Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period endedMarch 31,June 30, 2021
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 1-5231
McDONALD’S CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware 36-2361282
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
110 North Carpenter Street 60607
Chicago,Illinois
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(630) 623-3000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par valueMCDNew York Stock Exchange
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 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 such files).  Yes    No  
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.
Large Accelerated FilerAccelerated Filer
Non-accelerated FilerSmaller Reporting Company
Emerging Growth Company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark 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  
746,174,284746,798,875
(Number of shares of common stock
outstanding as of 3/31/6/30/2021)



Table of Contents
McDONALD’S CORPORATION
___________________________
INDEX
_______
 
 
 Page Reference
Item 1A – Risk Factors
Item 6 – Exhibits
All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners and are used with permission.
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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETCONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETCONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(unaudited)(unaudited)
In millions, except per share dataIn millions, except per share dataMarch 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
In millions, except per share dataJune 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
AssetsAssetsAssets
Current assetsCurrent assetsCurrent assets
Cash and equivalentsCash and equivalents$3,019.7 $3,449.1 Cash and equivalents$3,049.4 $3,449.1 
Accounts and notes receivableAccounts and notes receivable1,733.7 2,110.3 Accounts and notes receivable1,808.3 2,110.3 
Inventories, at cost, not in excess of marketInventories, at cost, not in excess of market45.3 51.1 Inventories, at cost, not in excess of market47.8 51.1 
Prepaid expenses and other current assetsPrepaid expenses and other current assets669.2 632.7 Prepaid expenses and other current assets795.7 632.7 
Total current assetsTotal current assets5,467.9 6,243.2 Total current assets5,701.2 6,243.2 
Other assetsOther assetsOther assets
Investments in and advances to affiliatesInvestments in and advances to affiliates1,211.1 1,297.2 Investments in and advances to affiliates1,196.8 1,297.2 
GoodwillGoodwill2,745.8 2,773.1 Goodwill2,778.1 2,773.1 
MiscellaneousMiscellaneous3,499.1 3,527.4 Miscellaneous3,889.5 3,527.4 
Total other assetsTotal other assets7,456.0 7,597.7 Total other assets7,864.4 7,597.7 
Lease right-of-use asset, netLease right-of-use asset, net13,629.4 13,827.7 Lease right-of-use asset, net13,707.3 13,827.7 
Property and equipmentProperty and equipmentProperty and equipment
Property and equipment, at costProperty and equipment, at cost41,082.2 41,476.5 Property and equipment, at cost41,535.5 41,476.5 
Accumulated depreciation and amortizationAccumulated depreciation and amortization(16,532.4)(16,518.3)Accumulated depreciation and amortization(16,915.3)(16,518.3)
Net property and equipmentNet property and equipment24,549.8 24,958.2 Net property and equipment24,620.2 24,958.2 
Total assetsTotal assets$51,103.1 $52,626.8 Total assets$51,893.1 $52,626.8 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equityLiabilities and shareholders’ equityLiabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilitiesCurrent liabilitiesCurrent liabilities
Accounts payableAccounts payable670.0 741.3 Accounts payable730.9 741.3 
Lease liabilityLease liability718.4 701.5 Lease liability720.4 701.5 
Income taxesIncome taxes718.3 741.1 Income taxes281.4 741.1 
Other taxesOther taxes192.0 227.0 Other taxes241.2 227.0 
Accrued interestAccrued interest333.2 388.4 Accrued interest323.8 388.4 
Accrued payroll and other liabilitiesAccrued payroll and other liabilities1,047.9 1,138.3 Accrued payroll and other liabilities1,137.1 1,138.3 
Current maturities of long-term debtCurrent maturities of long-term debt900.0 2,243.6 Current maturities of long-term debt500.0 2,243.6 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities4,579.8 6,181.2 Total current liabilities3,934.8 6,181.2 
Long-term debtLong-term debt34,823.2 35,196.8 Long-term debt34,922.6 35,196.8 
Long-term lease liabilityLong-term lease liability13,111.0 13,321.3 Long-term lease liability13,119.0 13,321.3 
Long-term income taxesLong-term income taxes1,963.4 1,970.7 Long-term income taxes1,865.2 1,970.7 
Deferred revenues - initial franchise feesDeferred revenues - initial franchise fees702.5 702.0 Deferred revenues - initial franchise fees714.9 702.0 
Other long-term liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities1,056.8 1,054.1 Other long-term liabilities1,077.2 1,054.1 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes2,101.9 2,025.6 Deferred income taxes2,067.4 2,025.6 
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)Shareholders’ equity (deficit)Shareholders’ equity (deficit)
Preferred stock, no par value; authorized – 165.0 million shares; issued – nonePreferred stock, no par value; authorized – 165.0 million shares; issued – nonePreferred stock, no par value; authorized – 165.0 million shares; issued – none
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized – 3.5 billion shares; issued – 1,660.6 million sharesCommon stock, $.01 par value; authorized – 3.5 billion shares; issued – 1,660.6 million shares16.6 16.6 Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized – 3.5 billion shares; issued – 1,660.6 million shares16.6 16.6 
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital7,959.1 7,903.6 Additional paid-in capital8,046.0 7,903.6 
Retained earningsRetained earnings54,483.0 53,908.1 Retained earnings55,739.0 53,908.1 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(2,635.9)(2,586.8)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(2,571.2)(2,586.8)
Common stock in treasury, at cost; 914.5 and 915.2 million shares(67,058.3)(67,066.4)
Common stock in treasury, at cost; 913.8 and 915.2 million sharesCommon stock in treasury, at cost; 913.8 and 915.2 million shares(67,038.4)(67,066.4)
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)(7,235.5)(7,824.9)Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)(5,808.0)(7,824.9)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity (deficit)Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity (deficit)$51,103.1 $52,626.8 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity (deficit)$51,893.1 $52,626.8 
See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
Quarters EndedQuarters EndedSix Months Ended
March 31, June 30,June 30,
In millions, except per share dataIn millions, except per share data20212020In millions, except per share data2021202020212020
RevenuesRevenuesRevenues
Sales by Company-operated restaurantsSales by Company-operated restaurants$2,161.5 $2,025.8 Sales by Company-operated restaurants$2,488.7 $1,593.7 $4,650.2 $3,619.5 
Revenues from franchised restaurantsRevenues from franchised restaurants2,877.4 2,608.0 Revenues from franchised restaurants3,306.2 2,088.0 6,183.6 4,696.0 
Other revenuesOther revenues85.7 80.6 Other revenues93.0 79.8 178.7 160.4 
Total revenuesTotal revenues5,124.6 4,714.4 Total revenues5,887.9 3,761.5 11,012.5 8,475.9 
Operating costs and expensesOperating costs and expensesOperating costs and expenses
Company-operated restaurant expensesCompany-operated restaurant expenses1,817.6 1,752.8 Company-operated restaurant expenses2,021.0 1,448.4 3,838.6 3,201.2 
Franchised restaurants-occupancy expensesFranchised restaurants-occupancy expenses571.5 554.2 Franchised restaurants-occupancy expenses579.1 524.5 1,150.6 1,078.7 
Other restaurant expensesOther restaurant expenses67.2 65.5 Other restaurant expenses68.3 63.3 135.5 128.8 
Selling, general & administrative expensesSelling, general & administrative expensesSelling, general & administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization76.0 73.5 Depreciation and amortization83.1 71.0 159.1 144.5 
OtherOther490.4 516.3 Other572.4 576.0 1,062.8 1,092.3 
Other operating (income) expense, netOther operating (income) expense, net(179.4)58.5 Other operating (income) expense, net(127.1)117.2 (306.5)175.7 
Total operating costs and expensesTotal operating costs and expenses2,843.3 3,020.8 Total operating costs and expenses3,196.8 2,800.4 6,040.1 5,821.2 
Operating incomeOperating income2,281.3 1,693.6 Operating income2,691.1 961.1 4,972.4 2,654.7 
Interest expenseInterest expense300.0 280.0 Interest expense296.5 319.1 596.5 599.1 
Nonoperating (income) expense, netNonoperating (income) expense, net28.6 (31.3)Nonoperating (income) expense, net18.6 (6.7)47.2 (38.0)
Income before provision for income taxesIncome before provision for income taxes1,952.7 1,444.9 Income before provision for income taxes2,376.0 648.7 4,328.7 2,093.6 
Provision for income taxesProvision for income taxes415.5 338.0 Provision for income taxes156.7 164.9 572.2 502.9 
Net incomeNet income$1,537.2 $1,106.9 Net income$2,219.3 $483.8 $3,756.5 $1,590.7 
Earnings per common share-basicEarnings per common share-basic$2.06 $1.49 Earnings per common share-basic$2.97 $0.65 $5.03 $2.14 
Earnings per common share-dilutedEarnings per common share-diluted$2.05 $1.47 Earnings per common share-diluted$2.95 $0.65 $5.00 $2.12 
Dividends declared per common shareDividends declared per common share$1.29 $1.25 Dividends declared per common share$1.29 $1.25 $2.58 $2.50 
Weighted-average shares outstanding-basicWeighted-average shares outstanding-basic745.8 744.8 Weighted-average shares outstanding-basic746.6 743.8 746.2 744.3 
Weighted-average shares outstanding-dilutedWeighted-average shares outstanding-diluted751.0 750.7 Weighted-average shares outstanding-diluted752.1 748.6 751.6 749.6 
See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
Quarters EndedQuarters EndedSix Months Ended
March 31,June 30,June 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Net incomeNet income$1,537.2 $1,106.9 Net income$2,219.3 $483.8 $3,756.5 $1,590.7 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxOther comprehensive income (loss), net of taxOther comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments:Foreign currency translation adjustments:Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive
income ("AOCI"), including net investment hedges
Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive
income ("AOCI"), including net investment hedges
(87.7)(466.2)Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive
income ("AOCI"), including net investment hedges
47.8 207.1 (39.9)(259.1)
Reclassification of (gain) loss to net incomeReclassification of (gain) loss to net income10.7 Reclassification of (gain) loss to net income9.7 20.4 
Foreign currency translation adjustments-net of tax
benefit (expense) of ($90.3) and ($115.3)
(77.0)(466.2)
Foreign currency translation adjustments-net of tax
benefit (expense) of $22.7, $66.1, ($67.6) and ($49.2)
Foreign currency translation adjustments-net of tax
benefit (expense) of $22.7, $66.1, ($67.6) and ($49.2)
57.5 207.1 (19.5)(259.1)
Cash flow hedges:Cash flow hedges:Cash flow hedges:
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCIGain (loss) recognized in AOCI23.1 (39.6)Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI(1.2)(17.6)21.9 (57.2)
Reclassification of (gain) loss to net incomeReclassification of (gain) loss to net income15.0 (9.1)Reclassification of (gain) loss to net income13.4 (1.7)28.4 (10.8)
Cash flow hedges-net of tax benefit (expense) of ($11.2) and $14.738.1 (48.7)
Cash flow hedges-net of tax benefit (expense) of ($3.7), $5.8, ($14.9) and $20.5Cash flow hedges-net of tax benefit (expense) of ($3.7), $5.8, ($14.9) and $20.512.2 (19.3)50.3 (68.0)
Defined benefit pension plans:Defined benefit pension plans:Defined benefit pension plans:
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCIGain (loss) recognized in AOCI0.7 (1.9)Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI0.1 (0.6)0.8 (2.5)
Reclassification of (gain) loss to net incomeReclassification of (gain) loss to net income(10.9)3.1 Reclassification of (gain) loss to net income(5.1)2.9 (16.0)6.0 
Defined benefit pension plans-net of tax benefit (expense)
of $0.0 and $0.4
(10.2)1.2 
Defined benefit pension plans-net of tax benefit (expense)
of $0.1, $0.1, $0.1 and $0.5
Defined benefit pension plans-net of tax benefit (expense)
of $0.1, $0.1, $0.1 and $0.5
(5.0)2.3 (15.2)3.5 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxTotal other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(49.1)(513.7)Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax64.7 190.1 15.6 (323.6)
Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)$1,488.1 $593.2 Comprehensive income (loss)$2,284.0 $673.9 $3,772.1 $1,267.1 
See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Quarters EndedQuarters EndedSix Months Ended
March 31, June 30,June 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Operating activitiesOperating activitiesOperating activities
Net incomeNet income$1,537.2 $1,106.9 Net income$2,219.3 $483.8 $3,756.5 $1,590.7 
Adjustments to reconcile to cash provided by operationsAdjustments to reconcile to cash provided by operationsAdjustments to reconcile to cash provided by operations
Charges and credits:Charges and credits:Charges and credits:
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization453.9 421.3 Depreciation and amortization463.4 425.7 917.3 847.0 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes(1.5)276.4 Deferred income taxes(368.9)(42.1)(370.4)234.3 
Share-based compensationShare-based compensation27.3 25.9 Share-based compensation36.5 30.8 63.8 56.7 
OtherOther(130.0)(87.9)Other(71.2)119.2 (201.2)31.3 
Changes in working capital itemsChanges in working capital items237.1 (196.6)Changes in working capital items(545.9)(1,230.5)(308.8)(1,427.1)
Cash provided by operations2,124.0 1,546.0 
Cash provided by (used for) operationsCash provided by (used for) operations1,733.2 (213.1)3,857.2 1,332.9 
Investing activitiesInvesting activitiesInvesting activities
Capital expendituresCapital expenditures(368.7)(482.5)Capital expenditures(482.6)(305.0)(851.3)(787.5)
Purchases of restaurant businessesPurchases of restaurant businesses(38.7)(19.6)Purchases of restaurant businesses(49.4)(23.7)(88.1)(43.3)
Sales of restaurant businessesSales of restaurant businesses29.6 25.7 Sales of restaurant businesses52.2 1.8 81.8 27.5 
Sales of propertySales of property32.8 15.8 Sales of property23.8 1.8 56.6 17.6 
OtherOther100.4 (57.8)Other42.5 (71.5)142.9 (129.3)
Cash used for investing activitiesCash used for investing activities(244.6)(518.4)Cash used for investing activities(413.5)(396.6)(658.1)(915.0)
Financing activitiesFinancing activitiesFinancing activities
Net short-term borrowingsNet short-term borrowings6.5 111.8 Net short-term borrowings1.4 (4.1)7.9 107.7 
Long-term financing issuancesLong-term financing issuances0 5,539.4 Long-term financing issuances0 0.8 0 5,540.2 
Long-term financing repaymentsLong-term financing repayments(1,337.8)(262.7)Long-term financing repayments(401.2)(699.9)(1,739.0)(962.6)
Treasury stock purchasesTreasury stock purchases(21.5)(902.6)Treasury stock purchases(3.0)(2.3)(24.5)(904.9)
Common stock dividendsCommon stock dividends(962.3)(930.7)Common stock dividends(963.3)(929.7)(1,925.6)(1,860.4)
Proceeds from stock option exercisesProceeds from stock option exercises59.1 99.3 Proceeds from stock option exercises72.9 57.7 132.0 157.0 
OtherOther(7.9)(121.5)Other(13.1)(0.4)(21.0)(121.9)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activitiesCash provided by (used for) financing activities(2,263.9)3,533.0 Cash provided by (used for) financing activities(1,306.3)(1,577.9)(3,570.2)1,955.1 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalentsEffect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents(44.9)(79.3)Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents16.3 63.5 (28.6)(15.8)
Cash and equivalents increase (decrease)Cash and equivalents increase (decrease)(429.4)4,481.3 Cash and equivalents increase (decrease)29.7 (2,124.1)(399.7)2,357.2 
Cash and equivalents at beginning of periodCash and equivalents at beginning of period3,449.1 898.5 Cash and equivalents at beginning of period3,019.7 5,379.8 3,449.1 898.5 
Cash and equivalents at end of periodCash and equivalents at end of period$3,019.7 $5,379.8 Cash and equivalents at end of period$3,049.4 $3,255.7 $3,049.4 $3,255.7 
See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
For the quarter ended March 31, 2020
For the six months ended June 30, 2020For the six months ended June 30, 2020
Common stock
issued
 Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Common stock in
treasury
Total
shareholders’
equity (deficit)
Common stock
issued
 Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Common stock in
treasury
Total
shareholders’
equity (deficit)
Additional
paid-in
capital
Retained
earnings
PensionsCash flow
hedges
Foreign
currency
translation
Additional
paid-in
capital
Retained
earnings
PensionsCash flow
hedges
Foreign
currency
translation
In millions, except per share dataIn millions, except per share dataSharesAmountSharesAmountIn millions, except per share dataSharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 2019Balance at December 31, 20191,660.6 $16.6 $7,653.9 $52,930.5 $(243.7)$12.0 $(2,251.0)(914.3)$(66,328.6)$(8,210.3)Balance at December 31, 20191,660.6 $16.6 $7,653.9 $52,930.5 $(243.7)$12.0 $(2,251.0)(914.3)$(66,328.6)$(8,210.3)
Net incomeNet income1,106.9 1,106.9 Net income1,590.7 1,590.7 
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax
1.2 (48.7)(466.2)(513.7)Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax
3.5 (68.0)(259.1)(323.6)
Comprehensive incomeComprehensive income593.2 Comprehensive income1,267.1 
Common stock cash dividends
($1.25 per share)
(930.7)(930.7)
Common stock cash dividends
($2.50 per share)
Common stock cash dividends
($2.50 per share)
(1,860.4)(1,860.4)
Treasury stock purchasesTreasury stock purchases(4.2)(868.9)(868.9)Treasury stock purchases(4.3)(871.2)(871.2)
Share-based compensationShare-based compensation25.9 25.9 Share-based compensation56.7 56.7 
Stock option exercises and otherStock option exercises and other33.7 1.4 63.7 97.4 Stock option exercises and other69.4 2.1 85.6 155.0 
Balance at March 31, 20201,660.6 $16.6 $7,713.5 $53,106.7 $(242.5)$(36.7)$(2,717.2)(917.1)$(67,133.8)$(9,293.4)
Balance at June 30, 2020Balance at June 30, 20201,660.6 $16.6 $7,780.0 $52,660.8 $(240.2)$(56.0)$(2,510.1)(916.5)$(67,114.2)$(9,463.1)

For the quarter ended March 31, 2021
For the six months ended June 30, 2021For the six months ended June 30, 2021
Common stock
issued
 Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Common stock in
treasury
Total
shareholders’
equity (deficit)
Common stock
issued
 Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Common stock in
treasury
Total
shareholders’
equity (deficit)
Additional
paid-in
capital
Retained
earnings
PensionsCash flow
hedges
Foreign
currency
translation
Additional
paid-in
capital
Retained
earnings
PensionsCash flow
hedges
Foreign
currency
translation
In millions, except per share dataIn millions, except per share dataSharesAmountSharesAmountIn millions, except per share dataSharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 2020Balance at December 31, 20201,660.6 $16.6 $7,903.6 $53,908.1 $(287.6)$(111.3)$(2,187.9)(915.2)$(67,066.4)$(7,824.9)Balance at December 31, 20201,660.6 $16.6 $7,903.6 $53,908.1 $(287.6)$(111.3)$(2,187.9)(915.2)$(67,066.4)$(7,824.9)
Net incomeNet income1,537.2 1,537.2 Net income 3,756.5      3,756.5 
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax
(10.2)38.1 (77.0)(49.1)Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax
    (15.2)50.3 (19.5)  15.6 
Comprehensive incomeComprehensive income1,488.1 Comprehensive income         3,772.1 
Common stock cash dividends
($1.29 per share)
(962.3)(962.3)
Common stock cash dividends
($2.58 per share)
Common stock cash dividends
($2.58 per share)
 (1,925.6)     (1,925.6)
Treasury stock purchasesTreasury stock purchases(0.1)(21.5)(21.5)Treasury stock purchases     (0.1)(24.5)(24.5)
Share-based compensationShare-based compensation27.3 27.3 Share-based compensation63.8       63.8 
Stock option exercises and otherStock option exercises and other28.2 0.8 29.6 57.8 Stock option exercises and other78.6    1.5 52.5 131.1 
Balance at March 31, 20211,660.6 $16.6 $7,959.1 $54,483.0 $(297.8)$(73.2)$(2,264.9)(914.5)$(67,058.3)$(7,235.5)
Balance at June 30, 2021Balance at June 30, 20211,660.6 $16.6 $8,046.0 $55,739.0 $(302.8)$(61.0)$(2,207.4)(913.8)$(67,038.4)$(5,808.0)

See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
For the quarter ended June 30, 2020
 Common stock
issued
 Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Common stock in
treasury
Total
shareholders’
equity (deficit)
Additional
paid-in
capital
Retained
earnings
PensionsCash flow
hedges
Foreign
currency
translation
In millions, except per share dataSharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance at March 31, 20201,660.6 $16.6 $7,713.5 $53,106.7 $(242.5)$(36.7)$(2,717.2)(917.1)$(67,133.8)$(9,293.4)
Net income483.8 483.8 
Other comprehensive income (loss),
    net of tax
2.3 (19.3)207.1 190.1 
Comprehensive income673.9 
Common stock cash dividends
    ($1.25 per share)
(929.7)(929.7)
Treasury stock purchases(0.1)(2.3)(2.3)
Share-based compensation30.8 30.8 
Stock option exercises and other35.7 0.7 21.9 57.6 
Balance at June 30, 20201,660.6 $16.6 $7,780.0 $52,660.8 $(240.2)$(56.0)$(2,510.1)(916.5)$(67,114.2)$(9,463.1)

For the quarter ended June 30, 2021
 Common stock
issued
 Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Common stock in
treasury
Total
shareholders’
equity (deficit)
Additional
paid-in
capital
Retained
earnings
PensionsCash flow
hedges
Foreign
currency
translation
In millions, except per share dataSharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance at March 31, 20211,660.6 $16.6 $7,959.1 $54,483.0 $(297.8)$(73.2)$(2,264.9)(914.5)$(67,058.3)$(7,235.5)
Net income2,219.3 2,219.3 
Other comprehensive income (loss),
    net of tax
(5.0)12.2 57.5 64.7 
Comprehensive income2,284.0 
Common stock cash dividends
    ($1.29 per share)
(963.3)(963.3)
Treasury stock purchases(3.0)(3.0)
Share-based compensation36.5 36.5 
Stock option exercises and other50.4 0.7 22.9 73.3 
Balance at June 30, 20211,660.6 $16.6 $8,046.0 $55,739.0 $(302.8)$(61.0)$(2,207.4)(913.8)$(67,038.4)$(5,808.0)

See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.






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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

McDonald’s Corporation, the registrant, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to herein as the "Company." The Company, its franchisees and suppliers, are referred to herein as the "System."
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statementscondensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s December 31, 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results for the quarter and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2021 do not necessarily indicate the results that may be expected for the full year.

Restaurant Information
The following table presents restaurant information by ownership type:
Restaurants at March 31,20212020
Restaurants at June 30,Restaurants at June 30,20212020
Conventional franchisedConventional franchised21,496 21,838 Conventional franchised21,519 21,822 
Developmental licensedDevelopmental licensed7,705 7,678 Developmental licensed7,753 7,685 
Foreign affiliatedForeign affiliated7,283 6,831 Foreign affiliated7,445 6,864 
Total FranchisedTotal Franchised36,484 36,347 Total Franchised36,717 36,371 
Company-operatedCompany-operated2,676 2,637 Company-operated2,679 2,649 
Total Systemwide restaurantsTotal Systemwide restaurants39,160 38,984 Total Systemwide restaurants39,396 39,020 
The results of operations of restaurant businesses purchased and sold in transactions with franchisees were not material either individually or in the aggregate to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statementscondensed consolidated financial statements for the periods prior to purchase and sale.

Per Common Share Information
Diluted earnings per common share is calculated using net income divided by diluted weighted-average shares. Diluted weighted-average shares include weighted-average shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of share-based compensation, calculated using the treasury stock method, of 5.25.5 million shares and 5.94.8 million shares for the quarters 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 5.4 million shares and 5.3 million shares for the six months 2021 and 2020, respectively. Share-based compensation awards that would have been antidilutive, and therefore were not included in the calculation of diluted weighted-average shares, totaled 3.63.0 million shares and 2.02.8 million shares for the quarters 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 3.0 million shares and 2.8 million shares for the six months 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Income Taxes

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”), which simplifies the accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including applicable interim periods. The Company adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2021. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Reference Rate Reform

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting" (“ASU 2020-04”). The pronouncement provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance was effective upon issuance and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2020-04 will not have a material impact on itsthe Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Updates to Significant Accounting PoliciesIncome Taxes

Long-lived assetsThe effective income tax rate was 6.6% and Goodwill

Long-lived assets25.4% for the quarters ended 2021 and Goodwill are typically reviewed2020, respectively, and 13.2% and 24.0% for impairment annually in the fourthsix months ended 2021 and 2020, respectively. The tax rate for the quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate thatsix months ended 2021 included a benefit of $364 million related to the carrying amountremeasurement of an asset may not be recoverable or if an indicator of impairment exists. The Company has continued to monitor the global economic uncertaintydeferred taxes as a result of COVID-19 to assessa change in the outlook for restaurant operations and the impact that any disruption may have on the Company's business and overall financial performance.U.K. statutory income tax rate.
As a result of the Company's analysis, and in consideration of the totality of events and circumstances, including the potential impact of COVID-19 related disruptions on the Company’s operating results, there were no indicators of impairment during the first quarter of 2021.


Fair Value Measurements
The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value disclosures are reflected in a three-level hierarchy, maximizing the use of observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs. The Company did not have any significant changes to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value as described in the Company's December 31, 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
At March 31,June 30, 2021, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was estimated at $39.8$40.3 billion, compared to a carrying amount of $35.7$35.4 billion. The fair value was based upon quoted market prices, Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The carrying amounts of cash and equivalents and notes receivable approximate fair value.
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Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company is exposed to global market risks, including the effect of changes in interest rates and foreign currency fluctuations. The Company uses foreign currency denominated debt and derivative instruments to mitigate the impact of these changes. The Company does not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes.
The following table presents the fair values of derivative instruments included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Derivative AssetsDerivative Liabilities Derivative AssetsDerivative Liabilities
In millionsIn millionsBalance Sheet ClassificationMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020Balance Sheet ClassificationMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020In millionsBalance Sheet ClassificationJune 30, 2021December 31, 2020Balance Sheet ClassificationJune 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Derivatives designated as hedging instrumentsDerivatives designated as hedging instrumentsDerivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign currencyForeign currencyPrepaid expenses and other current assets$11.7 0Accrued payroll and other liabilities$(32.9)$(64.5)Foreign currencyPrepaid expenses and other current assets$14.8 0Accrued payroll and other liabilities$(24.4)$(64.5)
Interest rateInterest ratePrepaid expenses and other current assets5.7 Accrued payroll and other liabilities00Interest ratePrepaid expenses and other current assets4.0 Accrued payroll and other liabilities00
Foreign currencyForeign currencyMiscellaneous other assets23.0 $5.6 Other long-term liabilities(1.2)(15.0)Foreign currencyMiscellaneous other assets24.7 $5.6 Other long-term liabilities(0.3)(15.0)
Interest rateInterest rateMiscellaneous other assets
21.2 35.8 Other long-term liabilities00Interest rateMiscellaneous other assets
21.7 35.8 Other long-term liabilities00
Total derivatives designated as hedging instrumentsTotal derivatives designated as hedging instruments$61.6 $41.4  $(34.1)$(79.5)Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$65.2 $41.4  $(24.7)$(79.5)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instrumentsDerivatives not designated as hedging instrumentsDerivatives not designated as hedging instruments
EquityEquityPrepaid expenses and other current assets

$194.4 $185.6 Accrued payroll and other liabilities$(4.1)$(8.6)EquityPrepaid expenses and other current assets

$202.1 $185.6 Accrued payroll and other liabilities$0 $(8.6)
Foreign currencyForeign currencyPrepaid expenses and other current assets

00Accrued payroll and other liabilities(7.1)(9.4)Foreign currencyPrepaid expenses and other current assets

00Accrued payroll and other liabilities(4.9)(9.4)
EquityEquityMiscellaneous other assets00  EquityMiscellaneous other assets00  
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instrumentsTotal derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$194.4 $185.6  $(11.2)$(18.0)Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$202.1 $185.6  $(4.9)$(18.0)
Total derivativesTotal derivatives$256.0 $227.0  $(45.3)$(97.5)Total derivatives$267.3 $227.0  $(29.6)$(97.5)
    The following table presents the pre-tax amounts from derivative instruments affecting income and AOCI for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively:
Location of Gain or Loss
Recognized in Income on
Derivative
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified into Income from AOCI
Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
Location of Gain or Loss
Recognized in Income on
Derivative
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified into Income from AOCI
Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
In millionsIn millions202120202021202020212020In millions202120202021202020212020
Foreign currencyForeign currencyNonoperating income/expense$29.9 $39.3 $(17.8)$12.6 Foreign currencyNonoperating income/expense$28.4 $16.4 $(33.7)$16.4 
Interest rateInterest rateInterest expense0(90.8)(1.6)(0.7)Interest rateInterest expense0(90.8)(3.1)(2.3)
Cash flow hedgesCash flow hedges$29.9 $(51.5)$(19.4)$11.9 Cash flow hedges$28.4 $(74.4)$(36.8)$14.1 
Foreign currency denominated debtForeign currency denominated debtNonoperating income/expense$379.7 $350.4 $16.2 Foreign currency denominated debtNonoperating income/expense$274.0 $91.3 $32.4 
Foreign currency derivativesForeign currency derivativesNonoperating income/expense26.6 11.9 Foreign currency derivativesNonoperating income/expense26.5 15.0 
Foreign currency derivatives(1)
Foreign currency derivatives(1)
Interest expense$3.7 $3.7 
Foreign currency derivatives(1)
Interest expense$7.3 $7.3 
Net investment hedgesNet investment hedges$406.3 $362.3 $16.2 $3.7 $3.7 Net investment hedges$300.5 $106.3 $32.4 $7.3 $7.3 
Foreign currencyForeign currencyNonoperating income/expense$2.3 $7.5 Foreign currencyNonoperating income/expense$4.5 $(10.9)
EquityEquitySelling, general & administrative expenses20.4 (66.3)EquitySelling, general & administrative expenses43.7 (23.6)
EquityEquityOther operating income/expense, net
(4.7)EquityOther operating income/expense, net
(16.3)
Undesignated derivativesUndesignated derivatives$18.0 $(58.8)Undesignated derivatives$31.9 $(34.5)
(1)The amount of gain (loss) recognized in income related to components excluded from effectiveness testing.
(1)The amount of gain (loss) recognized in income related to components excluded from effectiveness testing.
(1)The amount of gain (loss) recognized in income related to components excluded from effectiveness testing.




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Fair Value Hedges
The Company enters into fair value hedges to reduce the exposure to changes in fair values of certain liabilities. The Company enters into fair value hedges that convert a portion of its fixed rate debt into floating rate debt by use of interest rate swaps. At March 31,June 30, 2021, the carrying amount of fixed-rate debt that was effectively converted was $1.0$1.5 billion, which included an increase of $26.9$25.7 million of cumulative hedging adjustments. For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021, the Company recognized an $8.9a $10.1 million loss on the fair value of interest rate swaps, and a corresponding gain on the fair value of the related hedged debt instrument to interest expense.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company enters into cash flow hedges to reduce the exposure to variability in certain expected future cash flows. To protect against the reduction in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flows (such as royalties denominated in foreign currencies), the Company uses foreign currency forwards to hedge a portion of anticipated exposures. The hedges cover the next 18 months for certain exposures and are denominated in various currencies.
As of March 31,June 30, 2021, the Company had derivatives outstanding with an equivalent notional amount of $1.2$1.4 billion that hedged a portion of forecasted foreign currency denominated cash flows.
Based on market conditions at March 31,June 30, 2021, the $73.2$61.0 million in cumulative cash flow hedging losses, after tax, is not expected to have a significant effect on earnings over the next 12 months.
Net Investment Hedges
The Company primarily uses foreign currency denominated debt (third party(third-party and intercompany) to hedge its investments in certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. Realized and unrealized translation adjustments from these hedges are included in shareholders' equity in the foreign currency translation component of Other comprehensive income ("OCI") and offset translation adjustments on the underlying net assets of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates, which also are recorded in OCI. As of March 31,June 30, 2021, $11.6 billion of the Company's third partythird-party foreign currency denominated debt and $877.8 million$1.0 billion of the Company's intercompany foreign currency denominated debt was designated to hedge investments in certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.
Undesignated Derivatives
The Company enters into certain derivatives that are not designated for hedge accounting, therefore the changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized immediately in earnings together with the gain or loss from the hedged balance sheet position. As an example, the Company enters into equity derivative contracts, including total return swaps, to hedge market-driven changes in certain of its supplemental benefit plan liabilities. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded in Selling, general & administrative expenses together with the changes in the supplemental benefit plan liabilities. The Company may also use certain derivatives to mitigate the share price risk related to its sale of stock in McDonald’s Japan.  The changes in the fair value of the undesignated derivatives used for the most recent sale transaction were recognized immediately in earnings in Other Operating (income) expense, net. In addition, the Company uses foreign currency forwards to mitigate the change in fair value of certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. The changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in Nonoperating (income) expense, net, along with the currency gain or loss from the hedged balance sheet position.
Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by its derivative counterparties. The Company did not have significant exposure to any individual counterparty at March 31,June 30, 2021 and has master agreements that contain netting arrangements. For financial reporting purposes, the Company presents gross derivative balances in the financial statements and supplementary data, including for counterparties subject to netting arrangements. Some of these agreements also require each party to post collateral if credit ratings fall below, or aggregate exposures exceed, certain contractual limits. At March 31,June 30, 2021, the Company was required to post an immaterial amount of collateral due to the negative fair value of certain derivative positions. The Company's counterparties were not required to post collateral on any derivative position, other than on certain hedges of the Company’s supplemental benefit plan liabilities where the counterparties were required to post collateral on their liability positions.
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Franchise Arrangements
Revenues from franchised restaurants consisted of:
Quarters EndedQuarters EndedSix Months Ended
March 31,June 30,June 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
RentsRents$1,826.1 $1,668.2 Rents$2,125.7 $1,314.9 $3,951.8 $2,983.1 
RoyaltiesRoyalties1,038.7 928.8 Royalties1,167.8 762.0 2,206.5 1,690.8 
Initial feesInitial fees12.6 11.0 Initial fees12.7 11.1 25.3 22.1 
Revenues from franchised restaurantsRevenues from franchised restaurants$2,877.4 $2,608.0 Revenues from franchised restaurants$3,306.2 $2,088.0 $6,183.6 $4,696.0 

Segment Information
The Company operates under an organizational structure with the following global business segments reflecting how management reviews and evaluates operating performance:
U.S. - the Company's largest market. The segment is 95% franchised as of March 31,June 30, 2021.
International Operated Markets - comprised of markets or countries in which the Company operates and franchises restaurants, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain and the U.K. The segment is 84% franchised as of March 31,June 30, 2021.
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate - comprised of primarily developmental licensee and affiliate markets in the McDonald’s system. Corporate activities are also reported in this segment. The segment is 98% franchised as of March 31,June 30, 2021.

The following table presents the Company’s revenues and operating income by segment:
Quarters EndedQuarters EndedSix Months Ended
March 31,
June 30,June 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
RevenuesRevenuesRevenues
U.S.U.S.$2,075.5 $1,871.0 U.S.$2,278.8 $1,758.6 $4,354.3 $3,629.6 
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets2,556.2 2,404.3 International Operated Markets3,078.7 1,612.5 5,634.9 4,016.8 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & CorporateInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate492.9 439.1 International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate530.4 390.4 1,023.3 829.5 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$5,124.6 $4,714.4 Total revenues$5,887.9 $3,761.5 $11,012.5 $8,475.9 
Operating IncomeOperating IncomeOperating Income
U.S.U.S.$1,125.5 $892.4 U.S.$1,267.5 $735.2 $2,393.0 $1,627.6 
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets953.8 879.1 International Operated Markets1,272.0 234.8 2,225.8 1,113.9 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate *International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate *202.0 (77.9)International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate *151.6 (8.9)353.6 (86.8)
Total operating incomeTotal operating income$2,281.3 $1,693.6 Total operating income$2,691.1 $961.1 $4,972.4 $2,654.7 
*    Results included $98 million and $233 million for the quarter 2021 included $128.6 millionand six months, respectively, of net strategic gains primarily related to the sale of McDonald's Japan stock, which reduced the Company's total ownership by an additional 3%. for the quarter and 6% for the six months. As of March 31,June 30, 2021, the Company owned approximately 41%38% of McDonald's Japan. The proceeds were recorded within the other investing activities section of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.


Subsequent Events
The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure.
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Item  2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
The Company franchises and operates McDonald’s restaurants, which serve a locally-relevant menu of quality food and beverages in 119 countries. Of the 39,16039,396 restaurants at March 31,June 30, 2021, 36,48436,717 were franchised, which is 93% of McDonald's restaurants.
The Company’s reporting segments are aligned with its strategic priorities and reflect how management reviews and evaluates operating performance. Significant reportable segments include the United States ("U.S.") and International Operated Markets. In addition, throughout this report we present the International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate segment, which includes markets in over 80 countries, as well as Corporate activities.
McDonald’s franchised restaurants are owned and operated under one of the following structures - conventional franchise, developmental license or affiliate. The optimal ownership structure for an individual restaurant, trading area or market (country) is based on a variety of factors, including the availability of individuals with entrepreneurial experience and financial resources, as well as the local, legal and regulatory environment in critical areas such as property ownership and franchising. The business relationship between McDonald’s and its independent franchisees is supported by adhering to standards and policies, including our newly defined Global Brand Standards, and is of fundamental importance to overall performance and to protecting the McDonald’s brand.
The Company is primarily a franchisor and believes franchising is paramount to delivering great-tasting food, locally relevant customer experiences and driving profitability. Franchising enables an individual to be their own employer and maintain control over all employment related matters, marketing and pricing decisions, while also benefiting from the strength of McDonald’s global brand, operating system and financial resources.
Directly operating McDonald’s restaurants contributes significantly to our ability to act as a credible franchisor. One of the strengths of the franchising model is that the expertise from operating Company-owned restaurants allows McDonald’s to improve the operations and success of all restaurants while innovations from franchisees can be tested and, when viable, efficiently implemented across relevant restaurants. Having Company-owned and operated restaurants provides Company personnel with a venue for restaurant operations training experience. In addition, in our Company-owned and operated restaurants, and in collaboration with franchisees, we are able to further develop and refine operating standards, marketing concepts and product and pricing strategies that will ultimately benefit McDonald’s restaurants.
The Company’s revenues consist of sales by Company-operated restaurants and fees from restaurants operated by franchisees. Fees vary by type of site, amount of Company investment, if any, and local business conditions. These fees, along with occupancy and operating rights, are stipulated in franchise/license agreements that generally have 20-year terms. The Company’s Other revenues are comprised of technology fees paid by franchisees, revenues from brand licensing arrangements and third partythird-party revenues for the Dynamic Yield business.
COVID-19 resurgences throughout the quarter and six months have resulted in instances of government restrictions on restaurant operating hours, limited dine-in capacity and, in some cases, dining room closures. The Company has continued to follow the guidance of expert health authorities to apply the appropriate precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of our people and our customers and expects some operating restrictions in various markets so long as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Conventional Franchise
Under a conventional franchise arrangement, the Company generally owns or secures a long-term lease on the land and building for the restaurant location and the franchisee pays for equipment, signs, seating and décor. The Company believes that ownership of real estate, combined with the co-investment by franchisees, enables us to achieve restaurant performance levels that are among the highest in the industry.
Franchisees are responsible for reinvesting capital in their businesses over time. In addition, to accelerate implementation of certain initiatives, the Company may co-invest with franchisees to fund improvements to their restaurants or their operating systems. These investments, developed in collaboration with franchisees, are designed to cater to consumer preferences, improve local business performance and increase the value of our brand through the development of modernized, more attractive and higher revenue generating restaurants.
The Company requires franchisees to meet rigorous standards and generally does not work with passive investors. The business relationship with franchisees is designed to facilitate consistency and high quality at all McDonald’s restaurants. Conventional franchisees contribute to the Company’s revenue, primarily through the payment of rent and royalties based upon a percent of sales, with specified minimum rent payments, along with initial fees paid upon the opening of a new restaurant or grant of a new franchise. The Company's heavily franchised business model is designed to generate stable and predictable revenue, which is largely a function of franchisee sales, and resulting cash flow streams. As most revenues are based on a percent


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Developmental License or Affiliate
Under a developmental license or affiliate arrangement, licensees are responsible for operating and managing the business, providing capital (including the real estate interest) and developing and opening new restaurants. The Company generally does not invest any capital under a developmental license or affiliate arrangement, and it receives a royalty based on a percent of sales, and generally receives initial fees upon the opening of a new restaurant or grant of a new license.
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While developmental license and affiliate arrangements are largely the same, affiliate arrangements are used in a limited number of foreign markets (primarily China and Japan) within the International Developmental Licensed Markets segment andas well as a limited number of individual restaurants within the International Operated Markets segment, where the Company also has an equity investment and records its share of net results in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.
As both royalty revenues and the Company's share of net results in equity investments are based on sales results, the Company may continue to experience a negative impact to revenues and Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates as a result of COVID-19 in the near term.


































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Strategic Direction
In 2020, the Company announced the Accelerating the Arches (the “Strategy”) growth strategy. The Strategy encompasses all aspects of McDonald’s business as the leading global omni-channel restaurant brand, and includes a refreshed purpose, updated values, and growth pillars that build on the Company’s competitive advantages.
Purpose, Mission, & Values
Our values underpin our success and are at the very heart of our Strategy. The Company embraces and prioritizes its role and commitments to the communities in which it operates through our:
Purpose to feed and foster communities,
Mission to create delicious feel-good moments for everyone, and
Core values that define who we are and how we run our business.
Our values underpin our success and are at the very heart of our Strategy. In addition to the Company’s financial performance, beginning in 2021, the Company incorporated quantitative metrics into the Company's annual incentive compensation plan. For 2021, executives will be measured on their ability to champion our core values, improve diversity representation within leadership roles for both women and historically underrepresented groups, and create a strong culture of inclusion. In addition, in April, the Company defined a set of Global Brand Standards designed to reinforce a culture of safety and inclusion. All McDonald’s restaurants across the globe, including Company-owned and franchised locations, will be required to uphold these standards.
Growth Pillars
The growth pillars, rooted in the Company’s identity, MCD, build on historic strengths and articulate areas of further opportunity. Under the Strategy, the Company will:
Maximize our Marketing by investing in new, culturally relevant approaches, such as our Famous Orders platform, to effectively communicate the story of our brand, food and purpose. This will focusfocuses on enhancedenhancing digital capabilities that provide a more personal connection with customers. The Company is also committed to a marketing strategy that highlights value at every tier of the menu, as affordability remains a cornerstone of the McDonald’s brand.
Commit to the Core by tapping into customer demand for the familiar and focusing on serving delicious burgers, chicken and coffee. The Company will prioritizeis prioritizing chicken and beef offerings, as we expect they represent the largest growth opportunities. The Company recognizes there is significant opportunity to expand its chicken offerings by leveraging line extensions of customer favorites, such as the new Crispy Chicken Sandwich that launched in the U.S. at the end of February 2021. The Company willis also implementimplementing a series of operational and formulation changes designed to improve upon the great taste of our burgers. We also see a significant opportunity with coffee, and markets will leverageare leveraging the McCafe brand, experience, value and quality to drive long-term growth.
Double Down on the 3D's: Digital, Delivery and Drive Thru by leveraging competitive strengths and building a powerful digital experience growth engine that provides a fast, easy experience for our customers. To unlock further growth, the Company willis continuing to accelerate technology innovation so that, whenhowever customers choose to interact with McDonald’s, they can enjoy a fast, easy experience that meets their needs. In the first half of 2021, Systemwide sales from digital channels (which are comprised of the mobile app, delivery and kiosk) were nearly $8 billion across our top six markets, a 70% increase versus the first half of last year.
Digital: The Company’s digital experience growth engine, “MyMcDonald’s” will transformis transforming its digital offerings across drive thru, takeaway, delivery, curbside pick-up and dine-in. Through the digital tools across this platform, customers will receive tailored offers, be able tocan participate in a new loyalty program and order and receive McDonald's food through the channel of their choice. The Company already has successful loyalty programs in many markets around the world. In July, the Company launched its loyalty program “MyMcDonald’s Rewards” in the U.S. and expects to have elements of “MyMcDonald’s” across its top six markets bylaunch in Germany and Canada before the end of 2021, featuring loyalty programsfollowed by the U.K. and Australia in several of those markets, including a U.S. loyalty program launch later in 2021. Across these top six markets, digital sales exceeded $10 billion or nearly 20% of Systemwide sales in 2020.2022.


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Delivery: Over the past three years, the Company has expanded the number of McDonald’s restaurants offering delivery to over 30,000nearly 32,000 or 75%80% of its restaurants, and delivery sales have grown significantly. The Company will buildis building on this progress and enhanceenhancing the delivery experience for customers by adding the ability to order on the McDonald’s app, which is already available in several markets around the world, and optimizing operations with a focus on speed and accuracy.
Drive Thru: The Company has drive thru locations in over 25,000 restaurants globally, including nearly 95% of the over 13,000 locations in the U.S. This channel will remain of heightened importance and we expect that it will become even more critical to meet customers’ demand for flexibility and choice. The Company will buildis building on its drive thru advantage, as the vast majority of new restaurant openings in the U.S. and International Operated Markets will include a drive thru.

The Company’s Strategy is underpinned by a relentless focus on running great restaurants including improvingto improve speed of service to addressand enhance the customer needs.experience. The Company believes this Strategy builds on our inherent strengths by harnessing our competitive advantages and investing in innovations that will enhance the customer experience and deliver long-term growth. To put even more emphasis on the customer experience, the Company announced in July 2021 the creation of a collaborative team that combines digital, marketing and operations with a focus on the end-to-end customer experience. The Company believes this enables us to deliver the seamless, omnichannel experience that our customers want and will transform the way they connect with and experience our brand.

First
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Second Quarter and Six Months 2021 Financial Performance
Global comparable sales increased 7.5%40.5% for the quarter with all segments reflecting positive results as we began to lapand 22.6% for the significant impact of COVID-19 on our global results beginning in March 2020. Guest counts remained negative for all segments.six months.
U.S. comparable sales increased 13.6%.25.9% for the quarter and 19.7% for the six months. Comparable sales results for both periods benefited from strong average check growth with double digit positive comparable sales across all dayparts. The Company's strongdriven by larger order sizes and menu price increases. Strong national menu and marketing offerings, as well as growth in delivery and digital platforms, also contributed to the comparable sales growth.
International Operated Markets segment comparable sales increased 0.6%.75.1% for the quarter and 30.7% for the six months. Results for the quarter and six months reflected strong positive comparable sales in the U.K., Australia and Canada, partly offset byFrance due to significantly negative comparable sales in Francefewer restaurant closures and Germany. Comparable sales in many marketsthe continued to be impacted by varying levelseasing of government imposed COVID-19 restrictions on restaurant operations.restrictions.
International Developmental Licensed Markets segment comparable sales increased 6.4%. Monthly32.3% for the quarter and 18.0% for the six months. Both periods reflected strong comparable sales results improved sequentially throughoutin Japan and China, while the quarter. Thequarter also benefited from strong quarterly comparable sales were primarily driven by China and Japan.in Brazil.
In addition to the comparable sales results, the Company had the following financial results infor the quarter:quarter and six months 2021:
Consolidated revenues increased 9% (5%57% (49% in constant currencies) for the quarter and 30% (25% in constant currencies) for the six months.
Systemwide sales increased 12% (8%48% (42% in constant currencies) for the quarter and 29% (24% in constant currencies) for the six months.
Consolidated operating income increased 35% (30% in constant currencies)$1,730 million for the quarter and $2,318 million for the six months. Results included $135$98 million and $233 million of net strategic gains for the quarter and six months, respectively, primarily related to thesale of McDonald's Japan stock. Excluding these gains, operating income increased 27% (22% in constant currencies).
Diluted earnings per share increased 39% (35% in constant currencies) to $2.05. Excluding $0.13 per share of strategic gains, diluted earnings per share was $1.92$2.95 for the quarter an increase of 31% (27% in constant currencies).

and $5.00 for the six months. Refer to the Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share section on page 21 for additional details.
Management reviews and analyzes business results excluding the effect of foreign currency translation, as well as impairment and other strategic charges and gains, as well as material regulatory and other income tax impacts, and bases incentive compensation plans on these results because the Company believes this better represents underlying business trends.
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The Following Definitions Apply to these Terms as Used Throughout this Form 10-Q:
Constant currency results exclude the effects of foreign currency translation and are calculated by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. Management reviews and analyzes business results excluding the effect of foreign currency translation, as well as impairment and other strategic charges and gains, as well as material regulatory and other income tax impacts, and bases incentive compensation plans on these results because the Company believes this better represents underlying business trends.
Comparable sales are compared to the same period in the prior year and represent sales at all restaurants, whether operated by the Company or by franchisees, in operation at least thirteen months including those temporarily closed. Some of the reasons restaurants may be temporarily closed include reimaging or remodeling, rebuilding, road construction and natural disasters (including restaurants temporarily closed due to COVID-19). Comparable sales exclude the impact of currency translation and the sales of any market considered hyper-inflationary (generally identified as those markets whose cumulative inflation rate over a three-year period exceeds 100%), which management believes more accurately reflects the underlying business trends. Comparable sales are driven by changes in guest counts and average check, the latter of which is affected by changes in pricing and product mix.
Comparable guest counts represent the number of transactions at all restaurants, whether operated by the Company or by franchisees, in operation at least thirteen months including those temporarily closed.
Systemwide sales include sales at all restaurants, whether operated by the Company or by franchisees. While franchised sales are not recorded as revenues by the Company, management believes the information is important in understanding the Company's financial performance because these sales are the basis on which the Company calculates and records franchised revenues and are indicative of the financial health of the franchisee base. The Company's revenues consist of sales by Company-operated restaurants and fees from franchised restaurants operated by conventional franchisees, developmental licensees and affiliates. Changes in Systemwide sales are primarily driven by comparable sales and net restaurant unit expansion.
Free cash flow, defined as cash provided by operations less capital expenditures, and free cash flow conversion rate, defined as free cash flow divided by net income (excluding the effect of impairment and other strategic charges and gains, as well as material regulatory and other income tax impacts), are measures reviewed by management in order to evaluate the Company’s ability to convert net profits into cash resources, after reinvesting in the core business, that can be used to pursue opportunities to enhance shareholder value.

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CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTSCONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTSCONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
Quarter EndedQuarter EndedSix Months Ended
Dollars in millions, except per share dataDollars in millions, except per share dataMarch 31, 2021Dollars in millions, except per share dataJune 30, 2021June 30, 2021
AmountIncrease/
(Decrease)
AmountIncrease/
(Decrease)
AmountIncrease/
(Decrease)
RevenuesRevenuesRevenues
Sales by Company-operated restaurantsSales by Company-operated restaurants$2,161.5 %Sales by Company-operated restaurants$2,488.7 56 %$4,650.2 28 %
Revenues from franchised restaurantsRevenues from franchised restaurants2,877.4 10 Revenues from franchised restaurants3,306.2 58 6,183.6 32 
Other revenuesOther revenues85.7 Other revenues93.0 17 178.7 11 
Total revenuesTotal revenues5,124.6 Total revenues5,887.9 57 11,012.5 30 
Operating costs and expensesOperating costs and expensesOperating costs and expenses
Company-operated restaurant expensesCompany-operated restaurant expenses1,817.6 Company-operated restaurant expenses2,021.0 40 3,838.6 20 
Franchised restaurants-occupancy expensesFranchised restaurants-occupancy expenses571.5 Franchised restaurants-occupancy expenses579.1 10 1,150.6 
Other restaurant expensesOther restaurant expenses67.2 Other restaurant expenses68.3 135.5 
Selling, general & administrative expensesSelling, general & administrative expensesSelling, general & administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization76.0 Depreciation and amortization83.1 17 159.1 10 
OtherOther490.4 (5)Other572.4 (1)1,062.8 (3)
Other operating (income) expense, netOther operating (income) expense, net(179.4)n/mOther operating (income) expense, net(127.1)n/m(306.5)n/m
Total operating costs and expensesTotal operating costs and expenses2,843.3 (6)Total operating costs and expenses3,196.8 14 6,040.1 
Operating incomeOperating income2,281.3 35 Operating income2,691.1 n/m4,972.4 87 
Interest expenseInterest expense300.0 Interest expense296.5 (7)596.5 
Nonoperating (income) expense, netNonoperating (income) expense, net28.6 n/mNonoperating (income) expense, net18.6 n/m47.2 n/m
Income before provision for income taxesIncome before provision for income taxes1,952.7 35 Income before provision for income taxes2,376.0 n/m4,328.7 n/m
Provision for income taxesProvision for income taxes415.5 23 Provision for income taxes156.7 (5)572.2 14 
Net incomeNet income$1,537.2 39 %Net income$2,219.3 n/m$3,756.5 n/m
Earnings per common share-basicEarnings per common share-basic$2.06 38 %Earnings per common share-basic$2.97 n/m$5.03 n/m
Earnings per common share-dilutedEarnings per common share-diluted$2.05 39 %Earnings per common share-diluted$2.95 n/m$5.00 n/m
n/m Not meaningful
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Impact of Foreign Currency Translation
While changes in foreign currency exchange rates affect reported results, McDonald's mitigates exposures, where practical, by purchasing goods and services in local currencies, financing in local currencies and hedging certain foreign-denominated cash flows. Results excluding the effect of foreign currency translation (referred to as constant currency) are calculated by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates.
IMPACT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATIONIMPACT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION   IMPACT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION   
Dollars in millions, except per share dataDollars in millions, except per share data   Dollars in millions, except per share data   
Currency
Translation
Benefit/ (Cost)
Currency
Translation
Benefit/ (Cost)
Quarters Ended March 31,202120202021
Quarters Ended June 30,Quarters Ended June 30,202120202021
RevenuesRevenues$5,124.6 $4,714.4 $154.8 Revenues$5,887.9 $3,761.5 $279.2 
Company-operated marginsCompany-operated margins343.9 273.0 11.8 Company-operated margins467.7 145.3 23.7 
Franchised marginsFranchised margins2,305.9 2,053.8 80.9 Franchised margins2,727.1 1,563.5 128.2 
Selling, general & administrative expensesSelling, general & administrative expenses566.4 589.8 (11.3)Selling, general & administrative expenses655.5 647.0 (15.4)
Operating incomeOperating income2,281.3 1,693.6 82.1 Operating income2,691.1 961.1 134.7 
Net incomeNet income1,537.2 1,106.9 44.1 Net income2,219.3 483.8 99.2 
Earnings per share-dilutedEarnings per share-diluted$2.05 $1.47 $0.06 Earnings per share-diluted$2.95 $0.65 $0.13 
Currency
Translation
Benefit/ (Cost)
Six Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,202120202021
RevenuesRevenues$11,012.5 $8,475.9 $434.0 
Company-operated marginsCompany-operated margins811.6 418.3 35.5 
Franchised marginsFranchised margins5,033.0 3,617.3 209.1 
Selling, general & administrative expensesSelling, general & administrative expenses1,221.9 1,236.8 (26.7)
Operating incomeOperating income4,972.4 2,654.7 216.8 
Net incomeNet income3,756.5 1,590.7 143.3 
Earnings per share-dilutedEarnings per share-diluted$5.00 $2.12 $0.19 
The impact of foreign currency translation on consolidated operating results for the quarter and six months primarily reflected the strengthening of the Euro, British Pound and Australian Dollar.














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Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share
For the quarter, net income increased 39% (35% in constant currencies) to $1,537.2was $2,219.3 million, and diluted earnings per share increased 39% (35% in constant currencies) to $2.05.was $2.95. Foreign currency translation had a positive impact of $0.06$0.13 on diluted earnings per share.
For the six months, net income was $3,756.5 million, and diluted earnings per share was $5.00. Foreign currency translation had a positive impact of $0.19 on diluted earnings per share.
Results for the quarter and six months reflected stronger operating performance in the U.S.across all segments due to higher sales-driven restaurant margins.margins as a result of fewer restaurant closures and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions compared with the prior year.
Results for the quarter included $135 million ofthe following:
Net pre-tax strategic gains of $98 million, or $0.13$0.10 per share, primarily related to the sale of McDonald’sMcDonald's Japan stock which reduced
$364 million, or $0.48 per share, of income tax benefits related to the Company's ownership by an additional 3%.remeasurement of deferred taxes as a result of a change in the U.K. statutory income tax rate
Results for the six months included the following:
Net pre-tax strategic gains of $233 million, or $0.23 per share, primarily related to the sale of McDonald's Japan stock
$364 million, or $0.48 per share, of income tax benefits related to the remeasurement of deferred taxes as a result of a change in the U.K. statutory income tax rate

EARNINGS PER SHARE-DILUTED RECONCILIATION
Quarters Ended March 31,Quarters Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
GAAP earnings per share-dilutedGAAP earnings per share-diluted$2.05 $1.47 39 %35 %GAAP earnings per share-diluted$2.95 $0.65 n/m%n/m%$5.00 $2.12 n/m%n/m%
Strategic gains(0.13)— 
Strategic (gains) chargesStrategic (gains) charges(0.10)0.01 (0.23)0.01 
Income tax benefitsIncome tax benefits(0.48)— (0.48)— 
Non-GAAP earnings per share-dilutedNon-GAAP earnings per share-diluted$1.92 $1.47 31 %27 %Non-GAAP earnings per share-diluted$2.37 $0.66 n/m%n/m%$4.29 $2.13 n/m%n/m%
n/m Not meaningful
Excluding the strategic gains for the quarterand income tax benefits, net income increased 30% (26% in constant currencies)was $1,784.8 million and diluted earnings per share increased 31% (27% in constant currencies).
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding were relatively flat with the prior year. In early March 2020, the Company suspended its share repurchase program. The share repurchase activity in the current quarter relates to shares withheldwas $2.37 for taxes under the Company's equity compensation program. For the quarter, these shares withheldand net income was $3,223.1 million and diluted earnings per share was $4.29 for tax purposes totaled 0.1 million shares of stock for $21.5 million.the six months.
In the firstsecond quarter, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $1.29 per share, or $962.3 million.$963.3 million, bringing total dividends paid for the six months to $1.9 billion.

RESTAURANT UPDATE
The Company has continued to follow the guidance of expert health authorities to ensure the appropriate precautionary steps are taken to protect the health and safety of our people and our customers.
As a result of COVID-19 resurgences, throughout the quarter there have been numerous instances of government restrictions on restaurant operating hours, limited dine-in capacity and, in some cases, mandated dining room closures particularly in the International Operated Markets. These restrictions are impacting most of the Company's markets across Europe, particularly those with fewer drive thru restaurant locations. The Company expects some restrictions in various markets so long as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
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Revenues
The Company's revenues consist of sales by Company-operated restaurants and fees from restaurants operated by franchisees, developmental licensees and affiliates. Revenues from conventional franchised restaurants include rent and royalties based on a percent of sales with minimum rent payments, and initial fees. Revenues from restaurants licensed to developmental licensees and affiliates include a royalty based on a percent of sales, and generally include initial fees. The Company’s Other revenues are comprised of fees paid by franchisees to recover a portion of costs incurred by the Company for various technology platforms, revenues from brand licensing arrangements to market and sell consumer packaged goods using the McDonald’s brand, and third partythird-party revenues for the Dynamic Yield business.
Franchised restaurants represented 93% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide at March 31,June 30, 2021. The Company's heavily franchised business model is designed to generate stable and predictable revenue, which is largely a function of franchisee sales, and resulting cash flow streams. As most revenues are based on a percent
COVID-19 resurgences throughout the quarter and six months have resulted in instances of sales, the Company expects that government restrictions as a result of COVID-19 may continue to have a negative impact on revenuerestaurant operating hours, limited dine-in capacity and, in the near term.
some cases, dining room closures. The Company granted the deferral of cash collection for certain rent and royalties earned from franchisees in substantially all markets in the first quarter of 2020. While the Company deferred cash collection, revenuehas continued to be recognizedfollow the guidance of expert health authorities to apply the appropriate precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of our people and our customers and expects some operating restrictions in various markets so long as sales were incurred. The extentthe COVID-19 pandemic continues.
21

Table of the deferrals in 2020 differed in length by market and nearly 95% of the deferrals were collected by March 31, 2021.Contents
REVENUESREVENUES  REVENUES  
Dollars in millionsDollars in millions  Dollars in millions  
Quarters Ended March 31,20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
Quarters Ended June 30,Quarters Ended June 30,20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
Company-operated salesCompany-operated sales    Company-operated sales    
U.S.U.S.$618.3 $579.2 %%U.S.$668.2 $551.8 21 %21 %
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets1,379.7 1,305.3 International Operated Markets1,635.3 882.8 85 73 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & CorporateInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate163.5 141.3 16 International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate185.2 159.1 16 
TotalTotal$2,161.5 $2,025.8 %%Total$2,488.7 $1,593.7 56 %49 %
Franchised revenuesFranchised revenues   Franchised revenues   
U.S.U.S.$1,420.5 $1,250.7 14 %14 %U.S.$1,567.7 $1,165.2 35 %35 %
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets1,144.4 1,074.0 (3)International Operated Markets1,410.5 706.5 100 79 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & CorporateInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate312.5 283.3 10 International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate328.0 216.3 52 46 
TotalTotal$2,877.4 $2,608.0 10 %%Total$3,306.2 $2,088.0 58 %51 %
Total Company-operated sales and Franchised revenuesTotal Company-operated sales and Franchised revenues   Total Company-operated sales and Franchised revenues   
U.S.U.S.$2,038.8 $1,829.9 11 %11 %U.S.$2,235.9 $1,717.0 30 %30 %
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets2,524.1 2,379.3 International Operated Markets3,045.8 1,589.3 92 76 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & CorporateInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate476.0 424.6 12 International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate513.2 375.4 37 29 
TotalTotal$5,038.9 $4,633.8 %%Total$5,794.9 $3,681.7 57 %50 %
Total Other revenuesTotal Other revenues$85.7 $80.6 %%Total Other revenues$93.0 $79.8 17 %12 %
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$5,124.6 $4,714.4 %%Total Revenues$5,887.9 $3,761.5 57 %49 %
Six Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
Company-operated salesCompany-operated sales    
U.S.U.S.$1,286.5 $1,131.0 14 %14 %
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets3,015.0 2,188.1 38 31 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & CorporateInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate348.7 300.4 16 
TotalTotal$4,650.2 $3,619.5 28 %24 %
Franchised revenuesFranchised revenues   
U.S.U.S.$2,988.2 $2,415.9 24 %24 %
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets2,554.9 1,780.5 43 30 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & CorporateInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate640.5 499.6 28 25 
TotalTotal$6,183.6 $4,696.0 32 %26 %
Total Company-operated sales and Franchised revenuesTotal Company-operated sales and Franchised revenues   
U.S.U.S.$4,274.7 $3,546.9 21 %21 %
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets5,569.9 3,968.6 40 31 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & CorporateInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate989.2 800.0 24 18 
TotalTotal$10,833.8 $8,315.5 30 %25 %
Total Other revenuesTotal Other revenues$178.7 $160.4 11 %%
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$11,012.5 $8,475.9 30 %25 %
Total Company-operated sales and franchised revenues increased 9% (5%57% (50% in constant currencies) for the quarter. The increasequarter and 30% (25% in constant currencies) for the six months. Both periods reflected strong sales performance in the International Operated Markets segment driven by the U.K., France and Russia, as well as in the U.S. and, as government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions were gradually lifted. Both periods also reflected strong sales performance in the International Developmental Licensed Markets segment driven by China.
Revenues in the International Operated Markets segment were flat with the prior year in constant currencies. Performance was mixed, with revenue growth impacted by varying levels of government imposed COVID-19 restrictions on restaurant operations. Results reflected an increase in revenues in the U.K. and Australia, partly offset by decreases in France and Germany. In addition, revenues were positively impacted by results in Russia, reflecting both strong comparable sales and unit expansion.

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Comparable Sales
The following table presents the percent change in comparable sales for the quarters and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2021 and 2020:
Increase/(Decrease)Increase/(Decrease)
Quarters Ended March 31,Quarters Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
202120202021202020212020
U.S.U.S.13.6 %0.1 %U.S.25.9 %(8.7)%19.7 %(4.5)%
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets0.6 (6.9)International Operated Markets75.1 (41.4)30.7 (24.8)
International Developmental Licensed Markets & CorporateInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate6.4 (4.3)International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate32.3 (24.2)18.0 (14.4)
TotalTotal7.5 %(3.4)%Total40.5 %(23.9)%22.6 %(14.0)%

Systemwide Sales and Franchised Sales
The following table presents the percent change in Systemwide sales for the quarterquarters and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2021:
SYSTEMWIDE SALES*SYSTEMWIDE SALES*SYSTEMWIDE SALES*
Quarter Ended March 31, 2021Quarter Ended June 30, 2021Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
U.S.U.S.13 %13 %U.S.25 %25 %19 %19 %
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets10 International Operated Markets97 78 45 33 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & CorporateInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate11 International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate42 37 25 21 
TotalTotal12 %%Total48 %42 %29 %24 %
*    Unlike comparable sales, the Company has not excluded sales from hyper-inflationary market resultsmarkets from Systemwide sales as these sales are the basis on which the Company calculates and records revenues.































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Franchised sales are not recorded as revenues by the Company, but are the basis on which the Company calculates and records franchised revenues and are indicative of the financial health of the franchisee base. The following table presents Franchised sales and the related increases/(decreases):
FRANCHISED SALES
Dollars in millions
Quarters Ended March 31,20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
U.S.$10,089.8 $8,873.7 14 %14 %
International Operated Markets6,880.6 6,192.7 11 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate6,048.0 5,447.0 11 
Total$23,018.4 $20,513.4 12 %%
Ownership type
Conventional franchised$16,907.6 $14,986.4 13 %%
Developmental licensed3,280.2 3,228.0 
Foreign affiliated2,830.6 2,299.0 23 18 
Total$23,018.4 $20,513.4 12 %%

FRANCHISED SALES
Dollars in millions
Quarters Ended June 30,20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
U.S.$11,174.9 $8,889.9 26 %26 %
International Operated Markets8,351.0 4,184.9 100 79 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate6,266.2 4,381.7 43 38 
Total$25,792.1 $17,456.5 48 %42 %
Ownership type
Conventional franchised$19,428.6 $13,051.1 49 %42 %
Developmental licensed3,565.2 2,056.9 73 66 
Foreign affiliated2,798.3 2,348.5 19 16 
Total$25,792.1 $17,456.5 48 %42 %
Six Months Ended June 30,20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
U.S.$21,264.7 $17,763.6 20 %20 %
International Operated Markets15,231.6 10,377.6 47 33 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate12,314.2 9,828.7 25 22 
Total$48,810.5 $37,969.9 29 %24 %
Ownership type
Conventional franchised$36,336.2 $28,037.5 30 %24 %
Developmental licensed6,845.4 5,284.9 30 27 
Foreign affiliated5,628.9 4,647.5 21 17 
Total$48,810.5 $37,969.9 29 %24 %
20
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Restaurant Margins
RESTAURANT MARGINS
Dollars in millions
AmountInc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
Quarters Ended March 31,20212020
Franchised  
U.S.$1,131.1 $961.3 18 %18 %
International Operated Markets868.6 815.3 (3)
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate306.2 277.2 10 
Total$2,305.9 $2,053.8 12 %%
Company-operated   
U.S.$125.1 $80.5 56 %56 %
International Operated Markets218.0 197.7 10 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporaten/mn/mn/mn/m
Total$343.9 $273.0 26 %22 %
Total restaurant margins
U.S.$1,256.2 $1,041.8 21 %21 %
International Operated Markets1,086.6 1,013.0 (1)
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporaten/mn/mn/mn/m
Total$2,649.8 $2,326.8 14 %10 %
Franchised restaurant margins are measured as revenues from franchised restaurants less franchised restaurant occupancy costs. Franchised revenues include rent and royalties based on a percent of sales, and initial fees. Franchised restaurant occupancy costs include lease expense and depreciation, as the Company generally owns or secures a long-term lease on the land and building for the restaurant location.
Company-operated restaurant margins are measured as sales from Company-operated restaurants less costs for food & paper,
payroll & employee benefits and occupancy & other operating expenses necessary to run an individual restaurant. Company-operated
margins exclude costs that are not allocated to individual restaurants, primarily payroll & employee benefit costs of non-restaurant support staff, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

RESTAURANT MARGINS
Dollars in millions
AmountInc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
Quarters Ended June 30,20212020
Franchised  
U.S.$1,275.8 $882.7 45 %45 %
International Operated Markets1,129.5 470.5 n/mn/m
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate321.8 210.3 53 47 
Total$2,727.1 $1,563.5 74 %66 %
Company-operated   
U.S.$148.1 $83.3 78 %78 %
International Operated Markets312.1 57.1 n/mn/m
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporaten/mn/mn/mn/m
Total$467.7 $145.3 n/mn/m
Total restaurant margins
U.S.$1,423.9 $966.0 47 %47 %
International Operated Markets1,441.6 527.6 n/mn/m
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporaten/mn/mn/mn/m
Total$3,194.8 $1,708.8 87 %78 %
AmountInc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
Six Months Ended June 30,20212020
Franchised
U.S.$2,406.9 $1,844.0 31 %31 %
International Operated Markets1,998.1 1,285.8 55 40 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate628.0 487.5 29 25 
Total$5,033.0 $3,617.3 39 %33 %
Company-operated    
U.S.$273.2 $163.8 67 %67 %
International Operated Markets530.1 254.8 n/m94 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporaten/mn/mn/mn/m
Total$811.6 $418.3 94 %86 %
Total restaurant margins
U.S.$2,680.1 $2,007.8 33 %33 %
International Operated Markets2,528.2 1,540.6 64 49 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporaten/mn/mn/mn/m
Total$5,844.6 $4,035.6 45 %39 %
n/m Not meaningful
Total restaurant margins increased $323.0$1,486.0 million or 14% (10%87% (78% in constant currencies) for the quarter. The increase reflectedquarter and $1,809.0 million or 45% (39% in constant currencies) for the six months, primarily due to strong sales performance in the U.S., partly offset by sales declines primarily in France and Germany in the International Operated Markets segment as a result of government imposed COVID-19 restrictions.
The increase in U.S. franchised margins was partly offset by higher depreciation costs related to investments in restaurant modernization.
Due to the nature of our operating model, franchised margin expenses (primarily comprised of lease expense and depreciation expense) are mainly fixed, whereas Company-operated restaurant expenses have more variable cost components. Total restaurant margins included $376.6 million of depreciation and amortization expense for the quarter.
across all segments. Franchised margins represented over 85% of restaurant margin dollars for the quarter.quarter and six months.
U.S. franchised margins for both periods reflected higher depreciation costs related to investments in restaurant modernization and the comparison to prior year support provided for marketing to accelerate recovery and drive growth.
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Total restaurant margins included $379.0 million and $755.6 million of depreciation and amortization expense for the quarter and six months, respectively.

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $23.4increased $8.5 million or 4% (6%1% (decreased 1% in constant currencies) for the quarter. The decreasequarter and decreased $14.9 million or 1%(3% in constant currencies) for the six months. Both periods reflected thea benefit from comparisonsthe comparison to incremental marketing contributions in the prior year, partly offset by higher incentive-based compensation and higher costs related to the cancellation of the 2020 Worldwide Owner/Operator Convention and contractual obligations as a result of a reduction in scope of certainfor investments in restaurant technology and research & development.technology.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of Systemwide sales was 2.2%2.3% and 2.6%3.0% for the quarterssix months ended 2021 and 2020, respectively.








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Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net
OTHER OPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE, NETOTHER OPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE, NETOTHER OPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
Dollars in millionsDollars in millionsDollars in millions
Quarters EndedQuarters EndedSix Months Ended
March 31,June 30,June 30,
202120202021202020212020
Gains on sales of restaurant businessesGains on sales of restaurant businesses$(17.6)$(2.5)Gains on sales of restaurant businesses$(27.1)$(0.3)$(44.7)$(2.8)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliatesEquity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(35.1)(14.7)Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(42.8)(4.5)(77.9)(19.2)
Asset dispositions and other (income) expense, netAsset dispositions and other (income) expense, net8.5 74.4 Asset dispositions and other (income) expense, net40.6 110.0 49.1 184.4 
Impairment and other charges, net(135.2)1.3 
Impairment and other charges (gains), netImpairment and other charges (gains), net(97.8)12.0 (233.0)13.3 
TotalTotal$(179.4)$58.5 Total$(127.1)$117.2 $(306.5)$175.7 
Gains on sales of restaurant businesses increased for the quarter primarilyand six months due to a higher number of restaurant sales, mostlyprimarily in the U.S. and Australia.
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates increased for the quarter primarilyand six months due to improved performancerecovery from the impact of COVID-19 in China.the prior year.
Asset dispositions and other expense, net decreased for the quarter primarily due to higherand six months. Prior year results reflected increased reserves for bad debts in the prior year related to rentCOVID-19 of $45 million for the quarter and royalty deferrals.$92 million for the six months. Prior year results for both periods also reflected $31 million of payments to distribution centers for obsolete inventory to support franchisee liquidity.
Impairment and other charges (gains), net for the quarter and six months 2021 reflected $128.6$98 million ofand $233 million, respectively, primarily due to strategic gains related to the sale of McDonald’s Japan stock, which reduced the Company's total ownership by an additional 3%. for the quarter and 6% for the six months. As of March 31,June 30, 2021, the Company owned approximately 41%38% of McDonald's Japan.
Results for the first quarter and six months 2020 reflected the write-off of impaired software thatof $12 million and $26 million, respectively. The six months 2020 was no longer being used of $14.4 million, mostlypartly offset by $13.0$13 million of income primarily comprised of a reversal of a reserve associated with the Company's sale of its business in the India Delhi market.


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Operating Income
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME & OPERATING MARGINOPERATING INCOME & OPERATING MARGIN
Dollars in millionsDollars in millionsDollars in millions
Quarters Ended March 31,20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
Quarters Ended June 30,Quarters Ended June 30,20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
U.S.U.S.$1,125.5 $892.4 26 %26 %U.S.$1,267.5 $735.2 72 %72 %
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets953.8 879.1 (1)International Operated Markets1,272.0 234.8 n/mn/m
International Developmental Licensed Markets & CorporateInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate202.0 (77.9)n/mn/mInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate151.6 (8.9)n/mn/m
TotalTotal$2,281.3 $1,693.6 35 %30 %Total$2,691.1 $961.1 n/mn/m
Six Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,20212020Inc/ (Dec)Inc/ (Dec)
Excluding
Currency
Translation
U.S.U.S.$2,393.0 $1,627.6 47 %47 %
International Operated MarketsInternational Operated Markets2,225.8 1,113.9 10081 
International Developmental Licensed Markets & CorporateInternational Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate353.6 (86.8)n/mn/m
TotalTotal$4,972.4 $2,654.7 87 %79 %
Operating marginOperating margin44.5 %35.9 %Operating margin45.2 %31.3 %
Non-GAAP operating Margin41.9 %n/a
Non-GAAP operating marginNon-GAAP operating margin43.0 %31.5 %
n/m Not meaningful
n/a Not applicable
Operating Income: Operating income increased $587.7to $2,691.1 million or 35% (30% in constant currencies) for the quarter.quarter and $4,972.4 million for the six months. Results included $135$98 million and $233 million for the quarter and six months, respectively, of net strategic gains primarily related to the sale of McDonald's Japan stock. Excluding the strategic gains, operating income increased 27% (22% in constant currencies).
U.S.: The operating income increase for the quarter and six months was driven by strong sales performance.performance and higher gains on sales of restaurant businesses in the current year.
International Operated Markets: The operating income decreaseincrease for the quarter and six months was driven by strong sales performance, primarily in constant currencies was primarily due to sales declines in France and Germany, partly offset by increases in Australia, the U.K. and Canada.France.
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate: Excluding the strategic gains, results for the quarter and six months reflected strong sales performance driven by Japan and China and the benefit from comparisons to prior year G&A costs and reserves for bad debts.debts, partly offset by higher Corporate general and administrative expenses due to increased incentive-based compensation in the current year.
Operating Margin: Operating margin is defined as operating income as a percent of total revenues. The contributions to operating margin differ by segment due to each segment's ownership structure, primarily due to the relative percentage of franchised versus Company-operated restaurants. Additionally, temporary restaurant closures, which vary by segment, also impact the contribution of each segment to the consolidated operating margin.
Excluding the strategic gains, the increase in operating margin percent for the quarter and six months was driven by stronger sales performance and higher other operating income and lower G&A costs.income.








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Interest Expense
Interest expense increaseddecreased 7% (5%(9% in constant currencies) for the quarter and was flat (decreased 2% in constant currencies) for the six months, primarily due to higherlower average interest rates anddebt balances partly offset by the impact of foreign currency translation.translation and higher average interest rates.

Nonoperating (Income) Expense, Net
NONOPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE, NETNONOPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE, NETNONOPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
Dollars in millionsDollars in millionsDollars in millions
Quarters EndedQuarters EndedSix Months Ended
March 31,June 30,June 30,
202120202021202020212020
Interest incomeInterest income$(1.8)$(5.4)Interest income$(2.4)$(5.0)$(4.2)$(10.4)
Foreign currency and hedging activityForeign currency and hedging activity20.3 (17.8)Foreign currency and hedging activity19.1 (0.6)39.4 (18.4)
Other expense, netOther expense, net10.1 (8.1)Other expense, net1.9 (1.1)12.0 (9.2)
TotalTotal$28.6 $(31.3)Total$18.6 $(6.7)$47.2 $(38.0)



Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 21.3%6.6% and 23.4%25.4% for the quarters ended 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 13.2% and 24.0% for the six months ended 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Excluding a benefit of $364 million related to the remeasurement of deferred taxes as a result of a change in the U.K. statutory income tax rate and the tax impact of the strategic gains, the non-GAAP effective income tax rate was 21.7% for the quarter and 21.3% for the six months.


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Cash Flows
The Company has a long history of generating significant cash from operations and has substantial credit capacity to fund operating and discretionary spending such as capital expenditures, debt repayments, dividends and share repurchases.
Cash provided by operations totaled $2.1$3.9 billion and exceeded capital expenditures by $1.8$3.0 billion for the first quartersix months 2021. Cash provided by operations increased $578.0 million$2.5 billion compared with the first quartersix months 2020, primarily due to improved operating results and changes in working capital, and improved operating results, partly offset by higher income tax payments.
The Company granted the deferral of cash collections for certain rent and royalties earned from franchisees in substantially all markets in the first quarter of 2020. While the Company deferred cash collections, revenue continued to be recognized as sales were incurred. The extent of the deferrals in 2020 differed in length by market and nearly 95% of the deferrals were collected by March 31, 2021.
Cash used for investing activities totaled $244.6$658.1 million for the first quartersix months 2021, a decrease of $273.8$256.9 million compared with the first quartersix months 2020. The decrease was primarily due to lower capital expenditures and current year proceeds received from the sale of McDonald's Japan stock.
Cash used for financing activities totaled $2.3$3.6 billion for the first quartersix months 2021, which included $1.3$1.7 billion in debt repayments. Cash provided by financing activities totaled $3.5$2.0 billion for the first quartersix months 2020 due to long-term debt issuances of $5.5 billion, which were used to bolster our cash position in anticipation of the adverse macroeconomic and business conditions associated with COVID-19.
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Outlook for 2021
Based on current conditions, the following information is provided to assist in forecasting the Company's future results for 2021.
The Company expects 2021 Systemwide sales growth, in constant currencies, in the mid-teens,mid-to-high teens, and expects net restaurant unit expansion to contribute about 1% to 2021 Systemwide sales growth.
The Company expects operating margin percent to be in the low-to-mid 40% range.
The Company expects full year 2021 selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately 2.4% of Systemwide sales. This is revised from our previously provided guidance due to higher incentive-based compensation expense.
Based on current interest and foreign currency exchange rates, the Company expects interest expense for the full year 2021 interest expense to decrease about 1% to 3% due primarily to lower average debt balances as the Company expects to pay downreduce current debt levels to return to pre-COVID-19 leverage ratios.
The Company expects the effective income tax rate for the full yearsecond half of 2021 to be in the 21% to 23% range. Some volatility may result in a quarterly tax rate outside of the annualthis range.
The Company expects 2021 capital expenditures to be approximately $2.3 billion, about half of which will be directed towards new unit expansion across the U.S. and International Operated Markets.
In 2021, about $1.1 billion will be dedicated to our U.S. business, about $500$550 million of which will be allocated to over 1,200about 1,300 restaurant modernization projects. Globally, the Company expects to open over 1,300 restaurants. We will open nearly 500over 450 restaurants in the U.S. and International Operated Markets segments, and our developmental licensee and affiliates will contribute capital towards over 800850 restaurant openings in their respective markets. Additionally, the U.S. expects to close roughly 325 restaurants in 2021;2021, a majority of which are lower sales volume McDonald's in Walmart locations. The Company expects about 650 net restaurant additions in 2021.
The Company expects to achieve a free cash flow conversion rate greater than 90%.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent accounting pronouncements are discussed in Part I, Item 1, page 89 of this Form 10-Q.
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Risk Factors and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this report includes forward-looking statements about future events and circumstances and their effects upon revenues, expenses and business opportunities. Generally speaking, any statement in this report not based upon historical fact is a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by the use of forward-looking or conditional words, such as “could,” “should,” “can,” “continue,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “intend,” “look,” “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “remain,” “confident” and “commit” or similar expressions. In particular, statements regarding our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations regarding our business and industry are forward-looking statements. They reflect our expectations, are not guarantees of performance and speak only as of the date the statement is made. Except as required by law, we do not undertake to update such forward-looking statements. Our business results are subject to a variety of risks, including those that are reflected in the following considerations and risks, as well as elsewhere in our filings with the SEC. The considerations and risks that follow are organized within relevant headings but may be relevant to other headings as well. If any of these considerations or risks materialize, our expectations (or the underlying assumptions) may change and our performance may be adversely affected. You should not rely unduly on forward-looking statements.
GLOBAL PANDEMIC
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected and is expected to continue to adversely affect our financial results, condition and outlook.
Health epidemics or pandemics can adversely affect consumer spending and confidence levels and supply availability and costs, as well as the local operations in impacted markets, all of which can affect our financial results, condition and outlook. Importantly, the global pandemic resulting from COVID-19 has disrupted global health, economic and market conditions, consumer behavior and McDonald’s global restaurant operations since early 2020. Local and national governmental mandates or recommendations and public perceptions of the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have caused, and we expect will continue to cause, consumer behavior to change and worsening or volatile economic conditions in certain markets, each of which could continue to adversely affect our business. In addition, our global operations have been disrupted to varying degrees in different markets and may continue to be disrupted to varying degrees given the unpredictability of the virus, its resurgences and variants and government responses thereto as well as potentially permanent changes to the industry in which we operate. While we cannot predict the duration or scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resurgence of infections or the emergence of new variants in one or more markets, the availability or the impactacceptance of vaccines or vaccination rates across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted our business and is expected to continue to impact our financial results, condition and outlook in a way that may be material.
The COVID-19 pandemic may also heighten other risks disclosed in these Risk Factors, such as, but not limited to, those related to consumer behavior, consumer perceptions of our brand, competition, supply chain interruptions, commodity costs and labor availability and cost.
STRATEGY AND BRAND
If we do not successfully evolve and execute against our business strategies, including the Accelerating the Arches strategy, we may not be able to drive business growth.
To drive Systemwide sales, operating income and free cash flow growth, our business strategies must be effective in maintaining and strengthening customer appeal and capturing additional market share. Whether these strategies are successful depends mainly on our System’s ability to:
Capitalize on our global scale, iconic brand and local market presence to build upon our historic strengths and competitive advantages, such as our marketing, core menu items and digital, delivery and drive thru;
Continue to innovate and differentiate the McDonald's experience, including by preparing and serving our food in a way that balances value and convenience to our customers with profitability;
Accelerate digital innovationtechnology investments for a fast and easy customer experience;
Continue to run great restaurants by driving efficiencies and expanding capacities while continuing to prioritize health and safety;
Identify and develop restaurant sites consistent with our plans for net growth of Systemwide restaurants;
Accelerate our existing strategies, including through growth opportunities and potential acquisitions, investments and partnerships; and
Evolve and adjust our business strategies in response to, among other things, changing consumer behavior, operational restrictions and impacts to our results of operations and liquidity, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If we are delayed or unsuccessful in executing our strategies, or if our strategies do not yield the desired results, our business, financial condition and results of operations may suffer.
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Failure to preserve the value and relevance of our brand could have an adverse impact on our financial results.
To be successful in the future, we believe we must preserve, enhance and leverage the value of our brand, including our corporate purpose, mission and values. Brand value is based in part on consumer perceptions. Those perceptions are affected by a variety of factors, including the nutritional content and preparation of our food, the ingredients we use, the manner in which we source commodities, and general business practices across the System, including the people practices at McDonald's restaurants. Consumer acceptance of our offerings is subject to change for a variety of reasons, and some changes can occur rapidly. For example, nutritional, health, environmental
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and other scientific studies and conclusions, which constantly evolve and may have contradictory implications, drive popular opinion, litigation and regulation (including initiatives intended to drive consumer behavior) in ways that affect the “informal eating out” (“IEO”) segment or perceptions of our brand, generally or relative to available alternatives. Consumer perceptions may also be affected by adverse commentary from third parties, including through social media or conventional media outlets, regarding the quick-service category of the IEO segment, our brand, our culture, our operations, our suppliers, or our franchisees. If we are unsuccessful in addressing adverse commentary or perceptions, whether or not accurate, our brand and our financial results may suffer.
Additionally, the ongoing relevance of our brand may depend on the success of our sustainability initiatives, which require Systemwide coordination and alignment. We are working to manage risks and costs to us, our franchisees and our supply chain of any effects of climate change, greenhouse gases, and diminishing energy and water resources. These risks include any 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 any increased pressure to make commitments, set targets or establish additional goals and take actions to meet them, which could expose us to market, operational and execution costs or risks.
Our brand trust also depends on how we address social risks, including through our increased focus on human capital initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). We expect our DEI strategy to represent a step change in how we view equitable opportunity across our System. Additionally, we have announced Global Brand Standards that will apply to McDonald’s operations worldwide, including both Company-owned and franchised restaurants.
If we are not effective in addressing social and environmental responsibility matters or achieving relevant social or sustainability goals, our brand trust may suffer. In particular, business incidents or practices, whether actual or perceived, that erode consumer trust or confidence, particularly if such incidents or practices receive considerable publicity or result in litigation, can significantly reduce brand value and have a negative impact on our financial results.
If we do not anticipate and address evolving consumer preferences and effectively execute our pricing, promotional and marketing plans, our business could suffer.
Our continued success depends on our System’s ability to build upon our historic strengths and competitive advantages. In order to do so, we need to anticipate and respond effectively to continuously shifting consumer demographics and trends in food sourcing, food preparation, food offerings and consumer preferences and behaviors in the IEO segment. If we are not able to predict, or quickly and effectively respond to, these changes, or our competitors predict or respond more effectively, our financial results could be adversely impacted.
Our ability to build upon our strengths and advantages also depends on the impact of pricing, promotional and marketing plans across the System, and the ability to adjust these plans to respond quickly and effectively to evolving customer preferences, as well as shifting economic and competitive conditions. Existing or future pricing strategies and marketing plans, as well as the value proposition they represent, are expected to continue to be important components of our business strategy; however, they may not be successful, or may not be as successful as the efforts of our competitors, and could negatively impact sales, guest counts and market share.
Additionally, we operate in a complex and costly advertising environment. Our marketing and advertising programs may not be successful in reaching our customers in the way we intend. Our success depends in part on whether the allocation of our advertising and marketing resources across different channels, including digital marketing, allows us to reach our customers effectively and efficiently, and in ways that are meaningful to them. If the advertising and marketing programs are not successful, or are not as successful as those of our competitors, our sales, guest counts and market share could decrease.
Our investments to enhance the customer experience, including through technology, may not generate the expected returns.results.
Our long-term business objectives depend on the successful Systemwide execution of our strategies. We continue to build upon our investments in technology and modernization, digital engagement and delivery, in order to transform the customer experience. As part of these investments, we are placing renewed emphasis on improving our service model and strengthening relationships with customers, in part through digital channels and loyalty initiatives, mobile ordering and payment systems, and enhancing our drive thru technologies, which may not generate expected returns.results. We also continue to offer and refine our delivery initiatives, including through growing awareness and trial. Utilizing a third-party delivery service may not have the same level of profitability as a non-delivery transaction, and may introduce additional food quality and customer satisfaction risks. If these customer experience initiatives are not well executed, or if we do not fully realize the intended benefits of these significant investments, our business results may suffer.
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We face intense competition in our markets, which could hurt our business.
We compete primarily in the IEO segment, which is highly competitive. We also face sustained, intense competition from traditional, fast casual and other competitors, which may include many non-traditional market participants such as convenience stores, grocery stores and coffee shops as well as online retailers. We expect our environment to continue to be highly competitive, and our results in any particular reporting period may be impacted by a contracting IEO segment or by new or continuing actions, product offerings or consolidation of our competitors and third partythird-party partners, which may have a short- or long-term impact on our results.
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We compete on the basis of product choice, quality, affordability, service and location. In particular, we believe our ability to compete successfully in the current market environment depends on our ability to improve existing products, successfully develop and introduce new products, price our products appropriately, deliver a relevant customer experience, manage the complexity of our restaurant operations, manage our investments in technology and modernization, and respond effectively to our competitors’ actions or offerings or to unforeseen disruptive actions. There can be no assurance these strategies will be effective, and some strategies may be effective at improving some metrics while adversely affecting other metrics, which could have the overall effect of harming our business.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property or adequately ensure that we are not infringing the intellectual property of others, which could harm the value of the McDonald’s brand and our business.
The success of our business depends on our continued ability to use our existing trademarks and service marks in order to increase brand awareness and further develop our branded products in both domestic and international markets. We rely on a combination of trademarks, copyrights, service marks, trade secrets, patents and other intellectual property rights to protect our brand and branded products.
We have registered certain trademarks and have other trademark registrations pending in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions. The trademarks that we currently use have not been registered in all of the countries outside of the U.S. in which we do business or may do business in the future and may never be registered in all of these countries. It may be costly and time consuming to protect our intellectual property, and the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property in the U.S. and foreign countries may not be adequate. In addition, the steps we have taken may not adequately ensure that we do not infringe the intellectual property of others, and third parties may claim infringement by us in the future. In particular, we may be involved in intellectual property claims, including often aggressive or opportunistic attempts to enforce patents used in information technology systems, which might affect our operations and results. Any claim of infringement, whether or not it has merit, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation and harm our business.
We cannot ensure that franchisees and other third parties who hold licenses to our intellectual property will not take actions that hurt the value of our intellectual property.
OPERATIONS
The global scope of our business subjects us to risks that could negatively affect our business.
We encounter differing cultural, regulatory, geopolitical and economic environments within and among the more than 100 countries where McDonald’s restaurants operate, and our ability to achieve our business objectives depends on the System's success in these environments. Meeting customer expectations is complicated by the risks inherent in our global operating environment, and our global success is partially dependent on our System’s ability to leverage operating successes across markets and brand perceptions. Planned initiatives may not have appeal across multiple markets with McDonald's customers and could drive unanticipated changes in customer perceptions and guest counts.
Disruptions in operations or price volatility in a market can also result from governmental actions, such as price, foreign exchange or changes in trade-related tariffs or controls, sanctions and counter sanctions, government-mandated closure of our, our franchisees’ or our suppliers’ operations, and asset seizures. Trade policies, tariffs and other regulations affecting trade between the U.S. and other countries could adversely affect our business and operations. These and other government actions may impact our results and could cause reputational or other harm. Our international success depends in part on the effectiveness of our strategies and brand-building initiatives to reduce our exposure to such governmental actions.
Additionally, challenges and uncertainties are associated with operating in developing markets, which may entail a relatively higher risk of political instability, economic volatility, crime, corruption and social and ethnic unrest. Such challenges may be exacerbated in many cases by a lack of an independent and experienced judiciary and uncertainties in how local law is applied and enforced, including in areas most relevant to commercial transactions and foreign investment. An inability to manage effectively the risks associated with our international operations could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
We may also face challenges and uncertainties in developed markets. For example, as a result of the U.K.’s exit from the European Union it is possible that there will behas caused increased regulatory complexities and uncertainty in European oreconomic conditions, and it is possible that it may also cause uncertainty in worldwide economic conditions. The decision created volatility in certain foreign currency exchange rates that may or may not continue, and may result in increased supply chain costs for items that are imported from other countries. Any of these effects, and others we cannot anticipate, could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
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Supply chain interruptions may increase costs or reduce revenues.
We depend on the effectiveness of our supply chain management to assure reliable and sufficient supply of quality products on favorable terms. Although many of the products we sell are sourced from a wide variety of suppliers in countries around the world, certain products have limited suppliers, which may increase our reliance on those suppliers. Supply chain interruptions, including as a result of shortages and transportation issues or unexpected increases in demand, and price increases can adversely affect us as well as our suppliers and franchisees, whose performance may have a significant impact on our results. Such shortages or disruptions could be caused by factors beyond the control of our suppliers, franchisees or us. If we experience interruptions in our System’s supply chain, or if contingency planning is not effective, our costs could increase and it could limit the availability of products critical to our System’s operations.
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Our franchise business model presents a number of risks.
The Company's success as a heavily franchised business relies to a large degree on the financial success and cooperation of our franchisees, including our developmental licensees and affiliates. Our restaurant margins arise from two sources: fees from franchised restaurants (e.g., rent and royalties based on a percentage of sales) and, to a lesser degree, sales from Company-operated restaurants. Our franchisees and developmental licensees manage their businesses independently, and therefore are responsible for the day-to-day operation of their restaurants. The revenues we realize from franchised restaurants are largely dependent on the ability of our franchisees to grow their sales. Business risks affecting our operations also affect our franchisees. In particular, our franchisees have also been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the volatility associated with the pandemic. If franchisee sales trends worsen or volatility persists, our financial results will continue to be negatively affected, which may be material.
Our success also relies on the willingness and ability of our independent franchisees and affiliates to implement major initiatives, which may include financial investment, and to remain aligned with us on operating, value/promotional and capital-intensive reinvestment plans. The ability of franchisees to contribute to the achievement of our plans is dependent in large part on the availability to them of funding at reasonable interest rates and may be negatively impacted by the financial markets in general, by the creditworthiness of our franchisees or the Company or by banks’ lending practices. If our franchisees are unwilling or unable to invest in major initiatives or are unable to obtain financing at commercially reasonable rates, or at all, our future growth and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our operating performance could also be negatively affected if our franchisees experience food safety or other operational problems or project an image inconsistent with our brand and values, particularly if our contractual and other rights and remedies are limited, costly to exercise or subjected to litigation and potential delays. If franchisees do not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our required standards, our brand’s image and reputation could be harmed, which in turn could hurt our business and operating results.
Our ownership mix also affects our results and financial condition. The decision to own restaurants or to operate under franchise or license agreements is driven by many factors whose interrelationship is complex. The benefits of our more heavily franchised structure depend on various factors including whether we have effectively selected franchisees, licensees and/or affiliates that meet our rigorous standards, whether we are able to successfully integrate them into our structure and whether their performance and the resulting ownership mix supports our brand and financial objectives.
Challenges with respect to labor, including availability and cost, could impact our business and results of operations.
Our success depends in part on our System’s ability to proactively recruit, motivate and retain qualified individuals to work in McDonald'sMcDonald’s restaurants and to maintain appropriately-staffed restaurants in an intensely competitive environment. Increasedlabor market. If we or our franchisees are unable to adequately staff McDonald's restaurants, it could negatively impact our operations, including speed of service to customers, and customer satisfaction levels. The System’s ability to meet its labor needs is generally subject to external factors, including the availability of sufficient workforce in the markets in which we operate, unemployment levels in those markets and prevailing wage rates.
Further, increased costs and competition associated with recruiting, motivating and retaining qualified employees to work in our Company-operated restaurants, as well as costs to promote awareness of the opportunities of working at McDonald'sour restaurants, could have a negative impact on our Company-operated margins. Similar concerns apply to our franchisees.franchisees’ profitability.
We are also impacted by the costs and other effects of compliance with U.S. and international regulations affecting our workforce, which includes our staff and employees working in our Company-operated restaurants. These regulations are increasingly focused on employment issues, including wage and hour, healthcare, immigration, retirement and other employee benefits and workplace practices. Claims of non-compliance with these regulations could result in liability and expense to us. Our potential exposure to reputational and other harm regarding our workplace practices or conditions or those of our independent franchisees or suppliers, including those giving rise to claims of harassment or discrimination (or perceptions thereof) or workplace safety could have a negative impact on consumer perceptions of us and our business. Additionally, economic action, such as boycotts, protests, work stoppages or campaigns by labor organizations, could adversely affect us (including our ability to recruit and retain talent) or the franchisees and suppliers that are also part of the McDonald'sMcDonald’s System and whose performance may have a material impact on our results.
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Effective succession planning is important to our continued success.
Effective succession planning is important to our long-term success. Failure to effectively identify, develop and retain key personnel, recruit high-quality candidates and ensure smooth management and personnel transitions could disrupt our business and adversely affect our results.
Food safety concerns may have an adverse effect on our business.
Our ability to increase sales and profits depends on our System’s ability to meet expectations for safe food and on our ability to manage the potential impact on McDonald’s of food-borne illnesses and food or product safety issues that may arise in the future, including in the supply chain, restaurants or delivery. Food safety is a top priority, and we dedicate substantial resources to ensure that our customers enjoy safe food products, including as our menu and service model evolve. However, food safety events, including instances of food-borne illness, occur within the food industry and our System from time to time and could occur in the future. Instances of food tampering, food contamination or food-borne illness, whether actual or perceived, could adversely affect our brand and reputation as well as our revenues and profits.
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If we do not effectively manage our real estate portfolio, our operating results may be negatively impacted.
We have significant real estate operations, primarily in connection with our restaurant business. We generally own or secure a long-term lease on the land and building for conventional franchised and Company-operated restaurant sites. We seek to identify and develop restaurant locations that offer convenience to customers and long-term sales and profit potential. As we generally secure long-term real estate interests for our restaurants, we have limited flexibility to quickly alter our real estate portfolio. The competitive business landscape continues to evolve in light of changing business trends; consumer preferences; trade area demographics; consumer use of digital, delivery and drive thru; local competitive positions and other economic factors. If our restaurants are not located in desirable locations, or if we do not evolve in response to these factors, it could adversely affect Systemwide sales and profitability.
Our real estate values and the costs associated with our real estate operations are also impacted by a variety of other factors, including governmental regulations; insurance; zoning, tax and eminent domain laws; interest rate levels and the cost of financing. A significant change in real estate values, or an increase in costs as a result of any of these factors, could adversely affect our operating results.
Information technology system failures or interruptions, or breaches of network security, may impact our operations or cause reputational harm.
We are increasingly reliant upon technology systems, such as point-of-sale, technologies supporting McDonald’s digital and delivery solutions, and technologies that facilitate communication and collaboration with affiliated entities, customers, employees, franchisees, suppliers, service providers or other independent third parties to conduct our business, whether developed and maintained by us or provided by third parties. Any failure or interruption of these systems could significantly impact our operations, our franchisees’ operations, or our customers’ experience and perceptions. Additionally, we provide certain technology systems to businesses that are unaffiliated with the McDonald’s System and a failure, interruption or breach of these systems may cause harm to those unaffiliated parties, which may result in liability to the Company or reputational harm.
Despite the implementation of security measures, those technology systems could become vulnerable to damage, disability or failures due to theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events. Certain technology systems may also become vulnerable, unreliable or inefficient in cases where technology vendors limit or terminate product support and maintenance. Our increasing reliance on third party systems also present the risks faced by the third party’s business, including the operational, security and credit risks of those parties. If those systems were to fail or otherwise be unavailable, or if business continuity or disaster recovery plans were not effective, and we were unable to recover in a timely manner, we could experience an interruption in our or our franchisees’ operations.
Furthermore, securitySecurity incidents or breaches have from time to time occurred and may in the future occur involving our systems, the systems of the parties we communicate or collaborate with (including franchisees), or those of third-party providers. These may include such things as unauthorized access, phishing attacks, account takeovers, denial of service, computer viruses, introduction of malware or ransomware and other disruptive problems caused by hackers. These technology systems contain personal, financial and other information that is entrusted to us by our customers, our employees, our franchisees, our business customers and other third parties, as well as financial, proprietary and other confidential information related to our business. ADespite response procedures and measures in place in the event of an incident, a security breach could result in disruptions, shutdowns, theft or unauthorized disclosure of personal, financial, proprietary or other confidential information. The actual or alleged occurrence of any of these incidents could result in mitigation costs, reputational damage, adverse publicity, loss of consumer confidence, reduced sales and profits, complications in executing our growth initiatives and regulatory and legal risk, including criminal penalties or civil liabilities.
We also provide certain technology systems to businesses that are unaffiliated with the McDonald’s System and a failure, interruption or breach of these systems may cause harm to those unaffiliated parties, which may result in liability to the Company or reputational harm.
Despite the implementation of security measures, any of these technology systems could become vulnerable to damage, disability or failures due to theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events. Certain technology systems may also become vulnerable, unreliable or inefficient in cases where technology vendors limit or terminate product support and maintenance. Our increasing reliance on third-party systems also subjects us to risks faced by the third-party’s business, including the operational, security and credit risks of those parties. If technology systems were to fail or otherwise be unavailable, or if business continuity or disaster recovery plans were not effective, and we were unable to recover in a timely manner, we could experience an interruption in our or our franchisees’ operations.
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LEGAL AND REGULATORY
Increasing regulatory and legal complexity may adversely affect our business and financial results.
Our regulatory and legal environment worldwide exposes us to complex compliance, litigation and similar risks that could affect our operations and results in material ways. Many of our markets are subject to increasing, conflicting and highly prescriptive regulations involving, among other matters, restaurant operations, product packaging, marketing, the nutritional and allergen content and safety of our food and other products, labeling and other disclosure practices. Compliance efforts with those regulations may be affected by ordinary variations in food preparation among our own restaurants and the need to rely on the accuracy and completeness of information from third-party suppliers. We also are subjected to increased public focus, including by governmental and nongovernmental organizations, regarding environmental and social initiatives. Our success depends in part on our ability to manage the impact of regulations and other initiatives that can affect our business plans and operations, and have increased our costs of doing business and exposure to litigation, governmental investigations or other proceedings.
We are also subject to legal proceedings that may adversely affect our business, including class actions, administrative proceedings, government investigations and proceedings, shareholder proceedings, employment and personal injury claims, landlord/ tenant disputes, supplier-related disputes, and claims by current or former franchisees. Regardless of whether claims against us are valid or whether we are found to be liable, claims may be expensive to defend and may divert management's attention away from operations.

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Litigation and regulatory action concerning our relationship with franchisees and the legal distinction between our franchisees and us for employment law or other purposes, if determined adversely, could increase costs, negatively impact our business operations and the business prospects of our franchisees and subject us to incremental liability for their actions. Similarly, although our commercial relationships with our suppliers remain independent, there may be attempts to challenge that independence, which, if determined adversely, could also increase costs, negatively impact the business prospects of our suppliers, and subject us to incremental liability for their actions.
Our results could also be affected by the following:
The relative level of our defense costs, which vary from period to period depending on the number, nature and procedural status of pending proceedings;
The cost and other effects of settlements, judgments or consent decrees, which may require us to make disclosures or take other actions that may affect perceptions of our brand and products; and
Adverse results of pending or future litigation, including litigation challenging the composition and preparation of our products, or the appropriateness or accuracy of our marketing or other communication practices.
A judgment significantly in excess of any applicable insurance coverage or third partythird-party indemnity could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Further, adverse publicity resulting from claims may hurt our business. If we are unable to effectively manage the risks associated with our complex regulatory and legal environment, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could adversely affect the taxes we pay and our profitability.
We are subject to income and other taxes in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, and our operations, plans and results are affected by tax and other initiatives around the world. In particular, we are affected by the impact of changes to tax laws or policy or related authoritative interpretations. We are also impacted by settlements of pending or any future adjustments proposed by taxing and governmental authorities inside and outside of the U.S. in connection with our tax audits, all of which will depend on their timing, nature and scope. Any significant increases in income tax rates, changes in income tax laws or unfavorable resolution of tax matters could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
Changes in accounting standards or the recognition of impairment or other charges may adversely affect our future operations and results.
New accounting standards or changes in financial reporting requirements, accounting principles or practices, including with respect to our critical accounting estimates, could adversely affect our future results. We may also be affected by the nature and timing of decisions about underperforming markets or assets, including decisions that result in impairment or other charges that reduce our earnings. In assessing the recoverability of our long-lived assets, we consider changes in economic conditions and make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors. These estimates are highly subjective and can be significantly impacted by many factors such as global and local business and economic conditions, operating costs, inflation, competition, consumer and demographic trends, and our restructuring activities. If our estimates or underlying assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges. If we experience any such changes, they could have a significant adverse effect on our reported results for the affected periods.
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If we fail to comply with privacy and data collection laws, we could be subject to legal proceedings and penalties, which could negatively affect our financial results or brand perceptions.
We are subject to legal and compliance risks and associated liability related to privacy and data collection, protection and management, as it relates to information associated with our technology-related services and platforms made available to business partners, customers, employees, franchisees or other third parties. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) requires entities processing the personal data of individuals in the European Union to meet certain requirements regarding the handling of that data. We are also subject to U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations in this area such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”). These regulations have been subject to frequent change, and there may be markets or jurisdictions that propose or enact new or emerging data privacy requirements in the future. Failure to comply with GDPR, CCPA or other privacy and data collection laws could result in legal proceedings and substantial penalties, and materially adversely impact our financial results or brand perceptions.

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MACROECONOMIC AND MARKET CONDITIONS
Unfavorable general economic conditions could adversely affect our business and financial results.
Our results of operations are substantially affected by economic conditions, including inflationary pressures, which can vary significantly by market and can impact consumer disposable income levels and spending habits. Economic conditions can also be impacted by a variety of factors including hostilities, epidemics, pandemics and actions taken by governments to manage national and international economic matters, whether through austerity, stimulus measures or trade measures, and initiatives intended to control wages, unemployment, credit availability, inflation, taxation and other economic drivers. Sustained adverse economic conditions or periodic adverse changes in economic conditions in our markets could pressure our operating performance and our business continuity disruption planning, and our business and financial results may suffer.
Our results of operations are also affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates and unfavorable currency fluctuations could adversely affect reported earnings.
Changes in commodity and other operating costs could adversely affect our results of operations.
The profitability of our Company-operated restaurants depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in commodity costs, including food, paper, supplies, fuel, utilities and distribution, and other operating costs, including labor. Any volatility in certain commodity prices or fluctuation in labor costs could adversely affect our operating results by impacting restaurant profitability. The commodity markets for some of the ingredients we use, such as beef and chicken, are particularly volatile due to factors such as seasonal shifts, climate conditions, industry demand, international commodity markets, food safety concerns, product recalls and government regulation, all of which are beyond our control and, in many instances, unpredictable. WeOur System can only partially address future price risk through hedging and other activities, and therefore increases in commodity costs could have an adverse impact on our profitability.
A decrease in our credit ratings or an increase in our funding costs could adversely affect our profitability.
Our credit ratings may be negatively affected by our results of operations or changes in our debt levels. As a result, our interest expense, the availability of acceptable counterparties, our ability to obtain funding on favorable terms, collateral requirements and our operating or financial flexibility could all be negatively affected, especially if lenders impose new operating or financial covenants.
Our operations may also be impacted by regulations affecting capital flows, financial markets or financial institutions, which can limit our ability to manage and deploy our liquidity or increase our funding costs. If any of these events were to occur, they could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Trading volatility and the price of our common stock may be adversely affected by many factors.
Many factors affect the volatility and price of our common stock in addition to our operating results and prospects. The most important of these factors, some of which are outside our control, are the following:
The unpredictable nature of global economic and market conditions;
Governmental action or inaction in light of key indicators of economic activity or events that can significantly influence financial markets, particularly in the U.S., which is the principal trading market for our common stock, and media reports and commentary about economic, trade or other matters, even when the matter in question does not directly relate to our business;
Trading activity in our common stock or trading activity in derivative instruments with respect to our common stock or debt securities, which can be affected by market commentary (including commentary that may be unreliable or incomplete); unauthorized disclosures about our performance, plans or expectations about our business; our actual performance and creditworthiness; investor confidence, driven in part by expectations about our performance; actions by shareholders and others seeking to influence our business strategies; portfolio transactions in our stock by significant shareholders; or trading activity that results from the ordinary course rebalancing of stock indices in which McDonald’s may be included, such as the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average;
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The impact of our stock repurchase program or dividend rate; and
The impact on our results of corporate actions and market and third-party perceptions and assessments of such actions, such as those we may take from time to time as we implement our strategies, including through acquisitions, in light of changing business, legal and tax considerations and evolve our corporate structure.
Events such as severe weather conditions, natural disasters, hostilities and social unrest, among others, can adversely affect our results and prospects.
Severe weather conditions, natural disasters, hostilities and social unrest, climate change or terrorist activities (or expectations about them) can adversely affect consumer spending and confidence levels and supply availability and costs, as well as the local operations in impacted markets, all of which can affect our results and prospects. Our receipt of proceeds under any insurance we maintain with respect to some of these risks may be delayed or the proceeds may be insufficient to cover our losses fully.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There were no material changes to the disclosures made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 regarding this matter.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls
An evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) as of March 31,June 30, 2021. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date to provide reasonable assurances that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, confirm there was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There were no material changes to the disclosure made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 regarding these matters.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
For a discussion of risk factors affecting our business, refer to statements appearing under the caption “Risk Factors and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part I, Item 2 of this Form 10-Q.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities*
The following table presents information related to repurchases of common stock the Company made during the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2021:
PeriodTotal Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
Paid
per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs (1)
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs (1)
January 1-31, 20212,171 $210.82 2,171 $14,125,417,534 
February 1-28, 202197,746 211.45 97,746 14,104,748,655 
March 1-31, 20211,872 214.58 1,872 14,104,346,967 
Total101,789 $211.50 101,789 
PeriodTotal Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
Paid
per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs (1)
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs (1)
April 1-30, 20212,430 $230.82 2,430 $14,103,786,081 
May 1-31, 20215,891 229.22 5,891 14,102,435,744 
June 1-30, 20214,435 231.49 4,435 14,101,409,092 
Total12,756 $230.31 12,756 
*    Subject to applicable law, the Company may repurchase shares directly in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to derivative instruments and plans complying with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, among other types of transactions and arrangements.

(1)On December 31, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program, effective January 1, 2020, that authorized the purchase of up to $15 billion of the Company's outstanding common stock. In early March 2020, theThe Company voluntarily suspended share repurchases fromdid not repurchase any shares in the open market.market during the quarter. Therefore, the table above reflects only shares withheld for taxes under the Company’s equity compensation program.

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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit NumberDescription
(3)(a)
(b)
(4)Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including Indentures:*
(a)
(b)
(10)Material Contracts
(a)
(b)
(i)
(c)
(d)
(i)
(ii)
(e)
(i)
(ii)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
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(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(31.1)
(31.2)
(32.1)
(32.2)
(101.INS)XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
(101.SCH)Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
(101.CAL)Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
(101.DEF)Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
(101.LAB)Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
(101.PRE)Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
(104)Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
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*
Other instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the registrant, and all of its subsidiaries for which consolidated financial statements are required to be filed and which are not required to be registered with the Commission, are not included herein as the securities authorized under these instruments, individually, do not exceed 10% of the total assets of the registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. An agreement to furnish a copy of any such instruments to the Commission upon request has been filed with the Commission.
**Denotes compensatory plan.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
 
McDONALD’S CORPORATION
        (Registrant)
/s/ Kevin M. Ozan
Date:May 5,August 4, 2021Kevin M. Ozan
Corporate Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

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