK segment) during 2019, compared to 2018 and 2017, when such amounts were recorded on a net basis.

As described in Note 10, Leases, to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements, the transition provisions of ASC 842 required the reclassification of favorable lease assets and unfavorable lease liabilities where we are the lessee in the underlying lease to the right-of-use (“ROU”) asset recorded for the underlying lease. As a result of this reclassification, the amortization period for certain favorable lease assets and unfavorable lease liabilities was reduced, resulting in a $5 million net increase in non-cash amortization expense during 2019 compared to 2018 and 2017. Favorable lease assets and unfavorable lease liabilities associated with leases where we are the lessor were not impacted by our transition to ASC 842.

Please refer to Note 10, Leases, to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for further details of the effects of this change in accounting principle.
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 2019 and 2018 reflect the application of ASC 606 guidance, while our consolidated financial statements for 2017 were prepared under the guidance of previously applicable accounting standards.
Tax Reform
OnIn December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) that significantly revisesrevised 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 partnership,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 2019, 2018 and 2017, and is expected to continue to impact our consolidated results of operations in future periods.
Also on December 22, 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides that companies (i) should record the effects of the changes from the Tax Act for which accounting is complete (not provisional), (ii) should record provisional amounts for the effects of the changes from the Tax Act for which accounting is not complete, and for which reasonable estimates can be determined, in the period they are identified, and (iii) should not record provisional amounts if reasonable estimates cannot be made for the effects of the changes from the Tax Act, and should continue to apply guidance based on the tax law in effect prior to the enactment on December 22, 2017. In addition, SAB 118 established a one-year measurement period (through December 22, 2018) where a provisional amount could be subject to adjustment, and requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures related to provisional amounts and accounting during the measurement period.
The impacts to our consolidated statementstatements of operations in 2017 consist of the following (“Tax Act Impact”):
A provisional benefit of $419.9$420 million recorded in our provision from income taxes for 2017 and a final favorable adjustment of $9 million recorded for 2018, as a result of the remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities.
Provisional charges of $102.6$103 million recorded in 2017 and a final 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 $119.4$119 million recorded in 2017, most of which had been previously accrued with respect to certain undistributed foreign earnings.earnings, and a final favorable adjustment of $15 million (primarily related to utilization of foreign tax credits) recorded in 2018.
Given

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No adjustment to these charges and benefits was made in 2019. However, the complexity of the changes in tax law resulting from the Tax Act, we have not finalized the accounting for the income tax effectsprovisions of the Tax Act including any of the provisional amounts described above. Adjustments to provisional amountsare complex and likely will be recordedthe subject of further regulatory and administrative guidance, which we will evaluate as discrete items in the provision for income taxes in the period in which those adjustments become reasonably estimable. Such adjustmentsreleased and may result in the impact of the Tax Act differing from these estimates, possibly materially, during the one-year measurement period duerequire us to among other things, further refinement of our calculations, changes in interpretations and assumptions we have made, interpretations and regulatory changes from the Internal Revenue Service, the SEC, the FASB and various tax jurisdictions,record an additional charge or actions we may take. We will complete our analysis no later than December 22, 2018.benefit.
We recorded $1.9$31 million, $25 million and $2 million of costs during 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations, arising primarily from professional advisory and consulting services 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”) in 2017. We expect to continue to incur additional Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees related to the Tax Act in 2018..
Popeyes Acquisition and PLK Transaction Costs
As described in Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, on March 27, 2017, we completed the acquisition of Popeyes for total consideration of $1,654.7 millionLouisiana Kitchen, Inc. (the “Popeyes Acquisition”"Popeyes Acquisition"). The consideration was funded through (1) cash on handOur 2019 and 2018 consolidated statements of approximately $354.7 millionoperations includes PLK revenues and (2) $1,300.0 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 Annual Report.


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segment income for a full fiscal year. Our 2017 consolidated statementstatements of operations includes PLK revenues and segment income from March 28, 2017 through December 31, 2017. The changes in our results of operations for 2017 as compared to 2016 are partially driven by the inclusion of the results of operations of PLK. The PLK statement of operations data for 2017 is summarized as follows:
PLK Segment (in millions of U.S. dollars)2017
Revenues: 
Sales$67.7
Franchise and property revenues134.6
Total revenues202.3
Cost of sales56.9
Franchise and property expenses7.3
Segment SG&A40.2
Segment depreciation and amortization (a)9.0
Segment income106.9
(a)Segment depreciation and amortization consists of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales and franchise and property expenses.
PLK Transaction Costs
In connection with the Popeyes Acquisition, we incurred certain non-recurring fees and expenses (“PLK Transaction costs”) totaling $61.7$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 in the consolidated statementstatements of operations. We expect todid not incur additionalany PLK Transaction costs through 2018 as we integrate the operations of PLK.during 2019.
IntegrationOffice Centralization and Relocation Costs
In connection with the implementationcentralization and relocation of initiativesour Canadian and U.S. restaurant support centers to integrate the back-office processes of THnew offices in Toronto, Ontario, and BK to enhance efficiencies, we incurred $16.4 million related to these initiatives during 2016, primarily consisting of professional fees.
TH Transaction and Restructuring Costs
In connection with a series of transactions (the “Transactions”) that were completed during 2014 resulting in Burger King Worldwide, Inc. and The TDL Group Corp. becoming indirect subsidiaries of the Company and Partnership and a series of post-closing transactions during 2015 that resulted in changes to our legal and capital structure,Miami, Florida, respectively, we incurred certain non-recurringnon-operational expenses (“Office centralization and relocation costs”) totaling $6 million during 2019 and $20 million during 2018 consisting primarily of moving costs, relocation-driven compensation expenses, and duplicate rent expenses during 2018, which are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. We do not expect to incur any additional Office centralization and relocation costs during 2015, consisting of the following:2020.
Financing, legal and advisory fees, and integration costs related to a realignment of our global structure to better accommodate the needs of the combined business, totaling $83.4 million;
Severance benefits, other compensation costs and training expenses of approximately $31.1 million 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, 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.





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

Segment income may not calculate exactly due to rounding.
      2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015      2019 vs. 2018 2018 vs. 2017
Consolidated2017 2016 2015 Variance FX
Impact (b)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
 Variance FX
Impact (b)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
2019 2018 2017 Variance FX
Impact (a)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
 Variance FX
Impact
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
      Favorable / (Unfavorable)      Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:                                  
Sales$2,390.3
 $2,204.7
 $2,169.0
 $185.6
 $39.8
 $145.8
 $35.7
 $(65.2) $100.9
$2,362
 $2,355
 $2,390
 $7
 $(44) $51
 $(35) $1
 $(36)
Franchise and property revenues2,185.8
 1,941.1
 1,883.2
 244.7
 18.2
 226.5
 57.9
 (49.0) 106.9
3,241
 3,002
 2,186
 239
 (52) 291
 816
 (10) 826
Total revenues4,576.1
 4,145.8
 4,052.2
 430.3
 58.0
 372.3
 93.6
 (114.2) 207.8
5,603
 5,357
 4,576
 246
 (96) 342
 781
 (9) 790
Operating costs and expenses:                                  
Cost of sales1,850.3
 1,727.3
 1,809.5
 (123.0) (31.0) (92.0) 82.2
 52.0
 30.2
1,813
 1,818
 1,850
 5
 34
 (29) 32
 
 32
Franchise and property expenses477.6
 454.1
 503.2
 (23.5) (6.3) (17.2) 49.1
 11.4
 37.7
540
 422
 478
 (118) 7
 (125) 56
 
 56
Selling, general and administrative expenses415.5
 318.6
 437.7
 (96.9) (8.3) (88.6) 119.1
 2.4
 116.7
1,264
 1,214
 416
 (50) 10
 (60) (798) 
 (798)
(Income) loss from equity method investments(12.4) (20.2) 4.1
 (7.8) 0.2
 (8.0) 24.3
 (0.1) 24.4
(11) (22) (12) (11) (3) (8) 10
 
 10
Other operating expenses (income), net109.2
 (0.7) 105.5
 (109.9) (0.1) (109.8) 106.2
 2.3
 103.9
(10) 8
 109
 18
 (3) 21
 101
 (5) 106
Total operating costs and expenses2,840.2
 2,479.1
 2,860.0
 (361.1) (45.5) (315.6) 380.9
 68.0
 312.9
3,596
 3,440
 2,841
 (156) 45
 (201) (599) (5) (594)
Income from operations1,735.9
 1,666.7
 1,192.2
 69.2
 12.5
 56.7
 474.5
 (46.2) 520.7
2,007
 1,917
 1,735
 90
 (51) 141
 182
 (14) 196
Interest expense, net512.2
 466.9
 478.3
 (45.3) 
 (45.3) 11.4
 0.6
 10.8
532
 535
 512
 3
 
 3
 (23) 
 (23)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt122.0
 
 40.0
 (122.0) 
 (122.0) 40.0
 
 40.0
23
 
 122
 (23) 
 (23) 122
 
 122
Income before income taxes1,101.7
 1,199.8
 673.9
 (98.1) 12.5
 (110.6) 525.9
 (45.6) 571.5
1,452
 1,382
 1,101
 70
 (51) 121
 281
 (14) 295
Income tax (benefit) expense(133.6) 243.9
 162.2
 377.5
 (0.7) 378.2
 (81.7) (1.9) (79.8)341
 238
 (134) (103) 12
 (115) (372) (12) (360)
Net income$1,235.3
 $955.9
 $511.7
 $279.4
 $11.8
 $267.6
 $444.2
 $(47.5) $491.7
$1,111
 $1,144
 $1,235
 $(33) $(39) $6
 $(91) $(26) $(65)
(b)(a)For items included in our results of operations, weWe calculate the FX Impact by translating currentprior year results at priorcurrent 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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      2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015      2019 vs. 2018 2018 vs. 2017
TH Segment2017 2016 2015 Variance FX
Impact (b)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
 Variance FX
Impact (b)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
2019 2018 2017 Variance FX
Impact (a)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
 Variance FX
Impact
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
      Favorable / (Unfavorable)      Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:                                  
Sales$2,228.9
 $2,112.1
 $2,074.3
 $116.8
 $38.7
 $78.1
 $37.8
 $(65.0) $102.8
$2,204
 $2,201
 $2,229
 $3
 $(44) $47
 $(28) $1
 $(29)
Franchise and property revenues925.7
 889.3
 882.6
 36.4
 17.2
 19.2
 6.7
 (26.7) 33.4
1,140
 1,091
 926
 49
 (22) 71
 165
 (2) 167
Total revenues3,154.6
 3,001.4
 2,956.9
 153.2
 55.9
 97.3
 44.5
 (91.7) 136.2
3,344
 3,292
 3,155
 52
 (66) 118
 137
 (1) 138
Cost of sales1,707.6
 1,647.4
 1,728.1
 (60.2) (30.1) (30.1) 80.7
 51.8
 28.9
1,677
 1,688
 1,707
 11
 34
 (23) 19
 
 19
Franchise and property expenses335.6
 317.1
 360.7
 (18.5) (6.4) (12.1) 43.6
 9.6
 34.0
358
 279
 336
 (79) 6
 (85) 57
 1
 56
Segment SG&A91.0
 78.9
 93.2
 (12.1) (1.3) (10.8) 14.3
 2.1
 12.2
309
 314
 91
 5
 6
 (1) (223) 
 (223)
Segment depreciation and amortization (a)(b)102.7
 102.1
 117.7
 (0.6) (1.8) 1.2
 15.6
 3.2
 12.4
106
 102
 103
 (4) 2
 (6) 1
 1
 
Segment income (c)1,135.8
 1,072.3
 906.7
 63.5
 20.2
 43.3
 165.6
 (31.8) 197.4
1,122
 1,127
 1,136
 (5) (22) 17
 (9) (1) (8)
(b)Segment depreciation and amortization consists of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales and franchise and property expenses.
(c)
TH segment income includes $12.7$16 million, $12.2$15 millionand $13 millionof cash distributions received from equity method investments for 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


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       2019 vs. 2018 2018 vs. 2017
BK Segment2019 2018 2017 Variance FX
Impact (a)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
 Variance FX
Impact
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
       Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:                 
Sales$76
 $75
 $94
 $1
 $
 $1
 $(19) $
 $(19)
Franchise and property revenues1,701
 1,576
 1,125
 125
 (30) 155
 451
 (7) 458
Total revenues1,777
 1,651
 1,219
 126
 (30) 156
 432
 (7) 439
Cost of sales71
 67
 86
 (4) 
 (4) 19
 
 19
Franchise and property expenses168
 131
 135
 (37) 1
 (38) 4
 (1) 5
Segment SG&A600
 577
 143
 (23) 3
 (26) (434) (2) (432)
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)49
 48
 47
 (1) 
 (1) (1) (1) 
Segment income (d)994
 928
 903
 66
 (26) 92
 25
 (9) 34
(d)
BK segment income includes $6 million, $5 million and $13.6$1 million of cash distributions received from equity method investments for 2019, 2018 and 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. TH segment income for 2015 includes $0.5 million of acquisition impact on cost of sales.
      2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015      2019 vs. 2018 2018 vs. 2017
BK Segment2017 2016 2015 Variance FX
Impact (b)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
 Variance FX
Impact (b)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
PLK Segment2019 2018 2017 (e) Variance FX
Impact (a)
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
 Variance FX
Impact
 Variance
Excluding
FX Impact
      Favorable / (Unfavorable)      Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:                                  
Sales$93.7
 $92.6
 $94.7
 $1.1
 $1.1
 $
 $(2.1) $(0.2) $(1.9)$82
 $79
 $67
 $3
 $
 $3
 $12
 $
 $12
Franchise and property revenues1,125.5
 1,051.8
 1,000.6
 73.7
 1.0
 72.7
 51.2
 (22.3) 73.5
400
 335
 135
 65
 (1) 66
 200
 (1) 201
Total revenues1,219.2
 1,144.4
 1,095.3
 74.8
 2.1
 72.7
 49.1
 (22.5) 71.6
482
 414
 202
 68
 (1) 69
 212
 (1) 213
Cost of sales85.8
 79.9
 81.4
 (5.9) (0.9) (5.0) 1.5
 0.2
 1.3
65
 63
 57
 (2) 
 (2) (6) 
 (6)
Franchise and property expenses134.7
 137.0
 142.5
 2.3
 0.1
 2.2
 5.5
 1.8
 3.7
14
 12
 7
 (2) 
 (2) (5) 
 (5)
Segment SG&A142.9
 159.6
 159.0
 16.7
 (0.8) 17.5
 (0.6) 0.5
 (1.1)225
 193
 40
 (32) 
 (32) (153) 
 (153)
Segment depreciation and amortization (a)(b)46.5
 48.0
 47.1
 1.5
 (0.2) 1.7
 (0.9) 0.2
 (1.1)11
 10
 9
 (1) 
 (1) (1) 
 (1)
Segment income (d)903.1
 815.9
 759.5
 87.2
 0.7
 86.5
 56.4
 (20.2) 76.6
188
 157
 107
 31
 (1) 32
 50
 (1) 51
(d)(e)BKPLK revenues and segment income from the acquisition date of March 27, 2017 through December 31, 2017 are included in our consolidated statement of operations for 2017 includes $0.8 million of cash distributions received from equity method investments.2017.
Comparable Sales
TH comparable sales were relatively flat for 2017, primarily driven by(1.5)% during 2019, including Canada comparable sales of 0.2%(1.4)%.
BK comparable sales of 3.1% for 2017 was primarily driven bywere 3.4% during 2019, including U.S. comparable sales of 2.5%1.7%.
PLK comparable sales of (1.5)% for 2017 was primarily driven bywere 12.1% during 2019, including U.S. comparable sales of (2.2)%13.0%.




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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, other than equipment sales related to initial restaurant establishment or renovations, as well as sales to retailers. In periods prior to January 1, 2018, we classified revenues derived from sales of equipment packages at the establishment of a restaurant and in connection with renewal or renovation as franchise and property revenues. Sales from Company restaurants, including sales by our consolidated TH Restaurant VIEs, (see Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our Annual Report 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.depreciation, as well as the cost of products sold to retailers. Cost of sales also includes food, paper and labor costs of Company restaurants.


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equipment packages at the establishment of a restaurant and in connection with renewal or renovation as franchise and property expenses.
During 2017,2019, the increase in sales was driven by a $78.1an increase of $47 million increase in our TH segment, the inclusionprimarily as a result of $67.7an increase in supply chain sales, an increase of $3 million fromin our PLK segment and an increase of $1 million in our BK segment, partially offset by an unfavorable FX Impact of $44 million.
During 2018, the decrease in sales was driven by a $39.8decrease 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.Impact of $1 million. The increasedecrease in our TH segment was driven by a $135.3 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 $57.2$48 million decrease in our TH Company restaurant revenue, primarily from the conversion of Restaurant VIEs to franchise restaurants.
During 2016, the increase in sales was driven by a $102.8 million increase in our TH segment,restaurants, partially offset by a $1.9$19 million increase in supply chain sales. The increase in supply chain sales was primarily due to the reclassification of revenue from the sales of equipment packages from franchise and property revenues to sales beginning January 1, 2018, partially offset by the 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 2019, the decrease in cost of sales was driven primarily by a $34 million favorable FX Impact, partially offset by an increase of $23 million in our TH segment, an increase of $4 million in our BK segment and a $65.2an increase of $2 million unfavorable FX Impact.in our PLK segment. The increase in our TH segment was driven primarily by a $194.8 millionan increase in supply chain cost of sales primarily reflecting growth in system-wide sales and andue to the increase in retail sales, partially offset by a $92.0 million decrease in our TH Company restaurant revenue, primarily from the conversion of Restaurant VIEs to franchise restaurants.supply chain sales.
During 2017,2018, the increasedecrease in cost of sales was driven primarily by the inclusiona decrease of $56.9$19 million fromin each of our TH and BK segments, partially offset by an increase of $6 million in our PLK segment, primarily as a $30.1 million increaseresult of including PLK for a full year in our TH segment, a $5.0 million increase2018 compared to nine months in our BK segment, and a $31.0 million unfavorable FX Impact.2017. The increasedecrease in our TH segment was primarily due to an $80.1a decrease of $41 million increase in supply chain cost of sales 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 $50.0 million decrease in Company restaurant cost of sales, primarily from the conversion of Restaurant VIEs to franchise restaurants.
During 2016, the decreaserestaurants, partially offset by an increase of $22 million in supply chain cost of sales. The increase in supply chain cost of sales was driven 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 $28.9 million decrease in our TH segment, a $1.3 millioncosts in connection with the non-recurrence of the roll-out of espresso equipment in 2017. The decrease in our BK segment and a $52.0 million favorable FX Impact. The decrease in our TH segment was driven primarily by a $68.6 million decrease indue to Company restaurant cost of sales, primarily from the conversion of Restaurant VIEs to franchise restaurants. This factor was partially offset by an increaserefranchisings in TH supply chain cost of sales driven by the increase in supply chain sales described above, net of supply chain cost savings derived from effective cost management.prior periods.
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 renewalrenewals or renovation, amortization of franchise agreements and bad debt expense (recoveries).renovations.
During 2017,2019, the increase in franchise and property revenues was driven by the inclusionan increase of $134.6$155 million from our PLK segment, a $72.7 million increase in our BK segment, a $19.2an increase of $71 million increase in our TH segment, and an $18.2increase of $66 million favorablein our PLK segment, partially offset by a $52 million unfavorable FX Impact. The increaseincreases in our BK segment wasand PLK segments were primarily due to an increase in royalties, driven by system-wide sales growth. The increaseincreases 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 converting Restaurant VIEs tosystem-wide sales growth. Additionally, the increase in franchise restaurants.and property revenues in all of our segments during 2019 reflected the gross recognition of property income from lessee reimbursements of costs such as property taxes and maintenance when we are the lessor in the lease as a result of the application of ASC 842 beginning January 1, 2019.
During 2016,2018, the increase in franchise and property revenues was driven by a $73.5an increase of $458 million increase in our BK segment, an increase of $201 million in our PLK segment, and a $33.4an increase of $167 million increase in our TH segment, partially offset by a $49.0$10 million unfavorable FX Impact. The increase in our BK, segment was primarily dueTH 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


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as a result of including PLK for a full year in 2018 compared to a $61.5 millionnine months in 2017, and an increase in royalties driven by system-wide sales growth, and a $16.2 million increase in franchise fees and other revenue, driven by an increase in initial franchise fees and renewal franchise fees. The increase in our TH segment was primarily due to a $23.2 million increase in royalties, driven by system-wide sales growth, and a $16.2 million increase in property revenues, driven by new leases and subleases associated with additional restaurants leased or subleased to franchisees as a result of converting Restaurant VIEs to franchise restaurants.growth. These factors were partially offset by a $6.0 million decrease in franchise fees and other revenue, driven byprimarily due to the deferral of initial and renewal franchise fees as a decrease inresult of the application of ASC 606 and for our TH segment, the reclassification of revenue from the sales of equipment packages.packages from franchise and property revenues to sales beginning January 1, 2018.
During 2017,2019, the increase in franchise and property expenses was driven by a $12.1an increase of $85 million increase in our TH segment, the inclusionan increase of $7.3$38 million fromin our BK segment, and an increase of $2 million in our PLK segment, and a $6.3 million unfavorable FX Impact, partially offset by a $2.2$7 million decrease in our BK segment.favorable FX Impact. The increase in all of our TH segmentsegments during 2019 was primarily due to an increase indriven by the gross recognition of property expenses drivenfor costs such as property taxes and maintenance paid by new subleases associated with additional restaurants subleased to franchiseesus and reimbursed by lessees when we are the lessor in the lease as a result of converting Restaurant VIEs to franchise restaurants.the application of ASC 842 beginning January 1, 2019.
During 2016,2018, the decrease in franchise and property expenses was driven by a $34.0decrease of $56 million decrease in our TH segment and a $3.7decrease of $5 million decrease in our BK segment, andpartially offset by an $11.4increase of $5 million favorable FX Impact.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 driven primarily by a decrease indue to the costs related toreclassification of expenses from sales of equipment packages from franchise and a decrease in bad debt expense. The decrease in our BK segment was driven primarily by a decrease in rent expense relatedproperty expenses to leases that were assigned to franchisees.


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sales beginning January 1, 2018.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Our selling, general and administrative expenses were comprised of the following:

      2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015      2019 vs. 2018 2018 vs. 2017
2017 2016 2015 $ % $ %2019 2018 2017 $ % $ %
      Favorable / (Unfavorable)      Favorable / (Unfavorable)
TH Segment SG&A$91.0
 $78.9
 $93.2
 $(12.1) (15.3)% $14.3
 15.3 %$309
 $314
 $91
 $5
 1.6 % $(223) NM
BK Segment SG&A142.9
 159.6
 159.0
 16.7
 10.5 % (0.6) (0.4)%600
 577
 143
 (23) (4.0)% (434) NM
PLK Segment SG&A40.2
 
 
 (40.2) NM
 
 NM
225
 193
 40
 (32) (16.6)% (153) NM
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense54.9
 42.0
 51.8
 (12.9) (30.7)% 9.8
 18.9 %74
 55
 55
 (19) (34.5)% 
 %
Depreciation and amortization22.9
 21.7
 17.0
 (1.2) (5.5)% (4.7) (27.6)%19
 20
 23
 1
 5.0 % 3
 13.0%
PLK Transaction costs61.7
 
 
 (61.7) NM
 
 NM

 10
 62
 10
 100.0 % 52
 83.9%
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees1.9
 
 
 (1.9) NM
 
 NM
31
 25
 2
 (6) NM
 (23) NM
Integration costs
 16.4
 
 16.4
 NM
 (16.4) NM
TH transaction and restructuring costs
 
 116.7
 
 NM
 116.7
 NM
Office centralization and relocation costs6
 20
 
 14
 NM
 (20) NM
Selling, general and administrative expenses$415.5
 $318.6
 $437.7
 $(96.9) (30.4)% $119.1
 27.2 %$1,264
 $1,214
 $416
 $(50) (4.1)% $(798) NM
NM – Not Meaningful
SegmentUpon our transition to ASC 606 on January 1, 2018, segment selling, general and administrative expenses (“Segment SG&A”) include segment selling expenses, which consist primarily of Company restaurant advertising fund contributions,expenses, and segment general and administrative expenses, which are comprised primarily of salary and employee-related costs for 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, integration costs and TH transactionOffice centralization and restructuringrelocation costs.
During 2017,2019, the increase in Segment SG&A in our BK and PLK segments is primarily due to an increase in advertising fund expenses.
During 2018, TH, BK and PLK Segment SG&A increased 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 decrease in salaries and benefits, partially offset by an unfavorable FX Impact.inclusion of advertising fund expenses from the application of ASC 606 beginning January 1, 2018.
During 2016, TH Segment SG&A decreased primarily due to a decrease in salaries and benefits, a decrease in selling expenses as a result of a decrease in advertising fund contributions driven by a decrease in the number of Restaurant VIEs from the prior year period and favorable FX Impact.
During 2017,2019, the increase in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense was primarily due primarily to an increase of $4.1 million in equity award modifications and an increase due to additionalthe number of equity awards granted during 2017.2019.
During 2016, the decrease in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense was due primarily to a decrease


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Table of $10.6 million related to the remeasurement of liability-classified stock options to fair value, and a decrease of $6.6 million related to equity award modifications, partially offset by additional equity awards granted during 2016.Contents


(Income) Loss from Equity Method Investments
(Income) loss from equity method investments reflects our share of investee net income or loss, non-cash dilution gains or losses from changes in our ownership interests in equity method investees, and basis difference amortization.
The change in (income) loss from equity method investments during 20172019 was primarily driven by the prior year recognition of an $11.6a $20 million increase to the carrying value of our investment balance and a non-cash dilution gain included in (income) loss from equity method investmentsduring 2018 on the issuance of capital stockinitial public offering by one of our equity method investees, partially offset by improved resultsan $11 million non-cash dilution gain during 2019 from the issuance of additional shares in connection with a merger by one of our BK equity method investments in the current period.investees.
The change in (income) loss from equity method investments during 20162018 was primarily driven by improved earnings for Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.the recognition of a $20 million non-cash dilution gain during 2018 (described above), our largestpartially offset by an increase in equity method investment based on our carrying value, and Pangaea Foods (China) Holdings, Ltd.


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net losses that we recognized during 2018.
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net
Our other operating expenses (income), net were comprised of the following:

2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Net losses on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings$28.6
 $17.7
 $22.0
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings$7
 $19
 $29
Litigation settlements and reserves, net2.1
 1.6
 1.3
2
 11
 2
Net losses on derivatives
 
 37.3
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange77.3
 (20.1) 46.7
(15) (33) 77
Other, net1.2
 0.1
 (1.8)(4) 11
 1
Other operating expenses (income), net$109.2
 $(0.7) $105.5
$(10) $8
 $109
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings represent sales of properties and other costs related to restaurant closures and refranchisings. Gains and losses recognized in the current period may reflect certain costs related to closures and refranchisings that occurred in previous periods.
Net losses on derivatives during 2015 areLitigation settlements and reserves, net primarily due to changesreflects accruals and proceeds received in fair value related to interest rate swaps not designated for hedge accounting. These interest rate swaps were settled during May 2015.connection with litigation matters.
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange areis primarily related to revaluation of foreign denominated assets and liabilities.
Other, net during 2018 is comprised primarily of a payment in connection with the settlement of certain provisions associated with the 2017 redemption of RBI's preferred shares as a result of changes in Treasury regulations.
Interest Expense, net
2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Interest expense, net$512.2
 $466.9
 $478.3
$532
 $535
 $512
Weighted average interest rate on long-term debt4.8% 5.1% 5.0%5.0% 5.0% 4.8%
Interest expense, net for 2019 was consistent with 2018.
During 2017,2018, interest expense, net increased primarily due to higher outstanding debt from the incurrence of incremental term loans and the issuance of senior notes during 2017 and a decrease in interest income, partially offset by an increase in interest income and a lower weighted average interest rate.
During 2016, interest expense,$60 million benefit during 2018 related to the amortization of amounts other than currency movements of our net decreased primarily in connection with a decrease in outstanding debt as a result of prepayments on our term loans in May 2015.investment hedges, which is excluded from the accounting hedge.
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt
During 2019, we redeemed the entire outstanding principal balance of $1,250 million of 4.625% first lien secured notes due January 15, 2022, made partial principal amount prepayments of our existing senior secured term loan and refinanced our existing senior secured term loan. In connection with these transactions, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $23 million that primarily reflects the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts and fees incurred.
During 2017, we recorded a $122.0$122 million loss on early extinguishment of debt which primarily reflects the payment of premiums to fully redeem our second lien notes and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts in connection with the refinancing of our Term Loan Facility.
During 2015, we recorded a $40.0 million loss on early extinguishment, which primarily reflects the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discounts in connection with a prepayment of our Term Loan Facility.





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Income Tax Expense
Our effective tax rate was 23.5% in 2019 and 17.2% in 2018. The effective tax rate was reduced by 2.2% and 5.0% for 2019 and 2018, respectively, as a result of benefits from stock option exercises. The comparison between 2019 and 2018 was also unfavorably impacted by 2018 reserve releases and settlements, which reduced the 2018 effective tax rate by a net 2.8%. Additionally, the effective tax rate for 2019 increased by 1.1% due to the impact of an increase in our tax provision related to revaluing our Swiss net deferred tax liability due to Swiss tax reform. In 2019, the beneficial impact of internal financing arrangements in various jurisdictions was offset by an increase in the provision for unrecognized tax benefits related to a financing arrangement that is not applicable to ongoing operations.
The change in our effective income tax rate to 17.2% in 2018 from (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 resultimpact 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.
Our effective income tax rate was 20.3% for 2016 and 24.1% for 2015, primarily due to the mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions and differing tax rules applicable to certain subsidiaries outside Canada.
We are in the process of analyzing the effects of the new tax provisions that potentially impact certain foreign income, expenses and credits, such as GILTI (global intangible low-taxed income), BEAT (base-erosion anti-abuse tax) and FDII (foreign-derived intangible income). We have not recorded any impact for GILTI, BEAT or FDII in 2017. The ultimate impactaspects of the Tax Act, on our effective tax raterealignment of certain intercompany financings and changes in future periods will depend on interpretations and regulatory changes fromforeign currency exchange rates, partially offset by the Internal Revenue Service, the SEC, the FASB and various tax jurisdictions, as well as any actions we may take.release of a valuation allowance related to use of capital losses.
Net Income
OurWe reported net income increased to $1,235.3of $1,111 million for 20172019 compared to net income of $955.9$1,144 million for 2016,2018. The decrease in net income is primarily as a result of a $133.6 million income tax benefit in 2017 compareddue to a $243.9$103 million increase in income tax expense, a $23 million loss on early extinguishment of debt in 2016,the current year, a net$19 million increase in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense, a $14 million unfavorable change from the impact of $377.5 million. Additionally, segment incomeequity method investments, a $6 million increase in Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees, and a $5 million decrease in TH and BK increased $150.7 million and 2017 includes $106.9 million of PLK segment income. These factors were partially offset by a $122.0$66 million increase in BK segment income, a $31 million increase in PLK segment income, an $18 million favorable change in the results from other operating expenses (income), net, a $14 million decrease in Office centralization and relocation costs and the non-recurrence of $10 million of PLK Transaction costs incurred in the prior period. Amounts above include a total unfavorable FX Impact to net income of $39 million.
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 inclusion of $20 million of Office centralization and 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 $109.9$101 million increasefavorable change in results from other operating expenses (income), net, $61.7a $52 million ofdecrease in PLK Transaction costs, and a $45.3$50 million increase in interest expense, net.
We reported netPLK segment income, of $955.9 million for 2016 compared to net income of $511.7 million in 2015. The increase in net income is primarily as a result of increasesincluding PLK for a full year in segment income2018 compared to nine months in TH2017, and BK totaling $222.0 million, the non-recurrence of $116.7 million in TH transaction and restructuring costs, a $106.2 million decrease in other operating expenses (income), net, the non-recurrence of $40.0 loss on early extinguishment of debt, a $25.7$25 million increase from the impactin BK segment income. Amounts above include a total unfavorable FX Impact to net income of equity method investments, an $11.4 million decrease in interest expense, net, a $10.0 million decrease in depreciation and amortization, and a $9.8 million decrease in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation. These factors were partially offset by an $81.7 million increase income tax expense and $16.4 million of integration costs.$26 million.
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, (gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt, income tax (benefit) expense, and depreciation and amortization and is 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 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 PLK Transaction costs, associated with the Popeyes Acquisition, Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees, related to the interpretation and implementation of the Tax Act, integration costs associated with the acquisition of Tim Hortons,Office centralization and TH transaction and restructuringrelocation costs. 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 are not relevant 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 for each of our three operating segments.






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 2019 2018 2017 2019 vs. 2018 2018 vs. 2017
       Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Segment income:         
TH$1,122
 $1,127
 $1,136
 $(5) $(9)
BK994
 928
 903
 66
 25
PLK188
 157
 107
 31
 50
Adjusted EBITDA2,304
 2,212
 2,146
 92
 66
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense74
 55
 55
 (19) 
PLK Transaction costs
 10
 62
 10
 52
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees31
 25
 2
 (6) (23)
Office centralization and relocation costs6
 20
 
 14
 (20)
Impact of equity method investments (a)11
 (3) 1
 (14) 4
Other operating expenses (income), net(10) 8
 109
 18
 101
EBITDA2,192
 2,097
 1,917
 95
 180
Depreciation and amortization185
 180
 182
 (5) 2
Income from operations2,007
 1,917
 1,735
 90
 182
Interest expense, net532
 535
 512
 3
 (23)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt23
 
 122
 (23) 122
Income tax (benefit) expense341
 238
 (134) (103) (372)
Net income$1,111
 $1,144
 $1,235
 $(33) $(91)
 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
       Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Segment income:         
TH$1,135.8
 $1,072.3
 $906.7
 $63.5
 $165.6
BK903.1
 815.9
 759.5
 87.2
 56.4
PLK106.9
 
 
 106.9
 
Adjusted EBITDA2,145.8
 1,888.2
 1,666.2
 257.6
 222.0
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense54.9
 42.0
 51.8
 (12.9) 9.8
Acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales
 
 0.5
 
 0.5
PLK Transaction costs61.7
 
 
 (61.7) 
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees1.9
 
 
 (1.9) 
Integration costs
 16.4
 
 16.4
 (16.4)
TH transaction and restructuring costs
 
 116.7
 
 116.7
Impact of equity method investments (a)1.1
 (8.0) 17.7
 (9.1) 25.7
Other operating expenses (income), net109.2
 (0.7) 105.5
 (109.9) 106.2
EBITDA1,917.0
 1,838.5
 1,374.0
 78.5
 464.5
Depreciation and amortization181.1
 171.8
 181.8
 (9.3) 10.0
Income from operations1,735.9
 1,666.7
 1,192.2
 69.2
 474.5
Interest expense, net512.2
 466.9
 478.3
 (45.3) 11.4
Loss on early extinguishment of debt122.0
 
 40.0
 (122.0) 40.0
Income tax (benefit) expense(133.6) 243.9
 162.2
 377.5
 (81.7)
Net income$1,235.3
 $955.9
 $511.7
 $279.4
 $444.2
(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. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for 20172019 and 2018 reflects the increases in segment income in our BK and PLK segments, partially offset by decreases in our TH and BK segments and the inclusionsegment. The increase in PLK segment for 2018 is primarily a result of ourincluding PLK segment.for a full year in 2018 compared to nine months in 2017.
The increase in EBITDA for 20172019 is primarily due to increasesan increase in segment income in our THBK and BKPLK segments, the inclusion of PLK segment income, and the non-recurrence of integration costs, partially offset by an increase infavorable results from other operating expenses (income), net PLK Transaction costs and Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees recognized in the current period, a decrease in office centralization and relocation costs, and the non-recurrence of PLK Transaction costs, partially offset by an increase in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation andexpense, unfavorable results from the impact of equity method investments.
Theinvestments, an increase in Adjusted EBITDA for 2016 reflects increasesCorporate restructuring and tax advisory fees, and a decrease in segment income in our TH and BK segments.segment.
The increase in EBITDA for 20162018 is primarily due to increases in segment income in our TH and BK segments, the non-recurrence of TH transaction and restructuring costs,a 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 share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation, partially offset by integration costs recognizedsegment income in 2016.our TH segment.



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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash generated by operations and borrowings available under our 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 to RBI for RBI to repurchase RBIits common shares, to repurchase Class B exchangeable limited partnership units (“Partnership exchangeable units”), to voluntarily prepay and repurchase our or one of our affiliate’s outstanding debt, to fund our investing activities, and to paymake distributions on our Class A common units and ourdistributions 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 requirements.
On December 12, 2017 (the “Redemption Date”), RBI redeemed all of the issued and outstanding 68,530,939 Class A 9.0% cumulative compounding perpetual voting preferred shares (the “Preferred Shares”), for aggregate consideration of $3,115.6 million (the “Redemption Consideration”). The Redemption Consideration of $3,115.6 million includes $3,055.4 million that was paid in


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2017 and $60.2 million paid in 2018. The Redemption Consideration was funded by (i) proceeds from the incremental Term Loan No. 2 (as defined below) and the issuance of the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes (as defined below), (ii) proceeds from the termination and settlement of our previous cross-currency rate swaps with an aggregate notional value of $5,000.0 million between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar (see Note 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our Annual Report) and (iii) cash generated in the normal course of our business. Upon redemption, the Preferred Shares were deemed canceled, dividends ceased to accrue and all rights of the holder terminated and the Partnership Preferred Units ceased to provide any economic rights to RBI, other than a nominal dividend of $100 per year.
During the fourth quarter of 2017 and the full year 2017, we received exchange notices representing 9,130,494 and 9,286,480 Partnership exchangeable units, respectively. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, we satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 5,000,000 Partnership exchangeable units for approximately $330.2 million in cash during the fourth quarter and full year of 2017 and exchanging the remaining Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares.
At December 31, 2017,2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,073.4$1,533 million and working capital of $94.6$493 million. In addition, at December 31, 2017,2019, we had borrowing availability of $495.4$998 million under our Revolving Credit Facility.Facility (defined below). During 2019, we issued $750 million of 3.875% first lien senior notes and the net proceeds, as well as proceeds received from the Term Loan A (defined below), were used to redeem the entire outstanding principal balance of $1,250 million of our 2015 4.625% Senior Notes (defined below) and prepay $235 million of the Term Loan B (defined below) outstanding aggregate principal balance. Also, in connection with these transactions, the aggregate principal amount of the commitments under our Revolving Credit Facility (defined below) were increased to $1,000 million. Additionally, during 2019, we issued $750 million of 4.375% second lien senior notes and the net proceeds were used to repay $720 million of the Term Loan B outstanding aggregate principal balance. 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, debt service requirements and capital spending over the next twelve months.
InDuring 2019, we received exchange notices representing 42,016,392 Partnership exchangeable units, including 22,623 received during the fourth quarter of 2019. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, we satisfied the exchange notices by exchanging the 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 RBI to purchase up to $300 million of RBI common shares through July 2021. Repurchases under this authorization will be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. On August 2, 2019, 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 24,853,565 RBI common shares for the one-year period commencing on August 8, 2019 and ending on August 7, 2020, or earlier if RBI completes the repurchases prior periods,to such date. Share repurchases under the normal 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 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 provided deferred taxes on certain undistributed foreign earnings. Under our transition to a modified territorial tax system whereby all previously untaxed undistributed foreign earnings arewere subject to a transition tax charge at reduced rates and future repatriations of foreign earnings generally 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.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 amounts not considered permanently reinvested.
On August 2, 2016, the RBI board of directors approved a share repurchase authorization that allows RBI to purchase up to $300.0 million of RBI common shares through July 2021. Repurchases under this authorization will be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. If RBI repurchases any RBI common shares, pursuant to the 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.
Debt Instruments and Debt Service Requirements
As of December 31, 2017,2019, our long-term debt is comprisedconsists primarily of borrowings under our Credit Facilities, amounts outstanding under our 2017 4.25% Senior Notes, 2015 4.625%2019 3.875% Senior Notes, 2017 5.00% Senior Notes, 2019 4.375% Senior Notes and 2017 5.00% Senior NotesTH Facility (each as defined below), and obligations under capitalfinance leases. For further information about our long-term debt, see Note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”Data" of our Annual Report.
Refinancing of Credit Facilities
On February 17, 2017,September 6, 2019, two of our subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”"Borrowers") entered into a secondfourth incremental facility amendment (the “Second Amendment”"Fourth Incremental Amendment") to the credit agreement governing our senior secured term loan facilityfacilities (the “Term"Term Loan Facility”Facilities") and our senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $500.0 million of revolving extensions of credit outstanding at any time (including revolving loans, swingline loans and letters of credit) (the “Revolving"Revolving Credit Facility”Facility" and together with the Term Loan Facility,Facilities, the “Credit Facilities”"Credit Facilities"). Under the SecondFourth Incremental Amendment, (i) we obtained a new term loan in the outstanding aggregate principal amount under our Termof $750 million (the "Term Loan Facility was decreasedA") with a maturity


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date of October 7, 2024 (subject to $4,900.0 million as a result of a repayment of $146.1 million from cash on hand,earlier maturity in specified circumstances), (ii) the interest rate applicable to ourthe Term Loan A and Revolving Credit Facility is, at our option, either (a) a base rate, subject to a floor of 1.00%, plus an applicable margin varying from 0.00% to 0.50%, or (b) a Eurocurrency rate, subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin varying between 0.75% and 1.50%, in each case, determined by reference to a net first lien leverage based pricing grid, (iii) the aggregate principal amount of the commitments under our Revolving Credit Facility was reduced (as described below), (iii)increased to $1,000 million, (iv) the maturity date of our Term Loanthe Revolving Credit Facility was extended from December 12, 2021October 13, 2022 to February 17,October 7, 2024 (subject to earlier maturity in specified circumstances), and (iv)(v) the Borrowerscommitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility was decreased from 0.25% to 0.15%. The principal amount of the Term Loan A amortizes in quarterly installments equal to $5 million until October 7, 2022 and their subsidiaries were providedthereafter in quarterly installments equal to $9 million until maturity, with additional flexibility under certain negative covenants, including incurrence of indebtedness, making of investments, dispositions and restricted payments, and prepayment of subordinated indebtedness.the balance payable at maturity. The Term Loan A will require compliance with a net first lien leverage ratio (described below). Except as described herein, the SecondFourth Incremental Amendment did not materially change the terms of the Credit Facilities.
IncrementalPrior to obtaining the Term Loans
In connection with the Popeyes Acquisition, we obtained an incrementalLoan A, our Credit Facilities included only one senior secured term loan in the aggregatefacility (the "Term Loan B"). In September 2019, we voluntarily prepaid $235 million principal amount of $1,300.0 million (the “Incrementalour Term Loan No. 1”B.
On November 19, 2019, the Borrowers entered into a fourth amendment (the "Fourth Amendment") to the credit agreement governing our Credit Facilities. Under the Fourth Amendment, (i) the outstanding aggregate principal amount under our Term Loan Facility. The IncrementalB was decreased to $5,350 million as a result of a repayment of $720 million from a portion of the net proceeds of the 2019 4.375% Senior Notes (defined below), (ii) the interest rate applicable to our Term Loan No. 1 bears interestB was reduced to, at our option, either (a) a base rate, subject to a floor of 1.00%, plus an applicable margin of 0.75%, or (b) a Eurocurrency rate, subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin of 1.75%, and (iii) the same rate asmaturity date of our Term Loan B was extended from February 17, 2024 to November 19, 2026. The principal amount of the Term Loan Facility and also matures on February 17, 2024. In connectionB amortizes in quarterly installments equal to $13 million until maturity, with the Incremental Term Loan No. 1, Popeyes was included as loan guarantor and its assets as collateral under the Credit Facilities.balance payable at maturity. Except as described herein, there were no material changes tothe Fourth Amendment did not materially change the terms of the Credit Facilities.


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Simultaneously and in connection with the issuance of the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes (defined below), we obtained an incremental term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $250.0 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 Loan No. 2 bears interest at the same rate as the Term Loan Facility and also matures on February 17, 2024. There were no other material changes to the terms of the Credit Facilities.
Credit Facilities
As of December 31, 2017,2019, there was $6,388.7$6,100 million outstanding principal amount under the Term Loan FacilityFacilities with a weighted average interest rate of 3.87%3.49%. Based on the amounts outstanding under the Term Loan FacilityFacilities and LIBOR as of December 31, 2017,2019, subject to a floor of 1.00%0.00%, required debt service for the next twelve months is estimated to be approximately $250.0$215 million in interest payments and $51.1$72 million in principal payments. In addition, based on LIBOR as of December 31, 2017,2019, net cash settlements that we expect to pay on our $2,500.0$4,000 million interest rate swapswaps are estimated to be approximately $11.8$23 million for the next twelve months. WeThe Term Loan A matures on October 7, 2024 and the Term Loan B matures on November 19, 2026, and we may prepay the Term Loan FacilityFacilities in whole or in part at any time. Additionally, subject to certain exceptions, the Term Loan FacilityFacilities 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, 2017,2019, we had no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, had $4.6$2 million of letters of credit issued against the facility,Revolving Credit Facility, and our borrowing availability was $495.4$998 million. Funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility 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 availability thereunder by the cumulative amount of outstanding letters of credit. 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. AmountsUnder the Fourth Incremental Amendment, the interest rate applicable to amounts drawn under each letter of credit bear interest rangingdecreased from a range of 1.25% to 2.00% to a range of 0.75% to 1.50%, depending on our net first lien leverage ratio.
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 “October 2017 Incremental Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The October 2017 Incremental Amendment maintains the same $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility but reduces the 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 $150.0 million of the 2015 4.625% Senior Notes are outstanding, then the Revolving Credit Facility will mature on October 15, 2021. All other material terms of the Revolving Credit Facility remained the same.
As amended, 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 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 unused 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,The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Worldwide, Inc., Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. 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.
Senior Notes
In May 2017, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $1,500.0$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. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes, together with other sources of liquidity, were used to redeem the Preferred Shares on the Redemption Date and for other general corporate purposes.
During 2017, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance in August 2017 and October 2017 of an aggregate of $2,800.0$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.
On September 24, 2019, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the "2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture") in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 3.875% first lien senior notes due January 15, 2028 (the "2019 3.875% Senior Notes"). No


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principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2017 5.00%2019 3.875% Senior Notes and a portion of the net proceeds from the Term Loan A were used to redeem the entire outstanding principal balance of $2,250.0$1,250 million of our 6.00% second4.625% first lien senior secured notes due April 1,January 15, 2022 (the “2014 6.00%"2015 4.625% Senior Notes”Notes"), and to pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes.expenses.


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TheOn November 19, 2019, the Borrowers are also party toentered into an indenture (the “2015 4.625%"2019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture”Indenture" and together with the above indentures the "Senior Notes Indentures") in connection with the issuance of $1,250.0$750 million of 4.625% first4.375% second lien senior notes due January 15, 20222028 (the “2015 4.625%"2019 4.375% Senior Notes”Notes"). No principal payments are due on the 2015 4.625% Senior Notes until maturity and interest onis paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the 2015 4.625%offering of the 2019 4.375% Senior Notes, is paid semi-annually.together with cash on hand, were used to repay $720 million of Term Loan B outstanding aggregate principal balance and to pay related fees and expenses in connection with the Fourth Amendment.
The Borrowers may redeem a series of Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to May 15, 2020 for the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes, andSeptember 15, 2022 for the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes, October 15, 2020 for the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes, and November 15, 2022 for the 2019 4.375% Senior Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus a “make-whole” premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, the Borrowers may redeem, in whole or in part, the 2015 4.625% Senior Notes at any time and the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes, and2019 3.875% Senior Notes, 2017 5.00% Senior Notes, and 2019 4.375% 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 and equity offerings, among others.
Based on the amounts outstanding at December 31, 2017,2019, required debt service for the next twelve months on all of the Senior Notes outstanding is approximately $261.6$266 million in interest payments.
TH Facility
One of our subsidiaries entered into a non-revolving delayed drawdown term credit facility in a total aggregate principal amount of C$225 million (increased from C$100 million during 2019) 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 secured by certain parcels of real estate. As of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding C$100 million under the TH Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 3.45% and we are permitted to draw down on the TH Facility until May 23, 2020.
Restrictions and Covenants
Our Credit Facilities 2017 4.25%and the Senior Notes Indenture, 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture and 2015 4.625% Senior Notes IndentureIndentures contain a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability and the ability of the Company and certain of our 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; and engage in certain transactions with affiliates. In addition, under the Credit Facilities, the Borrowers are not permitted to exceed a net first lien senior secured leverage ratio of 6.50 to 1.00 when, as of the end of any fiscal quarter beginning with the sumfirst quarter of (i)2020, any amounts are outstanding under the amount ofTerm Loan A and/or outstanding revolving loans, swingline loans and certain letters of credit outstanding exceeding $50.0 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%exceed 30.0% of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The restrictions under the Credit Facilities and the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture, 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture and 2015 4.625% Senior Notes IndentureIndentures have resulted in substantially all of our consolidated assets being restricted.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, we were in compliance with allapplicable debt covenants under the Credit Facilities, the 2017 4.25%TH Facility, and the Senior Notes Indenture, 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture and 2015 4.625% Senior Notes Indenture,Indentures, and there were no limitations on our ability to draw on the remaining availability under our Revolving Credit Facility and TH Facility.
Cash Distributions
On January 3, 2018,2020, RBI paid a dividend of $0.21$0.50 per RBI common share and Partnership made a distribution on the same day to RBI as holder of Class A common units in the amount of the aggregate dividends paid by RBI on RBI common shares. On January 3, 2018,2020, Partnership also made a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.21$0.50 per Partnership exchangeable units.unit.
On February 12, 2018,10, 2020, we announced that the RBI board of directors of RBIhad declared a dividend of $0.45$0.52 per common share for the first quarter of 2018,2020, payable on April 2, 20183, 2020 to RBI shareholders of record on March 15, 2018.16, 2020. 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.


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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 Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.45$0.52 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.
RBI and Partnership are targeting a total of $1.80$2.08 in declared dividends per common share and declared distributions in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit for 2018.2020.
In addition, becauseBecause we are a holding 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 9, 2018,10, 2020, we had outstanding 202,006,067 Class A common units issued to RBI and 217,706,858165,372,429 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


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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 special voting share except as otherwise provided by law. For information on our share-based compensation and RBI’s outstanding equity awards, see Note 15 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 $1,422$1,476 million in 2017,2019, compared to $1,233.1$1,165 million in 2016.2018. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was driven by a decrease in income tax payments, primarily due to the inclusion2018 payment of accrued income taxes related to the December 2017 redemption of RBI preferred shares, an increase in BK and PLK segment income and increasesa decrease in TH and BK segment income,cash used for working capital. These factors were partially offset by PLK Transaction costs, increasesan increase in income tax payments and interest payments and an increasea decrease in cash used by changes in working capital.TH segment income.
Cash provided by operating activities was $1,233.1$1,165 million in 2016,2018, compared to $1,200.7$1,431 million in 2015.2017. The increasedecrease in cash provided by operating activities was driven by an increase in net income excluding non-cash adjustments,tax payments, primarily due to the payment of accrued income taxes related to the December 2017 redemption of RBI 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 changesan 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 and the reclassification of restricted cash to cash and cash equivalents during 2015.capital.
Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities was $857.8$30 million in 2017,2019, compared to cash provided by$44 million in 2018. The change in investing activities of $26.9was driven primarily by a decrease in capital expenditures.
Cash used for investing activities was $44 million in 2016.2018, compared to $858 million in 2017. The change in investing activities was driven primarily by net cash used for the Popeyes Acquisition during 2017, partially offset by proceeds received from the settlement of derivatives in 2017 and termination of our previous cross-currency rate swaps.
Cash provided by investing activities was $26.9 million in 2016, compared to cash used for investing activities of $61.5 million in 2015. The change in investing activities was driven primarily by a decreasean increase in capital expenditures.expenditures during 2018.
Financing Activities
Cash used for financing activities was $935.2$842 million in 2017,2019, compared to $590.9$1,285 million in 2016.2018. The change in financing activities was driven primarily by proceeds from the Term Loan A and the issuances of the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes and the 2019 4.375% Senior Notes during 2019, an increase in capital contributions from RBI, proceeds from derivatives and the non-recurrence of the 2018 distributions to RBI to fund payments related to the December 2017 redemption of the RBI preferred shares. These factors


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were partially offset by the redemption of the 2015 4.625% Senior Notes during 2019, Term Loan B prepayments and refinancing during 2019, an increase in distributions on common units and Partnership exchangeable units and payment of financing costs.
Cash used for financing activities was $1,285 million in 2018, compared to $936 million in 2017. The change in financing activities was driven primarily by 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, the 2018 distributions to RBI to fund payments related to the December 2017 redemption of the RBI 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, repurchases of Partnership exchangeable units, debt repayments,preferred shares, payment of financing costs, and redemption premiums, and higher dividend payments, partially offset by proceeds from new borrowings.
Cash used for financing activities was $590.9 million in 2016, compared to $2,115.2 million in 2015. The decrease in cash used for financing activities was driven primarily bydistributions on preferred units, a decrease in long-term debt payments, which were partially fundedrepayments in 2015 by proceeds from the issuance of the 2015 4.625% Senior Notes,2018 and cash used in 2015 to fund the repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units and pay financing costs, partially offset by an increase in dividend paymentscapital contributions from RBI in 2016.


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2018.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 20172019 are shown in the following table.


Payment Due by PeriodPayment Due by Period
Contractual ObligationsTotal Less Than
1 Year
 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More Than
5 Years
Total Less Than
1 Year
 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More Than
5 Years
(In millions)(In millions)
Credit Facilities, including interest (a)$7,889.8
 $302.4
 $625.1
 $614.1
 $6,348.2
$7,474
 $289
 $575
 $1,422
 $5,188
Senior Notes, including interest7,286.7
 261.7
 526.4
 1,717.9
 4,780.7
7,387
 266
 531
 4,964
 1,626
Other long-term debt83.1
 5.5
 12.3
 12.8
 52.5
91
 4
 12
 75
 
Operating lease obligations(b)1,607.0
 182.9
 322.3
 264.3
 837.5
1,760
 204
 371
 313
 872
Purchase commitments (b)(c)598.2
 520.6
 64.5
 11.6
 1.5
659
 612
 43
 4
 
Capital lease obligations408.2
 39.7
 70.7
 65.0
 232.8
Finance lease obligations462
 46
 88
 79
 249
Total$17,873.0
 $1,312.8
 $1,621.3
 $2,685.7
 $12,253.2
$17,833
 $1,421
 $1,620
 $6,857
 $7,935


(a)We have estimated our interest payments through the maturity of our Credit Facilities based on the three-monthone-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2017.2019.
(b)Operating lease payment obligations have not been reduced by the amount of payments due in the future under subleases.
(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.
We have not included in the contractual obligations table approximately $497.9$598 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. We also have not included in the contractual obligations table our provisional estimate of approximately $119.4 million of Transition Tax. The amount and timing of payment are currently being evaluated. Under the Tax Act, we have the ability to pay such amount over an eight year period. For additional information on unrecognized tax benefits, and Transition Tax, 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
From time to time, we enter into agreements under which we guarantee loans made by third parties to qualified franchisees. As of December 31, 2017, there were $73.3 million of loans2019, no material amounts are outstanding to Burger King franchisees that we had guaranteed under six such programs, with additional franchisee borrowing capacity of approximately $285.5 million remaining. Our maximum guarantee liability under these programs is limited to an aggregate of $42.2 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, 2017, the liability reflecting the fair value of these guarantee obligations was $1.0 million. As of December 31, 2017, there were no significant guarantees in connection with Tim Hortons franchisee 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, 2017.guarantees.



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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. 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. 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:


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Business Combinations
The Popeyes Acquisition 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 value of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at March 27, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, we have recorded final acquisition accounting allocations related to the acquisition of Popeyes.
In the event that actual results vary from any of the estimates or assumptions used in the valuation or allocation process, we may be required to record an impairment charge or an increase in depreciation or amortization in future periods, or both.
See Note 3 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 the Popeyes Acquisition.
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 acquisitions. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the Tim Hortons brand, the Burger King brand, and the Popeyes 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. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a two-step quantitative impairment test, for any reporting unit or 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 steptest that 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, we will measure any goodwill impairment loss as the estimatedamount by which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of the reporting unit isgoodwill 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.that reporting unit. We use an income approach and a market approach, when available, to estimate a reporting unit’s fair value, which discounts the reporting unit’s projected cash flows using a discount rate we determine.determine from a market participant's perspective under the income approach or utilizing similar publicly traded companies as guidelines for determining fair value under the market approach. 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 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.determine from a market participant's perspective. 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 reviews for goodwill and the Brands as of October 1, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 and no impairment resulted. The estimates and assumptions we use to estimate fair values when performing quantitative assessments are highly subjective judgments based on our experience and knowledge of our operations. Significant changes in the assumptions used in our analysis could result in an impairment charge related to goodwill.goodwill or the Brands. Circumstances that could result in changes to future estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, expectations 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.


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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.


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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.
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-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 (through December 22, 2018) 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. No further adjustments to the charges were made in 2019. Given the complexity of the changes in the tax law resulting from the Tax Act, we have not finalizedfurther regulations and guidance are expected to be issued by applicable authorities (e.g., Treasury, IRS, state taxing authorities) subsequent to the accounting fordate of filing. Accordingly, it is possible that the income tax effects of the Tax Act, including for the provisional amounts recorded in 2017. Adjustmentsmay be impacted by such future developments. Any adjustments to provisionalthe amounts recorded will be recordedreflected as discrete items in the provision for income taxes in the period in which those adjustments become reasonably estimable. Such adjustments may result in the impact of the Tax Act differing from these estimates, possibly materially, during the one-year measurement period due to, among other things, further refinement of our calculations, changes in interpretations and assumptions we have made, interpretations and regulatory changes from the Internal Revenue Service, the SEC, the FASB and various tax jurisdictions, or actions we may take. We will complete our analysis no later than December 22, 2018.
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-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


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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.


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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 11 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, including revenue, driven primarily by net restaurant growth, comparable sales growth, general and administrative expenses, capital expenditures and income tax rates, 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 2, “Significant Accounting Policies – New Accounting Pronouncements,” 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. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About 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 PLK 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 PLK'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$2,100 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


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fair value of the cross-currency rate swaps is calculated each period with changes in the fair value of these instruments reported in 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 was a liability of $456.4$144 million as of December 31, 2017.2019. The net unrealized losses, net of tax, related to these derivative instruments included in AOCI totaled $318.5$122 million as of December 31, 2017.2019. Such amounts will remain in AOCI until the complete or substantially complete liquidation of our investment in the underlying foreign operations.
We 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. 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.
During 2017,2019, income from operations would have decreased or increased approximately $102.3$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.


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Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates related to our Term Loan FacilityFacilities and Revolving Credit Facility, which bear interest at LIBOR/EURIBORLIBOR plus a spread, subject to a LIBOR/EURIBORLIBOR 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/EURIBORLIBOR 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 AOCI and is reclassified tointo earnings during the period in which the hedgehedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. At December 31, 2017,2019, we had a series of receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge the variability in the interest payments on $2,500.0$4,000 million of our Term Loan Facility beginning May 28, 2015, through the expiration of the final swap on March 31, 2021.Facilities. The total notional value of thethese interest rate swaps is $2,500.0 million.$4,000 million, of which $3,500 million expire on November 19, 2026 and $500 million expire on September 30, 2026.
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, 2017,2019, a hypothetical 1.00% increase in LIBOR would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $38.9$21 million.
There is currently uncertainty about whether LIBOR will continue to exist after 2021. The discontinuation of LIBOR after 2021 and the replacement with an alternative reference rate may adversely impact interest rates and our interest expense could increase.
Commodity Price Risk
We purchase certain products, 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.
We occasionally take forward pricing positions through our suppliers to manage commodity prices. As a result, we purchase commodities and other products 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 franchisee 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 2017, 20162019, 2018 or 2015.2017. 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


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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.


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Disclosures Regarding Partnership Pursuant to Canadian Exemptive 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.
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


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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.


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Approval of holders of the Partnership exchangeable units is required for an action (such as an amendment to the partnership agreement) that would affect the economic rights of a Partnership exchangeable unit relative to a common 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.
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, affiliates or associates)persons acting jointly or in concert with the offeror) 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. 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


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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


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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 Partnership 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; (iii) the domestic and international growth opportunities for the Tim Hortons, Burger King and Popeyes brands, both in existing and new markets; (iv) our ability to accelerate international development through joint venture structures and master franchise and development 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; (v)(vi) the impact of our strategies on the growth of our Tim Hortons, Burger King and Popeyes brands and our profitability; (vi)(vii) our commitment to technology and innovation; (vii)innovation and our plans and strategies with respect to our information systems and technology offerings and investments; (viii) the correlation between our sales, guest traffic and profitability to consumer discretionary spending and the factors that influence spending; (viii)(ix) our ability to drive traffic, expand our customer base and allow restaurants to expand into new dayparts through new product innovation; (ix)(x) the benefits accrued from sharing and leveraging best practices among our Tim Hortons, Burger King and Popeyes brands; (x)(xi) the drivers of the long-term success for and competitive position of each of our brands as well as increased sales and profitability of our franchisees; (xi)(xii) the impact of our cost management initiatives at each of our brands; (xii)(xiii) the continued use of certain franchise incentives and their impact on our financial results; (xiii)(xiv) the impact of our modern image remodel initiative; (xiv)(xv) our future financial obligations, including annual debt service requirements and capital expenditures, and dividend payments, the source of liquidity needed to satisfy such obligations, and our ability to meet such obligations; (xv)(xvi) our future PLK Transaction costsuses of liquidity, including distribution payments and repurchases of Partnership exchange units; (xvii) future Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees; (xvi)(xviii) our plans to build new warehouses and renovate existing warehouses and the anticipated timing for completion; (xix) 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; (xvii)(xx) our tax positions and their compliance with applicable tax laws; (xviii)(xxi) certain accounting andmatters, including the impact of changes in accounting standards; (xxii) certain tax matters; (xix)matters, such as our estimates with respect to tax matters as a result of the Tax Act, including our effective tax rate for 2018,2020 and the impacts of the Tax Act, and the anticipated timing of finalizing our estimates; (xx)Act; (xxiii) the impact of inflation on our results of operations; (xxi)(xxiv) the impact of governmental regulation, both domestically and internationally, on our business and financial and operational results; (xxii)(xxv) the adequacy of our facilities to meet our current requirements; (xxiii)(xxvi) our future financial and operational results; and (xxiv)(xxvii) certain litigation matters; (xxviii) our target total distributions for 2018.2020; and (xxix) our sustainability initiatives and the impact of government sustainability regulation and initiatives.
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 in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we 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 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 each 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’ to fulfill their commitments and/or obligations; (9) changes in applicable tax laws or interpretations thereof; and (10) 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


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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.




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Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 Page






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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, 2017.2019. 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, 20172019 based on criteria established in Internal 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, 2017.
The scope of management's assessment of the effectiveness of Partnership's internal control over financial reporting included all of Partnership's consolidated operations except for the operations of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., which Partnership acquired in March 2017. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. operations represented $2,439.8 million of Partnership's consolidated total assets (which includes acquisition accounting adjustments within the scope of the assessment) and $202.3 million of Partnership's consolidated total revenues as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017.2019.
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, 20172019 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
TheTo the Partners and 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”) as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, 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, 2017,2019, 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, 20172019 and 2016,2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017,2019, 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, 2017,2019, 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 23, 201821, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.


Changes in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Partnership has changed its method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2019, due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 842, Leases, and for revenue from contracts with customers as of January 1, 2018, due to the adoption of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

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 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, 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 regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Assessment of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits

As discussed in Notes 2 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Partnership records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions. The Partnership recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if there is more than a 50% likelihood that the tax positions will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the positions. As of December 31, 2019, the Partnership has recorded gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding associated interest and penalties, of $506 million.


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We identified the assessment of gross unrecognized tax benefits as a critical audit matter. The assessment of identifying and determining certain uncertain tax positions arising from implementing tax planning strategies involved a number of uncertainties and assumptions, which included complex considerations of tax law. As a result, subjective and complex auditor judgment, including the involvement of tax professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, was required to evaluate the Partnership’s interpretation of tax law and its determination of which tax positions have more than a 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following. We tested certain internal controls over the Partnership’s gross unrecognized tax benefit process to 1) interpret tax law, 2) identify significant uncertain tax positions arising from tax planning strategies that were implemented during the year, 3) evaluate the tax consequences of the related strategies, and 4) evaluate which of the Partnership’s tax positions may not be sustained upon examination. In addition, we involved tax professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:

obtaining an understanding of the Partnership’s tax planning strategies,
evaluating the Partnership’s interpretation of the relevant tax laws by developing an independent assessment,
evaluating the identification of uncertain tax positions taken by the Partnership to assess the tax consequences of these related tax positions, and
performing an independent assessment of the Partnership’s tax positions and comparing our assessment to the Partnership’s assessment.
(signed) KPMG LLP
We have served as the Partnership's auditor since 1989.
Miami, Florida
February 23, 201821, 2020
Certified Public Accountants




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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
TheTo the Partners and Board of Directors
Restaurant Brands International Inc., the sole general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership:
Opinion on Internal Control Overover Financial Reporting
We have audited Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and subsidiaries’ (the “Partnership”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Partnership maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2019, based on criteria established in 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”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Partnership as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, 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, 2017,2019, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated“consolidated financial statements)statements”), and our report dated February 23, 201821, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
The Partnership acquired Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. during 2017, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $2,439.8 million (which includes acquisition accounting adjustments within the scope of the assessment) and total revenues of $202.3 million included in the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Partnership also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Basis for Opinion
The Partnership'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 Management’s Report on Internal Control Overover Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership'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 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 Overover 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.


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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.
(signed) KPMG LLP
Miami, Florida
February 23, 201821, 2020
Certified Public Accountants




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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions of U.S. dollars, except unit data)
As of December 31,As of December 31,
2017 20162019 2018
ASSETS      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$1,073.4
 $1,420.4
$1,533
 $913
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $14.7 and $14.3, respectively455.9
 403.5
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $13 and $14, respectively527
 452
Inventories, net78.0
 71.8
84
 75
Advertising fund restricted assets83.3
 57.7
Prepaids and other current assets59.0
 103.6
52
 60
Total current assets1,749.6
 2,057.0
2,196
 1,500
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $623.3 and $474.5, respectively2,133.3
 2,054.7
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $746 and $704, respectively2,007
 1,996
Operating lease assets, net1,176
 
Intangible assets, net11,062.2
 9,228.0
10,563
 10,463
Goodwill5,782.3
 4,675.1
5,651
 5,486
Net investment in property leased to franchisees71.3
 91.9
48
 54
Derivative assets
 717.9
Other assets, net425.2
 300.7
719
 642
Total assets$21,223.9
 $19,125.3
$22,360
 $20,141
LIABILITIES, PARTNERSHIP PREFERRED UNITS AND EQUITY   
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   
Current liabilities:      
Accounts and drafts payable$412.9
 $369.8
$644
 $513
Other accrued liabilities838.2
 469.3
790
 637
Gift card liability214.9
 194.4
168
 167
Advertising fund liabilities110.8
 83.3
Current portion of long term debt and capital leases78.2
 93.9
Current portion of long term debt and finance leases101
 91
Total current liabilities1,655.0
 1,210.7
1,703
 1,408
Term debt, net of current portion11,800.9
 8,410.2
11,759
 11,823
Capital leases, net of current portion243.8
 218.4
Finance leases, net of current portion288
 226
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion1,089
 
Other liabilities, net1,455.1
 784.9
1,698
 1,547
Deferred income taxes, net1,508.1
 1,715.1
1,564
 1,519
Total liabilities16,662.9
 12,339.3
18,101
 16,523
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
 

 

Partnership preferred units; no par value; 68,530,939 units authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016
 3,297.0
Partners’ capital:      
Class A common units - 202,006,067 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 20164,167.5
 3,364.1
Partnership exchangeable units - 217,708,924 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017; 226,995,404 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 20161,276.4
 1,476.2
Class A common units - 202,006,067 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 20187,786
 4,323
Partnership exchangeable units - 165,507,199 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019; 207,523,591 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018(2,353) 730
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(884.3) (1,355.4)(1,178) (1,437)
Total Partners’ capital4,559.6
 3,484.9
4,255
 3,616
Noncontrolling interests1.4
 4.1
4
 2
Total equity4,561.0
 3,489.0
4,259
 3,618
Total liabilities, Partnership preferred units and equity$21,223.9
 $19,125.3
Total liabilities and equity$22,360
 $20,141
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 BehringDaniel Schwartz  By:  /s/ Paul J. FribourgAli Hedayat
   Alexandre Behring, Executive ChairmanDaniel Schwartz, Co-Chairman of Restaurant Brands International Inc.     Paul J. Fribourg,Ali Hedayat, Director of 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 unit data)
 
2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Revenues:          
Sales$2,390.3
 $2,204.7
 $2,169.0
$2,362
 $2,355
 $2,390
Franchise and property revenues2,185.8
 1,941.1
 1,883.2
3,241
 3,002
 2,186
Total revenues4,576.1
 4,145.8
 4,052.2
5,603
 5,357
 4,576
Operating costs and expenses:          
Cost of sales1,850.3
 1,727.3
 1,809.5
1,813
 1,818
 1,850
Franchise and property expenses477.6
 454.1
 503.2
540
 422
 478
Selling, general and administrative expenses415.5
 318.6
 437.7
1,264
 1,214
 416
(Income) loss from equity method investments(12.4) (20.2) 4.1
(11) (22) (12)
Other operating expenses (income), net109.2
 (0.7) 105.5
(10) 8
 109
Total operating costs and expenses2,840.2
 2,479.1
 2,860.0
3,596
 3,440
 2,841
Income from operations1,735.9
 1,666.7
 1,192.2
2,007
 1,917
 1,735
Interest expense, net512.2
 466.9
 478.3
532
 535
 512
Loss on early extinguishment of debt122.0
 
 40.0
23
 
 122
Income before income taxes1,101.7
 1,199.8
 673.9
1,452
 1,382
 1,101
Income tax (benefit) expense(133.6) 243.9
 162.2
Income tax expense (benefit)341
 238
 (134)
Net income1,235.3
 955.9
 511.7
1,111
 1,144
 1,235
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 14)1.4
 3.5
 3.4
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests2
 1
 2
Partnership preferred unit distributions256.5
 270.0
 271.2

 
 256
Gain on redemption of Partnership preferred units(233.8) 
 
Gain on redemption of Partnership preferred units (Note 13)
 
 (234)
Net income attributable to common unitholders$1,211.2
 $682.4
 $237.1
$1,109
 $1,143
 $1,211
Earnings per unit - basic and diluted (Note 4):          
Class A common units$3.10
 $1.71
 $0.51
$3.18
 $3.03
 $3.10
Partnership exchangeable units$2.59
 $1.48
 $0.51
$2.40
 $2.46
 $2.59
Weighted average units outstanding - basic and diluted (Note 4):          
Class A common units202.0
 202.0
 202.0
202
 202
 202
Partnership exchangeable units225.5
 227.8
 263.5
194
 216
 226
Distributions per unit     
Class A common units$0.92
 $0.72
 $0.44
Partnership exchangeable units$0.78
 $0.62
 $0.44
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.






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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
 
2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Net income$1,235.3
 $955.9
 $511.7
$1,111
 $1,144
 $1,235
          
Foreign currency translation adjustment823.4
 224.4
 (1,830.8)409
 (831) 824
Net change in fair value of net investment hedges,
net of tax of $12.8, $(12.3), and $(111.7)
(370.7) (99.3) 686.8
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges,
net of tax of $3.9, $7.2, and $29.0
(11.0) (20.3) (81.0)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges,
net of tax of $(9.0), $(5.6), and $(7.5)
25.4
 15.7
 19.8
Gain (loss) recognized on defined benefit pension plans,
net of tax of $2.0, $1.6, and $7.0
4.0
 (8.1) (14.1)
Net change in fair value of net investment hedges, net of tax of $32, $(101), and $13(86) 282
 (371)
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $29, $7, and $4(77) (19) (11)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(6), $(5), and $(9)15
 14
 25
Gain (loss) recognized on defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $1, $0, and $2(2) 1
 4
Other comprehensive income (loss)471.1
 112.4
 (1,219.3)259
 (553) 471
Comprehensive income (loss)1,706.4
 1,068.3
 (707.6)1,370
 591
 1,706
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests1.4
 3.5
 3.4
2
 1
 2
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to preferred unitholders22.7
 270.0
 271.2

 
 22
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$1,682.3
 $794.8
 $(982.2)$1,368
 $590
 $1,682
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 unit data)
 
Class A
Common Units
 
Partnership
Exchangeable units
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 TotalClass A
Common Units
 Partnership
Exchangeable units
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Units Amount Units Amount Units Amount Units Amount 
Balances at Balances at December 31, 2014202,006,067
 $1,986.1
 265,041,783
 $2,600.9
 $(248.5) $1.3
 $4,339.8
Distributions declared on Class A common units
 (89.1) 
 
 
 
 (89.1)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units
 
 
 (116.6) 
 
 (116.6)
Preferred unit distributions
 (118.2) 
 (153.0) 
 
 (271.2)
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units
 
 (8,150,003) (293.7) 
 
 (293.7)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares
 820.3
 (23,152,132) (820.3) 
 
 
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.
 55.5
 
 
 
 
 55.5
Restaurant VIE distributions
 
 
 
 
 (4.0) (4.0)
Net income
 222.1
 
 286.2
 
 3.4
 511.7
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 (1,219.3) 
 (1,219.3)
Balances at Balances at December 31, 2015202,006,067
 $2,876.7
 233,739,648
 $1,503.5
 $(1,467.8) $0.7
 $2,913.1
Distributions declared on Class A common units
 (144.8) 
 
 
 
 (144.8)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units
 
 
 (140.9) 
 
 (140.9)
Preferred unit distributions
 (136.5) 
 (133.5) 
 
 (270.0)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares
 223.2
 (6,744,244) (223.2) 
 
 
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.
 63.4
 
 
 
 
 63.4
Restaurant VIE distributions
 
 
 
 
 (0.1) (0.1)
Net income
 482.1
 
 470.3
 
 3.5
 955.9
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 112.4
 
 112.4
Balances at Balances at December 31, 2016202,006,067
 $3,364.1
 226,995,404
 $1,476.2
 $(1,355.4) $4.1
 $3,489.0
202,006,067
 $3,364
 226,995,404
 $1,477
 $(1,355) $3
 $3,489
Distributions declared on Class A common units
 (185.7) 
 
 
 
 (185.7)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units
 
 
 (175.0) 
 
 (175.0)
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
 (131.3) 
 (125.2) 
 
 (256.5)
 (131) 
 (125) 
 
 (256)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares
 279.7
 (4,286,480) (279.7) 
 
 

 280
 (4,286,480) (280) 
 
 
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units
 
 (5,000,000) (330.2) 
 
 (330.2)
 
 (5,000,000) (330) 
 
 (330)
Gain on redemption of partnership preferred units
 121.9
 
 111.9
 
 
 233.8

 122
 
 112
 
 
 234
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.
 83.3
 
 
 
 
 83.3

 83
 
 
 
 
 83
Restaurant VIE distributions
 
 
 
 
 (4.1) (4.1)
 
 
 
 
 (4) (4)
Net income
 635.5
 
 598.4
 
 1.4
 1,235.3

 636
 
 597
 
 2
 1,235
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 471.1
 
 471.1

 
 
 
 471
 
 471
Balances at December 31, 2017202,006,067
 $4,167.5
 217,708,924
 $1,276.4
 $(884.3) $1.4
 $4,561.0
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
Restaurant VIE distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 612
 
 531
 
 1
 1,144
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 (553) 
 (553)
Balances at Balances at December 31, 2018202,006,067
 $4,323
 207,523,591
 $730
 $(1,437) $2
 $3,618
Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 16)
 12
 
 9
 
 
 21
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($2.70 per unit)
 (545) 
 
 
 
 (545)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($2.00 per unit)
 
 
 (382) 
 
 (382)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares
 3,176
 (42,016,392) (3,176) 
 
 
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.
 177
 
 
 
 
 177
Net income
 643
 
 466
 
 2
 1,111
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 259
 
 259
Balances at December 31, 2019202,006,067
 $7,786
 165,507,199
 $(2,353) $(1,178) $4
 $4,259
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions of U.S. dollars)


2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income$1,235.3
 $955.9
 $511.7
$1,111
 $1,144
 $1,235
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization181.1
 172.1
 182.0
185
 180
 182
Premiums paid and non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt
119.1
 
 40.0
16
 
 119
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount32.7
 38.9
 34.9
29
 29
 33
(Income) loss from equity method investments(12.4) (20.2) 4.1
(11) (22) (12)
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions77.3
 (20.1) 37.0
(14) (33) 77
Net losses on derivatives31.0
 21.3
 53.6
Net (gains) losses on derivatives(49) (40) 31
Share-based compensation expense48.3
 35.1
 50.8
68
 48
 48
Deferred income taxes(742.4) 80.1
 (32.3)58
 29
 (742)
Other18.0
 3.5
 9.6
6
 5
 18
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:          
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
 79.2
Accounts and notes receivable(30.4) (15.8) (26.2)(53) 19
 (30)
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets2.9
 7.7
 9.2
(15) (7) 19
Accounts and drafts payable19.9
 27.5
 191.2
112
 41
 14
Advertising fund restricted assets and fund liabilities1.3
 (10.1) 32.9
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability360.1
 (1.2) 53.2
(51) (219) 360
Tenant inducements paid to franchisees(54) (52) (20)
Other long-term assets and liabilities80.2
 (41.6) (30.2)138
 43
 99
Net cash provided by operating activities1,422.0
 1,233.1
 1,200.7
1,476
 1,165
 1,431
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Payments for property and equipment(36.7) (33.7) (115.3)(62) (86) (37)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings26.1
 30.0
 19.6
Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings8
 8
 26
Net payment for purchase of Popeyes, net of cash acquired(1,635.9) 
 

 
 (1,636)
Return of investment on direct financing leases15.9
 16.6
 16.3
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net772.3
 11.0
 14.2
24
 17
 772
Other investing activities, net0.5
 3.0
 3.7

 17
 17
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(857.8) 26.9
 (61.5)
Net cash used for investing activities(30) (44) (858)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt5,850.0
 
 1,250.0
2,250
 75
 5,850
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases(2,741.5) (69.7) (2,627.8)
Redemption of preferred shares(3,005.7) 
 
Repayments of long-term debt and finance leases(2,266) (74) (2,742)
Distributions to RBI for payments in connection with redemption of preferred shares
 (60) (3,006)
Payment of financing costs(62.9) 
 (81.3)(50) (3) (63)
Distributions paid on common, preferred and Partnership exchangeable units(663.5) (538.1) (362.4)
Distributions paid on Class A, preferred and Partnership exchangeable units(901) (728) (664)
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units(330.2) 
 (293.7)
 (561) (330)
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.28.7
 13.7
 3.0
102
 61
 29
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
 8.6
 0.5
Proceeds from derivatives23
 
 
Other financing activities, net(10.1) (5.4) (3.5)
 5
 (10)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(935.2) (590.9) (2,115.2)
Net cash used for financing activities(842) (1,285) (936)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents24.0
 (2.4) (73.5)16
 (20) 24
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(347.0) 666.7
 (1,049.5)620
 (184) (339)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,420.4
 753.7
 1,803.2
913
 1,097
 1,436
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,073.4
 $1,420.4
 $753.7
$1,533
 $913
 $1,097
Supplemental cashflow disclosures:     
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:     
Interest paid$447.2
 $407.1
 $408.3
$584
 $561
 $447
Income taxes paid$200.2
 $159.3
 $208.3
$248
 $433
 $200
Non-cash investing and financing activities:     
Acquisition of property with capital lease obligations$36.1
 $32.1
 $16.7
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”, “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. We franchise and operate quick service restaurants serving premium coffee and other beverage and food products under the Tim Hortons® brand (“Tim Hortons” or “TH”), fast food hamburgers principally under the Burger King® brand (“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, companies as measured by total number of restaurants. As of December 31, 2017,2019, we franchised or owned 4,7484,932 Tim Hortons restaurants, 16,76718,838 Burger King restaurants, and 2,8923,316 Popeyes restaurants, for a total of 24,40727,086 restaurants, and operate in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. Approximately 100% of current system-wide restaurants are franchised.
We are a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (“RBI”). RBI is our sole 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.
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. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and related rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requires our management to make estimates and 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 (the "Financial Statements") include our accounts and the accounts of 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 maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with VIEs is attributable to accounts and notes receivable balances, outstanding loan guarantees and future lease payments, where applicable.
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 consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that 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. We 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”). 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 consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE.
As of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of 3135 and 9617 Restaurant VIEs, respectively, and accordingly, have consolidated the financial results of operations, assets and liabilities, and cash flows of these Restaurant VIEs in our consolidated financial statements. Material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.Financial Statements.




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Assets and liabilities related to consolidated VIEs are not significant to our total consolidated assets and liabilities. 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.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified in order to be comparable with the current year classifications. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, since our term loanloans and senior secured notes are denominated in U.S. dollars. The functional currency of each of our operating subsidiaries is generally the currency of 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. Income, expenses and 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 are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in the consolidated statements of equity.
For any transaction that is denominated in a currency different from the entity’s functional currency, we record a gain or loss based on the difference between the foreign exchange rate at the transaction date and the foreign exchange rate at the transaction settlement date (or rate at period end, if unsettled) which is included within other operating expenses (income), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments with original maturities of 3three months or less and credit card receivables are considered cash equivalents.
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 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, which is recognized using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful 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; and (iv) manufacturing equipment – up to 25 years; and (v) capital leases – up to 40 years or lease term.years. 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 unrelated lessors because Tim Hortons constructed some of the structural elements of those restaurants. Accordingly, lessors’ contributions to the construction costs of these restaurants was recognized as other debt, and was $83.1 million and $83.2 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Major improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred.
Leases
We transitioned to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), from ASC Topic 840, Leases (the “Previous Standard”) on January 1, 2019. Our Financial Statements reflect the application of ASC 842 guidance beginning in 2019, while our Financial Statements for prior periods were prepared under the guidance of the Previous Standard. See Note 10, Leases, for further information about our transition to this new lease guidance on a modified retrospective basis using the effective date transition method.
In all leases, whether we are the lessor or lessee, we define lease term as the initialnoncancellable term of athe lease plus any renewals covered by bargain renewal options or that are reasonably assuredcertain of exercise because non-renewal would create anbased on our assessment of the economic penalty, plus any periods thatfactors relevant to the lessee. The noncancellable term of the lease commences on the date the lessor makes the underlying property in the lease available to the lessee, has useirrespective of when lease payments begin under the contract.
Lessor Accounting
We recognize lease payments for operating leases as property revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and property revenue is presented net of any related sales tax. Lease incentive payments we make to lessees are amortized as a reduction in property


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revenue over the lease term. In accordance with ASC 842, we account for reimbursements of maintenance and property tax costs paid to us by lessees as property revenue. These expenses and reimbursements were presented on a net basis under the Previous Standard.
We also have net investments in properties leased to franchisees, which met the criteria of direct financing leases under the Previous Standard. Investments in direct financing leases are recorded on a net basis, consisting of the property butgross investment and estimated residual value in the lease, less unearned income. Unearned income on direct financing leases is recognized over the lease term yielding a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease. We do not remeasure the net investment in a direct financing lease unless the lease is modified and that modification is not charged rentaccounted for as a separate contract.
We recognize variable lease payment income for operating and direct financing leases in the period when changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable lease payments are based occur.
Lessee Accounting
In accordance with ASC 842, in leases where we are the lessee, we recognize a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and lease liability at lease commencement, which are measured by discounting lease payments using our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. We determine the incremental borrowing rate applicable to each lease by reference to our outstanding secured borrowings and implied spreads over the risk-free discount rates that correspond to the term of each lease, as adjusted for the currency of the lease. Subsequent amortization of the ROU asset and accretion of the lease liability for an operating lease is recognized as a landlord (rent holiday). We record rental incomesingle lease cost, on a straight-line basis, over the lease term. Reductions of the ROU asset and the change in the lease liability are included in changes in Other long-term assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Under the Previous Standard, we did not recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by operating leases and recorded rental expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term, net of any applicable lease incentive amortization. Contingent rental income
A finance lease ROU asset is recognizeddepreciated on an accruala straight-line basis as earned.


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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 shorterlesser of the useful life of the leased asset or the underlying lease term.
We also have net investments Interest on each finance lease liability is determined as the amount that results 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 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 discount rate of return on the net investmentremaining balance of the liability. Operating lease and finance lease ROU assets are assessed for impairment in accordance with our long-lived asset impairment policy.
We reassess lease classification and remeasure ROU assets and lease liabilities when a lease is modified and that modification is not accounted for as a separate contract or upon certain other events that require reassessment in accordance with ASC 842. Maintenance and property tax expenses are accounted for on an accrual basis as variable lease cost.
We recognize variable lease cost for operating and finance leases in the lease. Direct financing leasesperiod when changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable lease payments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable based on the payment history under the lease.
We have recorded favorable and unfavorable operating leases 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.occur.
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 acquisition of Popeyes in 2017, the acquisition of Tim Hortons in 2014 and the acquisition of Burger King Holdings, Inc. by 3G Capital Partners Ltd. in 2010. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the Tim Hortons brand, the Burger King brand, and the Popeyes 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. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a two-step quantitative impairment test for any reporting unit or 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 steptest that 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, we will measure any goodwill impairment loss as the estimatedamount by which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of the reporting unit isgoodwill 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.that reporting unit.
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.


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We completed our impairment tests for goodwill and the Brands as of October 1, 2019, 2018 and 2017 2016 and 2015 and no0 impairment resulted.
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 the 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 record an impairment charge equal to the excess, if any, of the net carrying value over fair value.


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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 shareholders’ 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.
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, we 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 about Fair Value
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.
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.
The carrying amounts for cash and cash 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 at fair value and value them using various pricing models or discounted cash flow analysis that incorporate observable market parameters, such as interest rate yield curves and currency rates, which are Level 2 inputs. Derivative valuations incorporate credit risk adjustments that are necessary to reflect the probability of default by the counterparty or us. For disclosures about the fair value measurements of our derivative instruments, see Note 12, Derivative Instruments.


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The following table presents the fair value of our variable rate term debt and senior notes, is estimated using inputs based on bid and offer prices that are Level 2 inputs, and was $12.0 billion and $8.8 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, compared to a principal carrying amount of $11.9 billion and $8.6 billion on the same dates.(in millions):
 As of December 31,
 2019 2018
Fair value of our variable term debt and senior notes$12,075
 $11,237
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes11,900
 11,888

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 Popeyes 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 impairment testing using a quantitative approach during 20172019 and 20162018 were based upon Level 3 inputs.


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Revenue Recognition
We transitioned to FASB 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 Financial Statements for periods prior to 2018 were prepared under the guidance of the Previous Standards.
Sales
Sales includeconsist primarily of supply chain sales, which represent sales of products, supplies and restaurant equipment to franchisees, as well as sales from Company restaurants, whichto retailers and are presented net of any related sales tax. SupplyOrders placed by customers specify the goods to be delivered and transaction prices for supply chain sales represent salessales. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of products, suppliescontrol over ordered items, generally upon delivery to the customer, which is when the customer obtains physical possession of the goods, legal title is transferred, the customer has all risks and restaurant equipment, other than equipment sales relatedrewards of ownership and an obligation to initial restaurant establishment or renovations that are shipped directly from our warehouses or by third-party distributors to restaurants or retailers, as well as sales to retailers. Revenues frompay 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 sublease to franchisees,collect are excluded from revenue.
Franchise revenues
Franchise revenues consist primarily of royalties, advertising fund contributions, initial and otherrenewal 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 use our intellectual property related fees.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 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


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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.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costsincluding the fair value of noncash consideration, are deferred and amortized over the MFDA term on a straight-line basis. 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 related debt agreement into interest expenseexisting 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 effective interest method.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 are excluded from the scope of 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. 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. SinceAs 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 expenses included in selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $858 million for 2019 and $793 million for 2018. Prior to January 1, 2018, since we actwere 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 arewere generally netted in our consolidated statements of operations.
Advertising expense,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 $7.4$7 million for 2017 $5.5 million for 2016, and $13.7 million for 2015 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 2019 and 2018.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the related debt agreement into interest expense using the effective interest method.
Income Taxes
Amounts in the financial statementsFinancial Statements related to income taxes are calculated using the principles of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)ASC Topic 740, Income 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 carry-forwards and loss 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 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.


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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.


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Share-based Compensation
Compensation expense related to the issuance of share-based awards to our employees is measured at fair value on the grant date. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value RBI stock options. 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 to vest. We use historical data to estimate forfeitures for share-based awards. The compensation expense for awards that do not require future service is recognized immediately. Upon the end of the service period, compensation expense is adjusted to account for the actual forfeiture rate. Cash settled share-based awards are classified as liabilities and are re-measured at the end of each reporting period. The compensation expense for awards that contain performance conditions is recognized when it is probable that the 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.
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. In August 2015, the FASB deferred adoption of the new standard by one year. Several updates have been issued since to clarify the implementation guidance. The new guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, enhances revenue recognition disclosures, and is now effective commencing in 2018. The guidance allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. We will apply the modified retrospective transition method, which involves recording a cumulative adjustment for the impact of transitioning to the new guidance on the transition date.
We have performed an analysis of the impact of the new revenue recognition guidance and implemented a comprehensive plan for the implementation. The project plan included analyzing the impact on our current revenue streams, comparing our historical accounting policies to the new guidance, and identifying potential differences from applying the requirements of the new guidance to our contracts. Under current accounting guidance, we recognize initial franchise fees when we have performed all material obligations and services, which generally occurs when the franchise restaurant opens. Under the new guidance, we will defer the initial and renewal franchise fees and recognize revenue over the term of the related franchise agreement. The new guidance will also change our reporting of advertising fund contributions from franchisees and the related advertising expenditures. Under the current guidance, we do not reflect advertising fund contributions from franchisees and advertising fund expenditures in our statements of operations. Furthermore, as of the balance sheet date, advertising fund contributions received may not equal advertising expenditures for the period due to the timing of promotions. To the extent that contributions received exceeded advertising expenditures, the excess contributions are treated as a deferred liability. To the extent that advertising expenditures temporarily exceeded advertising fund contributions, the difference is recorded as a receivable from the fund. Under the new guidance, advertising fund contributions from franchisees and advertising fund expenditures will be reported on a gross basis in our statements of operations and the related advertising fund revenues and expenses may be reported in different periods. Additionally, estimated breakage income on gift cards will be recognized as gift cards are utilized instead of our current policy of deferring the breakage income until it is deemed remote that the unused gift card balance will be redeemed. Finally, under the new guidance, we will record investments in equity method investees and recognize revenue associated with the establishment of master franchise entities in which we receive an equity interest in exchange for master franchise rights in an amount equal to the fair value of the equity interest received. This revenue will be deferred and recognized over the term of the master franchise agreement. Under previous guidance we did not record revenue or a basis in the equity interest received in these arrangements. This guidance will not materially impact our recognition of other forms of revenue.
The new guidance will have no impact on the amount or timing of our cash flows. As a result of the impact of the new guidance, we will record a cumulative adjustment of $230.0 million to $290.0 million primarily related to franchise fee revenue for franchise agreements entered into or renewed subsequent to our acquisitions of Burger King in 2010, Tim Hortons in 2014 and Popeyes in 2017. The franchise fee revenue impact will be recognized over the remaining term of each franchise agreement. Pre-acquisition franchise fees associated with acquired franchise agreements will not impact the cumulative adjustment and will not be recognized in future periods. The cumulative adjustment will be recorded as a decrease to Partners' capital.
Additionally, beginning in 2018, although the gross amounts of our revenues and expenses will be materially impacted by the recognition of franchisee contributions and related expenditures of advertising funds we manage, increases to gross revenues and expenses will not result in a material net impact to our statement of operations. If our statement of operations for the year ended


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December 31, 2017 reflected gross contributions from franchisees and expenditures of advertising funds we manage, contributions to advertising funds we manage would have increased our consolidated revenues by approximately 17%.
Lease Accounting – In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on leases. The new 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, as well as enhanced disclosures. The amendment requires the recognition and measurement of leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach and is effective commencing in 2019. We expect this new guidance to cause a material increase to our assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet since we have a significant number of operating lease arrangements for which we are the lessee. We are currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated statements of operations. We do not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on our cash flows and liquidity.
Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedges – In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as a hedging instrument under existing accounting guidance does not, in and of itself, require de-designation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. We adopted this new guidance on a prospective basis on January 1, 2017. Adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Equity Method Accounting – In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively apply the equity method to an investment that subsequently qualifies for such accounting as a result of an increase in level of ownership interest or degree of influence. We adopted this new guidance on a prospective basis on January 1, 2017. Adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting – In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory withholding requirements, as well as statement of cash flows presentation. The transition requirement is mostly modified retrospectively, with the exception of recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies which requires prospective adoption. We adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2017. The adoption of2019. See Note 10, Leases, for further information about our transition to this new guidance resulted in an increase to our diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as well as recognition of excess tax benefits as a reduction in the provision for income taxes rather than an addition to common shares, as required by previouslease accounting guidance. The adoption of this new guidance resulted in a 6.4% reduction in our effective tax rate during 2017. We will continue to estimate forfeitures instead of accounting for them as they occur as permitted by the new standard. The adoption of the other provisions of this new guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments – In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to reduce the existing diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statements of cash flows. The amendments are effective for 2018. The adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory – In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance amending the accounting for income taxes. The new guidance requires the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intercompany asset transfer, other than transfers of inventory, when the transfer occurs. For intercompany transfers of inventory, the income tax effects will continue to be deferred until the inventory has been sold to a third party. The amendment is effective for 2018. The adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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 at the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of a 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. We early adopted this new guidance and it did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Hedge AccountingReclassification of Certain Tax Effects – In August 2017,February 2018, the FASB issued guidance which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to (1) improveretained earnings for the transparencytax effects of certain items within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The amendment was effective commencing in 2019 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance did 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 understandabilityservices. Most of the guidance on such payments to nonemployees would be aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees. The amendment was effective commencing in 2019 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Credit Losses – In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires companies to measure and recognize lifetime expected credit losses for certain financial instruments, including trade accounts receivable and net investments in direct financing and sales-type leases. Expected credit losses are estimated using relevant information conveyedabout past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. This amendment is effective commencing in 2020, using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new guidance will have on our Financial Statements, but do not currently anticipate this adoption will have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes – In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and by clarifying and amending existing guidance applicable to financial statement users about an entity's risk management activities by better aligning the entity's financial reportingaccounting for hedging relationships with those risk management activities and (2) reduce the complexity of and simplify the application of hedge accounting by preparers. income taxes. The amendment is effective commencing in 20192021 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.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 items within accumulated other comprehensive





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income resulting from recently enacted tax legislation. The amendment is effective commencing in 2019 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new guidance will have on our consolidated 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 managed independently, while benefiting from our global 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 $1,654.7$1,655 million, which includes $32.6$33 million for the settlement of equity awards. The consideration was funded through (1) cash on hand of approximately $354.7$355 million, and (2) $1,300.0$1,300 million from incremental borrowings under our Term Loan Facility – see Note 9, Long-Term Debt.Facility.
Fees and expenses related to the Popeyes Acquisition and related financings totaled $34.4$34 million consisting primarily of professional fees and compensation related expenses, all of which are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. These fees and expenses were funded through cash on hand.
During the three months ended December 31, 2017, we adjusted our preliminary estimate of the fair value of net assets acquired. The final allocation of consideration to the net 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

 March 27, 2017
Total current assets$64.4
Property and equipment114.1
Intangible assets1,405.2
Other assets0.7
Total current liabilities(72.8)
Total debt and capital lease obligations(159.0)
Deferred income taxes(523.2)
Other liabilities(20.5)
Total identifiable net assets808.9
Goodwill845.8
Total consideration$1,654.7

The adjustments to the preliminary estimate of net assets acquired initially disclosed during the period ended March 31, 2017 resulted in a corresponding $232.5 million decrease in estimated goodwill due to the following changes to preliminary estimates of fair values and allocation of purchase price (in millions):

 Increase (Decrease) in Goodwill
Change in: 
Property and equipment$(17.6)
Intangible assets(385.2)
Total current liabilities(1.9)
Deferred income taxes164.9
Other liabilities7.3
Total decrease in goodwill$(232.5)
Intangible assets include $1,354.9$1,355 million related to the Popeyes brand, $40.9$41 million related to franchise agreements and $9.4$9 million related to favorable leases. The Popeyes brand has been assigned an indefinite life and, therefore, will not be amortized, but


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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 realized as a combined company.
The Popeyes Acquisition is not material to our consolidated financial statements,Financial Statements, and therefore, supplemental pro forma financial information related to the acquisition is not included herein.



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Note 4. Earnings Per 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 Class 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 is allocated between 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 gain 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.
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.
The following table summarizes the basic and diluted earnings per unit calculations (in millions, except per unit amounts):
 2019 2018 2017
Allocation of net income among partner interests:     
Net income allocated to Class A common unitholders$643
 $612
 $626
Net income allocated to Partnership exchangeable unitholders466
 531
 585
Net income attributable to common unitholders$1,109
 $1,143
 $1,211
Denominator - basic and diluted partnership units:     
Weighted average Class A common units202
 202
 202
Weighted average Partnership exchangeable units194
 216
 226
Earnings per unit - basic and diluted:     
Class A common units (a)$3.18
 $3.03
 $3.10
Partnership exchangeable units (a)$2.40
 $2.46
 $2.59

 2017 2016 2015
Allocation of net income among partner interests:     
Net income allocated to Class A common unitholders$626.1
 $345.6
 $103.9
Net income allocated to Partnership exchangeable unitholders585.1
 336.8
 133.2
Net income attributable to common unitholders$1,211.2
 $682.4
 $237.1
Denominator - basic and diluted partnership units:     
Weighted average Class A common units202.0
 202.0
 202.0
Weighted average Partnership exchangeable units225.5
 227.8
 263.5
Earnings per unit - basic and diluted:     
Class A common units$3.10
 $1.71
 $0.51
Partnership exchangeable units$2.59
 $1.48
 $0.51
(a)Earnings per unit may not recalculate exactly as it is calculated based on unrounded numbers.
Note 5. Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net, consist of the following (in millions):

 As of December 31,
 2019 2018
Land$1,006
 $998
Buildings and improvements1,148
 1,145
Restaurant equipment109
 99
Furniture, fixtures, and other210
 182
Finance leases245
 257
Construction in progress35
 19
 2,753
 2,700
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(746) (704)
Property and equipment, net$2,007
 $1,996
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
Land$1,020.3
 $957.2
Buildings and improvements1,171.7
 1,089.4
Restaurant equipment122.2
 109.3
Furniture, fixtures, and other170.7
 147.8
Capital leases256.6
 210.3
Construction in progress15.1
 15.2
 2,756.6
 2,529.2
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(623.3) (474.5)
Property and equipment, net$2,133.3
 $2,054.7


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Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment totaled $149.7$136 million for 2017, $144.12019, $148 million for 20162018 and $154.9$150 million for 2015.2017.
Included in our property and equipment, net at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 are $193.6$222 million and $166.6$180 million, respectively, of assets leased under capitalfinance leases (mostly buildings and improvements), net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $63.0$23 million and $43.7$77 million, respectively.



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Note 6. Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill
Intangible assets, net and goodwill consist of the following (in millions):

 As of December 31,
 2019 2018
 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Accumulated Amortization Net
Identifiable assets subject to amortization:           
   Franchise agreements$720
 $(225) $495
 $705
 $(194) $511
   Favorable leases (a)127
 (65) 62
 407
 (200) 207
      Subtotal847
 (290) 557
 1,112
 (394) 718
Indefinite lived intangible assets:           
   Tim Hortons brand$6,534
 $
 $6,534
 $6,259
 $
 $6,259
   Burger King brand2,117
 
 2,117
 2,131
 
 2,131
   Popeyes brand1,355
 
 1,355
 1,355
 
 1,355
      Subtotal10,006
 
 10,006
 9,745
 
 9,745
Intangible assets, net    $10,563
     $10,463
            
Goodwill           
   Tim Hortons segment$4,207
     $4,038
    
   Burger King segment598
     602
    
   Popeyes segment846
     846
    
      Total$5,651
     $5,486
    

(a)
The decrease in favorable leases primarily reflects the reclassification of favorable leases where we are the lessee to operating lease right-of-use assets in connection with our transition to ASC 842. See Note 10, Leases.
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Accumulated Amortization Net
Identifiable assets subject to amortization:           
   Franchise agreements$724.7
 $(168.0) $556.7
 $655.1
 $(132.4) $522.7
   Favorable leases455.7
 (193.7) 262.0
 436.0
 (149.7) 286.3
      Subtotal1,180.4
 (361.7) 818.7
 1,091.1
 (282.1) 809.0
Indefinite lived intangible assets:           
   Tim Hortons brand
$6,727.1
 $
 $6,727.1
 $6,341.6
 $
 $6,341.6
   Burger King brand
2,161.5
 
 2,161.5
 2,077.4
 
 2,077.4
   Popeyes brand
1,354.9
 
 1,354.9
 
 
 
      Subtotal10,243.5
 
 10,243.5
 8,419.0
 
 8,419.0
Intangible assets, net    $11,062.2
     $9,228.0
            
Goodwill           
   Tim Hortons segment$4,325.8
     $4,087.8
    
   Burger King segment610.7
     587.3
    
   Popeyes segment845.8
     
    
      Total$5,782.3
     $4,675.1
    
Amortization expense on intangible assets totaled $72.4$44 million for 2017, $71.92019, $70 million for 2016,2018, and $78.3$72 million for 2015.2017. The change in the brands and goodwill balances during 20172019 was due principally to the addition of goodwill and the Popeyes brand from the Popeyes Acquisition, and to a lesser extent, the impact of foreign currency translation.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, the estimated future amortization expense on identifiable assets subject to amortization is as follows (in millions):

Twelve-months ended December 31,Amount
2020$44
202141
202240
202338
202436
Thereafter358
Total$557
Twelve-months ended December 31,Amount
2018$66.9
201963.7
202059.0
202154.3
202250.5
Thereafter524.3
Total$818.7







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Note 7. Equity Method Investments
The aggregate carrying amount of our equity method investments was $155.1$266 million and $151.1$259 million as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively, and is included within otheras a component of Other assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets. Our TH business and BK business both have equity method investments. Our PLK business does not have any equity method investments. Select information about our most significant equity method investments, based on the carrying value as of December 31, 2017, is as follows:

EntityCountryEquity Interest
TIMWEN PartnershipCanada50.0%
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.United States20.7%
Pangaea Foods (China) Holdings, Ltd.China27.5%
With respect to our TH business, the most significant equity method investment is our 50%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 $11.6$13 million, $11.3$13 million and $12.7$12 million during 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, respectively.
The aggregate market value of our 15.4% equity interest in Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Carrols”) based on the quoted market price on December 31, 20172019 is approximately $114.4$66 million. The aggregate market value of our 9.8% equity interest in BK Brasil Operação e Assessoria a Restaurantes S.A. based on the quoted market price on December 31, 20172019 is approximately $117.6$99 million. No quoted market prices are available for our other equity method investments.
We have equity interests in entities that own or franchise THTim Hortons or BKBurger King restaurants. Franchise and property revenue recognized from franchisees that are owned or franchised by entities in which we have an equity interest consist of the following (in millions):


 2019 2018 2017
Revenues from affiliates:     
Royalties$345
 $310
 $175
Property revenues33
 36
 27
Franchise fees and other revenue10
 11
 26
Total$388
 $357
 $228
 2017 2016 2015
Revenues from affiliates:     
Franchise royalties$175.2
 $131.7
 $93.2
Property revenues26.7
 27.8
 27.7
Franchise fees and other revenue25.7
 19.6
 13.1
Total$227.6
 $179.1
 $134.0

We recognized $19.8 million, $19.6 million and $20.8 million of contingent rent expense related toassociated with the TIMWEN Partnership of $19 million, $20 million, and $20 million during 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, respectively.
At December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, we had $31.9$47 million and $25.7$41 million, respectively, of accounts receivable from our equity method investments which were recorded in accounts and notes receivable, net in our consolidated balance sheets.
(Income) loss from equity method investments reflects our share of investee net income or loss, non-cash dilution gains or losses from changes in our ownership interests in equity method investees 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 $11.6$11 million and $10.9$20 million during 20162019 and 2015,2018, respectively. NoNaN non-cash dilution gains were recorded during 2017. The dilution gains resulted from the issuance of capital stock by our equity method investees, which reduced our ownership interests in these equity method investments. The dilution gains we recorded in connection with the issuance of capital stock reflect adjustments to the differences between the amount of underlying equity in the net assets of equity method investees before and after their issuance of capital stock.






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Note 8. Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities
Other accrued liabilities (current) and other liabilities, net (non-current) consist of the following (in millions):


 As of December 31,
 2019 2018
Current:   
Dividend payable$232
 $207
Interest payable71
 87
Accrued compensation and benefits57
 69
Taxes payable126
 113
Deferred income35
 27
Accrued advertising expenses40
 30
Restructuring and other provisions8
 11
Current portion of operating lease liabilities (a)126
 
Other95
 93
Other accrued liabilities$790
 $637
Non-current:   
Taxes payable$579
 $493
Contract liabilities (see Note 16)541
 486
Derivatives liabilities341
 179
Unfavorable leases (b)103
 192
Accrued pension65
 64
Accrued lease straight-lining liability (b)
 69
Deferred income25
 22
Other44
 42
Other liabilities, net$1,698
 $1,547

(a)
Represents the current portion of operating lease liabilities recognized in connection with our transition to ASC 842. See Note 10, Leases.
(b)
The decreases in unfavorable leases and accrued lease straight-lining liability reflect the reclassification of unfavorable leases and lease straight-lining liability where we are the lessee in the underlying operating lease to the right-of-use assets recorded for the underlying lease in connection with our transition to ASC 842. See Note 10, Leases.



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 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
Current:   
Taxes payable$401.0
 $43.3
Dividend payable96.9
 146.1
Interest payable88.6
 63.3
Accrued compensation and benefits66.6
 60.5
Deferred income42.9
 54.7
Closed property reserve10.8
 11.0
Restructuring and other provisions12.0
 9.1
Other119.4
 81.3
Other accrued liabilities$838.2
 $469.3
Non-current:   
Derivatives liabilities$498.5
 $55.1
Taxes payable495.6
 252.2
Unfavorable leases251.8
 275.8
Accrued pension72.0
 82.9
Accrued lease straight-lining liability46.4
 29.9
Deferred income37.4
 27.1
Other53.4
 61.9
Other liabilities, net$1,455.1
 $784.9

Note 9. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consist of the following (in millions):

 As of December 31,
 2019 2018
Term Loan B (due November 19, 2026)$5,350
 $6,338
Term Loan A (due October 7, 2024)750
 
2015 4.625% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2022)
 1,250
2017 4.25% Senior Notes (due May 15, 2024)1,500
 1,500
2019 3.875% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2028)750
 
2017 5.00% Senior Notes (due October 15, 2025)2,800
 2,800
2019 4.375% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2028)750
 
Other (a)81
 150
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issuance discount(148) (145)
Total debt, net11,833
 11,893
Less: current maturities of debt(74) (70)
Total long-term debt$11,759
 $11,823
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
Term Loan Facility (due February 17, 2024)$6,388.7
 $5,046.1
2017 4.25% Senior Notes (due May 15, 2024)1,500.0
 
2015 4.625% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2022)1,250.0
 1,250.0
2017 5.00% Senior Notes (due October 15, 2025)2,800.0
 
2014 6.00% Senior Notes (due April 1, 2022)
 2,250.0
Other (a)89.1
 126.0
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issuance discount(170.1) (187.1)
Total debt, net11,857.7
 8,485.0
Less: current maturities of debt(56.8) (74.8)
Total long-term debt$11,800.9
 $8,410.2

(a)$35.6 millionThe decrease in Other reflects the derecognition of Tim Hortons Series 1 notesobligations associated with build-to-suit leases recorded under the Previous Standard. Liabilities associated with build-to-suit leases were repaid on June 1, 2017, the original maturity date.remeasured and recorded as finance lease liabilities in conjunction with our transition to ASC 842.



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Credit Facilities
On February 17, 2017,September 6, 2019, two of our subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”"Borrowers") entered into a secondfourth incremental facility amendment (the “Second Amendment”"Fourth Incremental Amendment") to the credit agreement governing our senior secured term loan facilityfacilities (the “Term"Term Loan Facility”Facilities") and our senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $500.0 million of revolving extensions of credit outstanding at any time (including revolving loans, swingline loans and letters of credit) (the “Revolving"Revolving Credit Facility”Facility" and together with the Term Loan Facility,Facilities, the “Credit Facilities”"Credit Facilities"). Under the SecondFourth Incremental Amendment, (i) we obtained a new term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $750 million (the "Term Loan A") with a maturity date of October 7, 2024 (subject to earlier maturity in specified circumstances), (ii) the interest rate applicable to the Term Loan A and Revolving Credit Facility is, at our option, either (a) a base rate, subject to a floor of 1.00%, plus an applicable margin varying from 0.00% to 0.50%, or (b) a Eurocurrency rate, subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin varying between 0.75% and 1.50%, in each case, determined by reference to a net first lien leverage based pricing grid, (iii) the aggregate principal amount of the commitments under our Revolving Credit Facility was increased to $1,000 million, (iv) the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility was extended from October 13, 2022 to October 7, 2024 (subject to earlier maturity in specified circumstances), and (v) the commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility was decreased from 0.25% to 0.15%. At December 31, 2019, the weighted average interest rate on the Term Loan A was 3.05%. The principal amount of the Term Loan A amortizes in quarterly installments equal to $5 million until October 7, 2022 and thereafter in quarterly installments equal to $9 million until maturity, with the balance payable at maturity. The Term Loan A will require compliance with a net first lien leverage ratio (described below). Except as described herein, the Fourth Incremental Amendment did not materially change the terms of the Credit Facilities. In connection with the Fourth Incremental Amendment, we capitalized approximately $7 million in debt issuance costs.
Prior to obtaining the Term Loan A, our Credit Facilities included only 1 senior secured term loan facility (the "Term Loan B"). In September 2019, we voluntarily prepaid $235 million principal amount of our Term Loan B and, in connection with this prepayment, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $4 million that primarily reflects the write-off of related unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts.
On November 19, 2019, the Borrowers entered into a fourth amendment (the "Fourth Amendment") to the credit agreement governing our Credit Facilities. Under the Fourth Amendment, (i) the outstanding aggregate principal amount under our Term Loan FacilityB was decreased to $4,900.0$5,350 million as a result of a repayment of $146.1$720 million from cash on hand,a portion of the net proceeds of the 2019 4.375% Senior Notes (defined below), (ii) the interest rate applicable to our Term Loan FacilityB was reduced to, at our option, either (a) a base rate, subject to a floor of 1.00%, plus an applicable margin equal to 1.25%of 0.75%, or (b) a Eurocurrency rate, subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin equal to 2.25%of 1.75%, and (iii) the maturity date of our Term Loan FacilityB was extended from December 12, 2021 to February 17, 2024 and (iv)to November 19, 2026. At December 31, 2019, the Borrowers and their subsidiaries were providedweighted average interest rate on the Term Loan B was 3.55%. The principal amount of the Term Loan B amortizes in quarterly installments equal to $13 million until maturity, with additional flexibility under certain negative covenants, including incurrence of indebtedness, making of investments, dispositions and restricted payments, and prepayment of subordinated indebtedness.the balance payable at maturity. Except as described herein, the SecondFourth Amendment did not materially change the terms of the Credit Facilities.


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In connection with the SecondFourth Amendment, we capitalized approximately $11.3$24 million in debt issuance costs and original issue discount and recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $20.4$16 million during 2017. The loss on early extinguishment of debtthat primarily reflects the write-off of related 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 $1,300.0 million (the “Incremental Term Loan No. 1”) under our Term Loan Facility. Also, simultaneouslydiscounts 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 $250.0 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 Credit 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 $23.0 million.fees incurred.
Revolving Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2017,2019, we had no0 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 make distributions to RBI for RBI to repurchase its common shares, to repurchase Class B exchangeable limited partnership units, to 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 availability thereunder by the cumulative amount of outstanding letters of credit. Under the Fourth Incremental Amendment, the interest rate applicable to amounts drawn under each letter of credit decreased from a range of 1.25% to 2.00% to a range of 0.75% to 1.50%, depending on our net first lien leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2017,2019, we had $4.6$2 million of letters of credit issued against the Revolving Credit Facility, and our borrowing availability was $495.4$998 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 $500.0 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 $150.0 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 $1.1 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, 2017, the weighted average interest rate on our Term Loan Facility was 3.87%. The principal amount of the Term Loan Facility amortizes in quarterly installments equal to $16.1 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, Inc., Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. 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.
2017 4.25% Senior Notes
During 2017, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $1,500.0$1,500 million of 4.25% first lien senior notes due May 15, 2024 (the “2017 4.25% Senior Notes”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes, together with other sources of liquidity, were used to redeem all of the outstanding RBI 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 $12.6$13 million in debt issuance costs.
Obligations under the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Borrowers and substantially all of the Borrowers' Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Worldwide, Inc., Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the “Note Guarantors”). The 2017 4.25% Senior Notes are first lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings 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.
2019 3.875% Senior Notes
On September 24, 2019, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the "2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture") in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 3.875% first lien senior notes due January 15, 2028 (the "2019 3.875% Senior Notes"). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes and a portion of the net proceeds from the Term Loan A were used to redeem the entire outstanding principal balance of $1,250 million of 4.625% first lien secured notes due January 15, 2022 (the "2015 4.625% Senior Notes") and to pay related fees and expenses. In connection with the issuance of the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes, we capitalized approximately $10 million in debt issuance costs. In connection with the redemption of the entire outstanding principal balance of the 2015 4.625% Senior Notes, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $3 million that primarily reflects the write-off of related unamortized debt issuance costs.
Obligations under the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Borrowers and substantially all of the Borrowers' Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Worldwide, Inc., Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the "Note Guarantors"). The 2019 3.875% Senior Notes are first lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees of the Credit Facilities.
Our 2019 3.875% Senior Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after September 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture also contains redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.


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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 $2,800.0$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 $2,250.0$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 $14.9$15 million in debt issuance costs. In connection with the full redemption of the 2014 6.00% Senior Notes, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $101.6$102 million that primarily reflects the payment of premiums to redeem the notes and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
Obligations under the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes 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 senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees of the Credit Facilities.
Our 2017 5.00% Senior Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after October 15, 2020 at the redemption prices set forth in the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
2015 4.625%2019 4.375% Senior Notes
TheOn November 19, 2019, the Borrowers are also party toentered into an indenture (the “2015 4.625%“2019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $1,250.0$750 million of 4.625% first4.375% second lien senior notes due January 15, 20222028 (the “2015 4.625%“2019 4.375% Senior Notes”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2019 4.375% Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to repay $720 million of the Term Loan B outstanding aggregate principal balance and to pay related fees and expenses in connection with the Fourth Amendment. In connection with the issuance of the 2019 4.375% Senior Notes, we capitalized approximately $6 million in debt issuance costs.
Obligations under the 2015 4.625%2019 4.375% Senior Notes are guaranteed on a second priority senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 2015 4.625%2019 4.375% Senior Notes are firstsecond lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees of the Credit Facilities.
Our 2015 4.625%2019 4.375% Senior Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after October 1, 2017,November 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the corresponding indenture,2019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 2015 4.625%2019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
Restrictions and Covenants
Our Credit Facilities, 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture, 2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture, 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture and 2015 4.625%2019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture contain a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability and


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the ability of certain of our 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; and engage in certain transactions with affiliates. In addition, under the Credit Facilities, the Borrowers are not permitted to exceed a first lien senior secured leverage ratio of 6.50 to 1.00 when, as of the end of any fiscal quarter beginning with the first fiscal quarter of 2020, (1) any amounts are outstanding under the Term Loan A and/or (2) the sum of (i) the amount of letters of credit outstanding exceeding $50.0$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 30.0% of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The restrictions under the Credit Facilities, the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture, the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture, the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture, and the 2015 4.625%2019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture have resulted in substantially all of our consolidated assets being restricted.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, we were in compliance with allapplicable debt covenants under the Credit Facilities, 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture, 2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture, 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture and 2015 4.625%2019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture and there were no limitations on our ability to draw on the remaining availability under our Revolving Credit Facility.


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TH Facility
One of our subsidiaries entered into a non-revolving delayed drawdown term credit facility in a total aggregate principal amount of C$225 million (increased from C$100 million during 2019) 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 secured by certain parcels of real estate. As of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding C$100 million under the TH Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 3.45% and we are permitted to draw down on the TH Facility until May 23, 2020.
Other
On March 27, 2017, we repaid $156 million of debt assumed in connection with the Popeyes Acquisition. Additionally, $36 million of Tim Hortons Series 1 notes were repaid on June 1, 2017, the original maturity date.
Debt Issuance Costs
During 20172019 and 2015,2017, we incurred aggregate deferred financing costs of $62.9$50 million and $80.3$63 million, respectively. NoNaN significant deferred financing costs were incurred in 2016.2018.
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt
During 2019, we recorded a $23 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, which primarily reflects the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts in connection with the prepayment and refinancing of the Term Loan B and the redemption of our 2015 4.625% Senior Notes. During 2017, we recorded a $122.0$122 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, which primarily reflects the payment of premiums to redeem our 2014 6.00% Senior Notes and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts in connection with the refinancing of our Term Loan Facility and the redemption of our 2014 6.00% Senior Notes. Similarly, during 2015, we recorded a $40.0 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, which primarily reflects the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discounts in connection with a prepayment of our Term Loan Facility
Other
On March 27, 2017, we repaid $155.5 million of debt assumed in connection with the Popeyes Acquisition. Additionally, $35.6 million of Tim Hortons Series 1 notes were repaid on June 1, 2017, the original maturity date.
Maturities
The aggregate maturities of our long-term debt as of December 31, 20172019 are as follows (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,Principal Amount
2020$74
202175
202281
202398
20242,212
Thereafter9,441
Total$11,981
Year Ended December 31,Principal Amount
2018$56.8
201973.8
202071.0
202171.0
20221,320.9
Thereafter10,434.3
Total$12,027.8

Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net consists of the following (in millions):

 2019 2018 2017
Debt (a)$503
 $498
 $484
Finance lease obligations20
 23
 21
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount29
 29
 33
Interest income(20) (15) (26)
Interest expense, net$532
 $535
 $512

 2017 2016 2015
Debt$484.5
 $412.2
 $426.8
Capital lease obligations21.4
 19.9
 20.8
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount32.7
 38.9
 34.9
Interest income(26.4) (4.1) (4.2)
Interest expense, net$512.2
 $466.9
 $478.3
(a)
Amount includes $70 million and $60 million benefit during 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to the amortization of the Excluded Component as defined in Note 12, Derivatives.






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Note 10. Leases
Company as Lessor
As of December 31, 2017,2019, we leased or subleased 5,3425,272 restaurant properties to franchisees and 162182 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 provide for future rent escalations and renewal options. Certain leases also include provisions for contingentvariable rent, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specific levels. Lessees typically bear the cost of maintenance, insurance and property taxes.

We lease land, buildings, equipment, office space and warehouse space from third parties. Land and building leases generally have an initial term of 10 to 20 years, while land-only leases generally have an initial term of 20 years, and most leases provide for fixed monthly payments. Many of these leases provide for future rent escalations and renewal options. Certain leases also include provisions for variable rent payments, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specified levels. Most leases also obligate us to pay, as lessee, variable lease cost related to maintenance, insurance and property taxes.
We transitioned to ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis using the effective date transition method. The new 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 and amends various other aspects of accounting for leases by lessees and lessors. In connection with our transition to ASC 842, we elected the package of practical expedients under which we did not reassess the classification of our existing leases, reevaluate whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases or reassess initial direct costs under the new guidance. We also elected lessee and lessor practical expedients to not separate non-lease components comprised of maintenance from lease components for real estate leases that commenced prior to our transition to ASC 842, as well as for real estate leases that commence or that are modified subsequent to our transition to ASC 842. We did not elect the practical expedient that permitted a reassessment of lease terms for existing leases.


81


Financial Statement Impact of Transition to ASC 842
Transition Impact on January 1, 2019 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
Our transition to ASC 842 represents a change in accounting principle. The $21 million cumulative effect of our transition to ASC 842 is reflected as an adjustment to January 1, 2019 Partners' capital.
Our transition to ASC 842 resulted in the following adjustments to our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 (in millions):
 As Reported Total Adjusted
 December 31, 2018 Adjustments January 1, 2019
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
 26
(a)2,022
Operating lease assets, net
 1,143
(b)1,143
Intangible assets, net10,463
 (133)(c)10,330
Goodwill5,486
 
 5,486
Net investment in property leased to franchisees54
 
 54
Other assets, net642
 
 642
Total assets$20,141
 $1,036
 $21,177
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY     
Current liabilities:     
Accounts and drafts payable$513
 $
 $513
Other accrued liabilities637
 114
(d)751
Gift card liability167
 
 167
Current portion of long term debt and finance leases91
 
 91
Total current liabilities1,408
 114
 1,522
Term debt, net of current portion11,823
 (65)(e)11,758
Finance leases, net of current portion226
 62
(e)288
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion
 1,028
(f)1,028
Other liabilities, net1,547
 (132)(g)1,415
Deferred income taxes, net1,519
 8
(h)1,527
Total liabilities16,523
 1,015
 17,538
Partners' capital:     
Class A common units4,323
 12
(i)4,335
Partnership exchangeable units730
 9
(i)739
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,437) 
 (1,437)
Total Partners' capital3,616
 21
 3,637
Noncontrolling interests2
 
 2
Total equity3,618
 21
 3,639
Total liabilities and equity$20,141
 $1,036
 $21,177
(a)Represents the net change in assets recorded in connection with build-to-suit leases.
(b)Represents the capitalization of operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets equal to the amount of recognized operating lease liability, adjusted by the net carrying amounts of related favorable lease assets and unfavorable lease liabilities in which we are the lessee and straight-line rent accruals, which were reclassified to operating lease ROU assets.
(c)Represents the net carrying amount of favorable lease assets associated with leases in which we are the lessee, which have been reclassified to operating lease ROU assets.
(d)Represents the current portion of operating lease liabilities.


82


(e)Represents the net change in liabilities recorded in connection with build-to-suit leases.
(f)Represents the recognition of operating lease liabilities, net of current portion.
(g)Represents the net carrying amount of unfavorable lease liabilities associated with leases in which we are the lessee and $64 million of straight-line rent accruals which have been reclassified to operating lease ROU assets.
(h)Represents the net tax effects of the adjustments noted above, with a corresponding adjustment to Partners’ capital.
(i)Represents net change in assets and liabilities recorded in connection with build-to-suit leases and the tax effects of adjustments noted above.
Partnership as Lessor
Assets leased to franchisees and others under operating leases where we are the lessor and which are included within our property and equipment, net are as follows (in millions):

 As of December 31,
 2019 2018
Land$905
 $906
Buildings and improvements1,142
 1,175
Restaurant equipment18
 17
 2,065
 2,098
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(472) (475)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,593
 $1,623
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
Land$930.7
 $893.9
Buildings and improvements1,215.5
 1,112.9
Restaurant equipment17.5
 14.7
 2,163.7
 2,021.5
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(407.4) (312.5)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,756.3
 $1,709.0

Our net investment in direct financing leases is as follows (in millions):

As of December 31,
As of December 31,2019 2018
2017 2016ASC 842 Previous Standard
Future rents to be received:      
Future minimum lease receipts$77.5
 $96.3
$49
 $60
Contingent rents (a)39.6
 51.2
19
 29
Estimated unguaranteed residual value17.1
 18.9
15
 16
Unearned income(45.4) (56.5)(26) (35)
Allowance on direct financing leases(0.2) (0.2)
88.6
 109.7
57
 70
Current portion included within accounts receivables(17.3) (17.8)(9) (16)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$71.3
 $91.9
$48
 $54


(a)Amounts represent estimated contingent rents recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting.
Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):

 2019 2018 2017
 ASC 842 Previous Standard
Rental income:     
Minimum lease payments$448
 $454
 $464
Variable lease payments370
 273
 284
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net7
 8
 8
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases825
 735
 756
Earned income on direct financing leases8
 9
 9
Total property revenues$833
 $744
 $765



 2017 2016 2015
Rental income:     
Minimum$466.0
 $452.8
 $453.9
Contingent283.8
 282.5
 281.7
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net8.3
 8.5
 11.0
Total rental income758.1
 743.8
 746.6
Earned income on direct financing leases7.0
 8.9
 13.6
Total property revenues$765.1
 $752.7
 $760.2


7683



CompanyPartnership as Lessee
In addition, we lease land, building, equipment, office spaceLease cost, rent expense and warehouse space, including 709 restaurant buildings under capital 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. 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.

Rent expenseother information associated with these lease commitments is as follows (in millions):

Lease Cost (Income)
 2019
 ASC 842
Operating lease cost$210
Operating lease variable lease cost198
Finance lease cost: 
Amortization of right-of-use assets27
Interest on lease liabilities20
Sublease income(631)
Total lease cost (income)$(176)

Rent Expense

2018 2017
2017 2016 2015Previous Standard
Rental expense:        
Minimum$198.1
 $193.5
 $199.5
$201
 $198
Contingent71.1
 70.6
 73.1
71
 71
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable payable lease contracts, net9.7
 9.2
 10.1
9
 10
Total rental expense (a)$278.9
 $273.3
 $282.7
$281
 $279


(a)Amounts include rental expense related to properties subleased to franchisees of $262.8$263 million for 2017, $253.9 million for 2016,2018 and $267.0 million for 2015.2017.
Lease Term and Discount Rate as of December 31, 2019
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases10.9 years
Finance leases11.2 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases6.2%
Finance leases7.1%

Other Information for 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:  
Operating cash flows from operating leases $194
Operating cash flows from finance leases $20
Financing cash flows from finance leases $26
Supplemental noncash information on lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets:  
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease obligations $18
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations $163



84


As of December 31, 2017,2019, future minimum lease receipts and commitments are as follows (in millions):


Lease Receipts Lease Commitments (a)Lease Receipts Lease Commitments (a)
Direct
Financing
Leases
 Operating
Leases
 Capital
Leases
 Operating
Leases
Direct
Financing
Leases
 Operating
Leases
 Finance
Leases
 Operating
Leases
2018$18.1
 $360.3
 $39.7
 $182.9
201914.3
 323.7
 36.4
 167.6
20209.6
 288.6
 34.3
 154.7
$9
 $429
 $46
 $204
20216.8
 256.3
 32.9
 138.8
7
 406
 45
 192
20225.4
 226.2
 32.1
 125.5
5
 383
 43
 179
20235
 359
 40
 164
20244
 327
 39
 149
Thereafter23.3
 1,327.7
 232.8
 837.5
19
 1,672
 249
 872
Total minimum receipts / payments$77.5
 $2,782.8
 408.2
 $1,607.0
$49
 $3,576
 462
 1,760
Less amount representing interest    (143.0)      (147) (545)
Present value of minimum capital lease payments    265.2
  
Current portion of capital lease obligation    (21.4)  
Long-term portion of capital lease obligation    $243.8
  
Present value of minimum lease payments    315
 1,215
Current portion of lease obligations    (27) (126)
Long-term portion of lease obligations    $288
 $1,089
(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,833.5$2,397 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
As of December 31, 2018, future minimum lease receipts and commitments are as follows (in millions):
 Lease Receipts Lease Commitments (a)
 Direct
Financing
Leases
 Operating
Leases
 Finance
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 finance lease payments    247
  
Current portion of finance lease obligation    (21)  
Long-term portion of finance lease obligation    $226
  
(a)Minimum lease commitments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $2,290 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.



85


Note 11. Income Taxes
Tax Act
OnIn December 22, 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 duringbeginning 2017 and is expected to continue to impact our consolidated results of operations in future periods.

The impacts to our consolidated statement of operations in 2017 consist of the following:following (the “Tax Act Impact”):
The
A provisional benefit of $420 million recorded in our provision from income taxes for 2017 and a final favorable adjustment of $9 million recorded for 2018, as a result of the remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities asliabilities.

Provisional charges of the enactment date.


77


Charges$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”), which may be paid over an eight-year period.
On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides that companies (i) should record the effects of the changes from the Tax Act for which accounting is complete (not provisional), (ii) should record provisional amounts for the effects of the changes from the Tax Act for which accounting is not complete, and for which reasonable estimates can be determined, in the period they are identified, and (iii) should not record provisional amounts if reasonable estimates cannot be made for the effects of the changes from the Tax Act, and should continue to apply guidance based on the tax law in effect prior to the enactment on December 22, 2017. In addition, SAB 118 established a one-year measurement period (through December 22, 2018) where a provisional amount could be subject to adjustment, and requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures related to provisional amounts and accounting during the measurement period.
As a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate, we remeasured our U.S. net deferred tax liabilities as of the enactment date and recognized a provisional benefit of $419.9$119 million as a discrete item in the provision for income taxesrecorded in 2017, which is a reduction in net deferred tax liabilities and is included in Deferred income taxes, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.
We also recorded $102.6 million of provisional charges 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. Of the $102.6 million, $43.0 million is included in Deferred income taxes, net and $59.6 million is included in Other long term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.
We provisionally estimate a Transition Tax of $119.4 million, most of which had been previously accrued with respect to certain undistributed foreign earnings. The $119.4earnings, and a final favorable adjustment of $15 million provisional Transition Tax is included(primarily related to utilization of foreign tax credits) recorded in Other accrued liabilities2018.

In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 issued by the staff of the SEC and as discussed in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017. The amountbullet points above, we completed our analysis in 2018 and timing of the Transition Tax payments are currently being evaluated. Under the Tax Act, we have the ability to pay such amount over an eight year period.
Given the complexity of the changes in tax law resulting from the Tax Act, we have not finalized the accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act, including any of the provisional amounts describe above. Adjustmentsmade adjustments to provisional amounts will be recordedduring 2018 as discrete items in the quarter such estimates were finalized.

Companies subject to the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income provision (GILTI) have the option to account for incomethe GILTI tax as a period cost if and when incurred, or to recognize deferred taxes in the period in which those adjustments become reasonably estimable. Such adjustments may result in the impact of the Tax Act differing from these estimates, possibly materially, during the one-year measurement period duefor outside basis temporary differences expected to among other things, further refinement of our calculations, changes in interpretations and assumptions we have made, interpretations and regulatory changes from the Internal Revenue Service, the SEC, the FASB and various tax jurisdictions, or actions we may take. We will complete our analysis no later than December 22, 2018.
We are in the process of analyzing the effects of the new tax provisions that potentially impact certain foreign income, expenses and credits, suchreverse as GILTI (global intangible low-taxed income), BEAT (base-erosion anti-abuse tax), and FDII (foreign-derived intangible income). We have not recorded any impactGILTI. The Company has elected to account for GILTI BEAT or FDII in 2017. as a period cost.

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, or actions we may take.

Income (loss) before income taxes, classified by source of income (loss), is as follows (in millions):

 2019 2018 2017
Canadian$685
 $1,111
 $1,223
Foreign767
 271
 (122)
Income before income taxes$1,452
 $1,382
 $1,101




 2017 2016 2015
Canadian$1,223.6
 $1,050.1
 $546.9
Foreign(121.9) 149.7
 127.0
Income before income taxes$1,101.7
 $1,199.8
 $673.9


7886



Income tax (benefit) expense attributable to income from continuing operations consists of the following (in millions):

 2019 2018 2017
Current:     
Canadian$47
 $25
 $438
U.S. Federal122
 95
 113
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit20
 17
 3
Other Foreign94
 72
 54
 $283
 $209
 $608
Deferred:     
Canadian$43
 $78
 $(302)
U.S. Federal8
 (65) (473)
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit
 13
 34
Other Foreign7
 3
 (1)
 $58
 $29
 $(742)
Income tax expense (benefit)$341
 $238
 $(134)
 2017 2016 2015
Current:     
Canadian$438.1
 $78.6
 $107.2
U.S. Federal113.2
 45.4
 46.1
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit3.0
 1.5
 4.1
Other Foreign54.5
 38.3
 37.1
 $608.8
 $163.8
 $194.5
Deferred:     
Canadian$(301.8) $49.0
 $(48.1)
U.S. Federal(473.3) 37.0
 21.0
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit34.3
 (6.9) (7.5)
Other Foreign(1.6) 1.0
 2.3
 $(742.4) $80.1
 $(32.3)
Income tax (benefit) expense$(133.6) $243.9
 $162.2

The statutory rate reconciles to the effective income tax rate as follows:


 2019 2018 2017
Statutory rate26.5 % 26.5 % 26.5 %
Costs and taxes related to foreign operations5.8
 4.2
 8.9
Foreign exchange gain (loss)0.1
 (0.1) (7.7)
Foreign tax rate differential(10.8) (6.1) (1.9)
Change in valuation allowance0.5
 3.2
 12.0
Change in accrual for tax uncertainties5.0
 0.1
 (0.4)
Intercompany financing(2.4) (4.4) (19.5)
Impact of Tax Act(0.1) (1.9) (27.4)
Benefit from stock option exercises(2.2) (5.0) (4.9)
Other1.1
 0.7
 2.3
Effective income tax rate23.5 % 17.2 % (12.1)%

 2017 2016 2015
Statutory rate26.5 % 26.5 % 26.5 %
Costs and taxes related to foreign operations9.9
 9.6
 16.7
Foreign exchange gain (loss)(7.7) 0.1
 (1.9)
Foreign tax rate differential(1.9) (1.0) (5.4)
Change in valuation allowance12.0
 0.2
 4.7
Change in accrual for tax uncertainties(0.4) 1.0
 0.7
Deductible FTC(1.0) 
 
Intercompany financing(19.5) (16.0) (20.2)
Impact of Tax Act(27.4) 
 
Benefit from stock option exercises(4.9) 
 
Other2.3
 (0.1) 3.0
Effective income tax rate(12.1)% 20.3 % 24.1 %
OurIn a referendum held on May 19, 2019, Swiss voters adopted the Federal Act on Tax Reform and AVS Financing (“TRAF”), under which certain long-standing preferential cantonal tax regimes were abolished effective incomeJanuary 1, 2020. Further in November 2019, the canton of Zug formally adopted the measures of TRAF requiring Partnership to consider the effects of TRAF. Partnership has subsidiaries in the canton of Zug subject to TRAF and therefore the TRAF impacted our consolidated results of operations during 2019 through the remeasurement of net deferred tax rate was (12.1)%liabilities as of December 31, 2019. The amount recorded for 2017 and 20.3% for 2016. The change inthe effects of the changes from the TRAF is approximately $16 million, which increased our 2019 effective tax rate in 2017 compared to 2016 is primarily due to the impact of the Tax Act, including the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities, partially offset by the net impact of Transition Tax and provisional charges, in each case as described above. 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. Our effective income tax rate was 24.1% for 2015, primarily due to the impact of the acquisition of Tim Hortons in 2014, including non-deductible transaction related costs, and the mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions.approximately 1.1% (a one-time, non-cash item).
Income tax (benefit) expense allocated to continuing operations and amounts separately allocated to other items was (in millions):

 2019 2018 2017
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations$341
 $238
 $(134)
Cash flow hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(23) (2) 5
Net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(32) 101
 (13)
Pension liability in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1) 
 (2)
Total$285
 $337
 $(144)

 2017 2016 2015
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations$(133.6) $243.9
 $162.2
Cash flow hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)5.1
 (1.6) (21.5)
Net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(12.8) 12.3
 111.7
Pension liability in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(2.0) (1.6) (7.0)
Stock option tax benefit in common shares
 (8.6) (0.5)
Total$(143.3) $244.4
 $244.9





7987



The significant components of deferred income tax (benefit) expense attributable to income from continuing operations are as follows (in millions):


 2019 2018 2017
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense$30
 $(14) $(449)
Change in valuation allowance7
 43
 133
Change in effective Canadian income tax rate(1) (3) 
Change in effective U.S. federal income tax rate
 (8) (433)
Change in effective U.S. state income tax rate6
 15
 4
Change in effective foreign income tax rate16
 (4) 3
Total$58
 $29
 $(742)
 2017 2016 2015
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense$(449.3) $77.6
 $(51.9)
Change in valuation allowance132.7
 2.1
 31.8
Change in effective U.S. federal income tax rate(432.9) 
 
Change in effective U.S. state income tax rate3.6
 (2.9) (7.2)
Change in effective foreign income tax rate3.5
 3.3
 (5.0)
Total$(742.4) $80.1
 $(32.3)

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,
 2019 2018
Deferred tax assets:   
Accounts and notes receivable$4
 $5
Accrued employee benefits48
 49
Unfavorable leases99
 123
Operating lease liabilities332
 
Liabilities not currently deductible for tax198
 176
Tax loss and credit carryforwards493
 509
Derivatives83
 25
Other3
 8
Total gross deferred tax assets1,260
 895
Valuation allowance(329) (325)
Net deferred tax assets931
 570
Less deferred tax liabilities:   
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation40
 43
Intangible assets1,792
 1,734
Leases88
 105
Operating lease assets325
 
Statutory impairment28
 31
Outside basis difference42
 35
Total gross deferred tax liabilities2,315
 1,948
Net deferred tax liability$1,384
 $1,378
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
Deferred tax assets:   
Accounts and notes receivable$5.2
 $6.7
Accrued employee benefits48.7
 67.9
Unfavorable leases146.1
 153.8
Liabilities not currently deductible for tax73.8
 42.4
Tax loss and credit carryforwards549.8
 231.3
Derivatives135.8
 
Other0.4
 17.2
Total gross deferred tax assets959.8
 519.3
Valuation allowance(281.5) (132.9)
Net deferred tax assets678.3
 386.4
Less deferred tax liabilities:   
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation33.3
 64.8
Intangible assets1,790.9
 1,723.8
Leases128.6
 150.9
Statutory impairment26.4
 23.5
Derivatives
 25.4
Outside basis difference67.6
 102.9
Total gross deferred tax liabilities2,046.8
 2,091.3
Net deferred tax liability$1,368.5
 $1,704.9

The valuation allowance had a net increase of $148.6$4 million during 20172019 primarily due to the change in provisional estimates related to the utilization of foreign exchange capital losses. These losses were previouslytax credits. This increase was partially offset by deferred tax liabilities related to intercompany loans, which were settled during the current year.utilization of capital losses that had been previously valued.


88


Changes in the valuation allowance are as follows (in millions):


 2019 2018 2017
Beginning balance$325
 $282
 $133
Additions due to acquisition
 
 9
Change in estimates recorded to deferred income tax expense8
 43
 133
Changes from foreign currency exchange rates
 
 6
Changes in losses and credits(2) 
 1
Additions related to other comprehensive income(2) 
 
Ending balance$329
 $325
 $282

 2017 2016 2015
Beginning balance$132.9
 $124.6
 $68.8
Additions due to acquisition9.4
 
 
Change in estimates recorded to deferred income tax expense132.7
 2.1
 31.8
Expiration of foreign tax credits and capital losses
 
 (3.2)
Changes from foreign currency exchange rates5.5
 (0.7) (8.2)
True-ups from changes in losses and credits0.8
 6.9
 35.4
Additions related to other comprehensive income0.2
 
 
Ending balance$281.5
 $132.9
 $124.6


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The gross amount and expiration dates of operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards as of December 31, 20172019 are as follows (in millions):
 
 Amount Expiration Date
Canadian net operating loss carryforwards$697
 2036-2039
Canadian capital loss carryforwards975
 Indefinite
U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards562
 2020-2036
U.S. foreign tax credits97
 2020-2029
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards185
 Indefinite
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards80
 2020-2039
Other foreign capital loss carryforward31
 Indefinite
Foreign credits1
 2020-2036
Total$2,628
  

 Amount Expiration Date
Canadian net operating loss carryforwards$1,161.2
 2032-2037
Canadian capital loss carryforwards893.0
 Indefinite
U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards676.7
 2018-2037
U.S. capital loss carryforwards58.2
 2018
U.S. foreign tax credits24.5
 2019-2026
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards219.6
 Indefinite
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards9.0
 2023-2026
Other foreign capital loss carryforward31.8
 Indefinite
Foreign credits1.8
 2023-2036
Total$3,075.8
  
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 arewere subject to a transition tax charge at reduced rates and future repatriations of foreign earnings generally 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 are generally permanently reinvested (but for unremitted earnings and profits) in any other potential outside basis differences. A determination of the deferred tax liability on this amount is not practicable due to the complexities, variables and assumptions inherent in the hypothetical calculations. Thus we have not provided taxes, including U.S. federal and state income, foreign income, or foreign withholding taxes, for any outside basis differences that we believe are permanently invested.
We had $461.0$506 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2017,2019, 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):

 2019 2018 2017
Beginning balance$441
 $461
 $241
Additions for tax positions related to the current year9
 1
 186
Additions for tax positions of prior years56
 18
 41
Additions for tax positions taken in conjunction with acquisition of Tim Hortons
 
 2
Reductions for tax positions of prior year
 (18) 
Reductions for settlement
 (18) (2)
Reductions due to statute expiration
 (3) (7)
Ending balance$506
 $441
 $461



89

 2017 2016 2015
Beginning balance$240.6
 $238.6
 $41.6
Additions on tax position related to the current year186.3
 2.0
 0.8
Additions for tax positions of prior years41.2
 6.2
 4.3
Additions for tax positions taken in conjunction with acquisition of Tim Hortons1.8
 
 202.5
Reductions for tax positions of prior year(0.2) (1.0) (2.8)
Reductions for settlement(1.7) (4.6) (7.4)
Reductions due to statute expiration(7.0) (0.6) (0.4)
Ending balance$461.0
 $240.6
 $238.6

During the twelve months beginning January 1, 2018,2020, it is reasonably possible we will reduce unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $24.3$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 income tax expense. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties was $36.9$92 million and $27.3$51 million at December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively. Potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions in various jurisdictions recognized was $9.6$41 million during 2017, $11.22019, $14 million during 20162018 and $3.3$10 million during 2015.2017. 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 20142015 taxation years. Additionally, income tax returns filed with various provincial jurisdictions are generally open to examination for periods of threeup to fivesix years subsequent to the filing of the respective return.
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 foreign tax jurisdictions. None of the foreign jurisdictions should be individually material. The examination phase of our U.S. federal income tax returns for


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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. Various tax positions related to those years are currently under appeals. During 2017, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service commenced the auditfirst half of the fiscal year 20142018. The U.S. federal income tax returns for our U.S. companies.companies for fiscal years 2014, 2015 and 2016 are currently under 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 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.
Interest Rate Swaps – Outstanding as of
At December 31, 2017
During 2015,2019, we entered into a series ofhad outstanding receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $2,500.0$3,500 million to hedge the variability in the interest payments on a portion of our Term Loan FacilityFacilities beginning May 28, 2015,October 31, 2019 through the expirationtermination date of November 19, 2026. Additionally, at December 31, 2019, we also had outstanding receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $500 million to hedge the final swapvariability in the interest payments on March 31, 2021, resetting each March 31.a portion of our Term Loan Facilities effective September 30, 2019 through the termination date of September 30, 2026. At inception, all of these interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges 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.
During 2015,2019, we settled certainextended the term of our previous $3,500 million receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps to align the maturity date of the new interest rate swaps with the maturity date of our Term Loan B under the Fourth Amendment. The extension of the term resulted in a de-designation and re-designation of the interest rate swaps and the swaps continue to be accounted for as a cash flow hedge for hedge accounting. In connection with the de-designation, we recognized a net unrealized loss of $84.6$213 million in AOCI at the date of settlements. Thisand this amount gets reclassified into interestInterest expense, net as the original hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The amount of pre-tax losses in AOCI as of December 31, 20172019 that we expect to be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months is $12.4$51 million. In connection with the settlement of these interest rate swaps, we paid $36.2 million, which is reflected as a use of cash within investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for 2015.
Interest Rate Swaps – Settled Prior to December 31, 2015
During 2015, we settledentered into a series of receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps that were hedgingwith a notional value of $2,500 million to hedge the variability in the interest payments associated withon a portion of our Term Loan Facility.Facilities beginning May 28, 2015. All of these interest rate swaps were settled on April 26, 2018 for an insignificant cash receipt. At inception, these interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges 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 2015, we temporarily discontinued hedge accounting on the entire balance of these swaps as a result of the $42.7 million mandatory prepayment of our 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 Term Loan Facility. During the same period, we re-designated $5,690.4 million of the remaining $6,690.4 million of notional outstanding, as a cash flow hedge for hedge accounting. The remaining $1,000.0 million of notional amount was not re-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 this $1,000.0 million notional value receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap, 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.
During 2015, we also settled a series of receive-variable, pay-fixedcertain interest rate swaps withand recognized a combined initial notional valuenet unrealized loss of $6,750.0$85 million that was amortized each quarterin AOCI at the same ratedate of settlement. This amount gets reclassified into Interest expense, net as the Term Loan Facility. To offsetoriginal hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The


90


amount of pre-tax losses in AOCI as of December 31, 2019 that we expect to be reclassified into interest expense within 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 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.next 12 months is $12 million.
Cross-Currency Rate Swaps
To protect the value of our investments in our foreign operations against adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we hedge a portion of our net investment in one or more of our foreign subsidiaries by using cross-currency rate swaps. At December 31, 2017,2019, 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


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of the gains and losses on our net investment in these designated foreign operations driven by changes in foreign exchange rates are economically partly offset by movements in the fair value of our cross currencycross-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.
During 2017, we terminated and settled our previous cross-currency rate swaps with an aggregate notional value of $5,000.0$5,000 million, between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar. In connection with this termination, we received $763.5$764 million which is reflected as a source of cash provided by investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The unrealized gains totaled $533.4$533 million, net of tax, as of the 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 are accounted for as net investment hedges. These swaps are contracts to exchange quarterly fixed-rate interest payments we make on the Canadian dollar notional amountsamount of C$6,753.56,754 million for quarterly fixed-rate interest payments we receive on the U.S. dollar notional amount of $5,000.0$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, 2017,2019, we also had outstanding a cross-currency rate swapswaps in which we pay quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the Euro notional amount of €1,107.8€1,108 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 some cross-currency rate swaps with an aggregate notional value of $315.0$1,200 million. In connection with this termination, we received $52.1 million which is reflected as a source of cash provided by investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for 2015. The net unrealized gains totaled $31.8 million as of the termination date. Such amounts will remain in AOCI until the complete or substantially complete liquidation of our investment in the underlying foreign operations. At inception, these cross-currency rate swaps were designated as a hedge and wereare accounted for as a net investment hedges.hedge. During 2018, we extended the term of the swaps from March 31, 2021 to the maturity date of February 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, at December 31, 2019, we also had outstanding cross-currency rate swaps in which we receive quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the U.S. dollar notional value of $400 million, entered during 2018, and $500 million, entered during 2019, through the maturity date of February 17, 2024. At inception, these cross-currency rate swaps were designated as a hedge and 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 de-designated and subsequently re-designated the outstanding fixed to fixed cross-currency rate swaps to prospectively use the spot method of hedge effectiveness assessment. Additionally, as a result of adopting new hedge accounting guidance during 2018, we elected to exclude the interest component (the "Excluded Component") from the accounting hedge without affecting net investment hedge accounting and elected to amortize the Excluded Component over the life of the 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 will be reclassified to earnings when the foreign subsidiaries are sold or substantially liquidated.
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
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, 2017,2019, 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 $183.0$112 million with maturities to February 2019.December 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.
Credit Risk
By entering into derivative 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.


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Credit-Risk Related Contingent Features
Our derivative instruments do not contain any credit-risk related contingent features.


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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)
 2017 2016 2015
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:     
Forward-starting interest rate swaps$(5.5) $(22.7) $(128.2)
Forward-currency contracts$(9.4) $(4.8) $18.2
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges:     
Cross-currency rate swaps$(383.5) $(87.0) $798.5
 Gain or (Loss) Recognized in
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 2019 2018 2017
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
     
Interest rate swaps$(102) $(37) $(6)
Forward-currency contracts$(4) $11
 $(9)
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges     
Cross-currency rate swaps$(118) $383
 $(384)
(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
    2019 2018 2017
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges        
Interest rate swaps Interest expense, net $(26) $(19) $(31)
Forward-currency contracts Cost of sales $5
 $(1) $(3)
         
  Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
    2019 2018 2017
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges        
Cross-currency rate swaps Interest expense, net $70
 $60
 $

 Fair Value as of
December 31,
  
 2019 2018 Balance Sheet Location
Assets:     
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges     
Interest rate$7
 $
 Other assets, net
Foreign currency
 7
 Prepaids and other current assets
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges     
Foreign currency22
 58
 Other assets, net
Total assets at fair value$29
 $65
  
      
Liabilities:     
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges     
Interest rate$175
 $72
 Other liabilities, net
Foreign currency2
 
 Other accrued liabilities
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges     
Foreign currency166
 107
 Other liabilities, net
Total liabilities at fair value$343
 $179
  
Affected Line Item in Statements of Operations
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into
Earnings
(Effective Portion)
 2017 2016 2015
Interest expense, net$(31.0) $(21.3) $(12.0)
Other operating expenses (income), net$
 $
 $(27.6)
Cost of sales$(3.4) $
 $12.3
      
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net
 2017 2016 2015
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:     
Interest rate swaps$
 $
 $(12.4)
Cross-currency rate swaps$
 $
 $4.3
Ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges:     
Interest rate swaps$
 $
 $(1.6)

 
Fair Value as of
December 31,
  
 2017 2016 Balance Sheet Location
Assets:     
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:     
Foreign currency$0.5
 $2.8
 Prepaids and other current assets
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges:     
Foreign currency
 717.9
 Derivative assets
Total assets at fair value$0.5
 $720.7
  
Liabilities:     
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:     
Interest rate$42.1
 $55.1
 Other liabilities, net
Foreign currency5.1
 1.1
 Other accrued liabilities
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges:     
Foreign currency456.4
 
 Other liabilities, net
Total liabilities at fair value$503.6
 $56.2
  




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Note 13. Partnership Preferred Units
On December 12, 2014 we issued 68,530,939 Partnership preferred units to RBI. Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership was required to make distributions to RBI on the Partnership preferred units in 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 issued by


84


RBI (the “Preferred Shares”) and (ii) in the event RBI redeemed the Preferred Shares, the redemption amount of the Preferred Shares. Upon payment of a distribution to RBI to fund the redemption of the Preferred Shares, the 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-substance redemption provision of the Partnership preferred units. The Partnership preferred units were classified as temporary equity as a result of Partnership's lack of control over this distribution provision. In 2014, Partnership 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 issued and outstanding Preferred Shares for aggregate consideration of $3,115.6$3,116 million (the “Redemption Consideration”), including $54.0$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 $54.0$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 $54.0$54 million preferred unit distribution and (ii) the carrying amount of the Partnership preferred units on the Redemption Date is reflected as a $233.8$234 million increase in net income attributable to common unitholders and partner's capital.
During 2018, RBI made a payment, which was funded by Partnership through a distribution, in connection with the settlement of certain provisions associated with the 2017 redemption of the Preferred Shares as a result of recently proposed Treasury regulations included within Other operating expense (income), net in our consolidated statements of operations.
Note 14. Equity
Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, RBI, as the holder of Class A common units, is entitled to 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, a 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 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 2019, Partnership exchanged 42,016,392 Partnership exchangeable units, pursuant to exchange notices received. In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by exchanging 42,016,392 Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. During 2018, Partnership exchanged 10,185,333 Partnership exchangeable units, pursuant to exchange notices received. In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 10,000,000 Partnership exchangeable units for approximately $561 million in cash and exchanging 185,333 Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. During 2017, Partnership exchanged 9,286,480 Partnership exchangeable units, pursuant to exchange notices received. In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 5,000,000 Partnership exchangeable units for approximately $330.2$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 common shares. During 2015, Partnership exchanged 31,302,135 Partnership exchangeable units, pursuant to exchange notices received. In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 8,150,003 Partnership exchangeable units for approximately $293.7 million in cash and exchanging 23,152,132 Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. The exchanges of Partnership exchangeable units were recorded as increases to the Class A common units balance within partner’s capital in our consolidated balance sheets 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 sheets 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 was cancelled concurrently with the exchange.




8593



Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table displays the change in the components of AOCI (in millions):

 Derivatives Pensions Foreign
Currency
Translation
 Accumulated 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
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)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 409
 409
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax(163) 
 
 (163)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax15
 
 
 15
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax
 (2) 
 (2)
Balances at December 31, 2019$306
 $(29) $(1,455) $(1,178)

 Derivatives Pensions Foreign
Currency
Translation
 Accumulated 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
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 tax605.8
 
 
 605.8
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax19.8
 
 
 19.8
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax
 (14.1) 
 (14.1)
Balances at December 31, 2015$637.0
 $(24.7) $(2,080.1) $(1,467.8)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 224.4
 224.4
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax(119.6) 
 
 (119.6)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax15.7
 
 
 15.7
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax
 (8.1) 
 (8.1)
Balances at December 31, 2016$533.1
 $(32.8) $(1,855.7) $(1,355.4)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 823.4
 823.4
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax(381.7) 
 
 (381.7)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax25.4
 
 
 25.4
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax
 4.0
 
 4.0
Balances at December 31, 2017$176.8
 $(28.8) $(1,032.3) $(884.3)
The following table displays the reclassifications out of AOCI (in millions):

  Affected Line Item in theAmounts Reclassified from AOCI
Details about AOCI Components Statements of Operations2017 2016 2015
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:       
Interest rate derivative contracts Interest expense, net$(31.0) $(21.3) $(12.0)
Interest rate derivative contracts Other operating expenses (income), net
 
 (27.6)
Forward-currency contracts Cost of sales(3.4) 
 12.3
  Total before tax(34.4) (21.3) (27.3)
  Income tax (expense) benefit9.0
 5.6
 7.5
  Net of tax$(25.4) $(15.7) $(19.8)
Defined benefit pension:       
Amortization of prior service credits (costs) SG&A (a)$2.8
 $2.9
 $2.9
Amortization of actuarial gains (losses) SG&A (a)(1.1) (0.4) (2.6)
  Total before tax1.7
 2.5
 0.3
  Income tax (expense) benefit(1.4) (0.9) 
  Net of tax$0.3
 $1.6
 $0.3
Total reclassifications Net of tax$(25.1) $(14.1) $(19.5)
(a)Refers to selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Note 15. Share-based Compensation
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.


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Financial Statements.
On January 30, 2015, RBI’s board of directors approved: (i) adoption of the Restaurant Brands International Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, currently the Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (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;affiliates; (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 not surrendered in connection with the Tim Hortons transaction on the same terms and conditions of the original awards, as adjusted. NoNaN new awards may be granted under these legacy BK plans or legacy TH plans.
RBI is currently issuing awards under the Omnibus Plan and the number of shares available for issuance under such plan as of December 31, 20172019 was 4,073,767.14,148,316. The Omnibus Plan permits the grant of several types of awards with respect to RBI common shares, including stock options, time-vested RSUs, and performance-based RSUs, which may include CompanyRBI and/or individual performance 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 closing price of RBI'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 5 years from the original grant date, provided the employee is continuously employed by RBI or one of our subsidiaries,affiliates, and the stock options expire 10 years following the grant date. Additionally, if RBI 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 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


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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.
Share-based compensation expense consists of the following for the periods presented (in millions):

2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Stock options, stock options with tandem SARs and RSUs (a)$48.3
 $35.1
 $50.8
$68
 $48
 $48
Accelerated vesting of Popeyes stock options (b)12.1
 
 

 
 12
Total share-based compensation expense (c)$60.4
 $35.1
 $50.8
$68
 $48
 $60


(a)Includes (i) $5.1$4 million, due to accelerated vesting of awards due to terminations in 2015 and (ii) $5.0 million, $0.9$2 million, and $9.0$5 million due to modification of awards in 2019, 2018 and 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There was no accelerated vesting of awards due to terminations in 2017 and 2016.
(b)Represents expense attributed to the post-combination service associated with the accelerated vesting of stock options in connection with the Popeyes Acquisition.
(c)Generally classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements was $104.0$183 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.33.4 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:

 2019 2018 2017
Risk-free interest rate1.82% 2.13% 1.23% - 1.25%
Expected term (in years)6.19 6.39 6.74
Expected volatility25.5% 25.2% 24.5%
Expected dividend yield3.09% 3.08% 1.37%
 2017 2016 2015
Risk-free interest rate1.23% - 1.25% 0.85% 1.17% - 2.07%
Expected term (in years)6.74 6.74 3.53 - 7.35
Expected volatility24.5% 26.6% 24.0% - 25.0%
Expected dividend yield1.37% 1.81% 1.00% - 1.09%


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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 ourRBI's 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 our plans for the year ended December 31, 2017:

2019:
 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, 201913,603
 $36.41
    
Granted1,160
 $64.86
    
Exercised(4,496) $22.62
    
Forfeited(509) $55.18
    
Outstanding at December 31, 20199,758
 $45.29
 $181,478
 6.0
Exercisable at December 31, 20191,754
 $26.43
 $65,486
 2.6
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 20198,976
 $44.70
 $172,145
 5.9

 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, 201723,663
 $17.89
    
Granted2,453
 $56.21
    
Exercised(5,212) $5.91
    
Forfeited(833) $37.11
    
Outstanding at December 31, 201720,071
 $25.15
 $729,242
 5.7
Exercisable at December 31, 20177,825
 $6.79
 $427,967
 3.2
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 201718,816
 $24.29
 $699,670
 5.5


(a)The intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair value of ourRBI's stock exceeds the option exercise price at December 31, 2017.2019.
The weighted-average grant date fair value per stock option granted was $11.83, $10.82, and $12.57 $7.53,during 2019, 2018 and $10.12 during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $288.3$200 million during 2017, $46.92019, $371 million during 2016,2018, and $40.3$288 million during 2015.2017.
The total fair value for liability classified stock options with tandem SARs outstanding was $2.6 million and $5.0 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and is classified within other liabilities, net in the consolidated balance sheets. During 2015, the Company modified a portion

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The fair value of the time-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs is based on the closing price of RBI’s common shares on the trading 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 time-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs that proportionally vest over a four year period.period shorter than five years. Time-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based upon the probability that the 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 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 the December 31st of the year preceding the grant date and performance-based RSUs generally cliff vest five years from the grant date (the starting date for the applicable five year vesting period is referred to as 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 we terminateRBI terminates the employment of ana 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. An alternate ratable vesting schedule applies to the extent the participant ends employment by reason of death or disability.


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The following is a summary of time-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs activity for the year ended December 31, 2017:

2019:
 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, 20191,500
 $41.88
 2,407
 $45.25
Granted405
 $64.82
 1,884
 $65.54
Vested and settled(96) $42.34
 (25) $33.77
Dividend equivalents granted38
 $
 104
 $
Forfeited(95) $56.82
 (304) $54.10
Outstanding at December 31, 20191,752
 $46.50
 4,066
 $53.78
 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, 2017939
 $29.03
 1,550
 $33.99
Granted486
 $56.54
 100
 $55.55
Vested and settled(19) $35.12
 (78) $34.71
Dividend equivalents granted12
 $41.05
 18
 $36.12
Forfeited(125) $41.50
 
 $
Outstanding at December 31, 20171,293
 $38.64
 1,590
 $36.31

The weighted-average grant date fair value of time-vested RSUs granted was $57.68 and $56.54 during 2018 and 2017, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of performance-based RSUs granted was $58.49 and $55.55 during 2018 and 2017, respectively. The total intrinsicfair value, determined as of the date of vesting, of RSUs vested and converted to common shares of RBI during 2019, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 was $6.2$8 million, $7 million and $3.3$6 million, respectively. There were no RSUs vested during 2015.



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Note 16. FranchiseRevenue 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 Financial Statements for periods prior to 2018 were prepared under the guidance of the Previous Standards. Our transition to ASC 606 represented a change in accounting principle. The $250 million cumulative effect of our transition to ASC 606 is reflected as an adjustment to January 1, 2018 Partners' capital.
ASC 606 eliminates industry-specific guidance and Propertyprovides 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 the reporting entity expects to be entitled for the exchange of those goods or services.
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 December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019 (in millions):
Contract Liabilities TH BK PLK Consolidated
Balance at December 31, 2018 $62
 $405
 $19
 $486
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year (9) (38) (2) (49)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 9
 86
 11
 106
Impact of foreign currency translation 2
 (4) 
 (2)
Balance at December 31, 2019 $64
 $449
 $28
 $541

The following table illustrates estimated revenues expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) by segment and on a consolidated basis as of December 31, 2019 (in millions):
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in TH BK PLK Consolidated
2020 $8
 $34
 $2
 $44
2021 8
 33
 2
 43
2022 7
 33
 2
 42
2023 7
 32
 2
 41
2024 7
 31
 2
 40
Thereafter 27
 286
 18
 331
Total $64
 $449
 $28
 $541

Disaggregation of Total Revenues
Franchise and propertyTotal revenues consist of the following (in millions):

 2019 2018 2017
Sales$2,362
 $2,355
 $2,390
Royalties2,319
 2,165
 1,215
Property revenues833
 744
 765
Franchise fees and other revenue89
 93
 206
Total revenues$5,603
 $5,357
 $4,576



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 2017 2016 2015
Franchise royalties$1,215.1
 $993.5
 $936.5
Property revenues765.1
 752.7
 760.2
Franchise fees and other revenue205.6
 194.9
 186.5
Franchise and property revenues$2,185.8
 $1,941.1
 $1,883.2

ReferFinancial Statement Impact of Transition to Note 10, Leases,ASC 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.
  As Reported Total Adjustments Amounts Under 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 December 31, 2018 Total Adjustments Amounts Under 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




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Note 17. Other Operating Expenses (Income), net
Other operating expenses (income), net, consist of the following (in millions):


 2019 2018 2017
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings$7
 $19
 $29
Litigation settlements and reserves, net2
 11
 2
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange(15) (33) 77
Other, net(4) 11
 1
Other operating expenses (income), net$(10) $8
 $109
 2017 2016 2015
Net losses on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings$28.6
 $17.7
 $22.0
Litigation settlements and reserves, net2.1
 1.6
 1.3
Net losses on derivatives
 
 37.3
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange77.3
 (20.1) 46.7
Other, net1.2
 0.1
 (1.8)
Other operating expenses (income), net$109.2
 $(0.7) $105.5

Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings represent sales of properties and other costs related to restaurant closures and refranchisings. Gains and losses recognized in the current period may reflect certain costs related to closures and refranchisings that occurred in previous periods.
Litigation settlements and reserves, net primarily reflects accruals and payments made and proceeds received in connection with litigation matters.
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange is primarily related to revaluation of foreign denominated assets and liabilities.
Other, net during 2018 is comprised primarily of a payment in connection with the settlement of certain provisions associated with the 2017 redemption of RBI's preferred shares as a result of changes in Treasury regulations.
Note 18. Commitments and Contingencies
Letters of Credit
As of December 31, 2017,2019, we had $18.0$15 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 these letters of credit outstanding, $4.6$2 million are secured by the collateral under our Revolving Credit Facility


89


and the remainder are secured by cash collateral. As of December 31, 2017,2019, no amounts had been drawn on any of these irrevocable standby letters of credit.
Purchase Commitments
We have arrangements for information technology and telecommunication services with an aggregate contractual obligation of $61.2$18 million over the next fivetwo years, some of which have early termination fees. We also enter into commitments to purchase advertising. As of December 31, 2017,2019, these commitments totaled $223.7$359 million and run through 2024.
Litigation
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.
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 the Company, 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 the Company, 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. These actions have been consolidated.


103


In July 2019, a class action complaint was filed against The TDL Group Corp. ("TDL"), a subsidiary of RBI, in the Supreme Court of British Columbia by Samir Latifi, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. The complaint alleges that TDL violated the Canadian Competition Act by incorporating an employee no-solicitation and no-hiring clause in the standard form franchise agreement all Tim Hortons franchisees are required to sign. The plaintiff seeks damages and restitution, on behalf of himself 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 or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.
On June 19, 2017, a claim was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.Justice against TDL, the Company, the Tim Hortons Ad Fund and certain individual defendants. The plaintiff, a franchisee of two2 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.Justice against the same defendants as named above. The plaintiffs, two2 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.
While we believeIn connection with these 2 lawsuits, the claims are without meritcourt granted our motion to strike the individuals named in the lawsuits, the Company and we intend to vigorously defend against both lawsuits, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these cases or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.
New U.S. Office
In November 2015, we entered into an agreement to lease a building in Miami, Florida, to replace our existing U.S. office beginning inTim Hortons Ad Fund on October 22, 2018. The initial termonly defendant that remained in the lawsuits was TDL. In March 2019, the Company settled these 2 class action lawsuits. The court approved the settlement on April 29, 2019. Under the terms of the leasesettlement, TDL is contributing C$6 million to the Tim Hortons Advertising Fund in Canada over two years, such amount to be spent on marketing activities. In addition, TDL has paid C$6 million for 15 years with two 5-year renewal options. The annual base rent steps up over the term of the lease from $1.8 million in the first year to $4.9 million in the final year.legal, administrative and other third-party expenses. These amounts were accrued by TDL during 2018.
Note 19. Segment Reporting and Geographical Information
As stated in Note 1, Description of Business and Organization, we manage three3 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. Under the Popeyes brand, we operate in the chicken category of the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. Our business generates revenue from the following 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 we lease or sublease to franchisees; and (iii) sales at restaurants owned by us (“Company restaurants”). In addition, our TH 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.
Each brandOur management structure and financial reporting is managedorganized around our 3 brands, including the information regularly reviewed by a brand president that reports directly to our Chief Executive Officer, who is our Chief Operating Decision Maker. Therefore, we have three3 operating segments: (1) TH, which includes all operations of our Tim Hortons brand, (2) BK, which includes all operations of our Burger King brand, and (3) PLK, which includes all operations of our Popeyes brand. Our three3 operating segments represent our reportable segments.

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 periods prior to 2018 were prepared under the guidance of the Previous Standards. Additionally, as stated in Note 10, Leases, we transitioned to ASC 842 from the Previous Standard on January 1, 2019. Our Financial Statements reflect the application of ASC 842 guidance beginning in 2019, while our Financial Statements for prior periods were prepared under the guidance of the Previous Standard.



90104



PLK revenues and segment income from the acquisition date of March 27, 2017 through December 31, 2017 are included in our consolidated statement of operations for 2017. The following tables present revenues, by segment and by country, depreciation and amortization, (income) loss from equity method investments, and capital expenditures by segment (in millions):
 2019 2018 2017
Revenues by operating segment:     
TH$3,344
 $3,292
 $3,155
BK1,777
 1,651
 1,219
PLK482
 414
 202
Total$5,603
 $5,357
 $4,576
      
Revenues by country (a):     
Canada$3,037
 $2,984
 $2,832
United States1,930
 1,785
 1,190
Other636
 588
 554
Total$5,603
 $5,357
 $4,576
 2017 2016 2015
Revenues by operating segment:     
TH$3,154.6
 $3,001.4
 $2,956.9
BK1,219.2
 1,144.4
 1,095.3
PLK202.3
 
 
Total$4,576.1
 $4,145.8
 $4,052.2
Revenues by country (a):     
Canada$2,832.2
 $2,671.6
 $2,623.2
United States1,190.0
 1,004.4
 982.2
Other553.9
 469.8
 446.8
Total$4,576.1
 $4,145.8
 $4,052.2

Depreciation and amortization:     
TH$112
 $108
 $110
BK62
 61
 62
PLK11
 11
 10
Total$185
 $180
 $182
Depreciation and amortization:     
TH$109.2
 $108.3
 $121.4
BK62.3
 63.5
 60.4
PLK9.6
 
 
Total$181.1
 $171.8
 $181.8

(Income) loss from equity method investments:     
TH$(7) $(6) $(8)
BK(4) (16) (4)
Total$(11) $(22) $(12)
(Income) loss from equity method investments:     
TH$(7.9) $(7.7) $(7.9)
BK(4.5) (12.5) 12.0
PLK
 
 
Total$(12.4) $(20.2) $4.1

Capital expenditures:     
TH$37
 $59
 $13
BK20
 25
 23
PLK5
 2
 1
Total$62
 $86
 $37

Capital expenditures:     
TH$12.8
 $11.8
 $88.1
BK22.6
 21.9
 27.2
PLK1.3
 
 
Total$36.7
 $33.7
 $115.3
(a)Only Canada and the United States represented 10% or more of our total revenues in each period presented.
Total assets 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,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
By operating segment:       
TH$13,894
 $12,666
 $1,972
 $1,226
BK5,149
 4,514
 1,130
 729
PLK2,490
 2,420
 129
 95
Unallocated827
 541
 
 
Total$22,360
 $20,141
 $3,231
 $2,050
By country:       
Canada    $1,665
 $945
United States    1,542
 1,098
Other    24
 7
Total    $3,231
 $2,050



105

 Assets Long-Lived Assets
 As of December 31, As of December 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
By operating segment:       
TH$13,732.7
 $13,417.5
 $1,352.5
 $1,354.0
BK4,633.4
 4,746.5
 750.6
 792.6
PLK2,439.8
 
 101.5
 
Unallocated418.0
 961.3
 
 
Total$21,223.9
 $19,125.3
 $2,204.6
 $2,146.6
By country:       
Canada    $1,059.3
 $1,034.5
United States    1,138.3
 1,097.6
Other    7.0
 14.5
Total    $2,204.6
 $2,146.6

Long-lived assets include property and equipment, net, finance and operating lease right of use assets, net and net investment in property leased to franchisees. Only Canada and the United States represented 10% or more of our total long-lived assets as of December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 2016.


91


2018.
Our measure of segment income is Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings (net income or loss) before interest expense, net, (gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt, income tax expense (benefit) expense,, and depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude the non-cash impact of share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense 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 expenses associated with the Popeyes Acquisition (“PLK Transaction costs”), Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees related to the interpretation and implementation of the Tax Act, integrationincluding Treasury regulations proposed in late 2018, and non-operational Office centralization and relocation costs associatedin connection with the acquisitioncentralization and relocation of Tim Hortonsour Canadian and TH transactionU.S. restaurant support centers to new offices in Toronto, Ontario, and restructuring costs.Miami, Florida, respectively. 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 are not relevant to management’s assessment of operating performance or the performance of an acquired business. A reconciliation of segment income to net income (loss) consists of the following (in millions).:
2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Segment income:          
TH$1,135.8
 $1,072.3
 $906.7
$1,122
 $1,127
 $1,136
BK903.1
 815.9
 759.5
994
 928
 903
PLK106.9
 
 
188
 157
 107
Adjusted EBITDA2,145.8
 1,888.2
 1,666.2
2,304
 2,212
 2,146
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense54.9
 42.0
 51.8
74
 55
 55
Acquisition accounting impact on cost of sales
 
 0.5
PLK Transaction costs61.7
 
 

 10
 62
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees1.9
 
 
31
 25
 2
Integration costs
 16.4
 
TH transaction and restructuring costs
 
 116.7
Office centralization and relocation costs6
 20
 
Impact of equity method investments (a)1.1
 (8.0) 17.7
11
 (3) 1
Other operating expenses (income), net109.2
 (0.7) 105.5
(10) 8
 109
EBITDA1,917.0
 1,838.5
 1,374.0
2,192
 2,097
 1,917
Depreciation and amortization181.1
 171.8
 181.8
185
 180
 182
Income from operations1,735.9
 1,666.7
 1,192.2
2,007
 1,917
 1,735
Interest expense, net512.2
 466.9
 478.3
532
 535
 512
Loss on early extinguishment of debt122.0
 
 40.0
23
 
 122
Income tax expense(133.6) 243.9
 162.2
Net income (loss)$1,235.3
 $955.9
 $511.7
Income tax expense (benefit)341
 238
 (134)
Net income$1,111
 $1,144
 $1,235
(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.



106


Note 20. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Summarized unaudited quarterly financial data (in millions, except per shareunit data) was as follows:

 Quarters Ended
 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Total revenues$1,266
 $1,254
 $1,400
 $1,343
 $1,458
 $1,375
 $1,479
 $1,385
Income from operations$434
 $421
 $491
 $502
 $571
 $478
 $511
 $516
Net income$246
 $279
 $257
 $314
 $351
 $250
 $257
 $301
Basic and diluted earnings per unit               
Class A common units$0.67
 $0.73
 $0.70
 $0.83
 $1.00
 $0.66
 $0.81
 $0.81
Partnership exchangeable units$0.53
 $0.60
 $0.55
 $0.67
 $0.76
 $0.53
 $0.55
 $0.65
 Quarters Ended
 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Revenues$1,000.6
 $918.5
 $1,132.7
 $1,040.2
 $1,208.6
 $1,075.7
 $1,234.2
 $1,111.4
Income from operations$336.2
 $330.6
 $414.4
 $424.0
 $479.3
 $420.5
 $506.0
 $491.6
Net income$166.6
 $168.3
 $243.5
 $247.6
 $246.8
 $238.6
 $578.4
 $301.4
Basic and diluted earnings per unit               
Class A common units$0.25
 $0.25
 $0.44
 $0.45
 $0.45
 $0.43
 $1.96
 $0.58
Partnership exchangeable units$0.21
 $0.22
 $0.38
 $0.39
 $0.39
 $0.37
 $1.64
 $0.50




92


Note 21. Supplemental Financial Information
On May 22, 2015,February 17, 2017, 1011778 B.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 an amended credit agreement, as amended from time to time, that provides for obligations under the Credit Facilities. On May 22, 2015November 19, 2019, the Issuers entered into the 20152019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 20152019 4.375% Senior Notes. On October 8, 2014September 24, 2019, the Issuers entered into the 20142019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 20142019 3.875% Senior Notes. On August 28, 2017, the Issuers entered into the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes. On May 17, 2017, the Issuers entered into the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes.
The agreement governing our Credit Facilities, the 20152019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture, the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture, the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture, and the 20142017 4.25% 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.



93




RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
(In millions)millions of U.S. dollars)
As of December 31, 20172019

Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations ConsolidatedConsolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
Cash and cash equivalents$1,073.4
 $
 $
 $1,073.4
$1,533
 $
 $
 $1,533
Accounts and notes receivable, net455.9
 
 
 455.9
527
 
 
 527
Inventories, net78.0
 
 
 78.0
84
 
 
 84
Advertising fund restricted assets83.3
 
 
 83.3
Prepaids and other current assets59.0
 
 
 59.0
52
 
 
 52
Total current assets1,749.6
 
 
 1,749.6
2,196
 
 
 2,196
Property and equipment, net2,133.3
 
 
 2,133.3
2,007
 
 
 2,007
Operating lease assets, net1,176
 
 
 1,176
Intangible assets, net11,062.2
 
 
 11,062.2
10,563
 
 
 10,563
Goodwill5,782.3
 
 
 5,782.3
5,651
 
 
 5,651
Net investment in property leased to franchisees71.3
 
 
 71.3
48
 
 
 48
Intercompany receivable
 96.9
 (96.9) 

 232
 (232) 
Investment in subsidiaries
 4,561.0
 (4,561.0) 

 4,259
 (4,259) 
Other assets, net425.2
 
 
 425.2
719
 
 
 719
Total assets$21,223.9
 $4,657.9
 $(4,657.9) $21,223.9
$22,360
 $4,491
 $(4,491) $22,360
LIABILITIES, PARTNERSHIP PREFERRED UNITS AND EQUITY       
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY       
Current liabilities:              
Accounts and drafts payable$412.9
 $
 $
 $412.9
$644
 $
 $
 $644
Other accrued liabilities741.3
 96.9
 
 838.2
558
 232
 
 790
Gift card liability214.9
 
 
 214.9
168
 
 
 168
Advertising fund liabilities110.8
 
 
 110.8
Current portion of long term debt and capital leases78.2
 
 
 78.2
Current portion of long term debt and finance leases101
 
 
 101
Total current liabilities1,558.1
 96.9
 
 1,655.0
1,471
 232
 
 1,703
Term debt, net of current portion11,800.9
 
 
 11,800.9
11,759
 
 
 11,759
Capital leases, net of current portion243.8
 
 
 243.8
Finance leases, net of current portion288
 
 
 288
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion1,089
 
 
 1,089
Other liabilities, net1,455.1
 
 
 1,455.1
1,698
 
 
 1,698
Payables to affiliates96.9
 
 (96.9) 
232
 
 (232) 
Deferred income taxes, net1,508.1
 
 
 1,508.1
1,564
 
 
 1,564
Total liabilities16,662.9
 96.9
 (96.9) 16,662.9
18,101
 232
 (232) 18,101
Partners’ capital:              
Class A common units
 4,167.5
 
 4,167.5

 7,786
 
 7,786
Partnership exchangeable units
 1,276.4
 
 1,276.4

 (2,353) 
 (2,353)
Common shares3,515.7
 
 (3,515.7) 
3,248
 
 (3,248) 
Retained earnings1,928.2
 
 (1,928.2) 
2,185
 
 (2,185) 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(884.3) (884.3) 884.3
 (884.3)(1,178) (1,178) 1,178
 (1,178)
Total Partners’ capital/shareholders’ equity4,559.6
 4,559.6
 (4,559.6) 4,559.6
4,255
 4,255
 (4,255) 4,255
Noncontrolling interests1.4
 1.4
 (1.4) 1.4
4
 4
 (4) 4
Total equity4,561.0
 4,561.0
 (4,561.0) 4,561.0
4,259
 4,259
 (4,259) 4,259
Total liabilities and equity$21,223.9
 $4,657.9
 $(4,657.9) $21,223.9
$22,360
 $4,491
 $(4,491) $22,360




94108



RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
(In millions)millions of U.S. dollars)
As of December 31, 20162018

Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations ConsolidatedConsolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
Cash and cash equivalents$1,420.4
 $
 $
 $1,420.4
$913
 $
 $
 $913
Accounts and notes receivable, net403.5
 
 
 403.5
452
 
 
 452
Inventories, net71.8
 
 
 71.8
75
 
 
 75
Advertising fund restricted assets57.7
 
 
 57.7
Prepaids and other current assets103.6
 
 
 103.6
60
 
 
 60
Total current assets2,057.0
 
 
 2,057.0
1,500
 
 
 1,500
Property and equipment, net2,054.7
 
 
 2,054.7
1,996
 
 
 1,996
Intangible assets, net9,228.0
 
 
 9,228.0
10,463
 
 
 10,463
Goodwill4,675.1
 
 
 4,675.1
5,486
 
 
 5,486
Net investment in property leased to franchisees91.9
 
 
 91.9
54
 
 
 54
Derivative assets717.9
 
 
 717.9
Intercompany receivable
 146.1
 (146.1) 

 207
 (207) 
Investment in subsidiaries
 6,786.0
 (6,786.0) 

 3,618
 (3,618) 
Other assets, net300.7
 
 
 300.7
642
 
 
 642
Total assets$19,125.3
 $6,932.1
 $(6,932.1) $19,125.3
$20,141
 $3,825
 $(3,825) $20,141
LIABILITIES, PARTNERSHIP PREFERRED UNITS AND EQUITY       
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY       
Current liabilities:              
Accounts and drafts payable$369.8
 $
 $
 $369.8
$513
 $
 $
 $513
Other accrued liabilities323.2
 146.1
 
 469.3
430
 207
 
 637
Gift card liability194.4
 
 
 194.4
167
 
 
 167
Advertising fund liabilities83.3
 
 
 83.3
Current portion of long term debt and capital leases93.9
 
 
 93.9
Current portion of long term debt and finance leases91
 
 
 91
Total current liabilities1,064.6
 146.1
 
 1,210.7
1,201
 207
 
 1,408
Term debt, net of current portion8,410.2
 
 
 8,410.2
11,823
 
 
 11,823
Capital leases, net of current portion218.4
 
 
 218.4
Finance leases, net of current portion226
 
 
 226
Other liabilities, net784.9
 
 
 784.9
1,547
 
 
 1,547
Payables to affiliates146.1
 
 (146.1) 
207
 
 (207) 
Deferred income taxes, net1,715.1
 
 
 1,715.1
1,519
 
 
 1,519
Total liabilities12,339.3
 146.1
 (146.1) 12,339.3
16,523
 207
 (207) 16,523
Partnership preferred units
 3,297.0
 
 3,297.0
Partners’ capital:              
Class A common units
 3,364.1
 
 3,364.1

 4,323
 
 4,323
Partnership exchangeable units
 1,476.2
 
 1,476.2

 730
 
 730
Common shares6,825.8
 
 (6,825.8) 
3,071
 
 (3,071) 
Retained earnings1,311.5
 
 (1,311.5) 
1,982
 
 (1,982) 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,355.4) (1,355.4) 1,355.4
 (1,355.4)(1,437) (1,437) 1,437
 (1,437)
Total Partners’ capital/shareholders’ equity6,781.9
 3,484.9
 (6,781.9) 3,484.9
3,616
 3,616
 (3,616) 3,616
Noncontrolling interests4.1
 4.1
 (4.1) 4.1
2
 2
 (2) 2
Total equity6,786.0
 3,489.0
 (6,786.0) 3,489.0
3,618
 3,618
 (3,618) 3,618
Total liabilities, Partnership preferred units and equity$19,125.3
 $6,932.1
 $(6,932.1) $19,125.3
Total liabilities and equity$20,141
 $3,825
 $(3,825) $20,141




95109



RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
(In millions)millions of U.S. dollars)
20172019


Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations ConsolidatedConsolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:              
Sales$2,390.3
 $
 $
 $2,390.3
$2,362
 $
 $
 $2,362
Franchise and property revenues2,185.8
 
 
 2,185.8
3,241
 
 
 3,241
Total revenues4,576.1
 
 
 4,576.1
5,603
 
 
 5,603
Operating costs and expenses:              
Cost of sales1,850.3
 
 
 1,850.3
1,813
 
 
 1,813
Franchise and property expenses477.6
 
 
 477.6
540
 
 
 540
Selling, general and administrative expenses415.5
 
 
 415.5
1,264
 
 
 1,264
(Income) loss from equity method investments(12.4) 
 
 (12.4)(11) 
 
 (11)
Other operating expenses (income), net109.2
 
 
 109.2
(10) 
 
 (10)
Total operating costs and expenses2,840.2
 
 
 2,840.2
3,596
 
 
 3,596
Income from operations1,735.9
 
 
 1,735.9
2,007
 
 
 2,007
Interest expense, net512.2
 
 
 512.2
532
 
 
 532
Loss on early extinguishment of debt122.0
 
 
 122.0
23
 
 
 23
Income before income taxes1,101.7
 
 
 1,101.7
1,452
 
 
 1,452
Income tax (benefit) expense(133.6) 
 
 (133.6)
Income tax expense (benefit)341
 
 
 341
Net income1,235.3
 
 
 1,235.3
1,111
 
 
 1,111
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 1,235.3
 (1,235.3) 

 1,111
 (1,111) 
Net income (loss)1,235.3
 1,235.3
 (1,235.3) 1,235.3
1,111
 1,111
 (1,111) 1,111
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests1.4
 1.4
 (1.4) 1.4
2
 2
 (2) 2
Partnership preferred unit distributions
 256.5
 
 256.5
Gain on redemption of Partnership preferred units
 (233.8) 
 (233.8)
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders / shareholders$1,233.9
 $1,211.2
 $(1,233.9) $1,211.2
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$1,109
 $1,109
 $(1,109) $1,109
Total comprehensive income (loss)$1,706.4
 $1,706.4
 $(1,706.4) $1,706.4
$1,370
 $1,370
 $(1,370) $1,370




96110





RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
(In millions)millions of U.S. dollars)
20162018


Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations ConsolidatedConsolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:              
Sales$2,204.7
 $
 $
 $2,204.7
$2,355
 $
 $
 $2,355
Franchise and property revenues1,941.1
 
 
 1,941.1
3,002
 
 
 3,002
Total revenues4,145.8
 
 
 4,145.8
5,357
 
 
 5,357
Operating costs and expenses:              
Cost of sales1,727.3
 
 
 1,727.3
1,818
 
 
 1,818
Franchise and property expenses454.1
 
 
 454.1
422
 
 
 422
Selling, general and administrative expenses318.6
 
 
 318.6
1,214
 
 
 1,214
(Income) loss from equity method investments(20.2) 
 
 (20.2)(22) 
 
 (22)
Other operating expenses (income), net(0.7) 
 
 (0.7)8
 
 
 8
Total operating costs and expenses2,479.1
 
 
 2,479.1
3,440
 
 
 3,440
Income from operations1,666.7
 
 
 1,666.7
1,917
 
 
 1,917
Interest expense, net466.9
 
 
 466.9
535
 
 
 535
Income before income taxes1,199.8
 
 
 1,199.8
1,382
 
 
 1,382
Income tax expense243.9
 
 
 243.9
Income tax expense (benefit)238
 
 
 238
Net income955.9
 
 
 955.9
1,144
 
 
 1,144
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 955.9
 (955.9) 

 1,144
 (1,144) 
Net income (loss)955.9
 955.9
 (955.9) 955.9
1,144
 1,144
 (1,144) 1,144
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests3.5
 3.5
 (3.5) 3.5
1
 1
 (1) 1
Partnership preferred unit distributions
 270.0
 
 270.0
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders / shareholders$952.4
 $682.4
 $(952.4) $682.4
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$1,143
 $1,143
 $(1,143) $1,143
Total comprehensive income (loss)$1,068.3
 $1,068.3
 $(1,068.3) $1,068.3
$591
 $591
 $(591) $591




97111





RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
(In millions)millions of U.S. dollars)
20152017

Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations ConsolidatedConsolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:              
Sales$2,169.0
 $
 $
 $2,169.0
$2,390
 $
 $
 $2,390
Franchise and property revenues1,883.2
 
 
 1,883.2
2,186
 
 
 2,186
Total revenues4,052.2
 
 
 4,052.2
4,576
 
 
 4,576
Operating costs and expenses:              
Cost of sales1,809.5
 
 
 1,809.5
1,850
 
 
 1,850
Franchise and property expenses503.2
 
 
 503.2
478
 
 
 478
Selling, general and administrative expenses437.7
 
 
 437.7
416
 
 
 416
(Income) loss from equity method investments4.1
 
 
 4.1
(12) 
 
 (12)
Other operating expenses (income), net105.5
 
 
 105.5
109
 
 
 109
Total operating costs and expenses2,860.0
 
 
 2,860.0
2,841
 
 
 2,841
Income from operations1,192.2
 
 
 1,192.2
1,735
 
 
 1,735
Interest expense, net478.3
 
 
 478.3
512
 
 
 512
Loss on early extinguishment of debt40.0
 
 
 40.0
122
 
 
 122
Income before income taxes673.9
 
 
 673.9
1,101
 
 
 1,101
Income tax expense162.2
 
 
 162.2
Income tax expense (benefit)(134) 
 
 (134)
Net income511.7
 
 
 511.7
1,235
 
 
 1,235
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 511.7
 (511.7) 

 1,235
 (1,235) 
Net income (loss)511.7
 511.7
 (511.7) 511.7
1,235
 1,235
 (1,235) 1,235
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests3.4
 3.4
 (3.4) 3.4
2
 2
 (2) 2
Partnership preferred unit distributions
 271.2
 
 271.2

 256
 
 256
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders / shareholders$508.3
 $237.1
 $(508.3) $237.1
Gain on redemption of Partnership preferred units
 (234) 
 (234)
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$1,233
 $1,211
 $(1,233) $1,211
Total comprehensive income (loss)$(707.6) $(707.6) $707.6
 $(707.6)$1,706
 $1,706
 $(1,706) $1,706




98112





RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions)millions of U.S. dollars)
20172019


Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:              
Net income$1,235.3
 $1,235.3
 $(1,235.3) $1,235.3
$1,111
 $1,111
 $(1,111) $1,111
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
Equity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries
 (1,235.3) 1,235.3
 

 (1,111) 1,111
 
Depreciation and amortization181.1
 
 
 181.1
185
 
 
 185
Premiums paid and non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt119.1
 
 
 119.1
16
 
 
 16
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount32.7
 
 
 32.7
29
 
 
 29
(Income) loss from equity method investments(12.4) 
 
 (12.4)(11) 
 
 (11)
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions77.3
 
 
 77.3
(14) 
 
 (14)
Net losses on derivatives31.0
 
 
 31.0
Net (gains) losses on derivatives(49) 
 
 (49)
Share-based compensation expense48.3
 
 
 48.3
68
 
 
 68
Deferred income taxes(742.4) 
 
 (742.4)58
 
 
 58
Other18.0
 
 
 18.0
6
 
 
 6
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:              
Accounts and notes receivable(30.4) 
 
 (30.4)(53) 
 
 (53)
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets2.9
 
 
 2.9
(15) 
 
 (15)
Accounts and drafts payable19.9
 
 
 19.9
112
 
 
 112
Advertising fund restricted assets and fund liabilities1.3
 
 
 1.3
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability360.1
 
 
 360.1
(51) 
 
 (51)
Tenant inducements paid to franchisees(54) 
 
 (54)
Other long-term assets and liabilities80.2
 
 
 80.2
138
 
 
 138
Net cash provided by operating activities1,422.0
 
 
 1,422.0
1,476
 
 
 1,476
Cash flows from investing activities:              
Payments for property and equipment(36.7) 
 
 (36.7)(62) 
 
 (62)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings26.1
 
 
 26.1
Net payment for purchase of Popeyes, net of cash acquired(1,635.9) 
 
 (1,635.9)
Return of investment on direct financing leases15.9
 
 
 15.9
Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings8
 
 
 8
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net772.3
 
 
 772.3
24
 
 
 24
Other investing activities, net0.5
 
 
 0.5
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(857.8) 
 
 (857.8)
Net cash used for investing activities(30) 
 
 (30)
Cash flows from financing activities:              
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt5,850.0
 
 
 5,850.0
2,250
 
 
 2,250
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases(2,741.5) 
 
 (2,741.5)
Redemption of Preferred units
 (3,005.7) 
 (3,005.7)
Repayments of long-term debt and finance leases(2,266) 
 
 (2,266)
Payment of financing costs(62.9) 
 
 (62.9)(50) 
 
 (50)
Distributions paid on common, preferred and Partnership exchangeable units
 (663.5) 
 (663.5)
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units
 (330.2) 
 (330.2)
Distributions paid on Class A and Partnership exchangeable units
 (901) 
 (901)
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.28.7
 
 
 28.7
102
 
 
 102
Distributions from subsidiaries(3,999.4) 3,999.4
 
 
(901) 901
 
 
Other financing activities, net(10.1) 
 
 (10.1)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(935.2) 
 
 (935.2)
Proceeds from derivatives23
 
 
 23
Net cash used for financing activities(842) 
 
 (842)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents24.0
 
 
 24.0
16
 
 
 16
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(347.0) 
 
 (347.0)620
 
 
 620
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,420.4
 
 
 1,420.4
913
 
 
 913
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,073.4
 $
 $
 $1,073.4
$1,533
 $
 $
 $1,533




99113





RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions)millions of U.S. dollars)
20162018
Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:              
Net income$955.9
 $955.9
 $(955.9) $955.9
$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
 (955.9) 955.9
 

 (1,144) 1,144
 
Depreciation and amortization172.1
 
 
 172.1
180
 
 
 180
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount38.9
 
 
 38.9
29
 
 
 29
(Income) loss from equity method investments(20.2) 
 
 (20.2)(22) 
 
 (22)
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions(20.1) 
 
 (20.1)(33) 
 
 (33)
Net losses on derivatives21.3
 
 
 21.3
Net (gains) losses on derivatives(40) 
 
 (40)
Share-based compensation expense35.1
 
 
 35.1
48
 
 
 48
Deferred income taxes80.1
 
 
 80.1
29
 
 
 29
Other3.5
 
 
 3.5
5
 
 
 5
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:              
Accounts and notes receivable(15.8) 
 
 (15.8)19
 
 
 19
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets7.7
 
 
 7.7
(7) 
 
 (7)
Accounts and drafts payable27.5
 
 
 27.5
41
 
 
 41
Advertising fund restricted assets and fund liabilities(10.1) 
 
 (10.1)
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability(1.2) 
 
 (1.2)(219) 
 
 (219)
Tenant inducements paid to franchisees(52) 
 
 (52)
Other long-term assets and liabilities(41.6) 
 
 (41.6)43
 
 
 43
Net cash provided by operating activities1,233.1
 
 
 1,233.1
1,165
 
 
 1,165
Cash flows from investing activities:              
Payments for property and equipment(33.7) 
 
 (33.7)(86) 
 
 (86)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings30.0
 
 
 30.0
Return of investment on direct financing leases16.6
 
 
 16.6
Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings8
 
 
 8
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net11.0
 
 
 11.0
17
 
 
 17
Other investing activities, net3.0
 
 
 3.0
17
 
 
 17
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities26.9
 
 
 26.9
Net cash used for investing activities(44) 
 
 (44)
Cash flows from financing activities:              
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases(69.7) 
 
 (69.7)
Distributions paid on common, preferred and Partnership exchangeable units
 (538.1) 
 (538.1)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt75
 
 
 75
Repayments of long-term debt and finance leases(74) 
 
 (74)
Distributions to RBI for payments in connection with redemption of RBI preferred shares
 (60) 
 (60)
Payment of financing costs(3) 
 
 (3)
Distributions paid on Class A and Partnership exchangeable units
 (728) 
 (728)
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units
 (561) 
 (561)
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.13.7
 
 
 13.7
61
 
 
 61
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation8.6
 
 
 8.6
Distributions from subsidiaries(538.1) 538.1
 
 
(1,349) 1,349
 
 
Other financing activities, net(5.4) 
 
 (5.4)5
 
 
 5
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(590.9) 
 
 (590.9)
Net cash used for financing activities(1,285) 
 
 (1,285)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents(2.4) 
 
 (2.4)(20) 
 
 (20)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents666.7
 
 
 666.7
(184) 
 
 (184)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period753.7
 
 
 753.7
1,097
 
 
 1,097
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,420.4
 $
 $
 $1,420.4
$913
 $
 $
 $913




100114

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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions)millions of U.S. dollars)
20152017


 
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 (gains) 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)
Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings26
 
 
 26
Net payment for purchase of Popeyes, net of cash acquired(1,636) 
 
 (1,636)
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net772
 
 
 772
Other investing activities, net17
 
 
 17
Net cash 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 finance 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 Class A, 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 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

 
Consolidated
Borrowers
 RBILP Eliminations Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:       
Net income$511.7
 $511.7
 $(511.7) $511.7
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:       
Equity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries
 (511.7) 511.7
 
Depreciation and amortization182.0
 
 
 182.0
Non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt40.0
 
 
 40.0
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount34.9
 
 
 34.9
(Income) loss from equity method investments4.1
 
 
 4.1
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions37.0
 
 
 37.0
Net losses on derivatives53.6
 
 
 53.6
Share-based compensation expense50.8
 
 
 50.8
Deferred income taxes(32.3) 
 
 (32.3)
Other9.6
 
 
 9.6
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:       
Restricted cash and cash equivalents79.2
 
 
 79.2
Accounts and notes receivable(26.2) 
 
 (26.2)
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets9.2
 
 
 9.2
Accounts and drafts payable191.2
 
 
 191.2
Advertising fund restricted assets and fund liabilities32.9
 
 
 32.9
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability53.2
 
 
 53.2
Other long-term assets and liabilities(30.2) 
 
 (30.2)
Net cash provided by operating activities1,200.7
 
 
 1,200.7
Cash flows from investing activities:       
Payments for property and equipment(115.3) 
 
 (115.3)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings19.6
 
 
 19.6
Return of investment on direct financing leases16.3
 
 
 16.3
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net14.2
 
 
 14.2
Other investing activities, net3.7
 
 
 3.7
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(61.5) 
 
 (61.5)
Cash flows from financing activities:       
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt1,250.0
 
 
 1,250.0
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases(2,627.8) 
 
 (2,627.8)
Payment of financing costs(81.3) 
 
 (81.3)
Distributions paid on common, preferred and Partnership exchangeable units
 (362.4) 
 (362.4)
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units
 (293.7) 
 (293.7)
Capital contribution from RBI Inc.3.0
 
 
 3.0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation0.5
 
 
 0.5
Distributions from subsidiaries(656.1) 656.1
 
 
Other financing activities, net(3.5)     (3.5)
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 period1,803.2
 
 
 1,803.2
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$753.7
 $
 $
 $753.7






101115

Table of Contents




Note 22. Subsequent Events
Dividends
On January 3, 2018,2020, RBI paid a cash dividend of $0.21$0.50 per RBI common share to common shareholders of record on December 15, 2017.17, 2019. 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 $0.21$0.50 per exchangeable unit to holders of record on December 15, 2017.17, 2019.
On February 12, 2018,10, 2020, we announced that the RBI board of directors had declared a cash dividend of $0.45$0.52 per RBI common share for the first quarter of 2018.2020. The dividend will be paid on April 2, 20183, 2020 to RBI common shareholders of record on March 15, 2018.16, 2020. 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 $0.45$0.52 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.
*****


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Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting andFinancial Disclosure
None.
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, 2017.2019. 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 the SEC rules and forms.date.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
RBI’sThe management of RBI, as general partner of Partnership, including the CEO and CFO, confirm that there were no changes in Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 20172019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting. During 2019, Partnership modified existing controls and processes to support the adoption of the new lease accounting standard that Partnership adopted as of January 1, 2019 which included the implementation of a new lease accounting system. There were no significant changes to Partnership's internal control over financial reporting due to the adoption of the new lease accounting standard.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over 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
The information required by this Item, other than the information regarding the executive officers of RBI set forth under the heading "Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Part I of this Form 10-K, 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, 2017.2019. 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 the date hereof. 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 officers” set out in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act, they are not included below.



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NameAgePosition
Daniel S. Schwartz37Chief Executive Officer
Matthew Dunnigan34Chief Financial Officer
José E. Cil48President, Burger King
Alexandre Macedo40President, Tim Hortons
Alexandre Santoro46President, Popeyes
Heitor Gonçalves52Chief Information, People and Performance Officer
Jacqueline Friesner45Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Jill Granat52General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Daniel S. Schwartz. Mr. Schwartz was appointed Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company in December 2014. From June 2013 until December 2014, Mr. Schwartz served as Chief Executive Officer, from April 2013 until June 2013, he served as Chief Operating Officer and from January 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 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.
Matthew Dunnigan. Mr. Dunnigan was appointed Chief Financial Officer in January 2018. From October 2014 until January 2018, Mr. Dunnigan served as our treasurer with increasing responsibilities and has successfully led all of our capital markets activities over the past years. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Dunnigan served as Vice President of Crescent Capital Group LP from September 2013 through October 2014. Prior to that, Mr. Dunnigan served for three years as an Investment Professional for H.I.G. Capital. Mr. Dunnigan is a director of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., the Company’s largest franchisee. Mr. Dunnigan received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business.
José Cil. Mr. Cil was appointed President, Burger King in December 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. Mr. Cil is a director of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., the Company’s largest franchisee.
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 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, Mr. Macedo 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 America Latina Logistica from April 2002 through March 2015, including Chief Executive Officer of ALL from June 2013 through March 2015.
Heitor Gonçalves. Mr. Gonçalves was appointed Chief Information, People and Performance Officer of the Company in December 2014 and assumed oversight for global supply and distribution in April 2017. Mr. Gonçalves served as Executive Vice President, Chief Information and Performance Officer of Burger King Worldwide and its predecessor from October 2010 until December 2012, assuming the additional role of Chief People Officer in April 2013. Prior to joining Burger King Worldwide, Mr. Gonçalves served in multiple strategic roles for Anheuser-Busch InBev from October 2008 to March 2010, including global M&A director and head 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, from September 1995 until October 2004.
Jacqueline Friesner. Ms. Friesner was appointed Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company in December 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 in positions of increasing responsibility with Burger King


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Corporation. Before joining Burger King Corporation in October 2002, she was an audit manager at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Miami, Florida.
Jill Granat. Ms. Granat was appointed General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in December 2014. Ms. Granat served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Burger King Worldwide and its predecessor since February 2011. Prior to this time, Ms. Granat was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Burger King Corporation from July 2009 until March 2011. Ms. Granat joined Burger King Corporation in 1998 as a member of the legal department and served in positions of increasing responsibility with 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
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.


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Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
Information regarding equity awards outstanding under ourRBI's compensation plans as of December 31, 20172019 was as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):

(a) (b) (c)(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))
Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
(1)
 Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance
under Equity
Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected
in Column (a))
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders20,071
 $25.15
 4,074
15,576
 $45.29
 14,148
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders
 
 

 
 
Total20,071
 $25.15
 4,074
15,576
 $45.29
 14,148
(1)The weighted average exercise price does not take into account the common shares issuable upon outstanding RSUs vesting, which have no exercise price.
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 14.Principal AccountantAccounting 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
(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 are filed as part of this report.
Exhibit
Number
 Description  Incorporated by Reference
     
   
   
   
   
  


     
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
   
 


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Filed herewith.

Filed herewith.
 
     
  
     
  Filed
     
  Filed
     
101.INS XBRL Instance Document.Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document Filed herewith.
     
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. Filed herewith.
     


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101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
     
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
     


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101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
     
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
104Cover Page Interactive FileFormatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.
  
* 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 SchwartzJosé E. Cil
Name: Daniel SchwartzJosé E. Cil
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 23, 201821, 2020
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 SchwartzJosé E. Cil  
Chief Executive Officer and Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc.
(principal executive officer)
 February 23, 201821, 2020
Daniel SchwartzJosé E. Cil   
   
/s/ Matthew Dunnigan  
Chief Financial Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc.
(principal financial officer)
 February 23, 201821, 2020
Matthew Dunnigan   
   
/s/ Jacqueline Friesner  
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc.
(principal accounting officer)
 February 23, 201821, 2020
Jacqueline Friesner   
   
/s/ Alexandre Behring  ChairmanCo-Chairman of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 23, 201821, 2020
Alexandre Behring
/s/ Daniel SchwartzCo-Chairman of Restaurant Brands International Inc.February 21, 2020
Daniel Schwartz   
   
/s/ Marc Caira  Vice Chairman of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 23, 201821, 2020
Marc Caira
/s/ Martin FranklinDirector of Restaurant Brands International Inc.February 23, 2018
Martin Franklin   
   
/s/ Paul J. Fribourg  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 23, 201821, 2020
Paul J. Fribourg   
   
/s/ Neil Golden  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 23, 201821, 2020
Neil Golden   
   
/s/ Ali Hedayat  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 23, 201821, 2020
Ali Hedayat   
   
/s/ Thomas MilroyGolnar Khosrowshahi  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 23, 201821, 2020
Thomas MilroyGolnar Khosrowshahi   
   
/s/ Carlos Alberto Sicupira  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 23, 201821, 2020
Carlos Alberto Sicupira   
   
/s/ Cecilia SicupiraJoao M. Castro-Neves  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 23, 201821, 2020
Cecilia SicupiraJoao M. Castro-Neves   
   
/s/ Roberto Thompson Motta  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 23, 201821, 2020
Roberto Thompson Motta   
   
/s/ Alexandre Van Damme  Director of Restaurant Brands International Inc. February 23, 201821, 2020
Alexandre Van Damme   




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