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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020March 31, 2021

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

For the transition period from                     to                     

Commission file number: 001-36787

RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
Canada 98-1206431
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

130 King Street West, Suite 300  M5X 1E1
Toronto,Ontario
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)  (Zip Code)
(905) 845-6511339-6011
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
Title of each class Trading SymbolsName of each exchange on which registered
Class B exchangeable limited partnership units QSPToronto 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 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  


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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 filer   Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer   Smaller 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  
As of October 20, 2020,April 23, 2021, there were 155,453,689155,040,582 Class B exchangeable limited partnership units and 202,006,067 Class A common units outstanding.


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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 6.
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PART I — Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions of U.S. dollars, except unit data)
(Unaudited)
As of As of
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
ASSETSASSETSASSETS
Current assets:Current assets:Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,904 $1,533 Cash and cash equivalents$1,563 $1,560 
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $37 and $13, respectively589 527 
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $30 and $42, respectivelyAccounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $30 and $42, respectively519 536 
Inventories, netInventories, net87 84 Inventories, net98 96 
Prepaids and other current assetsPrepaids and other current assets85 52 Prepaids and other current assets111 72 
Total current assetsTotal current assets2,665 2,196 Total current assets2,291 2,264 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $831 and $746, respectively1,975 2,007 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $915 and $879, respectivelyProperty and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $915 and $879, respectively2,028 2,031 
Operating lease assets, netOperating lease assets, net1,122 1,176 Operating lease assets, net1,140 1,152 
Intangible assets, netIntangible assets, net10,415 10,563 Intangible assets, net10,742 10,701 
GoodwillGoodwill5,571 5,651 Goodwill5,781 5,739 
Net investment in property leased to franchiseesNet investment in property leased to franchisees63 48 Net investment in property leased to franchisees67 66 
Other assets, netOther assets, net722 719 Other assets, net808 824 
Total assetsTotal assets$22,533 $22,360 Total assets$22,857 $22,777 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITYLIABILITIES AND EQUITYLIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:Current liabilities:Current liabilities:
Accounts and drafts payableAccounts and drafts payable$523 $644 Accounts and drafts payable$488 $464 
Other accrued liabilitiesOther accrued liabilities883 790 Other accrued liabilities805 835 
Gift card liabilityGift card liability108 168 Gift card liability147 191 
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leasesCurrent portion of long-term debt and finance leases107 101 Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases112 111 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities1,621 1,703 Total current liabilities1,552 1,601 
Long-term debt, net of current portionLong-term debt, net of current portion12,300 11,759 Long-term debt, net of current portion12,386 12,397 
Finance leases, net of current portionFinance leases, net of current portion304 288 Finance leases, net of current portion318 315 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portionOperating lease liabilities, net of current portion1,054 1,089 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion1,075 1,082 
Other liabilities, netOther liabilities, net1,917 1,698 Other liabilities, net2,089 2,236 
Deferred income taxes, netDeferred income taxes, net1,422 1,564 Deferred income taxes, net1,435 1,425 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities18,618 18,101 Total liabilities18,855 19,056 
Partners’ capital:Partners’ capital:Partners’ capital:
Class A common units; 202,006,067 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 20198,005 7,786 
Partnership exchangeable units; 162,212,231 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020; 165,507,199 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019(2,568)(2,353)
Class A common units; 202,006,067 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020Class A common units; 202,006,067 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 20208,066 7,994 
Partnership exchangeable units; 155,040,667 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021; 155,113,338 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020Partnership exchangeable units; 155,040,667 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021; 155,113,338 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020(2,998)(3,002)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,526)(1,178)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,072)(1,275)
Total Partners’ capitalTotal Partners’ capital3,911 4,255 Total Partners’ capital3,996 3,717 
Noncontrolling interestsNoncontrolling interestsNoncontrolling interests
Total equityTotal equity3,915 4,259 Total equity4,002 3,721 
Total liabilities and equityTotal liabilities and equity$22,533 $22,360 Total liabilities and equity$22,857 $22,777 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In millions of U.S. dollars, except per unit data)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2020201920202019 20212020
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
SalesSales$541 $624 $1,450 $1,735 Sales$507 $503 
Franchise and property revenuesFranchise and property revenues796 834 2,160 2,389 Franchise and property revenues548 525 
Advertising revenuesAdvertising revenues205 197 
Total revenuesTotal revenues1,337 1,458 3,610 4,124 Total revenues1,260 1,225 
Operating costs and expenses:Operating costs and expenses:Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of salesCost of sales418 475 1,156 1,334 Cost of sales401 399 
Franchise and property expensesFranchise and property expenses128 133 388 401 Franchise and property expenses116 123 
Selling, general and administrative expenses302 320 922 948 
Advertising expensesAdvertising expenses236 226 
General and administrative expensesGeneral and administrative expenses105 102 
(Income) loss from equity method investments(Income) loss from equity method investments18 (11)36 (11)(Income) loss from equity method investments
Other operating expenses (income), netOther operating expenses (income), net54 (30)59 (44)Other operating expenses (income), net(42)(16)
Total operating costs and expensesTotal operating costs and expenses920 887 2,561 2,628 Total operating costs and expenses818 836 
Income from operationsIncome from operations417 571 1,049 1,496 Income from operations442 389 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net129 137 376 406 Interest expense, net124 119 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes288 430 673 1,086 Income before income taxes318 270 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense65 79 62 232 Income tax expense47 46 
Net incomeNet income223 351 611 854 Net income271 224 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet income attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to common unitholdersNet income attributable to common unitholders$223 $351 $610 $854 Net income attributable to common unitholders$270 $224 
Earnings per unit - basic and dilutedEarnings per unit - basic and dilutedEarnings per unit - basic and diluted
Class A common unitsClass A common units$0.72 $1.00 $1.96 $2.37 Class A common units$0.89 $0.71 
Partnership exchangeable unitsPartnership exchangeable units$0.48 $0.76 $1.31 $1.85 Partnership exchangeable units$0.59 $0.48 
Weighted average units outstanding - basic and dilutedWeighted average units outstanding - basic and dilutedWeighted average units outstanding - basic and diluted
Class A common unitsClass A common units202 202 202 202 Class A common units202 202 
Partnership exchangeable unitsPartnership exchangeable units162 197 164 204 Partnership exchangeable units155 165 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
2020201920202019 20212020
Net incomeNet income$223 $351 $611 $854 Net income$271 $224 
Foreign currency translation adjustmentForeign currency translation adjustment239 (173)(170)185 Foreign currency translation adjustment54 (751)
Net change in fair value of net investment hedges, net of tax of $40, $(37), $(12) and $2(198)143 39 27 
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $7, $9, $99 and $43(17)(25)(268)(116)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(8), $(2), $(18) and $(3)22 51 
Net change in fair value of net investment hedges, net of tax of $20 and $(106)Net change in fair value of net investment hedges, net of tax of $20 and $(106)29 411 
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(33) and $79Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(33) and $7995 (214)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(8) and $(4)Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(8) and $(4)24 11 
Gain (loss) recognized on other, net of tax of $0 and $0Gain (loss) recognized on other, net of tax of $0 and $0
Other comprehensive income (loss)Other comprehensive income (loss)46 (50)(348)103 Other comprehensive income (loss)203 (543)
Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)269 301 263 957 Comprehensive income (loss)474 (319)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interestsComprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interestsComprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common unitholdersComprehensive income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$269 $301 $262 $957 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$473 $(319)
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
(In millions of U.S. dollars, except units)
(Unaudited)
Class A Common
Units
Partnership
Exchangeable Units
Accumulated 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total Class A Common
Units
Partnership
Exchangeable Units
Accumulated 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
UnitsAmountUnitsAmount UnitsAmountUnitsAmount
Balances at December 31, 2019202,006,067 $7,786 165,507,199 $(2,353)$(1,178)$$4,259 
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.77 per unit)— (156)— — — — (156)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.52 per unit)— — — (86)— — (86)
Balances at December 31, 2020Balances at December 31, 2020202,006,067 $7,994 155,113,338 $(3,002)$(1,275)$$3,721 
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.81 per unit)Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.81 per unit)— (163)— — — — (163)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.53 per unit)Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.53 per unit)— — — (82)— — (82)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common sharesExchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares— 11 (178,046)(11)— — Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares— (72,671)(5)— — 
Capital contribution from RBICapital contribution from RBI— 55 — — — — 55 Capital contribution from RBI— 51 — — — — 51 
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — — (1)(1)Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — — 
Net incomeNet income— 144 — 80 — — 224 Net income— 179 — 91 — 271 
Other comprehensive income (loss)Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — — (543)— (543)Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — — 203 — 203 
Balances at March 31, 2020202,006,067 $7,840 165,329,153 $(2,370)$(1,721)$$3,752 
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.78 per unit)— (158)— — — — (158)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.52 per unit)— — — (85)— — (85)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares— 128 (2,494,854)(128)— — 
Capital contribution from RBI— 31 — — — — 31 
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — — (1)(1)
Net income— 106 — 57 — 164 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — — 149 — 149 
Balances at June 30, 2020202,006,067 $7,947 162,834,299 $(2,526)$(1,572)$$3,852 
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.78 per unit)— (158)— — — — (158)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.52 per unit)— — — (84)— — (84)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares— 36 (622,068)(36)— — — 
Capital contribution from RBI— 35 — — — — 35 
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — — 
Net income— 145 — 78 — — 223 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — — 46 — 46 
Balances at September 30, 2020202,006,067 $8,005 162,212,231 $(2,568)$(1,526)$$3,915 
Balances at March 31, 2021Balances at March 31, 2021202,006,067 $8,066 155,040,667 $(2,998)$(1,072)$$4,002 


 Class A Common
Units
Partnership
Exchangeable Units
Accumulated 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
 UnitsAmountUnitsAmount
Balances at December 31, 2019202,006,067 $7,786 165,507,199 $(2,353)$(1,178)$$4,259 
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.77 per unit)— (156)— — — — (156)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.52 per unit)— — — (86)— — (86)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares— 11 (178,046)(11)— — 
Capital contribution from RBI— 55 — — — — 55 
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — — (1)(1)
Net income— 144 — 80 — — 224 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — — (543)— (543)
Balances at March 31, 2020202,006,067 $7,840 165,329,153 $(2,370)$(1,721)$$3,752 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
(In millions of U.S. dollars, except units)
(Unaudited)
 Class A Common
Units
Partnership
Exchangeable Units
Accumulated 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
 UnitsAmountUnitsAmount
Balances at December 31, 2018202,006,067 $4,323 207,523,591 $730 $(1,437)$$3,618 
Cumulative effect adjustment— 12 — — — 21 
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.63 per unit)— (127)— — — — (127)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.50 per unit)— — — (104)— — (104)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares— (141,190)(9)— — 
Capital contribution from RBI— 71 — — — — 71 
Net income— 135 — 111 — — 246 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — — 48 — 48 
Balances at March 31, 2019202,006,067 $4,423 207,382,401 $737 $(1,389)$$3,773 
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.63 per unit)— (128)— — — — (128)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.50 per unit)— — — (103)— — (103)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares— (45,325)(3)— — 
Capital contribution from RBI— 55 — — — — 55 
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — — 
Net income— 142 — 115 — — 257 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — — 105 — 105 
Balances at June 30, 2019202,006,067 $4,495 207,337,076 $746 $(1,284)$$3,960 
Distributions declared on Class A common units ($0.70 per unit)— (141)— — — — (141)
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units ($0.50 per unit)— — — (92)— — (92)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares— 3,162 (41,807,254)(3,162)— — 
Capital contribution from RBI— 36 — — — — 36 
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — — (1)(1)
Net income— 201 — 150 — — 351 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — — (50)— (50)
Balances at September 30, 2019202,006,067 $7,753 165,529,822 $(2,358)$(1,334)$$4,063 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
20202019 20212020
Cash flows from operating activities:Cash flows from operating activities:Cash flows from operating activities:
Net incomeNet income$611 $854 Net income$271 $224 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization139 139 Depreciation and amortization49 45 
Premiums paid and non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discountAmortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount19 22 Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount
(Income) loss from equity method investments(Income) loss from equity method investments36 (11)(Income) loss from equity method investments
(Gain) loss on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions(Gain) loss on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions54 (38)(Gain) loss on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions(43)(8)
Net (gains) losses on derivativesNet (gains) losses on derivatives14 (43)Net (gains) losses on derivatives20 (6)
Share-based compensation expenseShare-based compensation expense55 56 Share-based compensation expense22 19 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes(120)(16)Deferred income taxes14 (31)
OtherOther23 Other(8)(4)
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts and notes receivableAccounts and notes receivable(83)(7)Accounts and notes receivable24 94 
Inventories and prepaids and other current assetsInventories and prepaids and other current assets(21)(34)Inventories and prepaids and other current assets(4)(13)
Accounts and drafts payableAccounts and drafts payable(110)(15)Accounts and drafts payable19 (136)
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liabilityOther accrued liabilities and gift card liability(12)(85)Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability(113)(67)
Tenant inducements paid to franchiseesTenant inducements paid to franchisees(7)(13)Tenant inducements paid to franchisees— (3)
Other long-term assets and liabilitiesOther long-term assets and liabilities(5)64 Other long-term assets and liabilities14 
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities593 878 Net cash provided by operating activities266 136 
Cash flows from investing activities:Cash flows from investing activities:Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for property and equipmentPayments for property and equipment(71)(32)Payments for property and equipment(15)(19)
Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisingsNet proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings22 Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings11 
Settlement/sale of derivatives, netSettlement/sale of derivatives, net29 17 Settlement/sale of derivatives, net12 
Other investing activities, netOther investing activities, net(5)
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activitiesNet cash (used for) provided by investing activities(33)Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities(7)(3)
Cash flows from financing activities:Cash flows from financing activities:Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term debtProceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term debt1,585 750 Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term debt1,085 
Repayments of revolving line of credit, long-term debt and finance leasesRepayments of revolving line of credit, long-term debt and finance leases(1,071)(290)Repayments of revolving line of credit, long-term debt and finance leases(27)(25)
Payment of financing costs(10)(13)
Distributions on Class A common and Partnership exchangeable unitsDistributions on Class A common and Partnership exchangeable units(716)(669)Distributions on Class A common and Partnership exchangeable units(239)(232)
Capital contribution from RBICapital contribution from RBI60 99 Capital contribution from RBI20 30 
(Payments) proceeds from derivatives(Payments) proceeds from derivatives(29)17 (Payments) proceeds from derivatives(16)(2)
Other financing activities, netOther financing activities, net(1)Other financing activities, net(1)
Net cash used for financing activities(182)(106)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activitiesNet cash (used for) provided by financing activities(261)855 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalentsEffect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents(7)Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents(23)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalentsIncrease (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents371 786 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents965 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of periodCash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,533 913 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,560 1,533 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of periodCash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,904 $1,699 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,563 $2,498 
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:Supplemental cash flow disclosures:Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paidInterest paid$315 $433 Interest paid$72 $104 
Income taxes paidIncome taxes paid$163 $171 Income taxes paid$96 $48 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Description of Business and Organization
Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership (“Partnership”, “we”, “us” or “our”) was formed on August 25, 2014 asis a general partnership and was registered on October 27, 2014 as aCanadian limited partnership in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario.partnership. We franchise and operate quick service restaurants serving premium coffee and other beverage and food products under the Tim Hortons® brand (“Tim Hortons” or “TH”), fast food hamburgers principally under the Burger King® brand (“Burger King” or “BK”), and chicken under the Popeyes® brand (“Popeyes” or “PLK”). We are one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant, or QSR, companies as measured by total number of restaurants. As of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we franchised or owned 4,9344,987 Tim Hortons restaurants, 18,67518,691 Burger King restaurants, and 3,4183,495 Popeyes restaurants, for a total of 27,02727,173 restaurants, and operate in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories.countries. Approximately 100% of current system-wide restaurants are franchised.
We are a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (“RBI”). RBI is our sole general partner, and as such, RBI has the exclusive right, power and authority to manage, control, administer and operate the business and affairs and to make decisions regarding the undertaking and business of Partnership in accordance with the partnership agreement of Partnership (“partnership agreement”) and applicable laws.
All references to “$” or “dollars” are to the currency of the United States unless otherwise indicated. All references to “Canadian dollars” or “C$” are to the currency of Canada unless otherwise indicated.
COVID-19
The global crisis resulting from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a substantial impact on our global restaurant operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, which is expected to continue with the timing of recovery uncertain. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, some TH, BK and PLK restaurants were temporarily closed in certain countries and many of the restaurants that remained open had limited operations, such as Drive-thru, Takeout and Delivery (where applicable). This has continued into the fourth quarter of 2020.
Our operating results substantially depend upon our franchisees’ sales volumes, restaurant profitability, and financial stability. The financial impact of COVID-19 has had, and is expected to continue for an uncertain period to have, an adverse effect on many of our franchisees’ liquidity and we have worked closely with our franchisees to monitor and assist them with access to appropriate sources of liquidity in order to sustain their businesses throughout this crisis, such as offering rent relief programs for eligible franchisees who lease property from us. See Note 4, Leases, for further information about the rent relief programs. Additionally, we provided cash flow support by extending loans to eligible BK franchisees in the U.S. during the second and third quarters of 2020, and by advancing certain cash payments to eligible TH franchisees in Canada during the second quarter of 2020.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recorded bad debt expense of $27 million compared to $3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. While these receivables remain contractually due and payable to us, the certainty of the amount and timing of payments has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, our bad debt expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 reflects an adjustment to our historical collections experience to incorporate an estimate of the impact of current economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Actual collections may be materially higher or lower than this estimate reflects since it is reasonably possible the duration and future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business or our franchisees may differ from our assumptions. Ongoing material adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our franchisees for an extended period could negatively affect our operating results, including reductions in revenue and cash flow and could impact our impairment assessments of accounts receivable, intangible assets, long-lived assets or goodwill.

Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
We have prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. Therefore, the Financial Statements
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should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on February 21, 2020.23, 2021.
The Financial Statements include our accounts and the accounts of entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in other affiliates that are owned 50% or less where we have significant influence are accounted for by the equity method.
We also consider for consolidation entities in which we have certain interests, where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. Our maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with VIEs is attributable to accounts and notes receivable balances, outstanding loan guarantees and future lease payments, where applicable.
As our franchise and master franchise arrangements provide the franchise and master franchise entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE.
Tim Hortons has historically entered into certain arrangements in which an operator acquires the right to operate a restaurant, but Tim Hortons owns the restaurant’s assets. We perform an analysis to determine if the legal entity in which operations are conducted is a VIE and consolidate a VIE entity if we also determine Tim Hortons is the entity’s primary beneficiary (“Restaurant VIEs”). As of September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019,2020, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of 4051 and 3538 Restaurant VIEs, respectively, and accordingly, have consolidated the results of operations, assets and liabilities, and cash flows of these Restaurant VIEs in our Financial Statements. Material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
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In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the Financial Statements. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP and related rules and regulations of the SEC requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable and accounts and drafts payable approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these amounts.
Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying Financial Statements and notes to the Financial Statements have been reclassified in order to be comparable with the current year classifications. These consist of the year to date March 31, 2020 reclassification of advertising fund contributions from Franchise and property revenues to Advertising revenues and advertising fund expenses from Selling, general and administrative expenses to Advertising expenses, with General and administrative expenses now presented separately. Depreciation and amortization expenses related to the advertising funds for the three months ended March 31, 2020 have also been reclassified from Franchise and property expenses to Advertising expenses. These reclassifications haddid not arise as a result of any changes to accounting policies and relate entirely to presentation with no effect on previously reported net income.

Note 3. New Accounting Pronouncements
Credit Losses – In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that requires companies to measure and recognize lifetime expected credit losses for certain financial instruments, including trade accounts receivable and net investments in direct financing and sales-type leases. Expected credit losses are estimated using relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. This amendment was effective commencing in 2020, using a modified retrospective approach. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes – In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and by clarifying and amending existing guidance applicable to accounting for income taxes. The amendment is effective commencing in 2021 with early adoption permitted. While we are
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currently evaluating the impact that theThe adoption of this new guidance will have on our Financial Statements, we doduring the three months ended March 31, 2021 did not currently anticipate this adoption will have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Accounting Relief for the Transition Away from LIBOR and Certain other Reference Rates – In March 2020 and as clarified in January 2021, the FASB issued guidance which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This amendment is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The expedients and exceptions provided by this new guidance do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationships. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new guidance will have on our Financial Statements and have not adopted any of the transition relief available under the new guidance as of September 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.

Note 4. Leases
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we offered a rent relief program for eligible TH franchisees in Canada who lease property from us (the “TH rent relief program”) and a rent relief program for eligible BK franchisees in the U.S. and Canada who lease property from us (the “BK rent relief program” and together with the TH rent relief program, the “rent relief programs”), a portion of which concluded during the three months ended September 30, 2020. Under the rent relief programs, we temporarily converted the rent structure from a combination of fixed plus variable rent to 100% variable rent. While in effect, these programs result in a reduction in our property revenues.
In April 2020, the FASB staff issued interpretive guidance that indicated it would be acceptable for entities to make an election to account for lease concessions related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic consistent with how those concessions would be accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), as though enforceable rights and obligations for those concessions existed (regardless of whether those enforceable rights and obligations for the concessions explicitly exist in the contract). Consequently, for concessions related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, an entity is not required to analyze each contract to determine whether enforceable rights and obligations for concessions exist in the contract and can elect to apply or not apply the lease modification guidance in ASC 842 to those contracts. This election is available for concessions related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that do not result in a substantial increase in the rights of the lessor or the obligations of the lessee.
We have elected to apply this interpretive guidance to the rent relief programs while in effect and have assumed that enforceable rights and obligations for those concessions exist in the lease contract. As such, we recognize reductions in rents arising from the rent relief programs as reductions in variable lease payments, as the rent reductions did not result in a substantial increase in the rights of the lessor or the obligations of the lessee.
Property revenues are comprised primarily of lease income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Lease income - operating leasesLease income - operating leasesLease income - operating leases
Minimum lease paymentsMinimum lease payments$112 $112 $333 $335 Minimum lease payments$113 $112 
Variable lease paymentsVariable lease payments82 100 191 281 Variable lease payments66 63 
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, netAmortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, netAmortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net
Subtotal - lease income from operating leasesSubtotal - lease income from operating leases195 213 528 621 Subtotal - lease income from operating leases180 177 
Earned income on direct financing leases
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leasesEarned income on direct financing and sales-type leases
Total property revenuesTotal property revenues$196 $215 $532 $628 Total property revenues$182 $178 

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Note 5. Revenue Recognition
Contract Liabilities
Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue resulting from initial and renewal franchise fees paid by franchisees, as well as upfront fees paid by master franchisees, which are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying agreement. We may recognize unamortized upfront fees when a contract with a franchisee or master franchisee is modified and is accounted for as a termination of the existing contract. We classify these contract liabilities as Other liabilities, net in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table reflects the change in contract liabilities between December 31, 20192020 and September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 (in millions):
Contract LiabilitiesContract LiabilitiesTHBKPLKConsolidatedContract LiabilitiesTHBKPLKConsolidated
Balance at December 31, 2019$64 $449 $28 $541 
Balance at December 31, 2020Balance at December 31, 2020$62 $427 $39 $528 
Recognized during period and included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the yearRecognized during period and included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year(7)(50)(2)(59)Recognized during period and included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year(2)(12)(1)(15)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the periodIncrease, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period15 29 Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period18 
Impact of foreign currency translationImpact of foreign currency translation(1)Impact of foreign currency translation(7)(7)
Balance at September 30, 2020$61 $421 $35 $517 
Balance at March 31, 2021Balance at March 31, 2021$62 $417 $45 $524 
The following table illustrates estimated revenues expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 (in millions):
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized inContract liabilities expected to be recognized inTHBKPLKConsolidatedContract liabilities expected to be recognized inTHBKPLKConsolidated
Remainder of 2020$$$$12 
202134 44 
Remainder of 2021Remainder of 2021$$26 $$35 
2022202233 43 202233 45 
2023202332 41 202332 43 
2024202431 40 202431 42 
2025202531 40 
ThereafterThereafter29 282 26 337 Thereafter24 264 31 319 
TotalTotal$61 $421 $35 $517 Total$62 $417 $45 $524 
Disaggregation of Total Revenues
Total revenues consist of the following (in millions):
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
202020192020201920212020
SalesSales$541 $624 $1,450 $1,735 Sales$507 $503 
RoyaltiesRoyalties581 602 1,576 1,706 Royalties346 329 
Property revenuesProperty revenues196 215 532 628 Property revenues182 178 
Franchise fees and other revenueFranchise fees and other revenue19 17 52 55 Franchise fees and other revenue20 18 
Advertising revenuesAdvertising revenues205 197 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$1,337 $1,458 $3,610 $4,124 Total revenues$1,260 $1,225 
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Note 6. Earnings per Unit
Partnership uses the two-class method in the computation of earnings per unit. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, RBI, as the holder of the Class A common units, is entitled to receive distributions from Partnership in an amount equal to the aggregate dividends payable by RBI to holders of RBI common shares, and the holders of Class B exchangeable limited partnership units (the “Partnership exchangeable units”) are entitled to receive distributions from Partnership in an amount per unit equal to the dividends payable by RBI on each RBI common share. Partnership’s net income available to common unitholders is allocated between the Class A common units and Partnership exchangeable units on a fully-distributed basis and reflects residual net income after noncontrolling interests and Partnership preferred unit distributions. Basic and diluted earnings per Class A common unit is determined by dividing net income allocated to Class A common unit holders by the weighted average number of Class A common units outstanding for the period. Basic and diluted earnings per Partnership exchangeable unit is determined by dividing net income allocated to the Partnership exchangeable units by the weighted average number of Partnership exchangeable units outstanding during the period.
There are no dilutive securities for Partnership as RBI equity awards will not affect the number of Class A common units or Partnership exchangeable units outstanding. However, the issuance of shares by RBI in future periods will affect the allocation of net income attributable to common unitholders between Partnership’s Class A common units and Partnership exchangeable units.
The following table summarizes the basic and diluted earnings per unit calculations (in millions, except per unit amounts):

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Allocation of net income among partner interests:Allocation of net income among partner interests:Allocation of net income among partner interests:
Net income allocated to Class A common unitholdersNet income allocated to Class A common unitholders$145 $201 $395 $478 Net income allocated to Class A common unitholders$179 $144 
Net income allocated to Partnership exchangeable unitholdersNet income allocated to Partnership exchangeable unitholders78 150 215 376 Net income allocated to Partnership exchangeable unitholders91 80 
Net income attributable to common unitholdersNet income attributable to common unitholders$223 $351 $610 $854 Net income attributable to common unitholders$270 $224 
Denominator - basic and diluted partnership units:Denominator - basic and diluted partnership units:Denominator - basic and diluted partnership units:
Weighted average Class A common unitsWeighted average Class A common units202 202 202 202 Weighted average Class A common units202 202 
Weighted average Partnership exchangeable unitsWeighted average Partnership exchangeable units162 197 164 204 Weighted average Partnership exchangeable units155 165 
Earnings per unit - basic and diluted:Earnings per unit - basic and diluted:Earnings per unit - basic and diluted:
Class A common units (a)Class A common units (a)$0.72 $1.00 $1.96 $2.37 Class A common units (a)$0.89 $0.71 
Partnership exchangeable units (a)Partnership exchangeable units (a)$0.48 $0.76 $1.31 $1.85 Partnership exchangeable units (a)$0.59 $0.48 
(a) Earnings per unit may not recalculate exactly as it is calculated based on unrounded numbers.

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Note 7. Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill
Intangible assets, net and goodwill consist of the following (in millions):

As ofAs of
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
GrossAccumulated AmortizationNetGrossAccumulated AmortizationNetGrossAccumulated AmortizationNetGrossAccumulated AmortizationNet
Identifiable assets subject to amortization:Identifiable assets subject to amortization:Identifiable assets subject to amortization:
Franchise agreements Franchise agreements$724 $(252)$472 $720 $(225)$495  Franchise agreements$729 $(269)$460 $735 $(264)$471 
Favorable leases Favorable leases116 (63)53 127 (65)62  Favorable leases116 (67)49 117 (66)51 
Subtotal Subtotal840 (315)525 847 (290)557  Subtotal845 (336)509 852 (330)522 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:Indefinite-lived intangible assets:Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Tim Hortons brand
Tim Hortons brand
$6,390 $— $6,390 $6,534 $— $6,534 
Tim Hortons brand
$6,732 $— $6,732 $6,650 $— $6,650 
Burger King brand
Burger King brand
2,145 — 2,145 2,117 — 2,117 
Burger King brand
2,146 — 2,146 2,174 — 2,174 
Popeyes brand
Popeyes brand
1,355 — 1,355 1,355 — 1,355 
Popeyes brand
1,355 — 1,355 1,355 — 1,355 
Subtotal Subtotal9,890 — 9,890 10,006 — 10,006  Subtotal10,233 — 10,233 10,179 — 10,179 
Intangible assets, netIntangible assets, net$10,415 $10,563 Intangible assets, net$10,742 $10,701 
GoodwillGoodwillGoodwill
Tim Hortons segment Tim Hortons segment$4,119 $4,207  Tim Hortons segment$4,329 $4,279 
Burger King segment Burger King segment606 598  Burger King segment606 614 
Popeyes segment Popeyes segment846 846  Popeyes segment846 846 
Total Total$5,571 $5,651  Total$5,781 $5,739 
Amortization expense on intangible assets totaled $11$10 million and $12$11 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively, and $33 million and $33 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The change in the brands and goodwill balances during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 was due to the impact of foreign currency translation.

Note 8. Equity Method Investments
The aggregate carrying amount of our equity method investments was $198 million and $266$205 million as of September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019, respectively,2020 and is included as a component of Other assets, net in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. TH and BK both have equity method investments. PLK does not have any equity method investments.
With respect to our TH business, the most significant equity method investment is our 50% joint venture interest with The Wendy’s Company (the “TIMWEN Partnership”), which jointly holds real estate underlying Canadian combination restaurants. Distributions received from this joint venture were $2$3 million and $3$2 million during the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively. Distributions received from this joint venture were $6 million and $10 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Except for the following equity method investments, no quoted market prices are available for our other equity method investments. The aggregate market value of our 15.2% equity interest in Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Carrols”) based on the quoted market price on September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 was approximately $61$56 million. The aggregate market value of our 9.8%9.4% equity interest in BK Brasil Operação e Assessoria a Restaurantes S.A. based on the quoted market price on September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 was approximately $43$44 million.

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We have equity interests in entities that own or franchise Tim Hortons, or Burger King and Popeyes restaurants. Franchise and property revenues recognized from franchisees that are owned or franchised by entities in which we have an equity interest consist of the following (in millions):

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Revenues from affiliates:Revenues from affiliates:Revenues from affiliates:
RoyaltiesRoyalties$82 $89 $209 $254 Royalties$65 $61 
Advertising revenuesAdvertising revenues13 12 
Property revenuesProperty revenues24 25 Property revenues
Franchise fees and other revenueFranchise fees and other revenue10 Franchise fees and other revenue
TotalTotal$94 $98 $243 $286 Total$90 $84 
We recognized $4 million and $5 million of rent expense associated with the TIMWEN Partnership during the three months ended September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and 2019, respectively. We recognized $11 million and $14 million of rent expense associated with the TIMWEN Partnership during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.2020.
At September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019,2020, we had $72$46 million and $47$52 million, respectively, of accounts receivable, net from our equity method investments which were recorded in Accounts and notes receivable, net in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(Income) loss from equity method investments reflects our share of investee net income or loss, non-cash dilution gains or losses from changes in our ownership interests in equity investees and basis difference amortization.

Note 9. Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities, net
Other accrued liabilities (current) and otherOther liabilities, net (noncurrent) consist of the following (in millions):

As of
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Current:
Dividend payable$243 $232 
Interest payable106 71 
Accrued compensation and benefits62 57 
Taxes payable157 126 
Deferred income41 35 
Accrued advertising expenses65 40 
Restructuring and other provisions12 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities128 126 
Other69 95 
Other accrued liabilities$883 $790 
Noncurrent:
Taxes payable$604 $579 
Contract liabilities517 541 
Derivatives liabilities592 341 
Unfavorable leases83 103 
Accrued pension55 65 
Deferred income26 25 
Other40 44 
Other liabilities, net$1,917 $1,698 

As of
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Current:
Distribution payable$245 $239 
Interest payable94 66 
Accrued compensation and benefits42 78 
Taxes payable96 122 
Deferred income44 42 
Accrued advertising expenses62 59 
Restructuring and other provisions13 12 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities136 137 
Other73 80 
Other accrued liabilities$805 $835 
Noncurrent:
Taxes payable$632 $626 
Contract liabilities524 528 
Derivatives liabilities715 865 
Unfavorable leases77 81 
Accrued pension69 70 
Deferred income34 28 
Other38 38 
Other liabilities, net$2,089 $2,236 
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Note 10. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following (in millions):
As ofAs of
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Term Loan B (due November 19, 2026)Term Loan B (due November 19, 2026)$5,310 $5,350 Term Loan B (due November 19, 2026)$5,283 $5,297 
Term Loan A (due October 7, 2024)Term Loan A (due October 7, 2024)736 750 Term Loan A (due October 7, 2024)727 731 
2017 4.25% Senior Notes (due May 15, 2024)2017 4.25% Senior Notes (due May 15, 2024)1,500 1,500 2017 4.25% Senior Notes (due May 15, 2024)775 775 
2019 3.875% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2028)2019 3.875% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2028)750 750 2019 3.875% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2028)750 750 
2020 5.75% Senior Notes (due April 15, 2025)2020 5.75% Senior Notes (due April 15, 2025)500 2020 5.75% Senior Notes (due April 15, 2025)500 500 
2017 5.00% Senior Notes (due October 15, 2025)2,800 2,800 
2020 3.50% Senior Notes (due February 15, 2029)2020 3.50% Senior Notes (due February 15, 2029)750 750 
2019 4.375% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2028)2019 4.375% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2028)750 750 2019 4.375% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2028)750 750 
2020 4.00% Senior Notes (due October 15, 2030)2020 4.00% Senior Notes (due October 15, 2030)2,900 2,900 
TH Facility and otherTH Facility and other171 81 TH Facility and other179 178 
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issue discountLess: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issue discount(139)(148)Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issue discount(148)(155)
Total debt, netTotal debt, net12,378 11,833 Total debt, net12,466 12,476 
Less: current maturities of debt Less: current maturities of debt(78)(74) Less: current maturities of debt(80)(79)
Total long-term debtTotal long-term debt$12,300 $11,759 Total long-term debt$12,386 $12,397 
Credit Facilities
InAs of March 2020,31, 2021, we drew $995 million onhad 0 amounts outstanding under our senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which we repaid in June 2020. As of September 30, 2020, we had 0 amounts outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility, had $2 million of letters of credit issued against the Revolving Credit Facility, and our borrowing availability under our Revolving Credit Facility was $998 million. Funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used to repay other debt, finance debt or RBI share repurchases or repurchases of Class B exchangeable limited partnership units, fund acquisitions or capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes. We have a $125 million letter of credit sublimit as part of the Revolving Credit Facility, which reduces our borrowing availability thereunder by the cumulative amount of outstanding letters of credit.
On April 2, 2020, two of our subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”) entered into a fifth amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to the credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) governing our senior secured term loan facilities (the “Term Loan Facilities”) and Revolving Credit Facility. The Fifth Amendment provides the Borrowers with the option to comply with a $1,000 million minimum liquidity covenant in lieu of the 6.50:1.00 net first lien senior secured leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant for the period after June 30, 2020 and prior to September 30, 2021. Additionally, for the periods ending September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021, to determine compliance with the net first lien senior secured leverage ratio, we are permitted to annualize the Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for the three months ending September 30, 2021 and six months ending December 31, 2021, respectively, in lieu of calculating the ratio based on Adjusted EBITDA for the prior four quarters. There were no other material changes to the terms of the Credit Agreement.
TH Facility
One of our subsidiaries entered into a non-revolving delayed drawdown term credit facility in a total aggregate principal amount of C$225 million with a maturity date of October 4, 2025 (the “TH Facility”). The interest rate applicable to the TH Facility is the Canadian Bankers’ Acceptance rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.40% or the Prime Rate plus an applicable margin equal to 0.40%, at our option. Obligations under the TH Facility are guaranteed by four of our subsidiaries, and amounts borrowed under the TH Facility are secured by certain parcels of real estate. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we drew down the remaining availabilityAs of C$125 million under the TH Facility and, as of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had outstanding C$224221 million under the TH Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 1.88%1.84%.
2020 First Lien Senior Notes
On April 7, 2020, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “2020 5.75% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $500 million of 5.75% first lien notes due April 15, 2025 (the “2020 5.75% Senior Notes”). NaN principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2020 5.75% Senior Notes were used for general corporate purposes. In connection with the issuance of the 2020 5.75% Senior Notes, we capitalized approximately $9 million in debt issuance costs.
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Obligations under the 2020 5.75% Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Borrowers and substantially all of the Borrowers' Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Worldwide, Inc., Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the “Note Guarantors”). The 2020 5.75% Senior Notes are first lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees of the Credit Facilities.
Our 2020 5.75% Senior Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after April 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the 2020 5.75% Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 2020 5.75% Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
2020 Second Lien Senior Notes
On October 5, 2020, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $1,400 million of 4.00% second lien notes due October 15, 2030 (the “October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes”). NaN principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. On October 16, 2020, the proceeds from the offering of the October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes were used to redeem $1,350 million of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of our existing $2,800 million 2017 5.00% Senior Notes (due October 15, 2025) and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses.
On October 14, 2020, the Borrowers entered into a purchase agreement relating to the sale of $1,500 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.00% second lien notes due October 15, 2030 (the “November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes” and together with the October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes, the “2020 4.00% Senior Notes”), which will be issued as additional notes under the 2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture. The closing of the offering of the November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes is expected to occur on or about November 2, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. The November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes are treated as a single series with the October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes and have the same terms for all purposes under the 2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. The net proceeds from the offering of the November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes will be used to redeem the remaining $1,450 million principal amount outstanding of the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes on or about November 13, 2020 and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses.
Obligations under the 2020 4.00% Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Borrowers and Note Guarantors. The 2020 4.00% Senior Notes are second lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment will all of the existing and future senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors and effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors.
Our 2020 4.00% Senior Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after October 15, 2025 at the redemption prices set forth in the 2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
2020 3.50% First Lien Notes
On October 20, 2020, the Borrowers entered into a purchase agreement relating to the sale of $750 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.50% first lien notes due February 15, 2029 (the “2020 3.50% Senior Notes”). The closing of the offering of the 2020 3.50% Senior Notes is expected to occur on or about November 9, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2020 3.50% Senior Notes will be used to redeem $725 million of our 4.25% first lien notes due 2024 and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses.
Restrictions and Covenants
As of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we were in compliance with all applicable financial debt covenants under our senior secured term loan facilities and Revolving Credit Facility (together the Credit Facilities,"Credit Facilities"), the TH Facility, and the indentures governing our Senior Notes.

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Fair Value Measurement
The following table presents the fair value of our variable rate term debt and senior notes, estimated using inputs based on bid and offer prices that are Level 2 inputs, and principal carrying amount (in millions):
As ofAs of
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Fair value of our variable term debt and senior notesFair value of our variable term debt and senior notes$12,283 $12,075 Fair value of our variable term debt and senior notes$12,265 $12,477 
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notesPrincipal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes12,346 11,900 Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes12,435 12,453 
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Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net consists of the following (in millions):
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Debt (a)Debt (a)$119 $130 $351 $382 Debt (a)$113 $113 
Finance lease obligationsFinance lease obligations14 16 Finance lease obligations
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discountAmortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount19 22 Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount
Interest incomeInterest income(1)(5)(8)(14)Interest income(1)(5)
Interest expense, net Interest expense, net$129 $137 $376 $406  Interest expense, net$124 $119 
(a)Amount includes $15$12 million and $16$21 million benefit during the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively, and $56 million and $53 million benefit during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to the quarterly net settlements of our cross-currency rate swaps and amortization of the Excluded Component as defined in Note 13, Derivatives.

Note 11. Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate was 22.6% and 9.2%14.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.March 31, 2021. The effective tax rate during these periods reflects the mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions and the impact of internal financing arrangements. Additionally, the effective tax rate during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 reflects a $64 million increase in deferred tax assets which decreased the effective tax rate by (9.5)% during this period. Based on the analysis of final guidance related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) received during this period a deferred tax asset was recorded.
Our effective tax rate was 18.3% and 21.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The effective tax rate during these periods reflects the mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions, the impact of internal financing arrangements and stock option exercises. Additionally, the excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation.
Our effective tax rate was 16.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The effective tax rate during this period reflects the nine months ended September 30, 2019 reflects a $37 million increase inamount and mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions and the provision for unrecognized tax benefits related to a prior restructuring transaction that is not applicable to ongoing operations which increased the effective tax rate by 3.4% during this period. Benefits from stock option exercises reduced the effective tax rate by 1.2% and 2.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.impact of internal financing arrangements.






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Note 12. Equity
During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Partnership exchanged 3,294,96872,671 Partnership exchangeable units pursuant to exchange notices received. In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by exchanging these Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. See Note 18, Subsequent Events, for detail of Partnership exchangeable units repurchased for cash on October 2, 2020. The issuances of shares were accounted for as capital contributions by RBI to Partnership. The exchanges of Partnership exchangeable units were recorded as increases to the Class A common units balance within partners’ capital in our consolidated balance sheet in an amount equal to the market value of the newly issued RBI common shares and a reduction to the Partnership exchangeable units balance within partners’ capital of our consolidated balance sheet in an amount equal to the cash paid by Partnership, if any, and the market value of the newly issued RBI common shares. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, upon the exchange of Partnership exchangeable units, each such Partnership exchangeable unit is automatically deemed cancelled concurrently with the exchange.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table displays the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) (in millions):
DerivativesPensionsForeign Currency TranslationAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)DerivativesPensionsForeign Currency TranslationAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at December 31, 2019$306 $(29)$(1,455)$(1,178)
Balance at December 31, 2020Balance at December 31, 2020$(107)$(45)$(1,123)$(1,275)
Foreign currency translation adjustmentForeign currency translation adjustment— — (170)(170)Foreign currency translation adjustment— — 54 54 
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of taxNet change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax(229)— — (229)Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax124 — — 124 
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of taxAmounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax51 — — 51 Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax24 — — 24 
Balance at September 30, 2020$128 $(29)$(1,625)$(1,526)
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of taxPension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax— — 
Balance at March 31, 2021Balance at March 31, 2021$41 $(44)$(1,069)$(1,072)



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Note 13. Derivative Instruments
Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We enter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes, including derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, derivatives designated as net investment hedges and those utilized as economic hedges. We use derivatives to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and currency exchange rates.
Interest Rate Swaps
At September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had outstanding receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $3,500 million to hedge the variability in the interest payments on a portion of our senior secured term loan facilities (the “Term Loan Facilities”) beginning October 31, 2019 through the termination date of November 19, 2026. Additionally, at September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we also had outstanding receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $500 million to hedge the variability in the interest payments on a portion of our Term Loan Facilities effective September 30, 2019 through the termination date of September 30, 2026. At inception, all of these interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges for hedge accounting. The unrealized changes in market value are recorded in AOCI and reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.
During 2019, we extended the term of our previous $3,500 million receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps to align the maturity date of the new interest rate swaps with the new maturity date of our Term Loan B. The extension of the term resulted in a de-designation and re-designation of the interest rate swaps and the swaps continue to be accounted for as a cash flow hedge for hedge accounting. In connection with the de-designation, we recognized a net unrealized loss of $213 million in AOCI and this amount gets reclassified into Interest expense, net as the original forecasted transaction affects earnings. The amount of pre-tax losses in AOCI as of September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 that we expect to be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months is $51$50 million.
During 2015, we settled certain interest rate swaps and recognized a net unrealized loss of $85 million in AOCI at the date of settlement. This amount gets reclassified into Interest expense, net as the original hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The amount of pre-tax losses in AOCI as of September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 that we expect to be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months is $12$8 million.
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Cross-Currency Rate Swaps
To protect the value of our investments in our foreign operations against adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we hedge a portion of our net investment in one or more of our foreign subsidiaries by using cross-currency rate swaps. At September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had outstanding cross-currency rate swap contracts between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar and the Euro and U.S. dollar that have been designated as net investment hedges of a portion of our equity in foreign operations in those currencies. The component of the gains and losses on our net investment in these designated foreign operations driven by changes in foreign exchange rates are economically partly offset by movements in the fair value of our cross-currency swap contracts. The fair value of the swaps is calculated each period with changes in fair value reported in AOCI, net of tax. Such amounts will remain in AOCI until the complete or substantially complete liquidation of our investment in the underlying foreign operations.
At September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had outstanding fixed-to-fixed cross-currency rate swaps to partially hedge the net investment in our Canadian subsidiaries. At inception, these cross-currency rate swaps were designated as a hedge and are accounted for as net investment hedges. These swaps are contracts to exchange quarterly fixed-rate interest payments we make on the Canadian dollar notional amount of C$6,754 million for quarterly fixed-rate interest payments we receive on the U.S. dollar notional amount of $5,000 million through the maturity date of June 30, 2023.
At September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had outstanding cross-currency rate swaps in which we pay quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the Euro notional value of €1,108 million and receive quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the U.S. dollar notional value of $1,200 million. At inception, these cross-currency rate swaps were designated as a hedge and are accounted for as a net investment hedge. During 2018, we extended the term of the swaps from March 31, 2021 to the maturity date of February 17, 2024. The extension of the term resulted in a re-designation of the hedge and the swaps continue to be accounted for as a net investment hedge. Additionally, at September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we also had outstanding cross-currency rate swaps in which we receive quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the U.S. dollar notional value of $400 million, entered during 2018, and $500 million, entered during 2019, through the maturity date of February 17, 2024. At inception, these cross-currency rate swaps were designated as a hedge and are accounted for as a net investment hedge.
The fixed to fixed cross-currency rate swaps hedging Canadian dollar and Euro net investments utilized the forward method of effectiveness assessment prior to March 15, 2018. On March 15, 2018, we de-designated and subsequently re-designated the outstanding fixed to fixed cross-currency rate swaps to prospectively use the spot method of hedge effectiveness
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assessment. Additionally, as a result of adopting new hedge accounting guidance during 2018, we elected to exclude the interest component (the “Excluded Component”) from the accounting hedge without affecting net investment hedge accounting and elected to amortize the Excluded Component over the life of the derivative instrument. The amortization of the Excluded Component is recognized in Interest expense, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The change in fair value that is not related to the Excluded Component is recorded in AOCI and will be reclassified to earnings when the foreign subsidiaries are sold or substantially liquidated.
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
We use foreign exchange derivative instruments to manage the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar purchases and payments, such as coffee purchases made by our Canadian Tim Hortons operations. At September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had outstanding forward currency contracts to manage this risk in which we sell Canadian dollars and buy U.S. dollars with a notional value of $98$124 million with maturities to November 2021.May 2022. We have designated these instruments as cash flow hedges, and as such, the unrealized changes in market value of effective hedges are recorded in AOCI and are reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.
Credit Risk
By entering into derivative contracts, we are exposed to counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is in an asset position, the counterparty has a liability to us, which creates credit risk for us. We attempt to minimize this risk by selecting counterparties with investment grade credit ratings and regularly monitoring our market position with each counterparty.
Credit-Risk Related Contingent Features
Our derivative instruments do not contain any credit-risk related contingent features.

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Quantitative Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present the required quantitative disclosures for our derivative instruments, including their estimated fair values (all estimated using Level 2 inputs) and their location on our condensed consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
Interest rate swapsInterest rate swaps$(22)$(35)$(370)$(156)Interest rate swaps$129 $(300)
Forward-currency contractsForward-currency contracts$(2)$$$(3)Forward-currency contracts$(1)$
Derivatives designated as net investment hedgesDerivatives designated as net investment hedgesDerivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swapsCross-currency rate swaps$(238)$180 $51 $25 Cross-currency rate swaps$$517 
(1)We did not exclude any components from the cash flow hedge relationships presented in this table.
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into EarningsGain or (Loss) Reclassified from
AOCI into Earnings
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into EarningsGain or (Loss) Reclassified from
AOCI into Earnings
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedgesDerivatives designated as cash flow hedgesDerivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate swapsInterest rate swapsInterest expense, net$(30)$(7)$(71)$(14)Interest rate swapsInterest expense, net$(30)$(15)
Forward-currency contractsForward-currency contractsCost of sales$$$$Forward-currency contractsCost of sales$(2)$
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in EarningsGain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings
(Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in EarningsGain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings
(Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Derivatives designated as net investment hedgesDerivatives designated as net investment hedgesDerivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swapsCross-currency rate swapsInterest expense, net$15 $16 $56 $53 Cross-currency rate swapsInterest expense, net$12 $21 
Fair Value as of
March 31,
2021
December 31, 2020Balance Sheet Location
Assets:
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency$13 $Other assets, net
Total assets at fair value$13 $
Liabilities:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate$279 $430 Other liabilities, net
Foreign currencyOther accrued liabilities
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency436 434 Other liabilities, net
Total liabilities at fair value$719 $869 
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Fair Value as of
September 30,
2020
December 31, 2019Balance Sheet Location
Assets:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate$$Other assets, net
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency18 22 Other assets, net
Total assets at fair value$18 $29 
Liabilities:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate$490 $175 Other liabilities, net
Foreign currencyOther accrued liabilities
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency102 166 Other liabilities, net
Total liabilities at fair value$593 $343 

Note 14. Other Operating Expenses (Income), net
Other operating expenses (income), net consist of the following (in millions):
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisingsNet losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings$$$$(1)Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings$(2)$(2)
Litigation settlements (gains) and reserves, netLitigation settlements (gains) and reserves, netLitigation settlements (gains) and reserves, net
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchangeNet losses (gains) on foreign exchange44 (35)54 (38)Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange(43)(8)
Other, netOther, net(2)(2)(6)Other, net(6)
Other operating expenses (income), net Other operating expenses (income), net$54 $(30)$59 $(44) Other operating expenses (income), net$(42)$(16)
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings represent sales of properties and other costs related to restaurant closures and refranchisings. Gains and losses recognized in the current period may reflect certain costs related to closures and refranchisings that occurred in previous periods.
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange is primarily related to revaluation of foreign denominated assets and liabilities.








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Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business relating to matters including, but not limited to, disputes with franchisees, suppliers, employees and customers, as well as disputes over our intellectual property.
On October 5, 2018, a class action complaint was filed against Burger King Worldwide, Inc. (“BKW”) and Burger King Corporation (“BKC”) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Jarvis Arrington, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. On October 18, 2018, a second class action complaint was filed against RBI, BKW and BKC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Monique Michel, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. On October 31, 2018, a third class action complaint was filed against BKC and BKW in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Geneva Blanchard and Tiffany Miller, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. On November 2, 2018, a fourth class action complaint was filed against RBI, BKW and BKC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Sandra Muster, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. These complaints have been consolidated and allege that the defendants violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act by incorporating an employee no-solicitation and no-hiring clause in the standard form franchise agreement all Burger King franchisees are required to sign. Each plaintiff seeks injunctive relief and damages for himself or herself and other members of the class. On March 24, 2020, the Court granted BKC’s motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim and on April 20, 2020 the plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to amend their complaint. On April 27, 2020, BKC filed a motion opposing the motion for leave to amend. The court denied the plaintiffs motion for leave to amend their complaint in August 2020 and the plaintiffs are appealing this ruling. While we currently believe these claims are without merit, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these casesthis case or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.
In July 2019, a class action complaint was filed against The TDL Group Corp. (“TDL”) in the Supreme Court of British Columbia by Samir Latifi, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. The complaint alleges that TDL violated the Canadian Competition Act by incorporating an employee no-solicitation and no-hiring clause in the standard form franchise agreement all Tim Hortons franchisees are required to sign. The plaintiff seeks damages and restitution, on behalf of himself and other members of the class. In February 2021, TDL filed and served an application to strike which is scheduled to be heard in May 2021. While we currently believe this claim is without merit, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this case or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.
On June 30, 2020, a class action complaint was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc., Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and The TDL Group Corp. in the Quebec Superior Court by Steve Holcman, individually and on behalf of all Quebec residents who downloaded the Tim Hortons mobile application. On July 2, 2020, a Notice of Action related to a second class action complaint was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc., in the Ontario Superior Court by Ashley Sitko and Ashley Cadeau, individually and on behalf of all Canadian residents who downloaded the Tim Hortons mobile application. On August 31, 2020, a notice of claim was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc. in the Supreme
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Court of British Columbia by Wai Lam Jacky Law on behalf of all persons in Canada who downloaded the Tim Hortons mobile application or the Burger King mobile application. On September 30, 2020, a notice of action was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc., Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership, The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Worldwide, Inc. and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice by William Jung on behalf of a to be determined class. All of the complaints allege that the defendants violated the plaintiff’s privacy rights, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, consumer protection and competition laws or app-based undertakings to users, in each case in connection with the collection of geolocation data through the Tim Hortons mobile application, and in certain cases, the Burger King and Popeyes mobile applications. Each plaintiff seeks injunctive relief and monetary damages for himself or herself and other members of the class. These cases are in preliminary stages and we intend to vigorously defend against these lawsuits, but we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of any of these cases or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.

On October 26, 2020, City of Warwick Municipal Employees Pension Fund, a purported stockholder of Restaurant Brands International Inc., individually and putatively on behalf of all other stockholders similarly situated, filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York County of New York naming RBI and certain of its officers, directors and shareholders as defendants alleging violations of Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with certain offerings of securities by an affiliate in August and September 2019. The complaint alleges that the shelf registration statement used in connection with such offering contained certain false and/or misleading statements or omissions. The complaint seeks, among other relief, class certification of the lawsuit, unspecified compensatory damages, rescission, pre-judgement and post-judgement interest, costs and expenses. On December 18, 2020 the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint and on February 16, 2021 RBI filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. The plaintiffs filed a brief in opposition to the motion on April 19, 2021. We intend to vigorously defend. While we believe these claims are without merit, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this case or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.


On February 5, 2021, Paul J. Graney, a purported shareholder of Restaurant Brands International, individually and putatively on behalf of all other stockholders similarly situated, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida naming RBI and certain of its current or former officers as defendants. This lawsuit alleged violations of Sections 10 and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in connection with certain statements made beginning in April 2019. On April 26, 2021, the lead plaintiff filed a stipulation voluntarily dismissing the case, which the Court so ordered on April 27, 2021.


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Note 16. Segment Reporting
As stated in Note 1, Description of Business and Organization, we manage 3 brands. Under the Tim Hortons brand, we operate in the donut/coffee/tea category of the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. Under the Burger King brand, we operate in the fast food hamburger restaurant category of the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. Under the Popeyes brand, we operate in the chicken category of the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. Our business generates revenue from the following sources: (i) franchise and advertising revenues, consisting primarily of royalties and advertising fund contributions based on a percentage of sales reported by franchise restaurants and franchise fees paid by franchisees; (ii) property revenues from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees; and (iii) sales at restaurants owned by us (“Company restaurants”). In addition, our TH business generates revenue from sales to franchisees related to our supply chain operations, including manufacturing, procurement, warehousing and distribution, as well as sales to retailers. We manage each of our brands as an operating segment and each operating segment represents a reportable segment.

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The following tables present revenues, by segment and by country (in millions):
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Revenues by operating segment:Revenues by operating segment:Revenues by operating segment:
TH TH$762 $881 $2,028 $2,472  TH$710 $699 
BK BK433 457 1,168 1,315  BK407 388 
PLK PLK142 120 414 337  PLK143 138 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$1,337 $1,458 $3,610 $4,124 Total revenues$1,260 $1,225 

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Revenues by country (a):Revenues by country (a):Revenues by country (a):
Canada Canada$691 $805 $1,837 $2,245  Canada$638 $632 
United States United States499 489 1,392 1,412  United States478 450 
Other Other147 164 381 467  Other144 143 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$1,337 $1,458 $3,610 $4,124 Total revenues$1,260 $1,225 

(a)Only Canada and the United States represented 10% or more of our total revenues in each period presented.

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Our measure of segment income is Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings (net income or loss) before interest expense, net, loss on early extinguishment of debt, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude (i) the non-cash impact of share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense, (ii) (income) loss from equity method investments, net of cash distributions received from equity method investments, (iii) other operating expenses (income), net and, (iv) income/expenses from non-recurring projects and non-operating activities. For the periods referenced, this included costs incurred in connection with the centralization and relocation of our Canadian and U.S. restaurant support centers to new offices in Toronto, Ontario, and Miami, Florida, respectively, and from professional advisory and consulting services associated with certain transformational corporate restructuring initiatives that rationalize our structure and optimize cash movements, including consulting services related to the interpretation of final and proposed regulations and guidance under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”(“Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees”).

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Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to measure operating performance of the business, excluding these non-cash and other specifically identified items that management believes are not relevant to management’s assessment of our operating business. A reconciliation of segment income to net income consists of the following (in millions):

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Segment income:Segment income:Segment income:
TH TH$258 $301 $594 $825  TH$207 $189 
BK BK245 254 605 728  BK217 200 
PLK PLK58 47 164 129  PLK56 55 
Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA561 602 1,363 1,682  Adjusted EBITDA480 444 
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expenseShare-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense19 18 63 62 Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense26 21 
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory feesCorporate restructuring and tax advisory fees11 22 Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees
Office centralization and relocation costs
Impact of equity method investments (a)Impact of equity method investments (a)20 (9)42 Impact of equity method investments (a)
Other operating expenses (income), netOther operating expenses (income), net54 (30)59 (44)Other operating expenses (income), net(42)(16)
EBITDA EBITDA465 618 1,188 1,635  EBITDA491 434 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization48 47 139 139 Depreciation and amortization49 45 
Income from operations Income from operations417 571 1,049 1,496  Income from operations442 389 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net129 137 376 406 Interest expense, net124 119 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense65 79 62 232 Income tax expense47 46 
Net income Net income$223 $351 $611 $854  Net income$271 $224 
(a)Represents (i) (income) loss from equity method investments and (ii) cash distributions received from our equity method investments. Cash distributions received from our equity method investments are included in segment income.











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Note 17. Supplemental Financial Information
On February 17, 2017, 1011778 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company (the “Parent Issuer”) and New Red Finance Inc. (the “Co-Issuer” and together with the Parent Issuer, the “Issuers”) entered into an amended credit agreement, as amended from time to time, that provides for obligations under the Credit Facilities. On November 9, 2020, the Issuers entered into the 2020 3.50% Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 2020 3.50% Senior Notes. On October 5, 2020, the Issuers entered into the 2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 2020 4.00% Senior Notes. On April 7, 2020, the Issuers entered into the 2020 5.750%5.75% Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 2020 5.750%5.75% Senior Notes. On November 19, 2019, the Issuers entered into the 2019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 2019 4.375% Senior Notes. On September 24, 2019, the Issuers entered into the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes. On August 28, 2017, the Issuers entered into the 2017 5.000% Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 2017 5.000% Senior Notes. On May 17, 2017, the Issuers entered into the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture with respect to the 2017 4.250% Senior Notes.
The agreement governing our Credit Facilities, the 2020 5.750%3.50% Senior Notes Indenture, the 2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture, the 2020 5.75% Senior Notes Indenture, the 2019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture, the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture, the 2017 5.000% Senior Notes Indenture, and the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture allow the financial reporting obligation of the Parent Issuer to be satisfied through the reporting of Partnership’s consolidated financial information, provided that the consolidated financial information of the Parent Issuer and its restricted subsidiaries is presented on a standalone basis.
The following represents the condensed consolidating financial information for the Parent Issuer and its restricted subsidiaries (“Consolidated Borrowers”) on a consolidated basis, together with eliminations, as of and for the periods indicated. The condensed consolidating financial information of Partnership is combined with the financial information of its wholly-owned subsidiaries that are also parent entities of the Parent Issuer and presented in a single column under the heading “RBILP”. The consolidating financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the financial position, results of operations or cash flows had the Issuers and Partnership operated as independent entities.

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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
As of September 30, 2020March 31, 2021
Consolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidated Consolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidated
ASSETSASSETSASSETS
Current assets:Current assets:Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,904 $$$1,904 Cash and cash equivalents$1,563 $$$1,563 
Accounts and notes receivable, netAccounts and notes receivable, net589 589 Accounts and notes receivable, net519 519 
Inventories, netInventories, net87 87 Inventories, net98 98 
Prepaids and other current assetsPrepaids and other current assets85 85 Prepaids and other current assets111 111 
Total current assetsTotal current assets2,665 2,665 Total current assets2,291 2,291 
Property and equipment, netProperty and equipment, net1,975 1,975 Property and equipment, net2,028 2,028 
Operating lease assets, netOperating lease assets, net1,122 1,122 Operating lease assets, net1,140 1,140 
Intangible assets, netIntangible assets, net10,415 10,415 Intangible assets, net10,742 10,742 
GoodwillGoodwill5,571 5,571 Goodwill5,781 5,781 
Net investment in property leased to franchiseesNet investment in property leased to franchisees63 63 Net investment in property leased to franchisees67 67 
Intercompany receivableIntercompany receivable243 (243)Intercompany receivable245 (245)
Investment in subsidiariesInvestment in subsidiaries3,915 (3,915)Investment in subsidiaries4,002 (4,002)
Other assets, netOther assets, net722 722 Other assets, net808 808 
Total assetsTotal assets$22,533 $4,158 $(4,158)$22,533 Total assets$22,857 $4,247 $(4,247)$22,857 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITYLIABILITIES AND EQUITYLIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:Current liabilities:Current liabilities:
Accounts and drafts payableAccounts and drafts payable$523 $$$523 Accounts and drafts payable$488 $$$488 
Other accrued liabilitiesOther accrued liabilities640 243 883 Other accrued liabilities560 245 805 
Gift card liabilityGift card liability108 108 Gift card liability147 147 
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leasesCurrent portion of long-term debt and finance leases107 107 Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases112 112 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities1,378 243 1,621 Total current liabilities1,307 245 1,552 
Long-term debt, net of current portionLong-term debt, net of current portion12,300 12,300 Long-term debt, net of current portion12,386 12,386 
Finance leases, net of current portionFinance leases, net of current portion304 304 Finance leases, net of current portion318 318 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portionOperating lease liabilities, net of current portion1,054 1,054 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion1,075 1,075 
Other liabilities, netOther liabilities, net1,917 1,917 Other liabilities, net2,089 2,089 
Payables to affiliatesPayables to affiliates243 (243)Payables to affiliates245 (245)
Deferred income taxes, netDeferred income taxes, net1,422 1,422 Deferred income taxes, net1,435 1,435 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities18,618 243 (243)18,618 Total liabilities18,855 245 (245)18,855 
Partners’ capital:Partners’ capital:Partners’ capital:
Class A common unitsClass A common units8,005 8,005 Class A common units8,066 8,066 
Partnership exchangeable unitsPartnership exchangeable units(2,568)(2,568)Partnership exchangeable units(2,998)(2,998)
Common sharesCommon shares3,369 (3,369)Common shares3,077 (3,077)
Retained EarningsRetained Earnings2,068 (2,068)Retained Earnings1,991 (1,991)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,526)(1,526)1,526 (1,526)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,072)(1,072)1,072 (1,072)
Total Partners' capital/shareholders' equityTotal Partners' capital/shareholders' equity3,911 3,911 (3,911)3,911 Total Partners' capital/shareholders' equity3,996 3,996 (3,996)3,996 
Noncontrolling interestsNoncontrolling interests(4)Noncontrolling interests(6)
Total equityTotal equity3,915 3,915 (3,915)3,915 Total equity4,002 4,002 (4,002)4,002 
Total liabilities and equityTotal liabilities and equity$22,533 $4,158 $(4,158)$22,533 Total liabilities and equity$22,857 $4,247 $(4,247)$22,857 
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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
As of December 31, 20192020
Consolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidated Consolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidated
ASSETSASSETSASSETS
Current assets:Current assets:Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,533 $$$1,533 Cash and cash equivalents$1,560 $$$1,560 
Accounts and notes receivable, netAccounts and notes receivable, net527 527 Accounts and notes receivable, net536 536 
Inventories, netInventories, net84 84 Inventories, net96 96 
Prepaids and other current assetsPrepaids and other current assets52 52 Prepaids and other current assets72 72 
Total current assetsTotal current assets2,196 2,196 Total current assets2,264 2,264 
Property and equipment, netProperty and equipment, net2,007 2,007 Property and equipment, net2,031 2,031 
Operating lease assets. netOperating lease assets. net1,176 1,176 Operating lease assets. net1,152 1,152 
Intangible assets, netIntangible assets, net10,563 10,563 Intangible assets, net10,701 10,701 
GoodwillGoodwill5,651 5,651 Goodwill5,739 5,739 
Net investment in property leased to franchiseesNet investment in property leased to franchisees48 48 Net investment in property leased to franchisees66 66 
Intercompany receivableIntercompany receivable232 (232)Intercompany receivable239 (239)
Investment in subsidiariesInvestment in subsidiaries4,259 (4,259)Investment in subsidiaries3,721 (3,721)
Other assets, netOther assets, net719 719 Other assets, net824 824 
Total assetsTotal assets$22,360 $4,491 $(4,491)$22,360 Total assets$22,777 $3,960 $(3,960)$22,777 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITYLIABILITIES AND EQUITYLIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:Current liabilities:Current liabilities:
Accounts and drafts payableAccounts and drafts payable$644 $$$644 Accounts and drafts payable$464 $$$464 
Other accrued liabilitiesOther accrued liabilities558 232 790 Other accrued liabilities596 239 835 
Gift card liabilityGift card liability168 168 Gift card liability191 191 
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leasesCurrent portion of long-term debt and finance leases101 101 Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases111 111 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities1,471 232 1,703 Total current liabilities1,362 239 1,601 
Long-term debt, net of current portionLong-term debt, net of current portion11,759 11,759 Long-term debt, net of current portion12,397 12,397 
Finance leases, net of current portionFinance leases, net of current portion288 288 Finance leases, net of current portion315 315 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portionOperating lease liabilities, net of current portion1,089 1,089 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion1,082 1,082 
Other liabilities, netOther liabilities, net1,698 1,698 Other liabilities, net2,236 2,236 
Payables to affiliatesPayables to affiliates232 (232)Payables to affiliates239 (239)
Deferred income taxes, netDeferred income taxes, net1,564 1,564 Deferred income taxes, net1,425 1,425 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities18,101 232 (232)18,101 Total liabilities19,056 239 (239)19,056 
Partners’ capital:Partners’ capital:Partners’ capital:
Class A common unitsClass A common units7,786 7,786 Class A common units7,994 7,994 
Partnership exchangeable unitsPartnership exchangeable units(2,353)(2,353)Partnership exchangeable units(3,002)(3,002)
Common sharesCommon shares3,248 (3,248)Common shares3,026 (3,026)
Retained EarningsRetained Earnings2,185 (2,185)Retained Earnings1,966 (1,966)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,178)(1,178)1,178 (1,178)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,275)(1,275)1,275 (1,275)
Total Partners' capital/shareholders' equityTotal Partners' capital/shareholders' equity4,255 4,255 (4,255)4,255 Total Partners' capital/shareholders' equity3,717 3,717 (3,717)3,717 
Noncontrolling interestsNoncontrolling interests(4)Noncontrolling interests(4)
Total equityTotal equity4,259 4,259 (4,259)4,259 Total equity3,721 3,721 (3,721)3,721 
Total liabilities and equityTotal liabilities and equity$22,360 $4,491 $(4,491)$22,360 Total liabilities and equity$22,777 $3,960 $(3,960)$22,777 
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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
(In millions of U.S. dollars)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020March 31, 2021
Consolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidatedConsolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidated
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
SalesSales$541 $$$541 Sales$507 $$$507 
Franchise and property revenuesFranchise and property revenues796 796 Franchise and property revenues548 548 
Advertising revenuesAdvertising revenues205 205 
Total revenuesTotal revenues1,337 1,337 Total revenues1,260 1,260 
Operating costs and expenses:Operating costs and expenses:Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of salesCost of sales418 418 Cost of sales401 401 
Franchise and property expensesFranchise and property expenses128 128 Franchise and property expenses116 116 
Selling, general and administrative expenses302 302 
Advertising expensesAdvertising expenses236 236 
General and administrative expensesGeneral and administrative expenses105 105 
(Income) loss from equity method investments(Income) loss from equity method investments18 18 (Income) loss from equity method investments
Other operating expenses (income), netOther operating expenses (income), net54 54 Other operating expenses (income), net(42)(42)
Total operating costs and expensesTotal operating costs and expenses920 920 Total operating costs and expenses818 818 
Income from operationsIncome from operations417 417 Income from operations442 442 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net129 129 Interest expense, net124 124 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes288 288 Income before income taxes318 318 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense65 65 Income tax expense47 47 
Net incomeNet income223 223 Net income271 271 
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiariesEquity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries223 (223)Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries271 (271)
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)223 223 (223)223 Net income (loss)271 271 (271)271 
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(1)
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholdersNet income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$223 $223 $(223)$223 Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$270 $270 $(270)$270 
Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)$269 $269 $(269)$269 Comprehensive income (loss)$474 $474 $(474)$474 





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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
Nine
Three Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2020
Consolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidatedConsolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidated
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
SalesSales$1,450 $$$1,450 Sales$503 $$$503 
Franchise and property revenuesFranchise and property revenues2,160 2,160 Franchise and property revenues525 525 
Advertising revenuesAdvertising revenues197 197 
Total revenuesTotal revenues3,610 3,610 Total revenues1,225 1,225 
Operating costs and expenses:Operating costs and expenses:Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of salesCost of sales1,156 1,156 Cost of sales399 399 
Franchise and property expensesFranchise and property expenses388 388 Franchise and property expenses123 123 
Selling, general and administrative expenses922 922 
Advertising expensesAdvertising expenses226 226 
General and administrative expensesGeneral and administrative expenses102 102 
(Income) loss from equity method investments(Income) loss from equity method investments36 36 (Income) loss from equity method investments
Other operating expenses (income), netOther operating expenses (income), net59 59 Other operating expenses (income), net(16)(16)
Total operating costs and expensesTotal operating costs and expenses2,561 2,561 Total operating costs and expenses836 836 
Income from operationsIncome from operations1,049 1,049 Income from operations389 389 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net376 376 Interest expense, net119 119 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes673 673 Income before income taxes270 270 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense62 62 Income tax expense46 46 
Net incomeNet income611 611 Net income224 224 
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiariesEquity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries611 (611)Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries224 (224)
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)611 611 (611)611 Net income (loss)224 224 (224)224 
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(1)Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholdersNet income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$610 $610 $(610)$610 Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$224 $224 $(224)$224 
Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)$263 $263 $(263)$263 Comprehensive income (loss)$(319)$(319)$319 $(319)


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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of OperationsCash Flows
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019months ended March 31, 2021
Consolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidated
Revenues:
Sales$624 $$$624 
Franchise and property revenues834 834 
Total revenues1,458 1,458 
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales475 475 
Franchise and property expenses133 133 
Selling, general and administrative expenses320 320 
(Income) loss from equity method investments(11)(11)
Other operating expenses (income), net(30)(30)
Total operating costs and expenses887 887 
Income from operations571 571 
Interest expense, net137 137 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Income before income taxes430 430 
Income tax expense79 79 
Net income351 351 
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries351 (351)
Net income (loss)351 351 (351)351 
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$351 $351 $(351)$351 
Comprehensive income (loss)$301 $301 $(301)$301 


Consolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$271 $271 $(271)$271 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Equity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries(271)271 
Depreciation and amortization49 49 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount
(Income) loss from equity method investments
(Gain) loss on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions(43)(43)
Net (gains) losses on derivatives20 20 
Share-based compensation expense22 22 
Deferred income taxes14 14 
Other(8)(8)
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts and notes receivable24 24 
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets(4)(4)
Accounts and drafts payable19 19 
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability(113)(113)
Other long-term assets and liabilities
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities266 266 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for property and equipment(15)(15)
Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings11 11 
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net
Other investing activities, net(5)(5)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(7)(7)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt and finance leases(27)(27)
Distributions on Class A common and Partnership exchangeable units(239)(239)
Capital contribution from RBI20 20 
Distributions from subsidiaries(239)239 
(Payments) proceeds from derivatives(16)(16)
Other financing activities, net
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(261)(261)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,560 1,560 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,563 $$$1,563 
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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Consolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidated
Revenues:
Sales$1,735 $$$1,735 
Franchise and property revenues2,389 2,389 
Total revenues4,124 4,124 
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales1,334 1,334 
Franchise and property expenses401 401 
Selling, general and administrative expenses948 948 
(Income) loss from equity method investments(11)(11)
Other operating expenses (income), net(44)(44)
Total operating costs and expenses2,628 2,628 
Income from operations1,496 1,496 
Interest expense, net406 406 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Income before income taxes1,086 1,086 
Income tax expense232 232 
Net income854 854 
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries854 (854)
Net income (loss)854 854 (854)854 
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$854 $854 $(854)$854 
Comprehensive income (loss)$957 $957 $(957)$957 


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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
Nine months ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
Consolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$611 $611 $(611)$611 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Equity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries(611)611 
Depreciation and amortization139 139 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount19 19 
(Income) loss from equity method investments36 36 
(Gain) loss on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions54 54 
Net (gains) losses on derivatives14 14 
Share-based compensation expense55 55 
Deferred income taxes(120)(120)
Other23 23 
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts and notes receivable(83)(83)
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets(21)(21)
Accounts and drafts payable(110)(110)
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability(12)(12)
Tenant inducements paid to franchisees(7)(7)
Other long-term assets and liabilities(5)(5)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities593 593 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for property and equipment(71)(71)
Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net29 29 
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(33)(33)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term debt1,585 1,585 
Repayments of revolving line of credit, long-term debt and finance leases(1,071)(1,071)
Payment of financing costs(10)(10)
Distributions on Class A common and Partnership exchangeable units(716)(716)
Capital contribution from RBI60 60 
Distributions from subsidiaries(716)716 
(Payments) proceeds from derivatives(29)(29)
Other financing activities, net(1)(1)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(182)(182)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents(7)(7)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents371 371 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,533 1,533 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,904 $$$1,904 
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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Consolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidatedConsolidated BorrowersRBILPEliminationsConsolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:Cash flows from operating activities:Cash flows from operating activities:
Net incomeNet income$854 $854 $(854)$854 Net income$224 $224 $(224)$224 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Equity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiariesEquity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries(854)854 Equity in loss (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries(224)224 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization139 139 Depreciation and amortization45 45 
Premiums paid and non-cash loss on extinguishment of debt
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discountAmortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount22 22 Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount
(Income) loss from equity method investments(Income) loss from equity method investments(11)(11)(Income) loss from equity method investments
(Gain) loss on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions(Gain) loss on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions(38)(38)(Gain) loss on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions(8)(8)
Net (gains) losses on derivativesNet (gains) losses on derivatives(43)(43)Net (gains) losses on derivatives(6)(6)
Share-based compensation expenseShare-based compensation expense56 56 Share-based compensation expense19 19 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes(16)(16)Deferred income taxes(31)(31)
OtherOtherOther(4)(4)
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts and notes receivableAccounts and notes receivable(7)(7)Accounts and notes receivable94 94 
Inventories and prepaids and other current assetsInventories and prepaids and other current assets(34)(34)Inventories and prepaids and other current assets(13)(13)
Accounts and drafts payableAccounts and drafts payable(15)(15)Accounts and drafts payable(136)(136)
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liabilityOther accrued liabilities and gift card liability(85)(85)Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability(67)(67)
Tenant inducements paid to franchiseesTenant inducements paid to franchisees(13)(13)Tenant inducements paid to franchisees(3)(3)
Other long-term assets and liabilitiesOther long-term assets and liabilities64 64 Other long-term assets and liabilities14 14 
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activitiesNet cash provided by (used for) operating activities878 878 Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities136 136 
Cash flows from investing activities:Cash flows from investing activities:Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for property and equipmentPayments for property and equipment(32)(32)Payments for property and equipment(19)(19)
Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisingsNet proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings22 22 Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings
Settlement/sale of derivatives, netSettlement/sale of derivatives, net17 17 Settlement/sale of derivatives, net12 12 
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activitiesNet cash provided by (used for) investing activitiesNet cash provided by (used for) investing activities(3)(3)
Cash flows from financing activities:Cash flows from financing activities:Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term debtProceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term debt750 750 Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term debt1,085 1,085 
Repayments of long-term debt and finance leases(290)(290)
Payment of financing costs(13)(13)
Repayments of revolving line of credit, long-term debt and finance leasesRepayments of revolving line of credit, long-term debt and finance leases(25)(25)
Distributions on Class A common and Partnership exchangeable unitsDistributions on Class A common and Partnership exchangeable units(669)(669)Distributions on Class A common and Partnership exchangeable units(232)(232)
Capital contribution from RBICapital contribution from RBI99 99 Capital contribution from RBI30 30 
Distributions from subsidiariesDistributions from subsidiaries(669)669 Distributions from subsidiaries(232)232 
(Payments) proceeds from derivatives(Payments) proceeds from derivatives17 17 (Payments) proceeds from derivatives(2)(2)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities(106)(106)
Other financing activities, netOther financing activities, net(1)(1)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activitiesNet cash provided by (used for) financing activities855 855 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalentsEffect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalentsEffect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents(23)(23)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalentsIncrease (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents786 786 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents965 965 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of periodCash and cash equivalents at beginning of period913 913 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,533 1,533 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of periodCash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,699 $$$1,699 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$2,498 $$$2,498 
    
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Note 18. Subsequent Events
Exchange of Partnership Exchangeable Units
In September 2020 Partnership received an exchange notice for 6,757,692 Partnership exchange units (the “Exchangeable Units”). In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership chose to satisfy the exchange by repurchasing all of these Exchangeable Units on October 2, 2020 for approximately $380 million with available cash on hand. The repurchase will be accounted for as a reduction to the Partnership exchangeable units balance within partner's capital of our condensed consolidated balance sheet in an amount equal to the cash paid by Partnership. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, upon the exchange of Partnership exchangeable units, each such Partnership exchangeable unit is automatically deemed cancelled.
Cash Distributions/Dividends
On October 2, 2020,April 6, 2021, RBI paid a cash dividend of $0.52$0.53 per RBI common share to common shareholders of record on September 18, 2020.March 23, 2021. Partnership made a distribution to RBI as holder of Class A common units in the amount of the aggregate dividends declared and paid by RBI on RBI common shares and also made a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.52$0.53 per exchangeable unit to holders of record on September 18, 2020.March 23, 2021.
Subsequent to September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the RBI board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.52$0.53 per RBI common share, which will be paid on January 5,July 7, 2021 to RBI common shareholders of record on December 21, 2020.June 23, 2021. Partnership will make a distribution to RBI as holder of Class A common units in the amount of the aggregate dividends declared and paid by RBI on RBI common shares. Partnership will also make a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.52$0.53 per Partnership exchangeable unit, and the record date and payment date for such distribution will be the same as the record date and payment date for the cash dividend per RBI common share set forth above.
Issuance of Senior Notes and Redemption of Senior Notes
As discussed in Note 10, Long-Term Debt, on October 5, 2020, the Borrowers entered into the 2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture in connection with the issuance of the October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes. The proceeds from the offering of the October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes were used to redeem $1,350 million of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of our existing $2,800 million 2017 5.00% Senior Notes (due October 15, 2025) on October 16, 2020 and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses.
Also as discussed in Note 10, Long-Term Debt, on October 14, 2020, the Borrowers entered into a purchase agreement relating to the sale of the November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes, which will be issued as additional notes under the 2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture. The closing of the offering of the November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes is expected to occur on or about November 2, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. The net proceeds from the offering of the November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes will be used to redeem the remaining $1,450 million principal amount outstanding of the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses.
As additionally discussed in Note 10, Long-Term Debt, onOctober 20, 2020, the Borrowers entered into a purchase agreement relating to the sale of the 2020 3.50% Senior Notes. The closing of the offering of the 2020 3.50% Senior Notes is expected to occur on or about November 9, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2020 3.50% Senior Notes will be used to redeem $725 million of our 4.25% first lien notes due 2024 and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses.
During the three months ending December 31, 2020, we will record a loss on early extinguishment of debt that will include the redemption premiums paid as well as the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the redemption of the notes discussed above.
Litigation
On October 26, 2020, City of Warwick Municipal Employees Pension Fund, a purported stockholder of Restaurant Brands International, individually and on behalf of all other stockholders similarly situated, filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York County of New York naming the Company and certain of its officers, directors and selling shareholders as defendants alleging violations of Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the offering of securities by an affiliate of 3G Capital Partners Ltd. in August and September 2019. The complaint alleges that the shelf registration statement used in connection with such offering contained certain false and/or misleading statements or omissions. The complaint seeks, among other relief, class certification of the lawsuit, unspecified
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compensatory damages, rescission, pre-judgement and post-judgement interest, costs and expenses. The Company is currently evaluating the lawsuit, but believes that the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend. While we believe these claims are without merit, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this case or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.
*****
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion together with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 “Financial Statements” of this report.
The following discussion includes information regarding future financial performance and plans, targets, aspirations, expectations, and objectives of management, which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws as described in further detail under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” set forth below. Actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the risks and further discussion in the “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below.
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”). However, this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations also contains certain non-GAAP financial measures to assist readers in understanding our performance. Non-GAAP financial measures either exclude or include amounts that are not reflected in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, we have provided the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, a reconciliation to GAAP measures and a discussion of the reasons why management believes this information is useful to it and may be useful to investors.
Operating results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for the fiscal year and our key business measures, as discussed below, may decrease for any future period. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “Partnership”, “we”, “us” or “our” are to Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and its subsidiaries, collectively.
Overview
We are one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant (“QSR”) companies with approximately $31 billion in annual system-wide sales and approximatelyover 27,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories as of September 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. Our Tim Hortons®, Burger King®, and Popeyes® brands have similar franchised business models with complementary daypart mixes and product platforms. Our three iconic brands are managed independently while benefiting from global scale and sharing of best practices.
Tim Hortons restaurants are quick service restaurants with a menu that includes premium blend coffee, tea, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks, fresh baked goods, including donuts, Timbits®, bagels, muffins, cookies and pastries, grilled paninis, classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, and more. Burger King restaurants are quick service restaurants that feature flame-grilled hamburgers, chicken, and other specialty sandwiches, french fries, soft drinks, and other affordably-priced food items. Popeyes restaurants are quick service restaurants featuring a unique “Louisiana” style menu that includes fried chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and other seafood, red beans and rice, and other regional items.
We have three operating and reportable segments: (1) Tim Hortons (“TH”); (2) Burger King (“BK”); and (3) Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (“PLK”). Our business generates revenue from the following sources: (i) franchise and advertising revenues, consisting primarily of royalties and advertising fund contributions based on a percentage of sales reported by franchise restaurants and franchise fees paid by franchisees; (ii) property revenues from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees; and (iii) sales at restaurants owned by us (“Company restaurants”). In addition, our TH business generates revenue from sales to franchisees related to our supply chain operations, including manufacturing, procurement, warehousing, and distribution, as well as sales to retailers.
COVID-19
The global crisis resulting from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19(“COVID-19”) has had a substantial impact on our global restaurant operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, which is expected to continue withMarch 31, 2021 and 2020. While the timingimpact of recovery uncertain. System-wideCOVID-19 on system-wide sales growth, system-wide sales, and comparable sales were also negatively impactedand net restaurant growth was severe for the threelast few weeks of the quarter ended March 31, 2020, in the 2021 period these metrics were affected to a lesser extent for the entire period, with variations among brands and nineregions. During 2020 and the three months ended September 30, 2020 as a result of the impact of COVID-19. During the first nine months of 2020,March 31, 2021, substantially all TH, BK and PLK restaurants remained open in North America, some with limited operations, such as Drive-thru, Takeoutdrive-thru, takeout and Deliverydelivery (where applicable) and that currently remains the case. While certain markets have opened for, reduced if any dine-in guests, the capacity, may be limited, and local conditions may lead to closures and/or increased limitations. Some international markets temporarily closed most or all restaurants and the restaurants that remained open or have reopened may have limited operations.restrictions on hours of operation. As of the end of September, 96%March 2021, 95% of our restaurants were open worldwide, including substantially all of our restaurants in North America and Asia Pacific and approximately 92% and 84% of our restaurants in Europe, Middle East and Africa and Latin America, respectively. By contrast, at March 31, 2020 the restaurants open were approximately 92% of our restaurants94% in North America, 83% in Asia Pacific, 40% in Europe, Middle East and Africa and 47% in Latin America. Certain jurisdictions, such as Canada, Europe, and Brazil, that had eased
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Our operating results substantially depend upon our franchisees’ sales volumes, restaurant profitability,restrictions during 2020, re-imposed lockdowns and financial stability. The financial impactcurfews in the quarter ended March 31, 2021. In comparison, during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, a number of COVID-19 has had, and is expectedother markets required temporary complete closures while implementing lock-down orders. We expect local conditions to continue to have, an adverse effectdictate limitations on manyrestaurant operations, capacity, and hours of operation.
With the pandemic affecting consumer behavior, the importance of digital sales, including delivery, has grown. We expect to continue to support enhancements of our franchisees’ liquiditydigital and we have worked closely with our franchisees around the world to monitor and assist them with access to appropriate sources of liquidity in order to sustain their businesses throughout this crisis. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we offered rent relief programs to eligible TH franchisees in Canada and eligible BK franchisees in the U.S. and Canada who lease property from us, a portion of which concluded during the third quarter. While in effect, these programs provide working capital support to franchisees and result in a reduction in our property revenues. See Note 4 to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
We also provided cash flow support by extending loans to eligible BK franchisees in the U.S. during the second and third quarters of 2020, and by advancing certain cash payments to eligible TH franchisees in Canada during the second quarter of 2020. Additionally, we temporarily deferred franchisee capital investment commitments for restaurant renovations and new restaurant development globally, based on the individual circumstances of relevant markets and restaurant owners.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recorded higher bad debt expense than the nine months ended September 30, 2019. While these receivables remain contractually due and payable to us, the certainty of the amount and timing of payments has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, our bad debt expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 reflects an adjustment to our historical collections experience to incorporate an estimate of the impact of current economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Actual collections may be materially higher or lower than this estimate reflects since it is reasonably possible the duration and future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business or our franchisees may differ from our assumptions.
marketing capabilities. While we do not know the full future impact COVID-19 will have on our business, or when our business will fully return to normal operations, we expect to see a continued impact from COVID-19 on our results in the fourth quarter.2021.
Operating Metrics
We evaluate our restaurants and assess our business based on the following operating metrics:
System-wide sales growth refers to the percentage change in sales at all franchise restaurants and Company restaurants (referred to as system-wide sales) in one period from the same period in the prior year.
Comparable sales refers to the percentage change in restaurant sales in one period from the same prior year period for restaurants that have been open for 13 months or longer for TH and BK and 17 months or longer for PLK. Additionally, if a restaurant is closed for a significant portion of a month, the restaurant is excluded from the monthly comparable sales calculation.
System-wide sales growth and comparable sales are measured on a constant currency basis, which means the results exclude the effect of foreign currency translation (“FX Impact”). For system-wide sales growth and comparable sales, we calculate the FX Impact by translating prior year results at current year monthly average exchange rates.
Unless otherwise stated, system-wide sales growth, system-wide sales and comparable sales are presented on a system-wide basis, which means they include franchise restaurants and Company restaurants. System-wide results are driven by our franchise restaurants, as approximately 100% of system-wide restaurants are franchised. Franchise sales represent sales at all franchise restaurants and are revenues to our franchisees. We do not record franchise sales as revenues; however, our royalty revenues and advertising fund contributions are calculated based on a percentage of franchise sales.
Net restaurant growth refers to the net increase in restaurant count (openings, net of permanent closures) over a trailing twelve month period, divided by the restaurant count at the beginning of the trailing twelve month period.
These metrics are important indicators of the overall direction of our business, including trends in sales and the effectiveness of each brand’s marketing, operations and growth initiatives.














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Recent Events and Factors Affecting Comparability
Tax Restructuring and Reform
In December 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) that significantly revised the U.S. tax code generally effective January 1, 2018 by, among other changes, lowering the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, limiting deductibility of interest expense and performance based incentive compensation and implementing a modified territorial tax system. As a Canadian entity, we generally would be classified as a foreign entity (and, therefore, a non-U.S. tax resident) under general rules of U.S. federal income taxation. However, we have subsidiaries subject to U.S. federal income taxation and therefore the Tax Act impacted our consolidated results of operations in 2019 and the current period, and is expected to continue to impact our consolidated results of operations in future periods.
We recorded $3 million and $5 million of costs during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $11 million and $22 million of costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations, arising primarily from professional advisory and consulting services associated with certain transformational corporate restructuring initiatives that rationalize our structure and optimize cash movement within our structure, including consulting services related to the interpretation of final and proposed regulations and guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury, the IRS and state tax authorities in their ongoing efforts to interpret and implement the Tax Act and related state and local tax implications (“Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees”).
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, various guidance was issued by the U.S. Treasury relating to the Tax Act. After review of such guidance, we recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately $64 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 related to certain tax attribute carryforwards, which we now expect to be able to deduct in future years under recently issued regulations implementing the Tax Act.
Office Centralization and Relocation Costs
In connection with the centralization and relocation of our Canadian and U.S. restaurant support centers to new offices in Toronto, Ontario, and Miami, Florida, respectively, we incurred certain non-operational expenses (“Office centralization and relocation costs”) totaling $6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 consisting primarily of moving costs and relocation-driven compensation expenses, which are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. We did not incur any Office centralization and relocation costs during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and during 2020 and do not expect to incur any additional Office centralization and relocation costs during 2020.
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Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019
Tabular amounts in millions of U.S. dollars unless noted otherwise. Segment income may not calculate exactly due to rounding.
ConsolidatedConsolidatedThree Months Ended September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX ImpactNine Months Ended September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX ImpactConsolidatedThree Months Ended March 31,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX Impact
20202019 Favorable / (Unfavorable)20202019 Favorable / (Unfavorable)20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
SalesSales$541 $624 $(83)$(4)$(79)$1,450 $1,735 $(285)$(26)$(259)Sales$507 $503 $$24 $(20)
Franchise and property revenuesFranchise and property revenues796 834 (38)(6)(32)2,160 2,389 (229)(33)(196)Franchise and property revenues548 525 23 15 
Advertising revenuesAdvertising revenues205 197 
Total revenuesTotal revenues1,337 1,458 (121)(10)(111)3,610 4,124 (514)(59)(455)Total revenues1,260 1,225 35 42 (7)
Operating costs and expenses:Operating costs and expenses:Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of salesCost of sales418 475 57 54 1,156 1,334 178 20 158 Cost of sales401 399 (2)(19)17 
Franchise and property expensesFranchise and property expenses128 133 — 388 401 13 Franchise and property expenses116 123 (5)12 
Selling, general and administrative expenses302 320 18 — 18 922 948 26 21 
Advertising expensesAdvertising expenses236 226 (10)(4)(6)
General and administrative expensesGeneral and administrative expenses105 102 (3)(3)— 
(Income) loss from equity method investments(Income) loss from equity method investments18 (11)(29)(30)36 (11)(47)— (47)(Income) loss from equity method investments— — — 
Other operating expenses (income), netOther operating expenses (income), net54 (30)(84)(85)59 (44)(103)— (103)Other operating expenses (income), net(42)(16)26 25 
Total operating costs and expensesTotal operating costs and expenses920 887 (33)(38)2,561 2,628 67 29 38 Total operating costs and expenses818 836 18 (30)48 
Income from operationsIncome from operations417 571 (154)(5)(149)1,049 1,496 (447)(30)(417)Income from operations442 389 53 12 41 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net129 137 — 376 406 30 — 30 Interest expense, net124 119 (5)— (5)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt— — — — 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes288 430 (142)(5)(137)673 1,086 (413)(30)(383)Income before income taxes318 270 48 12 36 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense65 79 14 — 14 62 232 170 169 Income tax expense47 46 (1)(1)— 
Net incomeNet income$223 $351 $(128)$(5)$(123)$611 $854 $(243)$(29)$(214)Net income$271 $224 $47 $11 $36 
(a)We calculate the FX Impact by translating prior year results at current year monthly average exchange rates. We analyze these results on a constant currency basis as this helps identify underlying business trends, without distortion from the effects of currency movements.

TH SegmentThree Months Ended September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX ImpactNine Months Ended September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX Impact
20202019 Favorable / (Unfavorable)20202019 Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:
Sales$506 $584 $(78)$(4)$(74)$1,345 $1,618 $(273)$(26)$(247)
Franchise and property revenues256 297 (41)(3)(38)683 854 (171)(14)(157)
Total revenues762 881 (119)(7)(112)2,028 2,472 (444)(40)(404)
Cost of sales388 441 53 50 1,061 1,233 172 20 152 
Franchise and property expenses83 91 — 250 268 18 14 
Segment SG&A63 77 14 — 14 211 236 25 22 
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)28 28 — — — 82 80 (2)(3)
Segment income (c)258 301 (43)(2)(41)594 825 (231)(13)(218)
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TH SegmentThree Months Ended March 31,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX Impact
20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:
Sales$473 $465 $$24 $(16)
Franchise and property revenues190 188 10 (8)
Advertising revenues47 46 (1)
Total revenues710 699 11 36 (25)
Cost of sales370 366 (4)(19)15 
Franchise and property expenses81 81 — (4)
Advertising expenses62 65 (4)
Segment G&A24 25 (1)
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)31 26 (5)(1)(4)
Segment income (c)207 189 18 
(b)Segment depreciation and amortization consists of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, and franchise and property expenses and advertising expenses.
(c)TH segment income includes $2$3 million and $3$2 million of cash distributions received from equity method investments for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively. TH segment income includes $6 million and $11 million of

BK SegmentThree Months Ended March 31,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX Impact
20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:
Sales$16 $17 $(1)$— $(1)
Franchise and property revenues289 273 16 11 
Advertising revenues102 98 
Total revenues407 388 19 13 
Cost of sales16 17 — 
Franchise and property expenses33 39 (1)
Advertising expenses117 108 (9)— (9)
Segment G&A36 37 (1)
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)12 12 — — — 
Segment income (d)217 200 17 13 
(d)No significant cash distributions were received from equity method investments forduring the ninethree months ended September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and 2019, respectively.2020.

PLK SegmentThree Months Ended March 31,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX Impact
20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:
Sales$18 $21 $(3)$— $(3)
Franchise and property revenues69 64 — 
Advertising revenues56 53 — 
Total revenues143 138 — 
Cost of sales15 16 — 
Franchise and property expenses— 
Advertising expenses57 53 (4)— (4)
Segment G&A14 13 (1)— (1)
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)— — — 
Segment income56 55 — 
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BK SegmentThree Months Ended September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX ImpactNine Months Ended September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX Impact
20202019 Favorable / (Unfavorable)20202019 Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:
Sales$17 $19 $(2)$— $(2)$49 $57 $(8)$— $(8)
Franchise and property revenues416 438 (22)(2)(20)1,119 1,258 (139)(18)(121)
Total revenues433 457 (24)(2)(22)1,168 1,315 (147)(18)(129)
Cost of sales16 18 — 49 53 — 
Franchise and property expenses42 39 (3)— (3)129 124 (5)— (5)
Segment SG&A142 159 17 — 17 422 449 27 26 
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)13 12 (1)— (1)37 37 — — — 
Segment income (d)245 254 (9)(2)(7)605 728 (123)(17)(106)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Key Business Metrics20212020
System-wide sales growth
    TH(4.9)%(9.9)%
    BK1.8 %(3.0)%
    PLK7.0 %32.3 %
    Consolidated1.4 %0.0 %
System-wide sales
    TH$1,379 $1,382 
    BK$5,173 $4,999 
    PLK$1,344 $1,258 
    Consolidated$7,896 $7,639 
Comparable sales
    TH(2.3)%(10.3)%
    BK0.7 %(3.7)%
    PLK1.5 %26.2 %
As of March 31,
20212020
Net restaurant growth
    TH1.3 %1.2 %
    BK(0.8)%5.8 %
    PLK4.8 %6.9 %
    Consolidated0.2 %5.0 %
Restaurant count
    TH4,987 4,925 
    BK18,691 18,848 
    PLK3,495 3,336 
    Consolidated27,173 27,109 
(d)No cash distributionsComparable Sales
TH comparable sales were received from equity method investments for(2.3)% during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and no significant amountsMarch 31, 2021, including Canada comparable sales of cash distributions(3.3)%.
BK comparable sales were received0.7% during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2020. BK segment income includes $2 millionMarch 31, 2021, including U.S. comparable sales of cash distributions received from equity method investments for6.6%.
PLK comparable sales were 1.5% during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2019.March 31, 2021, including U.S. comparable sales of 0.9%.

PLK SegmentThree Months Ended September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX ImpactNine Months Ended September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX Impact
20202019 Favorable / (Unfavorable)20202019 Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:
Sales$18 $21 $(3)$— $(3)$56 $60 $(4)$— $(4)
Franchise and property revenues124 99 25 (1)26 358 277 81 (1)82 
Total revenues142 120 22 (1)23 414 337 77 (1)78 
Cost of sales14 16 — 46 48 — 
Franchise and property expenses— — — — — — 
Segment SG&A70 56 (14)— (14)201 159 (42)— (42)
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)— — — — 
Segment income58 47 11 (1)12 164 129 35 (1)36 
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Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Key Business Metrics2020201920202019
System-wide sales growth
    TH(13.7)%(0.1)%(19.1)%0.6 %
    BK(7.9)%10.7 %(12.1)%9.6 %
    PLK21.5 %15.6 %25.7 %10.5 %
    Consolidated(5.4)%8.9 %(8.9)%7.8 %
System-wide sales
    TH$1,520 $1,774 $4,010 $5,037 
    BK$5,484 $6,010 $14,610 $17,016 
    PLK$1,331 $1,103 $3,836 $3,070 
    Consolidated$8,335 $8,887 $22,456 $25,123 
Comparable sales
    TH(12.5)%(1.4)%(17.2)%(0.5)%
    BK(7.0)%4.8 %(7.9)%3.6 %
    PLK17.4 %9.7 %22.5 %4.5 %
As of September 30,
20202019
Net restaurant growth
    TH1.0 %1.7 %
    BK2.4 %5.8 %
    PLK7.1 %5.6 %
    Consolidated2.7 %5.0 %
Restaurant count
    TH4,934 4,887 
    BK18,675 18,232 
    PLK3,418 3,192 
    Consolidated27,027 26,311 
Comparable Sales
TH comparable sales were (12.5)% during the three months ended September 30, 2020, including Canada comparable sales of (13.7)%. TH comparable sales were (17.2)% during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, including Canada comparable sales of (18.0)%.
BK comparable sales were (7.0)% during the three months ended September 30, 2020, including U.S. comparable sales of (3.2)%. BK comparable sales were (7.9)% during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, including U.S. comparable sales of (6.5)%.
PLK comparable sales were 17.4% during the three months ended September 30, 2020, including U.S. comparable sales of 19.7%. PLK comparable sales were 22.5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, including U.S. comparable sales of 25.6%.
Sales and Cost of Sales
Sales include TH supply chain sales and sales from Company restaurants. TH supply chain sales represent sales of products, supplies and restaurant equipment, as well as sales to retailers. Sales from Company restaurants, including sales by our consolidated TH Restaurant VIEs, represent restaurant-level sales to our guests.
Cost of sales includes costs associated with the management of our TH supply chain, including cost of goods, direct labor and depreciation, as well as the cost of products sold to retailers. Cost of sales also includes food, paper and labor costs of Company restaurants.
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During the three months ended September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the decreaseincrease in sales was driven primarily by a favorable FX Impact of $24 million, partially offset by a decrease of $74$16 million in our TH segment, a decrease of $2 million in our BK segment, a decrease of $3 million in our PLK segment, and an unfavorable FX Impacta decrease of $4 million.$1 million in our BK segment. The decrease in our TH segment was driven by a decrease in supply chain sales due to thea decrease in system-wide sales net ofexcluding FX Impact, partially offset by an increase in sales to retailers.
During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the decreaseincrease in cost of sales was driven primarily by an unfavorable FX Impact of $19 million, partially offset by a decrease of $247$15 million in our TH segment, a decrease of $8$1 million in our BK segment, and a decrease of $4$1 million in our PLK segment, and an unfavorable FX Impact of $26 million. The decrease in our TH segment was driven by a $255 million decrease in supply chain sales due to the decrease in system-wide sales, net of an increase in sales to retailers. The decrease in supply chain sales was partially offset by an increase of $8 million in Company restaurant revenue due to an increase in the number of Company restaurants.
While we cannot currently estimate the duration or future negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our system-wide sales and sales revenue, we expect the negative effects to continue into the fourth quarter of 2020. 
During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the decrease in cost of sales was driven primarily by a decrease of $50 million in our TH segment, a decrease of $2 million in our BK segment, a decrease of $2 million in our PLK segment and a $3 million favorable FX Impact.segment. The decrease in our TH segment was driven by a decrease in supply chain cost of sales due to thea decrease in system-wide sales netexcluding FX Impact and the non-recurrence of a $3 million charge in the prior year to write-off paper cup inventory for the 2020 Roll Up the Rim promotion due to COVID-19, partially offset by an increase in sales to retailers.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the decrease in cost of sales was driven primarily by a decrease of $152 million in our TH segment, a decrease of $4 million in our BK segment, a decrease of $2 million in our PLK segment and a $20 million favorable FX Impact. The decrease in our TH segment was driven primarily by a decrease of $161 million in supply chain cost of sales due to the decrease in system-wide sales, net of an increase in sales to retailers, and an increase in bad debt expense. The decrease in supply chain cost of sales was partially offset by a $9 million increase in Company restaurant cost of sales due to an increase in the number of Company restaurants.
Franchise and Property
Franchise and property revenues consist primarily of royalties earned on franchise sales, (including advertising fund revenues), rents from real estate leased or subleased to franchisees, franchise fees, and other revenue. Franchise and property expenses consist primarily of depreciation of properties leased to franchisees, rental expense associated with properties subleased to franchisees, amortization of franchise agreements, and bad debt expense (recoveries).
During the three months ended September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the decreaseincrease in franchise and property revenues was driven by a decreasefavorable FX Impact of $38$15 million, in our TH segment, a decreasean increase of $20$11 million in our BK segment, and a $6 million unfavorable FX Impact, partially offset by an increase of $26$5 million in our PLK segment. Thesegment, partially offset by a decrease of $8 million in our TH segment was primarily driven by decreases in royalties and rent from decreases in system-wide sales and rent relief provided to eligible franchisees during the current period. The decrease in our BK segment was primarily driven by a decrease in royalties as a result of a decrease in system-wide sales.segment. The increase in our BK and PLK segmentsegments was primarily driven by an increase in royalties as a result of an increase in system-wide sales.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the decrease in franchise and property revenues was driven by a decrease of $157 million in our TH segment, a decrease of $121 million in our BK segment, and a $33 million unfavorable FX Impact, partially offset by an increase of $82 million in our PLK segment. The decrease in our TH segment was primarily driven by decreases in royalties and rent from decreasesdue to a decrease in system-wide sales excluding FX Impact and an increase in rent relief provided to eligible franchisees duringfranchisees.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the decrease in franchise and property expenses was driven by a decrease of $7 million in our BK segment, a decrease of $4 million in our TH segment, and a decrease of $1 million in our PLK segment, partially offset by an unfavorable FX Impact of $5 million. The decrease in our BK and TH segments was primarily related to bad debt recoveries in the current period.year compared to bad debt expense in the prior year.
Advertising
Advertising revenues consist primarily of advertising contributions earned on franchise sales. Advertising expenses consist primarily of expenses relating to marketing, advertising and promotion, including market research, production, advertising costs, sales promotions, social media campaigns, technology initiatives, depreciation and amortization and other related support functions for the respective brands.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the increase in advertising revenues was driven by a favorable FX Impact of $3 million, an increase of $3 million in our BK segment, and an increase of $3 million in our PLK segment, partially offset by a decrease of $1 million in our TH segment. The increase in our BK and PLK segments was primarily driven by an increase in system-wide sales. The decrease in our TH segment was primarily driven by a decrease in system-wide sales excluding FX Impact.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the increase in advertising expenses was driven by an increase of $9 million in our BK segment, an increase of $4 million in our PLK segment, and an unfavorable FX Impact of $4 million, partially offset by a decrease of $7 million in our TH segment. The increase in our BK segment was primarily driven by a decreasethe timing of advertising expenses and an increase in royalties as a result of a decrease in system-wide sales.advertising revenues. The increase in our PLK segment was primarily driven by an increase in royalties as a result of an increase in system-wide sales.
We cannot currently estimate the duration or future negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our system-wide sales and, along with rent concessions remaining in place to eligible franchisees as a result of COVID-19, the impact on our franchise and propertyadvertising revenues. We expect these negative effects to continue into the fourth quarter of 2020.
During the three months ended September 30, 2020, theThe decrease in franchise and property expenses was driven by a decrease of $8 million in our TH segment partially offset by an increase of $3 million in our BK segment.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the decrease in franchise and property expenses was primarily driven by a decreasethe timing of $14 million in our TH segment and a $4 million favorable FX Impact, partially offset by an increase of $5 millionadvertising expenses.
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in our BK segment. Overall, the decrease was driven by a decrease in property expenses partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Our selling, general and administrative expenses were comprised of the following:
Three Months Ended September 30,VarianceNine Months Ended September 30,VarianceThree Months Ended March 31,Variance
$%$%$%
20202019Favorable / (Unfavorable)20202019Favorable / (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Segment SG&A:
Segment G&A:Segment G&A:
THTH$63 $77 $14 18.2 %$211 $236 $25 10.6 %TH$24 $25 $4.0 %
BKBK142 159 17 10.7 %422 449 27 6.0 %BK36 37 2.7 %
PLKPLK70 56 (14)(25.0)%201 159 (42)(26.4)%PLK14 13 (1)(7.7)%
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expenseShare-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense19 18 (1)(5.6)%63 62 (1)(1.6)%Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense26 21 (5)(23.8)%
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization— — %14 14 — — %Depreciation and amortization20.0 %
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory feesCorporate restructuring and tax advisory fees— — %
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees40.0 %11 22 11 50.0 %
Office centralization and relocation costs— — — — %— 100.0 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses$302 $320 $18 5.6 %$922 $948 $26 2.7 %
General and administrative expensesGeneral and administrative expenses$105 $102 $(3)(2.9)%
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses (“Segment SGG&A”) include segment selling expenses, which consist primarily of advertising fund expenses, and segment general and administrative expenses, which are comprised primarily of salary and employee-related costs for non-restaurant employees, professional fees, information technology systems, and general overhead for our corporate offices. Segment SGG&A excludes share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, and Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees.
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees arise primarily from professional advisory and Office centralizationconsulting services associated with certain transformational corporate restructuring initiatives that rationalize our structure and relocation costs.
Duringoptimize cash movement within our structure, including consulting services related to the threeinterpretation of final and nine months ended September 30, 2020,proposed regulations and guidance issued by the decreaseU.S. Treasury, the IRS and state tax authorities in Segment SG&A in our THtheir ongoing efforts to interpret and BK segments was primarily dueimplement comprehensive tax legislation, commonly referred to a decrease in advertising fund expenses. Duringas the threeTax Cuts and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the increase in Segment SG&A in our PLK segment was primarily due to an increase in advertising fund expenses resulting from an increase in advertising fund revenue.
During the threeJobs Act (the “Tax Act”) and nine months ended September 30, 2020, share-based compensationrelated state and non-cash incentive compensation expense was consistent with prior year.local tax implications.
(Income) Loss from Equity Method Investments
(Income) loss from equity method investments reflects our share of investee net income or loss, non-cash dilution gains or losses from changes in our ownership interests in equity method investees, and basis difference amortization.
TheThere was no significant change in (income) loss from equity method investments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily driven by an increase in equity method investment net losses that we recognized duringMarch 31, 2021 compared to the current year, driven by the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the non-recurrence of an $11 million non-cash dilution gain during 2019 from the issuance of additional shares in connection with a merger by one of our equity method investees.


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prior year.
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net
Our other operating expenses (income), net were comprised of the following:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisingsNet losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings$$$$(1)Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings$(2)$(2)
Litigation settlements (gains) and reserves, netLitigation settlements (gains) and reserves, netLitigation settlements (gains) and reserves, net— 
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchangeNet losses (gains) on foreign exchange44 (35)54 (38)Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange(43)(8)
Other, netOther, net(2)(2)(6)Other, net(6)
Other operating expenses (income), net Other operating expenses (income), net$54 $(30)$59 $(44) Other operating expenses (income), net$(42)$(16)
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings represent sales of properties and other costs related to restaurant closures and refranchisings. Gains and losses recognized in the current period may reflect certain costs related to closures and refranchisings that occurred in previous periods.
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange is primarily related to revaluation of foreign denominated assets and liabilities.
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Interest Expense, net
Our interest expense, net and the weighted average interest rate on our long-term debt were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net$129 $137 $376 $406 Interest expense, net$124 $119 
Weighted average interest rate on long-term debtWeighted average interest rate on long-term debt4.5 %5.1 %4.6 %5.1 %Weighted average interest rate on long-term debt4.2 %4.6 %
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, interest expense, net decreasedincreased primarily due to lower benefits related to the quarterly net settlements of our cross-currency rate swaps as result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and lower interest income due to a decrease in interest rates, partially offset by a decrease in the weighted average interest rate inon long-term debt. Refer to Note 13, Derivative Instruments, to the current year driven by the decrease in interest rates and the 2019 refinancing ofaccompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for further details on our senior secured debt, partially offset by an increase in long-term debt.cross-currency rate swaps.
Income Tax Expense
Our effective tax rate was 22.6%14.7% and 18.3%16.8% for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively. Our effective tax rate was lower primarily due to higher primarilybenefits from equity-based compensation offset by increases due to changes in our relative mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions, unfavorable movements in foreign exchange rates related to unremitted earningsjurisdictions. The effective tax rate was reduced by 2.1% and lower0.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as a result of excess tax benefits from stock option exercises for the quarter.equity-based compensation. There may continue to be some quarter-to-quarter volatility of our effective tax rate as our mix of income from multiple tax jurisdictions and related income forecasts change due to the effects of COVID-19.
Our effective tax rate was 9.2% and 21.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 reflects a $64 million benefit due to an increase in deferred tax assets which decreased the effective tax rate by (9.5)%. Based on the analysis of final guidance related to the Tax Act received during this period, a deferred tax asset was recorded. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 included a $37 million increase in the provision for unrecognized tax benefits related to a prior restructuring transaction that was not applicable to ongoing operations which increased the effective tax rate by 3.4% during the period.

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Net Income
We reported net income of $223$271 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, compared to net income of $351$224 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. The decreaseincrease in net income is primarily due to an $84a $26 million unfavorablefavorable change in the results from other operating expenses (income), net, a $29$18 million unfavorable change from the impact of equity method investments, a $43 million decreaseincrease in TH segment income, a $9$17 million decreaseincrease in BK segment income, and a $1 million increase in PLK segment income. These factors were partially offset by a $5 million increase in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense, a $5 million increase in interest expense, net, a $4 million increase in depreciation and amortization and a $1 million increase in depreciation and amortization. These factors were partially offset by a $14 million decrease in income tax expense, an $11 million increase in PLK segment income, an $8 million decrease in interest expense, net, the non-recurrence of $4 million in loss on early extinguishment of debt, and a $2 million decrease in Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees.expense. Amounts above include a total unfavorablefavorable FX Impact to net income of $5$11 million.
We reported net income of $611 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net income of $854 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in net income is primarily due to a $231 million decrease in TH segment income, a $123 million decrease in BK segment income, a $103 million unfavorable change in the results from other operating expenses (income), net, a $41 million unfavorable change from the impact of equity method investments and a $1 million increase in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense. These factors were partially offset by a $170 million decrease in income tax expense, a $35 million increase in PLK segment income, a $30 million decrease in interest expense, net, an $11 million decrease in Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees, the non-recurrence of $6 million in Office Centralization and relocation costs, and the non-recurrence of $4 million in loss on early extinguishment of debt. Amounts above include a total unfavorable FX Impact to net income of $29 million.
While we cannot currently estimate the duration or future negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our net income, we expect the negative effects to continue into the fourth quarter of 2020.
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
The table below contains information regarding EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures do not have a standardized meaning under U.S. GAAP and may differ from similar captioned measures of other companies in our industry. We believe that these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in assessing our operating performance, as they provide them with the same tools that management uses to evaluate our performance and is responsive to questions we receive from both investors and analysts. By disclosing these non-GAAP measures, we intend to provide investors with a consistent comparison of our operating results and trends for the periods presented. EBITDA is defined as earnings (net income or loss) before interest expense, net, loss on early extinguishment of debt, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization and is used by management to measure operating performance of the business. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA excluding (i) the non-cash impact of share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense, (ii) (income) loss from equity method investments, net of cash distributions received from equity method investments, (iii) other operating expenses (income), net and, (iv) income/expenses from non-recurring projects and non-operating activities. For the periods referenced, this included costs incurred in connection with the centralization and relocation of our Canadian and U.S. restaurant support centers to new offices in Toronto, Ontario, and Miami, Florida, respectively, and from professional advisory and consulting services associated with certain transformational corporate restructuring initiatives that rationalize our structure and optimize cash movements, including consulting services related to the interpretation of final and proposed regulations and guidance under the Tax Act. Management believes that these types of expenses are either not related to our underlying profitability drivers or not likely to re-occur in the foreseeable future and the varied timing, size and nature of these projects may cause volatility in our results unrelated to the performance of our core business that does not reflect trends of our core operations.

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Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to measure operating performance of the business, excluding these non-cash and other specifically identified items that management believes are not relevant to management’s assessment of our operating business. Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, also represents our measure of segment income for each of our three operating segments.
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Three Months Ended September 30,VarianceNine Months Ended September 30,Variance
$%$%
20202019Favorable / (Unfavorable)20202019Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Segment income:
TH$258 $301 $(43)(14.1)%$594 $825 $(231)(27.9)%
BK245 254 (9)(3.3)%605 728 (123)(16.9)%
PLK58 47 11 23.4 %164 129 35 26.9 %
Adjusted EBITDA561 602 (41)(6.6)%1,363 1,682 (319)(18.9)%
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense19 18 (1)(5.6)%63 62 (1)(1.6)%
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees40.0 %11 22 11 50.0 %
Office centralization and relocation costs— — — NM— 100.0 %
Impact of equity method investments (a)20 (9)(29)NM42 (41)NM
Other operating expenses (income), net54 (30)(84)NM59 (44)(103)NM
EBITDA465 618 (153)(24.8)%1,188 1,635 (447)(27.3)%
Depreciation and amortization48 47 (1)(2.1)%139 139 — — %
Income from operations417 571 (154)(27.0)%1,049 1,496 (447)(29.9)%
Interest expense, net129 137 5.8 %376 406 30 7.4 %
Loss on early extinguishment of debt— NM— NM
Income tax expense65 79 14 17.7 %62 232 170 73.3 %
Net income$223 $351 $(128)(36.5)%$611 $854 $(243)(28.5)%
NM - Not Meaningful
Three Months Ended March 31,Variance
$%
20212020Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Segment income:
TH$207 $189 $18 9.3 %
BK217 200 17 8.5 %
PLK56 55 2.8 %
Adjusted EBITDA480 444 36 8.2 %
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense26 21 (5)(23.8)%
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees— — %
Impact of equity method investments (a)— — %
Other operating expenses (income), net(42)(16)26 (162.5)%
EBITDA491 434 57 13.1 %
Depreciation and amortization49 45 (4)(8.9)%
Income from operations442 389 53 13.6 %
Interest expense, net124 119 (5)(4.2)%
Income tax expense47 46 (1)(2.2)%
Net income$271 $224 $47 21.0 %
(a)Represents (i) (income) loss from equity method investments and (ii) cash distributions received from our equity method investments. Cash distributions received from our equity method investments are included in segment income.
The decreaseincrease in Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 reflects the decreasesincreases in segment income in our TH, BK and BKPLK segments partially offset by anand includes a favorable FX Impact of $13 million.
The increase in segment income in our PLK segment. Segment income in our TH and BK segmentsEBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2020 includes an increase of $14 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes a decrease of $18 million, related to the timing of advertising fund revenue and expenses.
The decrease in EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 is primarily due to decreasesincreases in segment income in our TH, BK and BKPLK segments and unfavorablefavorable results from other operating expenses (income), net, and the impact of equity method investments, partially offset by an increase in segment incomeshare-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense. The increase in our PLK segment,EBITDA includes a decrease in Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees, and the non-recurrencefavorable FX Impact of Office centralization and relocation costs in the nine months period.
While we cannot currently estimate the duration or future negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our segment income, Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA, we expect the negative effects to continue into the fourth quarter of 2020.$14 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash generated by operations, and borrowings available under our Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below). We have used, and may in the future use, our liquidity to make required interest and/or principal payments, to make distributions to RBI for RBI to repurchase its common shares, to repurchase Class B exchangeable limited partnership units of Partnership (“Partnership exchangeable units”), to voluntarily prepay and repurchase our or one of our affiliate’s outstanding debt, to fund our investing activities, and to make distributions on Class A common units and distributions on the Partnership exchangeable units. As a result of our borrowings, we are highly leveraged. Our liquidity requirements are significant, primarily due to debt service requirements.
As of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,904$1,563 million, working capital of $1,044$739 million and borrowing availability of $998 million under our senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”).
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During the first quarter of 2020, we drew down the remaining availability of C$125 million under the TH Facility (defined below). On April 7, 2020, two of our subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”) entered into an indenture (the “2020 5.75% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $500 million of 5.75% first lien notes due April 15, 2025 (the “2020 5.75% Senior Notes”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2020 5.75% Senior Notes were used for general corporate purposes.
Additionally, on October 5, 2020, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $1,400 million of 4.00% second lien notes due October 15, 2030 (the “October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. On October 16, 2020 the proceeds from the offering of the October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes were used to redeem $1,350 million of our existing $2,800 million 2017 5.00% Senior Notes (due October 15, 2025) and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses.
On October 14, 2020, the Borrowers entered into a purchase agreement relating to the sale of $1,500 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.00% second lien notes due October 15, 2030 (the "November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes" and together with the October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes, the "2020 4.00% Senior Notes"), which will be issued as additional notes under the 2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture. The closing of the offering of the November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes is expected to occur on or about November 2, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. The November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes are treated as a single series with the October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes and have the same terms for all purposes under the 2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. The net proceeds from the offering of the November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes will be used to redeem the remaining $1,450 million principal amount outstanding of the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses.
On October 20, 2020, the Borrowers entered into a purchase agreement relating to the sale of $750 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.50% first lien notes due February 15, 2029 (the “2020 3.50% Senior Notes”). The closing of the offering of the 2020 3.50% Senior Notes is expected to occur on or about November 9, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2020 3.50% Senior Notes will be used to redeem $725 million of our 4.25% first lien notes due 2024 and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses.
In September 2020, Partnership received an exchange notice for 6,757,692 Partnership exchange units (the “Exchangeable Units”). In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership chose to satisfy the exchange by repurchasing all of these Exchangeable Units on October 2, 2020 for approximately $380 million with available cash on hand. The cash and cash equivalents balance as of September 30, 2020 does not reflect (i) the issuance of the October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes on October 5, 2020, (ii) the redemption of $1,350 million of our existing $2,800 million 2017 5.00% Senior Notes on October 16, 2020, (iii) the repurchase of the Exchangeable Units on October 2, 2020, (iv) the expected issuance and use of proceeds of the November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes in November 2020, and (v) the expected issuance and use of proceeds of the 2020 3.50% Senior Notes in November 2020. Based on our current level of operations and available cash, we believe our cash flow from operations, combined with our availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, will provide sufficient liquidity to fund our current obligations, debt service requirements and capital spending over the next twelve months.
Our operating results substantially depend uponIn March 2021, we announced our franchisees’ sales volumes, restaurant profitability,plan to spend C$80 million in 2021 to support increased advertising and financial stability. The financial impact of COVID-19 has had,digital advancements at the TH business and is expected to continue for an uncertain period to have, an adverse effect on our franchisees’ liquidity and we have worked closely with our franchisees around the world to monitor and assist them with access to appropriate sources of liquidity in order to sustain their businesses throughout this crisis. We provided cash flow supportsupplement advertising fund amounts contributed by extending loans to eligible BK franchisees in the U.S. during the second and third quarters of 2020 and by advancing certain cash payments to eligible TH franchisees in Canada during the second quarter of 2020. Also, during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we offered a rent relief program for eligible TH franchisees in Canada and extended payment terms for eligible TH franchisees in Canada and the U.S. who lease property from us and also offered rent relief programs and extended payment terms for eligible BK franchisees in the U.S. and Canada who lease property from us. A portion of these rent relief programs concluded during the three months ended September 30, 2020. We also temporarily deferred franchisee capital investment commitments for restaurant renovations and new restaurant development globally, based on individual circumstances of relevant markets and restaurant owners. These actions are expected to adversely affect our cash flow and financial results at least through the fourth quarter of 2020. In addition to these actions, we may decide to take additional steps to assist in the financial stabilization of our franchisees, which could impact our liquidity and our financial results.franchisees.
On August 2, 2016, the RBI board of directors approved a share repurchase authorization wherein RBI may purchase up to $300 million of RBI common shares through July 2021. Repurchases under RBI’s authorization will be made in the open
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market or through privately negotiated transactions. If RBI repurchases any RBI common shares, pursuant to the partnership agreement, Partnership will, immediately prior to such repurchase, make a distribution to RBI on its Class A common units in an amount sufficient for RBI to fund such repurchase.
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We provide applicable deferred taxes based on the tax liability or withholding taxes that would be due upon repatriation of unremitted earnings. We will continue to monitor our plans for foreign earnings but our expectation is to continue to provide taxes on unremitted earnings.
Debt Instruments and Debt Service Requirements
As of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, our long-term debt consists primarily of borrowings under our Credit Facilities (defined below), amounts outstanding under our 2017 4.25% Senior Notes, 2019 3.875% Senior Notes, 2020 5.75% Senior Notes, 2017 5.00%2020 3.50% Senior Notes, 2019 4.375% Senior Notes, 2020 4.00% Senior Notes and TH Facility (each as defined below), and obligations under finance leases. For further information about our long-term debt, see Note 10 to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Credit Facilities
As of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, there was $6,046$6,010 million outstanding principal amount under our senior secured term loan facilities (the “Term Loan Facilities” and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Credit Facilities”) with a weighted average interest rate of 1.84%1.83%. Based on the amounts outstanding under the Term Loan Facilities and LIBOR as of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, subject to a floor of 0.00%, required debt service for the next twelve months is estimated to be approximately $112$111 million in interest payments and $72 million in principal payments. In addition, based on LIBOR as of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, net cash settlements that we expect to pay on our $4,000 million interest rate swap are estimated to be approximately $91$92 million for the next twelve months.
On April 2, 2020, the Borrowers entered into a fifth amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to the credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) governing our Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility. The Fifth Amendment provides the Borrowers with the option to comply with a $1,000 million minimum liquidity covenant in lieu of the 6.50:1.00 net first lien senior secured leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant for the period after June 30, 2020 and prior to September 30, 2021. Additionally, for the periods ending September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021, to determine compliance with the net first lien senior secured leverage ratio, we are permitted to annualize the Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for the three months ending September 30, 2021 and six months ending December 31, 2021, respectively, in lieu of calculating the ratio based on Adjusted EBITDA for the prior four quarters. There were no other material changes to the terms of the Credit Agreement.
The interest rate applicable to borrowings under our Term Loan A and Revolving Credit Facility is, at our option, either (i) a base rate, subject to a floor of 1.00%, plus an applicable margin varying from 0.00% to 0.50%, or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate, subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin varying between 0.75% to 1.50%, in each case, determined by reference to a net first lien leverage based pricing grid. The interest rate applicable to borrowings under our Term Loan B is, at our option, either (i) a base rate, subject to a floor of 1.00%, plus an applicable margin of 0.75% or (ii) a Eurocurrency rate, subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin of 1.75%.
As of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had no amounts outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility, had $2 million of letters of credit issued against the Revolving Credit Facility, and our borrowing availability was $998 million. Funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used to repay other debt, finance debt make distributions toor RBI for RBI to repurchase its common shares, repurchase Partnership exchangeable units,share repurchases or PEU repurchases, fund acquisitions or capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes. We have a $125 million letter of credit sublimit as part of the Revolving Credit Facility, which reduces our borrowing availability thereunder by the cumulative amount of outstanding letters of credit.
Senior Notes
The Borrowers are party to (i) an indenture (the “2017 4.25% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $1,500$775 million of 4.25% first lien senior notes due May 15, 2024 (the “2017 4.25% Senior Notes”), (ii) an indenture (the “2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 3.875% first lien senior notes due January 15, 2028 (the “2019 3.875% Senior Notes”), (iii) an indenture (the “2017 5.00%“2020 5.75% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $2,800$500 million of 5.00% second5.75% first lien senior notes due OctoberApril 15, 2025 (the “2017 5.00%“2020 5.75% Senior Notes”), (iv) an indenture (the “2020 3.50% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 3.50% first lien senior notes due February 15, 2029 (the “2020 3.50% Senior Notes”), (v) an indenture (the “2019 4.375% Senior Notes Indenture” and together with the above indentures the "Senior Notes Indentures") in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 4.375% second lien senior notes due January 15, 2028 (the “2019 4.375% Senior Notes”), and (v) the 2020 5.75%(vi) an indenture (the “2020 4.00% Senior Notes Indenture described above.Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $2,900 million of 4.00% second lien senior notes due October 15, 2030 (the “2020 4.00% Senior Notes”). No principal payments are
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due on the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes, 2019 3.875% Senior Notes, 2017 5.00%2020 5.75% Senior Notes, 2020 3.50% Senior Notes, 2019 4.375% Senior Notes and 2020 5.75%4.00% Senior Notes until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually.
Based on the amounts outstanding at September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, required debt service for the next twelve months on all of the Senior Notes outstanding is approximately $294$266 million in interest payments.

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TH Facility
One of our subsidiaries entered into a non-revolving delayed drawdown term credit facility in a total aggregate principal amount of C$225 million with a maturity date of October 4, 2025 (the “TH Facility”). The interest rate applicable to the TH Facility is the Canadian Bankers’ Acceptance rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.40% or the Prime Rate plus an applicable margin equal to 0.40%, at our option. Obligations under the TH Facility are guaranteed by four of our subsidiaries, and amounts borrowed under the TH Facility are secured by certain parcels of real estate. As of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had outstanding C$224221 million under the TH Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 1.88%1.84%.
Based on the amounts outstanding under the TH Facility as of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, required debt service for the next twelve months is estimated to be approximately $3 million in interest payments and $4$8 million in principal payments.
Restrictions and Covenants
As of September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we were in compliance with all applicable financial debt covenants under the Credit Facilities, the TH Facility, and the Senior Notes Indentures.
Cash Distributions/Dividends
On October 2, 2020,April 6, 2021, RBI paid a cash dividend of $0.52$0.53 per RBI common share. Partnership made a distribution to RBI as holder of Class A common units in the amount of the aggregate dividends declared and paid by RBI on RBI common shares and also made a distribution of $0.52$0.53 in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit.
The RBI board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.52$0.53 per RBI common share, which will be paid on January 5,July 7, 2021 to RBI common shareholders of record on December 21, 2020.June 23, 2021. Partnership will make a distribution to RBI as holder of Class A common units in the amount of the aggregate dividends declared and paid by RBI on RBI common shares. Partnership will also make a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.52$0.53 per Partnership exchangeable unit, and the record date and payment date for such distribution will be the same as the record date and payment date for the cash dividend per RBI common share set forth above.
In addition, because we are a holding company, our ability to pay cash distributions on our Partnership exchangeable units may be limited by restrictions under our debt agreements.

Outstanding Security Data
As of October 20, 2020,April 23, 2021, we had outstanding 202,006,067 Class A common units issued to RBI and 155,453,689155,040,582 Partnership exchangeable units. During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Partnership exchanged 3,294,96872,671 Partnership exchangeable units pursuant to exchange notices received.
One special voting share of RBI is held by a trustee, entitling the trustee to that number of votes on matters on which holders of RBI common shares are entitled to vote equal to the number of Partnership exchangeable units outstanding. The trustee is required to cast such votes in accordance with voting instructions provided by holders of Partnership exchangeable units. At any shareholder meeting of RBI, holders of RBI common shares vote together as a single class with the special voting share except as otherwise provided by law. For information on RBI's share-based compensation and its outstanding equity awards, see Note 1513 to the audited consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on February 21, 2020.23, 2021.
Since December 12, 2015, the holders of Partnership exchangeable units have had the right to require Partnership to exchange all or any portion of such holder’s Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares at a ratio of one share for each Partnership exchangeable unit, subject to RBI’s right as the general partner of Partnership to determine to settle any such exchange for a cash payment in lieu of RBI common shares.

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Comparative Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $593$266 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, compared to $878$136 million during the same period in the prior year. The decreaseincrease in cash provided by operating activities was driven by a decrease in THcash used for working capital, an increase in segment income in all of our segments, and a decrease in BK segmentinterest payments. These factors were partially offset by an increase in income tax payments and a decrease in cash provided by other long termlong-term assets and liabilities and an increase in cash used for working capital. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in interest payments, an increase in PLK segment income, and a decrease in income tax payments.

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liabilities.
Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities was $33$7 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, compared to $7$3 million of cash provided fromused for investing activities during the same period in the prior year. The change in investing activities was driven by a decrease in proceeds from derivatives and cash used in other investing activities during the current period, partially offset by an increase in net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings and a decrease in capital expenditures during the current period.
Financing Activities
Cash used for financing activities was $182$261 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, compared to $106$855 million of cash provided by financing activities during the same period in the prior year. The change in financing activities was driven primarily by a decrease in proceeds from the issuance of Senior Notes, an increase in RBI common share dividends and distributionsdraw down on Partnership exchangeable units, payments from derivativesour Revolving Credit Facility in 2020, compared to proceeds from derivativeswhich was fully repaid in 2019,the second quarter of 2020, and a decrease in capital contribution from RBI, partially offset by proceeds from the draw down on the remaining availability under the TH Facility in 2020 and the non-recurrence of the Term Loan B prepayments in 2019.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Except as described herein, there were no material changes to our contractual obligations, which are detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on February 21, 2020, other than the following.
During the first quarter of 2020, we drew down the remaining availability of C$125 million under the TH Facility. Additionally, on April 7, 2020, we obtained the proceeds from the 2020 5.75% Senior Notes. Also, on October 5, 2020, we issued the October 2020 4.00% Senior Notes and used the net proceeds to redeemed $1,350 million of our existing $2,800 million 2017 5.00% Senior Notes on October 16, 2020. Each of these terms is defined and described above. The following table provides contractual obligations under our Credit Facilities, senior notes and other long term debt as of September 30, 2020 and October 16, 2020, which reflects all of the debt transactions disclosed above but does not reflect the expected issuance of the November 2020 4.00% Senior Notes and the 2020 3.50% Senior Notes or redemption of the remaining $1,450 million principal amount outstanding of the 2017 5.00% Senior Notes and $725 million of the 4.25% First Lien Notes due 2024, which transactions have not closed as of the date of this report.
 Payment Due by Period as of October 16, 2020
Contractual ObligationsTotal as of
September 30, 2020
TotalLess Than
1 Year
1-3 Years3-5 YearsMore Than
5 Years
 (In millions)
Credit Facilities, including interest (a)$6,700 $6,700 $186 $386 $976 $5,152 
Senior Notes, including interest (b)7,818 8,092 285 566 2,465 4,776 
Other long term debt184 184 24 37 114 
(a)We have estimated our interest payments through the maturity of our Credit Facilities based on LIBOR as of September 30, 2020.
(b)Amounts included herein for the Senior Notes exclude amounts for the Tim Hortons Notes.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
For information regarding our Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates, see the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 21, 2020. Additionally, see the “COVID-19” section of Note 1 to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion about the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on asset impairment assessments.23, 2021.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 3 – New Accounting Pronouncements in the notes to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
There were no material changes during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 to the disclosures made in Part II, Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20192020 filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on February 21, 2020.23, 2021.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management of RBI, as the general partner of Partnership, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of RBI, of the effectiveness of Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and Exchange Act Rules 15d-15(e)) as of September 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO of RBI concluded that Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of RBI, as general partner of Partnership, including the CEO and CFO, confirm there were no changes in Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2020March 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained in this report, including information regarding future financial performance and plans, targets, aspirations, expectations, and objectives of management, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. We refer to all of these as forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are forward-looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “continue”, “will”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “target”, “potential” and other similar expressions and include, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations or beliefs regarding (i) the effects and continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations, business, liquidity, prospects and prospectsrestaurant operations and those of our franchisees, including local conditions and government-imposed limitations and restrictions; (ii) our digital and marketing initiatives; (iii) our future financial obligations, including annual debt service requirements, capital expenditures and dividend payments, our ability to meet such obligations and the source of funds used to satisfy such obligations; (iii)(iv) expected timing of debt refinancing transactions; (iv)(v) our efforts to assist restaurant owners in maintaining liquidity and the impact of these programs on our future cash flow and financial results; (v) the amount and timing of additional Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees related to the Tax Act and Office centralization and relocation costs; (vi) certain tax matters, including theour estimates with respect to tax matters and their impact of the Tax Act on future periods; (vii) the amount of net cash settlements we expect to pay on our derivative instruments; and (viii) certain accounting matters.
Our forward-looking statements, included in this report and elsewhere, represent management’s expectations as of the date that they are made. Our forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by Partnership in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. However, these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements include, among other things, risks related to: (1) our substantial indebtedness, which could adversely affect our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations; (2) global economic or other business conditions that may affect the desire or ability of our customers to purchase our products, and supply chain, such as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures, high unemployment levels, declines in median income growth, consumer confidence and consumer discretionary spending and changes in consumer perceptions of dietary health and food safety; (3) our relationship with, and the success of, our franchisees and risks related to our fully franchised business model; (4) our franchisees’ financial stability and their ability to access and maintain the liquidity necessary to operate their businesses; (5) our supply chain operations; (6) our ownership and leasing of real estate; (7) the effectiveness of our marketing, advertising and advertisingdigital programs and franchisee support of these programs; (8) significant and rapid fluctuations in interest rates and in the currency exchange markets and the effectiveness of our hedging activity; (9) our ability to successfully implement our domestic and international growth strategy for each of our brands and risks related to our international operations; (10) our reliance on master franchisees, andincluding subfranchisees, to accelerate restaurant growth; (11) the ability of the counterparties to our credit facilities and derivatives to fulfill their commitments and/or obligations; and (12) changes in applicable tax laws or
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interpretations thereof, and risks related to the complexity of the Tax Act and our ability to accurately interpret and predict itsthe impact of such changes or interpretations on our financial condition and results.
We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and our inability to successfully manage any of the above risks may permit our competitors to increase their market share and may decrease our profitability. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Finally, our future results will depend upon various other risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those detailed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20192020 filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on February 21, 2020,23, 2021, as well as other materials that we from time to time file with, or furnish to, the SEC or file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this section and elsewhere in this report. Other than as required under securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.

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Part II – Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On June 30, 2020, a class action complaint was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc., Restaurant Brands International Limited PartnershipSee Part I, Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 15, Commitment and The TDL Group Corp. in the Quebec Superior Court by Steve Holcman, individually and on behalf of all Quebec residents who downloaded the Tim Hortons mobile application. On July 2, 2020, a Notice of Action related to a second class action complaint was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc., in the Ontario Superior Court by Ashley Sitko and Ashley Cadeau, individually and on behalf of all Canadian residents who downloaded the Tim Hortons mobile application. On August 31, 2020, a notice of claim was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc. in the Supreme Court of British Columbia by Wai Lam Jacky Law on behalf of all persons in Canada who downloaded the Tim Hortons mobile application or the Burger King mobile application. On September 30, 2020, a notice of action was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc., Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership, The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Worldwide, Inc. and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice by William Jung on behalf of a to be determined class. All of the complaints allege that the defendants violated the plaintiff’s privacy rights, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, consumer protection and competition laws or app-based undertakings to users, in each case in connection with the collection of geolocation data through the Tim Hortons mobile application, and in certain cases, the Burger King and Popeyes mobile applications. Each plaintiff seeks injunctive relief and monetary damages for himself or herself and other members of the class. We intend to vigorously defend against these lawsuits, but we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of any of these cases.
On October 26, 2020, City of Warwick Municipal Employees Pension Fund, a purported stockholder of Restaurant Brands International, individually and on behalf of all other stockholders similarly situated, filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York County of New York naming the Company and certain of its officers, directors and selling shareholders as defendants alleging violations of Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the offering of securities by an affiliate of 3G Capital Partners Ltd. in August and September 2019. The complaint alleges that the shelf registration statement used in connection with such offering contained certain false and/or misleading statements or omissions. The complaint seeks, among other relief, class certification of the lawsuit, unspecified compensatory damages, rescission, pre-judgement and post-judgement interest, costs and expenses. The Company is currently evaluating the lawsuit, but believes that the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend. While we believe these claims are without merit, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this case or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.Contingencies
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The below updates the risk factor included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 21, 2020.
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Our results can be adversely affected by unforeseen events, such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or threats, pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or other catastrophic events.
Unforeseen events, such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters or catastrophic events, can adversely impact restaurant sales. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and severe adverse weather conditions and health pandemics whether occurring in Canada, the United States or abroad, can keep customers in the affected area from dining out, cause damage to or closure of restaurants and result in lost opportunities for our restaurants.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and governmental authorities around the world have implemented measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These measures have adversely affected workforces, customers, consumer sentiment, economies and financial markets, and, along with decreased consumer spending, have led to an economic downturn in many of our markets. As a result of COVID-19, we and our franchisees have experienced significant store closures and instances of reduced store-level operations, including reduced operating hours and dining-room closures. During 2020, our restaurants in the U.S. and Canada closed dine-in operations, continuing to offer drive-thru, delivery and take-out where possible, sometimes with limited hours, several markets in Asia, Europe and Latin America closed all restaurants, and many other international markets also limited operations. As of the end of September, restaurants in most markets have reopened, many with limited operations. While certain markets have opened for dine-in guests, the capacity may be limited, and local conditions may lead to closures or increased limitations. As a result of COVID-19, restaurant traffic and system-wide sales have been significantly negatively impacted.
Our operating results substantially depend upon our franchisees’ sales volumes, restaurant profitability, and financial stability. The impact of COVID-19 has, and is expected to continue to have, an adverse effect on our franchisees’ liquidity.As a result, we provided cash flow support by extending loans to eligible BK franchisees in the U.S. and advancing certain cash payments to eligible TH franchisees in Canada. For approximately 3,700 eligible locations where we have property control at Tim Hortons in Canada and Burger King in the United States and Canada, we temporarily converted our rent structure from a combination of fixed plus variable rent to 100% variable rent, which provides relief in the face of declining sales. In addition, we deferred rent payments for up to 45 days for certain other franchisees. These actions are expected to continue to adversely affect our cash flow and financial results in the upcoming quarter. In addition to these actions, we may decide to take additional steps to assist in the financial stabilization of our franchisees, which could impact our liquidity and our financial results. In addition, we delayed the capital expenditure obligations of our franchisees relating to new restaurants, remodels and significant equipment deployments, which could adversely affect our growth once the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. To the extent that our franchisees experience financial distress, it could negatively affect (i) our operating results as a result of delayed or reduced payments of royalties, advertising fund contributions and rents for properties we lease to them or claims under our lease guarantees, (ii) our future revenue, earnings and cash flow growth and (iii) our financial condition.
COVID-19 or other events could lead to delays or interruptions in the delivery of food or other supplies to our franchised restaurants arising from delays or restrictions on shipping and/or manufacturing, closures of supplier or distributor facilities or financial distress or insolvency of suppliers or distributors and also could lead to difficulties in maintaining appropriate staffing of restaurants. Food distributors and suppliers often operate with thin margins and therefore may be more vulnerable to governmental actions which result in significantly reduced activity or to general economic downturns. As of December 31, 2019, four distributors serviced approximately 92% of BK restaurants in the U.S. and five distributors serviced approximately 85% of PLK restaurants in the U.S. Consequently, our operations could be adversely affected if any of these distributors were unable to fulfill their responsibilities and we were unable to locate a substitute distributor in a timely manner. In addition, as COVID-19 may be transmitted through human contact, the risk or perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 could adversely affect the ability, or the cost, of staffing restaurants, which could be exacerbated to the extent that we or our franchisees have employees who test positive for the virus.
We cannot predict the duration or scope of the COVID-19 pandemic or when operations will cease to be affected by it. Furthermore, we cannot predict the effects that actual or threatened armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, efforts to combat terrorism or heightened security requirements will have on our future operations. Because a significant portion of our restaurant operating costs are fixed or semi-fixed in nature, the loss of sales during these periods hurts our and our franchisees’ operating margins and can result in restaurant operating losses and our loss of royalties. We expect the COVID-19 pandemic to negatively impact our financial results and based on the duration and scope, such impact could be material.

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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
  Description
  
  
  
  
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 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
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SIGNATURES
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.

  RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
  By: Restaurant Brands International Inc., its general partner
Date: October 28, 2020April 30, 2021  By: /s/ Matthew Dunnigan
   Name: Matthew Dunnigan
   Title: Chief Financial Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc.
(principal financial officer)
(duly authorized officer)
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