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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, 20202021
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: 001-36786
 
 RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


Canada 98-1202754
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) 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:
 
Title of each class Trading SymbolsName of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, without par value QSRNew York Stock Exchange
 Toronto 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  
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.


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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, 2020,18, 2021, there were 303,902,641315,071,796 common shares of the Registrant outstanding.



Table of Contents
RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
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Item 1A.
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Table of Contents
PART I — Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions of U.S. dollars, except share data)
(Unaudited)
As of As of
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
ASSETSASSETSASSETS
Current assets:Current assets:Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,919 $1,533 Cash and cash equivalents$1,773 $1,560 
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $37 and $13, respectively589 527 
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $18 and $42, respectivelyAccounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $18 and $42, respectively537 536 
Inventories, netInventories, net87 84 Inventories, net96 96 
Prepaids and other current assetsPrepaids and other current assets85 52 Prepaids and other current assets178 72 
Total current assetsTotal current assets2,680 2,196 Total current assets2,584 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 $963 and $879, respectivelyProperty and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $963 and $879, respectively2,013 2,031 
Operating lease assets, netOperating lease assets, net1,122 1,176 Operating lease assets, net1,118 1,152 
Intangible assets, netIntangible assets, net10,415 10,563 Intangible assets, net10,652 10,701 
GoodwillGoodwill5,571 5,651 Goodwill5,743 5,739 
Net investment in property leased to franchiseesNet investment in property leased to franchisees63 48 Net investment in property leased to franchisees79 66 
Other assets, netOther assets, net707 719 Other assets, net739 824 
Total assetsTotal assets$22,533 $22,360 Total assets$22,928 $22,777 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:Current liabilities:Current liabilities:
Accounts and drafts payableAccounts and drafts payable$523 $644 Accounts and drafts payable$592 $464 
Other accrued liabilitiesOther accrued liabilities883 790 Other accrued liabilities910 835 
Gift card liabilityGift card liability108 168 Gift card liability137 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 leases113 111 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities1,621 1,703 Total current liabilities1,752 1,601 
Long-term debt, net of current portionLong-term debt, net of current portion12,300 11,759 Long-term debt, net of current portion12,379 12,397 
Finance leases, net of current portionFinance leases, net of current portion304 288 Finance leases, net of current portion328 315 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portionOperating lease liabilities, net of current portion1,054 1,089 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion1,056 1,082 
Other liabilities, netOther liabilities, net1,917 1,698 Other liabilities, net1,898 2,236 
Deferred income taxes, netDeferred income taxes, net1,422 1,564 Deferred income taxes, net1,407 1,425 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities18,618 18,101 Total liabilities18,820 19,056 
Shareholders’ equity:Shareholders’ equity:Shareholders’ equity:
Common shares, 0 par value; Unlimited shares authorized at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019; 303,877,203 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020; 298,281,081 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 20192,648 2,478 
Common shares, no par value; Unlimited shares authorized at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020; 315,065,839 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021; 304,718,749 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020Common shares, no par value; Unlimited shares authorized at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020; 315,065,839 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021; 304,718,749 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 20202,490 2,399 
Retained earningsRetained earnings692 775 Retained earnings779 622 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(997)(763)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(753)(854)
Total Restaurant Brands International Inc. shareholders’ equityTotal Restaurant Brands International Inc. shareholders’ equity2,343 2,490 Total Restaurant Brands International Inc. shareholders’ equity2,516 2,167 
Noncontrolling interestsNoncontrolling interests1,572 1,769 Noncontrolling interests1,592 1,554 
Total shareholders’ equityTotal shareholders’ equity3,915 4,259 Total shareholders’ equity4,108 3,721 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equityTotal liabilities and shareholders’ equity$22,533 $22,360 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$22,928 $22,777 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
SalesSales$541 $624 $1,450 $1,735 Sales$621 $541 $1,718 $1,450 
Franchise and property revenuesFranchise and property revenues796 834 2,160 2,389 Franchise and property revenues639 577 1,801 1,552 
Advertising revenuesAdvertising revenues235 219 674 608 
Total revenuesTotal revenues1,337 1,458 3,610 4,124 Total revenues1,495 1,337 4,193 3,610 
Operating costs and expenses:Operating costs and expenses:Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of salesCost of sales418 475 1,156 1,334 Cost of sales490 418 1,358 1,156 
Franchise and property expensesFranchise and property expenses128 133 388 401 Franchise and property expenses121 125 358 380 
Selling, general and administrative expenses302 320 922 948 
Advertising expensesAdvertising expenses237 209 711 638 
General and administrative expensesGeneral and administrative expenses123 96 341 292 
(Income) loss from equity method investments(Income) loss from equity method investments18 (11)36 (11)(Income) loss from equity method investments18 12 36 
Other operating expenses (income), netOther operating expenses (income), net54 (30)59 (44)Other operating expenses (income), net(16)54 (50)59 
Total operating costs and expensesTotal operating costs and expenses920 887 2,561 2,628 Total operating costs and expenses962 920 2,730 2,561 
Income from operationsIncome from operations417 571 1,049 1,496 Income from operations533 417 1,463 1,049 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net129 137 376 406 Interest expense, net128 129 378 376 
Loss on early extinguishment of debtLoss on early extinguishment of debtLoss on early extinguishment of debt11 — 11 — 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes288 430 673 1,086 Income before income taxes394 288 1,074 673 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense65 79 62 232 Income tax expense65 65 83 62 
Net incomeNet income223 351 611 854 Net income329 223 991 611 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 12)Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 12)78 150 216 376 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 12)108 78 332 216 
Net income attributable to common shareholdersNet income attributable to common shareholders$145 $201 $395 $478 Net income attributable to common shareholders$221 $145 $659 $395 
Earnings per common shareEarnings per common shareEarnings per common share
BasicBasic$0.48 $0.76 $1.31 $1.85 Basic$0.71 $0.48 $2.14 $1.31 
DilutedDiluted$0.47 $0.75 $1.30 $1.82 Diluted$0.70 $0.47 $2.12 $1.30 
Weighted average shares outstandingWeighted average shares outstandingWeighted average shares outstanding
BasicBasic303 267 301 258 Basic311 303 308 301 
DilutedDiluted470 470 469 469 Diluted465 470 465 469 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. 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
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020201920202019 2021202020212020
Net incomeNet income$223 $351 $611 $854 Net income$329 $223 $991 $611 
Foreign currency translation adjustmentForeign currency translation adjustment239 (173)(170)185 Foreign currency translation adjustment(257)239 (62)(170)
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 $(31), $40, $10 and $(12)Net change in fair value of net investment hedges, net of tax of $(31), $40, $10 and $(12)143 (198)101 39 
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(4), $7, $(32) and $99Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(4), $7, $(32) and $9913 (17)68 (268)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(9), $(8), $(21) and $(18)Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(9), $(8), $(21) and $(18)24 22 77 51 
Gain (loss) recognized on other, net of tax of $0, $0, $0 and $0Gain (loss) recognized on other, net of tax of $0, $0, $0 and $0— — — 
Other comprehensive income (loss)Other comprehensive income (loss)46 (50)(348)103 Other comprehensive income (loss)(77)46 186 (348)
Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)269 301 263 957 Comprehensive income (loss)252 269 1,177 263 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interestsComprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests94 129 91 424 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests83 94 395 91 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholdersComprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders$175 $172 $172 $533 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders$169 $175 $782 $172 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents
RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(In millions of U.S. dollars, except shares and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Issued Common SharesRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total Issued Common SharesRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
SharesAmount SharesAmount
Balances at December 31, 2019298,281,081 $2,478 $775 (763)$1,769 $4,259 
Balances at December 31, 2020Balances at December 31, 2020304,718,749 $2,399 $622 $(854)$1,554 $3,721 
Stock option exercisesStock option exercises1,053,264 30 — — — 30 Stock option exercises530,963 20 — — — 20 
Share-based compensationShare-based compensation— 19 — — — 19 Share-based compensation— 22 — — — 22 
Issuance of sharesIssuance of shares255,325 — — — Issuance of shares1,636,858 — — — 
Dividends declared ($0.52 per share)— — (156)— — (156)
Dividends declared ($0.53 per share)Dividends declared ($0.53 per share)— — (163)— — (163)
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock unitsDividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (2)— — Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (3)— — — 
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.52 per unit)— — — — (86)(86)
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.53 per unit)Distributions declared by Partnership 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 shares178,046 — — (2)Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares72,671 — — (1)— 
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — (1)(1)Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — 
Net incomeNet income— — 144 — 80 224 Net income— — 179 — 92 271 
Other comprehensive income (loss)Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — (350)(193)(543)Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — 135 68 203 
Balances at March 31, 2020299,767,716 $2,537 $761 $(1,113)$1,567 $3,752 
Balances at March 31, 2021Balances at March 31, 2021306,959,241 $2,454 $635 $(719)$1,632 $4,002 
Stock option exercisesStock option exercises316,172 11 — — — 11 Stock option exercises958,671 37 — — — 37 
Share-based compensationShare-based compensation— 20 — — — 20 Share-based compensation— 18 — — — 18 
Issuance of sharesIssuance of shares45,071 — — — Issuance of shares34,858 — — — — — 
Dividends declared ($0.52 per share)— — (158)— — (158)
Dividends declared ($0.53 per share)Dividends declared ($0.53 per share)— — (164)— — (164)
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock unitsDividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (1)— — Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (2)— — — 
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.52 per unit)— — — — (85)(85)
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.53 per unit)Distributions declared by Partnership 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 shares2,494,854 33 — (9)(24)Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares87,767 — — (1)— 
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — (1)(1)Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — (3)(3)
Net incomeNet income— — 106 — 58 164 Net income— — 259 — 132 391 
Other comprehensive income (loss)Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — 97 52 149 Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — 40 20 60 
Balances at June 30, 2020302,623,813 $2,602 $708 $(1,025)$1,567 $3,852 
Balances at June 30, 2021Balances at June 30, 2021308,040,537 $2,512 $728 $(679)$1,698 $4,259 
Stock option exercisesStock option exercises567,636 19 — — — 19 Stock option exercises93,012 — — — 
Share-based compensationShare-based compensation— 16 — — — 16 Share-based compensation— 22 — — — 22 
Issuance of sharesIssuance of shares63,686 — — — — — Issuance of shares92,888 — — — — — 
Dividends declared ($0.52 per share)— — (158)— — (158)
Dividends declared ($0.53 per share)Dividends declared ($0.53 per share)— — (167)— — (167)
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock unitsDividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (3)— — — Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (3)— — — 
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.52 per unit)— — — — (84)(84)
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.53 per unit)Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.53 per unit)— — — — (77)(77)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common sharesExchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares622,068 — (2)(6)— Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares9,682,964 131 — (22)(109)— 
Repurchase of RBI common sharesRepurchase of RBI common shares(2,843,562)(182)— — — (182)
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — (3)(3)
Net incomeNet income— — 145 — 78 223 Net income— — 221 — 108 329 
Other comprehensive income (loss)Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — 30 16 46 Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — (52)(25)(77)
Balances at September 30, 2020303,877,203 $2,648 $692 $(997)$1,572 $3,915 
Balances at September 30, 2021Balances at September 30, 2021315,065,839 $2,490 $779 $(753)$1,592 $4,108 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(In millions of U.S. dollars, except shares and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Issued Common SharesRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
SharesAmount
Balances at December 31, 2018251,532,493 $1,737 $674 $(800)$2,007 $3,618 
Cumulative effect adjustment— — 12 — 21 
Stock option exercises2,019,620 42 — — — 42 
Share-based compensation— 22 — — — 22 
Issuance of shares134,809 — — — 
Dividends declared ($0.50 per share)— — (127)— — (127)
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (2)— — 
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.50 per unit)— — — — (104)(104)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares141,190 — (1)(1)
Net income— — 135 — 111 246 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — 26 22 48 
Balances at March 31, 2019253,828,112 $1,812 $692 $(775)$2,044 $3,773 
Stock option exercises1,697,488 38 — — — 38 
Share-based compensation— 17 — — — 17 
Issuance of shares59,970 — — — 
Dividends declared ($0.50 per share)— — (128)— — (128)
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (2)— — 
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.50 per unit)— — — — (103)(103)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares45,325 — — (1)
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — 
Net income— — 142 — 115 257 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — 58 47 105 
Balances at June 30, 2019255,630,895 $1,870 $704 $(717)$2,103 $3,960 
Stock option exercises636,918 19 — — — 19 
Share-based compensation— 17 — — — 17 
Issuance of shares20,700 — — — — 
Dividends declared ($0.50 per share)— — (141)— — (141)
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (2)— — 
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.50 per unit)— — — — (92)(92)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares41,807,254 552 — (118)(434)
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — (1)(1)
Net income— — 201 — 150 351 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — (29)(21)(50)
Balances at September 30, 2019298,095,767 $2,460 $762 $(864)$1,705 $4,063 
Issued Common SharesRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
SharesAmount
Balances at December 31, 2019298,281,081 $2,478 $775 $(763)$1,769 $4,259 
Stock option exercises1,053,264 30 — — — 30 
Share-based compensation— 19 — — — 19 
Issuance of shares255,325 — — — 
Dividends declared ($0.52 per share)— — (156)— — (156)
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (2)— — — 
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.52 per unit)— — — — (86)(86)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares178,046 — — (2)— 
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — (1)(1)
Net income— — 144 — 80 224 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — (350)(193)(543)
Balances at March 31, 2020299,767,716 $2,537 $761 $(1,113)$1,567 $3,752 
Stock option exercises316,172 11 — — — 11 
Share-based compensation— 20 — — — 20 
Issuance of shares45,071 — — — — — 
Dividends declared ($0.52 per share)— — (158)— — (158)
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (1)— — — 
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.52 per unit)— — — — (85)(85)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares2,494,854 33 — (9)(24)— 
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — (1)(1)
Net income— — 106 — 58 164 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — 97 52 149 
Balances at June 30, 2020302,623,813 $2,602 $708 $(1,025)$1,567 $3,852 
Stock option exercises567,636 19 — — — 19 
Share-based compensation— 16 — — — 16 
Issuance of shares63,686 — — — — — 
Dividends declared ($0.52 per share)— — (158)— — (158)
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units— (3)— — — 
Distributions declared by Partnership on Partnership exchangeable units ($0.52 per unit)— — — — (84)(84)
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares622,068 — (2)(6)— 
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions)— — — — 
Net income— — 145 — 78 223 
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — 30 16 46 
Balances at September 30, 2020303,877,203 $2,648 $692 $(997)$1,572 $3,915 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019 20212020
Cash flows from operating activities:Cash flows from operating activities:Cash flows from operating activities:
Net incomeNet income$611 $854 Net income$991 $611 
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 amortization150 139 
Premiums paid and non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debtPremiums paid and non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debtPremiums paid and non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt11 — 
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 discount20 19 
(Income) loss from equity method investments(Income) loss from equity method investments36 (11)(Income) loss from equity method investments12 36 
(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(58)54 
Net (gains) losses on derivativesNet (gains) losses on derivatives14 (43)Net (gains) losses on derivatives65 14 
Share-based compensation expenseShare-based compensation expense55 56 Share-based compensation expense62 55 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes(120)(16)Deferred income taxes35 (120)
OtherOther23 Other(14)23 
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 receivable11 (83)
Inventories and prepaids and other current assetsInventories and prepaids and other current assets(21)(34)Inventories and prepaids and other current assets(3)(21)
Accounts and drafts payableAccounts and drafts payable(110)(15)Accounts and drafts payable129 (110)
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liabilityOther accrued liabilities and gift card liability(12)(85)Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability(78)(12)
Tenant inducements paid to franchiseesTenant inducements paid to franchisees(7)(13)Tenant inducements paid to franchisees(5)(7)
Other long-term assets and liabilitiesOther long-term assets and liabilities10 97 Other long-term assets and liabilities(73)10 
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities608 911 Net cash provided by operating activities1,255 608 
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(70)(71)
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 refranchisings14 
Settlement/sale of derivatives, netSettlement/sale of derivatives, net29 17 Settlement/sale of derivatives, net29 
Other investing activities, netOther investing activities, net(15)— 
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activitiesNet cash (used for) provided by investing activities(33)Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities(69)(33)
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 debt802 1,585 
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(865)(1,071)
Payment of financing costsPayment of financing costs(10)(13)Payment of financing costs(7)(10)
Payment of dividends on common shares and distributions on Partnership exchangeable unitsPayment of dividends on common shares and distributions on Partnership exchangeable units(716)(669)Payment of dividends on common shares and distributions on Partnership exchangeable units(730)(716)
Repurchase of common sharesRepurchase of common shares(182)— 
Proceeds from stock option exercisesProceeds from stock option exercises60 99 Proceeds from stock option exercises60 60 
(Payments) proceeds from derivatives(Payments) proceeds from derivatives(29)17 (Payments) proceeds from derivatives(45)(29)
Other financing activities, netOther financing activities, net(1)Other financing activities, net(3)(1)
Net cash used for financing activities(182)(106)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activitiesNet cash (used for) provided by financing activities(970)(182)
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(3)(7)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalentsIncrease (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents386 819 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents213 386 
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$1,919 $1,732 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,773 $1,919 
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:Supplemental cash flow disclosures:Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paidInterest paid$315 $433 Interest paid$281 $315 
Income taxes paidIncome taxes paid$163 $171 Income taxes paid$189 $163 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Description of Business and Organization
Restaurant Brands International Inc. (the “Company”, “RBI”, “we”, “us” or “our”) was formed on August 25, 2014 and continued under the laws of Canada. The Companyis a Canadian corporation that serves as the sole general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership (“Partnership”). We franchise and operate quick service restaurants serving premium coffee and other beverage and food products under the Tim Hortons® brand (“Tim Hortons” or “TH”), fast food hamburgers principally under the Burger King® brand (“Burger King” or “BK”), and chicken under the Popeyes® brand (“Popeyes” or “PLK”). We are one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant, or QSR, companies as measured by total number of restaurants. As of September 30, 2020,2021, we franchised or owned 4,9345,137 Tim Hortons restaurants, 18,67518,923 Burger King restaurants, and 3,4183,607 Popeyes restaurants, for a total of 27,02727,667 restaurants, and operate in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories.countries. Approximately 100% of current system-wide restaurants are franchised.
All references to “$” 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 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.
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We are the sole general partner of Partnership and, as such we have 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, subject to the terms of the amended and restated limited partnership agreement of Partnership (the “partnership agreement”) and applicable laws. As a result, we consolidate the results of Partnership and record a noncontrolling interest in our consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations with respect to the remaining economic interest in Partnership we do not hold.
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, 20202021 and December 31, 2019,2020, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of 4049 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 quarter and year to date September 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 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 currently evaluating the impact that theThe adoption of this new guidance will have on our Financial Statements, we doin 2021 did not currently anticipate this adoption will have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
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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. During the third quarter of 2021, we adopted certain of the expedients as it relates to hedge accounting as certain of our debt agreements and hedging relationships bear interest at variable rates, primarily US dollar LIBOR. The adoption of and future elections under this new guidance did not and are not expected to have a material impact on our Financial Statements. We will continue to monitor the discontinuance of LIBOR on our debt agreements and hedging relationships.
Lessors—Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments – In July 2021, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessors to classify and account for a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on a reference index or a rate as an operating lease if (a) the lease would have been classified as a sales-type lease or a direct financing lease in accordance with lease classification criteria and (b) the lessor would have otherwise recognized a day-one loss. This amendment is effective in 2022 with early adoption permitted. This guidance may be applied either retrospectively to leases that commenced or were modified on or after the adoption of lease guidance we adopted in 2019 or prospectively to leases that commence or are modified on or after the date that this new guidance is applied. We are currently evaluating the impact but do not expect that the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on our Financial Statements and have not adopted anyStatements.
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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 comprisedconsist primarily of lease income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases and sales-type leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
Lease income - operating leasesLease income - operating leasesLease income - operating leases
Minimum lease paymentsMinimum lease payments$112 $112 $333 $335 Minimum lease payments$113 $112 $343 $333 
Variable lease paymentsVariable lease payments82 100 191 281 Variable lease payments91 82 241 191 
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 leases205 195 587 528 
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$206 $196 $591 $532 

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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, 20202021 (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(7)(30)(2)(39)
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 period24 14 46 
Impact of foreign currency translationImpact of foreign currency translation(1)Impact of foreign currency translation— (10)— (10)
Balance at September 30, 2020$61 $421 $35 $517 
Balance at September 30, 2021Balance at September 30, 2021$63 $411 $51 $525 
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, 20202021 (in millions):
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized inContract liabilities expected to be recognized inTHBKPLKConsolidatedContract liabilities expected to be recognized inTHBKPLKConsolidated
Remainder of 2020$$$$12 
202134 44 
Remainder of 2021Remainder of 2021$$$$13 
2022202233 43 202234 47 
2023202332 41 202333 45 
2024202431 40 202432 43 
2025202532 42 
ThereafterThereafter29 282 26 337 Thereafter27 271 37 335 
TotalTotal$61 $421 $35 $517 Total$63 $411 $51 $525 
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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
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
SalesSales$541 $624 $1,450 $1,735 Sales$621 $541 $1,718 $1,450 
RoyaltiesRoyalties581 602 1,576 1,706 Royalties412 362 1,149 968 
Property revenuesProperty revenues196 215 532 628 Property revenues206 196 591 532 
Franchise fees and other revenueFranchise fees and other revenue19 17 52 55 Franchise fees and other revenue21 19 61 52 
Advertising revenuesAdvertising revenues235 219 674 608 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$1,337 $1,458 $3,610 $4,124 Total revenues$1,495 $1,337 $4,193 $3,610 

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Note 6. Earnings per Share
An economic interest in Partnership common equity is held by the holders of Class B exchangeable limited partnership units (the “Partnership exchangeable units”), which is reflected as a noncontrolling interest in our equity. See Note 12, Shareholders’ Equity.
Basic and diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. We apply the treasury stock method to determine the dilutive weighted average common shares represented by outstanding equity awards, unless the effect of their inclusion is anti-dilutive. The diluted earnings per share calculation assumes conversion of 100% of the Partnership exchangeable units under the “if converted” method. Accordingly, the numerator is also adjusted to include the earnings allocated to the holders of noncontrolling interests.
The following table summarizes the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations (in millions, except per share amounts):

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
Numerator:Numerator:Numerator:
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basicNet income attributable to common shareholders - basic$145 $201 $395 $478 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic$221 $145 $659 $395 
Add: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestsAdd: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests78 150 215 376 Add: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests107 78 329 215 
Net income available to common shareholders and noncontrolling interests - dilutedNet income available to common shareholders and noncontrolling interests - diluted$223 $351 $610 $854 Net income available to common shareholders and noncontrolling interests - diluted$328 $223 $988 $610 
Denominator:Denominator:Denominator:
Weighted average common shares - basicWeighted average common shares - basic303 267 301 258 Weighted average common shares - basic311 303 308 301 
Exchange of noncontrolling interests for common shares (Note 12)Exchange of noncontrolling interests for common shares (Note 12)162 197 164 204 Exchange of noncontrolling interests for common shares (Note 12)151 162 154 164 
Effect of other dilutive securitiesEffect of other dilutive securitiesEffect of other dilutive securities
Weighted average common shares - dilutedWeighted average common shares - diluted470 470 469 469 Weighted average common shares - diluted465 470 465 469 
Basic earnings per share (a)Basic earnings per share (a)$0.48 $0.76 $1.31 $1.85 Basic earnings per share (a)$0.71 $0.48 $2.14 $1.31 
Diluted earnings per share (a)Diluted earnings per share (a)$0.47 $0.75 $1.30 $1.82 Diluted earnings per share (a)$0.70 $0.47 $2.12 $1.30 
Anti-dilutive securities outstandingAnti-dilutive securities outstandingAnti-dilutive securities outstanding
(a) Earnings per share 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, 2019September 30, 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$725 $(283)$442 $735 $(264)$471 
Favorable leases Favorable leases116 (63)53 127 (65)62  Favorable leases106 (63)43 117 (66)51 
Subtotal Subtotal840 (315)525 847 (290)557  Subtotal831 (346)485 852 (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
$6,675 $— $6,675 $6,650 $— $6,650 
Burger King brand
Burger King brand
2,145 — 2,145 2,117 — 2,117 
Burger King brand
2,137 — 2,137 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  Subtotal10,167 — 10,167 10,179 — 10,179 
Intangible assets, netIntangible assets, net$10,415 $10,563 Intangible assets, net$10,652 $10,701 
GoodwillGoodwillGoodwill
Tim Hortons segment Tim Hortons segment$4,119 $4,207  Tim Hortons segment$4,293 $4,279 
Burger King segment Burger King segment606 598  Burger King segment604 614 
Popeyes segment Popeyes segment846 846  Popeyes segment846 846 
Total Total$5,571 $5,651  Total$5,743 $5,739 
Amortization expense on intangible assets totaled $11$10 million and $12$11 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively, and $33respectively. Amortization expense on intangible assets totaled $31 million and $33 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively. The change in the brands and goodwill balances during the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 was due to the impact of foreign currency translation.
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Note 8. Equity Method Investments
The aggregate carrying amount of our equity method investments was $198$199 million and $266$205 million as of September 30, 20202021 and December 31, 2019,2020, respectively, and is included as a component of Other assets, net in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. TH and BK both have
Except for the following equity method investments, no quoted market prices are available for our other equity method investments. PLK does notThe aggregate market value of our 15.4% equity interest in Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Carrols”) based on the quoted market price on September 30, 2021 was approximately $34 million. The aggregate market value of our 9.4% equity interest in BK Brasil Operação e Assessoria a Restaurantes S.A. based on the quoted market price on September 30, 2021 was approximately $39 million. We have anyevaluated recent declines in the market value of these equity method investments.investments and concluded they are not other than temporary and as such no impairments have been recognized at September 30, 2021.
We have equity interests in entities that own or franchise Tim Hortons, 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,
2021202020212020
Revenues from affiliates:
Royalties$111 $68 $254 $171 
Advertising revenues22 14 50 38 
Property revenues24 24 
Franchise fees and other revenue12 10 
Total$145 $94 $340 $243 
At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had $39 million and $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.
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, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively. Distributions received from this joint venture were $6$9 million and $10$6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 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, 2020 was approximately $61 million. The aggregate market value of our 9.8% equity interest in BK Brasil Operação e Assessoria a Restaurantes S.A. based on the quoted market price on September 30, 2020 was approximately $43 million.
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We have equity interests in entities that own or franchise Tim Hortons or Burger King 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,
2020201920202019
Revenues from affiliates:
Royalties$82 $89 $209 $254 
Property revenues24 25 
Franchise fees and other revenue10 
Total$94 $98 $243 $286 
We recognized $4$5 million and $5$4 million of rent expense associated with the TIMWEN Partnership during the three months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively. We recognized $11$13 million and $14$11 million of rent expense associated with the TIMWEN Partnership during the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively.
At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had $72 million and $47 million, respectively, of accounts receivable, net(Income) loss from our equity method investments which were recorded in Accounts and notes receivable,reflects our share of investee net income or loss, non-cash dilution gains or losses from changes in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.ownership interests in equity investees and basis difference amortization.
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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
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Current:
Dividend payable$244 $239 
Interest payable86 66 
Accrued compensation and benefits77 78 
Taxes payable164 122 
Deferred income51 42 
Accrued advertising expenses55 59 
Restructuring and other provisions17 12 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities137 137 
Other79 80 
Other accrued liabilities$910 $835 
Noncurrent:
Taxes payable$553 $626 
Contract liabilities525 528 
Derivatives liabilities618 865 
Unfavorable leases68 81 
Accrued pension66 70 
Deferred income33 28 
Other35 38 
Other liabilities, net$1,898 $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
September 30,
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)$5,256 $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)717 731 
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 
2019 3.875% Senior Notes (due January 15, 2028)750 750 
3.875% First Lien Senior Notes (due January 15, 2028)3.875% First Lien Senior Notes (due January 15, 2028)1,550 750 
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 other175 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(138)(155)
Total debt, netTotal debt, net12,378 11,833 Total debt, net12,460 12,476 
Less: current maturities of debt Less: current maturities of debt(78)(74) Less: current maturities of debt(81)(79)
Total long-term debtTotal long-term debt$12,300 $11,759 Total long-term debt$12,379 $12,397 
Revolving Credit FacilitiesFacility
In March 2020,As of September 30, 2021, we drew $995 million onhad no 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 shareequity 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.
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
OneNaN 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 four4 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 availability of C$125 million under the TH Facility and, asAs of September 30, 2020,2021, we had outstanding C$224217 million under the TH Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 1.88%1.83%.
2020 First Lien Senior Notes
On April 7, 2020, the Borrowers entered into an indentureJuly 6, 2021, 2 of our subsidiaries (the “2020 5.75% Senior Notes Indenture”“Borrowers”) in connection with the issuance of $500issued $800 million of 5.75%3.875% first lien senior secured notes due AprilJanuary 15, 20252028 (the “2020 5.75% Senior“Additional Notes”). NaNNo principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The Additional Notes were issued as additional notes under the indenture, dated as of September 24, 2019, (the “2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture”) pursuant to which the Borrowers previously issued $750 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.875% first lien senior secured notes due January 15, 2028 during 2019 (the “2019 3.875% Senior Notes” and together with the Additional Notes, the “3.875% First Lien Senior Notes”). The Additional Notes are treated as a single series with the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes and have the same terms for all purposes under the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. The Additional Notes were priced at 100.250% of their face value. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2020 5.75% SeniorAdditional Notes were used for general corporate purposes.to redeem the remaining $775 million principal amount outstanding of the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes on July 15, 2021, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses. In connection with the issuance of the 2020 5.75% SeniorAdditional Notes, we capitalized approximately $9$7 million in debt issuance costs. In connection with the redemption of the remaining $775 million principal amount outstanding of the 2017 4.25% Senior Notes, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $11 million that primarily reflects the payment of redemption premiums and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
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Obligations under the 2020 5.75%3.875% First Lien Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Borrowers and substantially all of the Borrowers'Borrower's Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Worldwide, Inc.,Corporation, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the “Note Guarantors”). The 2020 5.75%3.875% First Lien 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 ofunder our senior secured term loan facilities and Revolving Credit Facility (together the Credit Facilities.“Credit Facilities”).
Our 2020 5.75%The 3.875% First Lien Senior Notesnotes may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after AprilSeptember 15, 2022, at the redemption prices set forth in the 2020 5.75%2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 2020 5.75%2019 3.875% 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, 2020,2021, 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
September 30,
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$12,391 $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 notes12,423 12,453 
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 September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
Debt (a)Debt (a)$119 $130 $351 $382 Debt (a)$117 $119 $345 $351 
Finance lease obligationsFinance lease obligations14 16 Finance lease obligations15 14 
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 discount20 19 
Interest incomeInterest income(1)(5)(8)(14)Interest income(1)(1)(2)(8)
Interest expense, net Interest expense, net$129 $137 $376 $406  Interest expense, net$128 $129 $378 $376 
(a)Amount includes $15$11 million and $16$15 million benefit during the three months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively, and $56$34 million and $53$56 million benefit during the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, 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.
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Note 11. Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate was 16.7% and 7.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. 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 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 included a net decrease in tax reserves of $87 million related primarily to expiring statutes of limitations for certain prior tax years which decreased the effective tax rate by 8.1%.
Our effective tax rate was 22.6% and 9.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. 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)%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,the nine months ended September 30, 2020, 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 effective tax rate during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 reflects a $37 million increase in 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.







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Note 12. Shareholders’ Equity
Noncontrolling Interests
The holders of Partnership exchangeable units held an economic interest of approximately 34.8%31.6% and 35.7%33.7% in Partnership common equity through the ownership of 162,212,231145,269,936 and 165,507,199155,113,338 Partnership exchangeable units as of September 30, 20202021 and December 31, 2019,2020, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, Partnership exchanged 3,294,9689,843,402 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 17, Subsequent Events, for detail of Partnership exchangeable units repurchased for cash on October 2, 2020. The exchanges represented increases in our ownership interest in Partnership and were accounted for as equity transactions, with no gain or loss recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations. 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.
Share Repurchases
On July 28, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program that allows us to purchase up to $1,000 million of our common shares until August 10, 2023. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we repurchased and cancelled 2,843,562 of common shares for $182 million.
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$199 $(19)$(943)$(763)
Balance at December 31, 2020Balance at December 31, 2020$(69)$(30)$(755)$(854)
Foreign currency translation adjustmentForeign currency translation adjustment— — (170)(170)Foreign currency translation adjustment— — (62)(62)
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 tax169 — — 169 
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 tax77 — — 77 
Gain (loss) recognized on other, net of taxGain (loss) recognized on other, net of tax— — 
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interestsAmounts attributable to noncontrolling interests64 — 50 114 Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests(80)(2)(3)(85)
Balance at September 30, 2020$85 $(19)$(1,063)$(997)
Balance at September 30, 2021Balance at September 30, 2021$97 $(30)$(820)$(753)

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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, 2020,2021, 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”), including any subsequent refinancing or replacement of the Term Loan Facilities, beginning OctoberAugust 31, 20192021 through the termination date of November 19, 2026.October 31, 2028. Additionally, at September 30, 2020,2021, 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 earningsinterest expense during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.
During 2019,2021, we extended the maturity of our $3,500 million receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps. 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 $143 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 connection with this net unrealized loss in AOCI as of September 30, 2021 that we expect to be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months is $28 million.
We had previously extended the term of our previous $3,500 million receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps in 2019 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 connection with this net unrealized loss in AOCI as of September 30, 20202021 that we expect to be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months is $51 million.
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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, 2020 that we expect to be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months is $12$50 million.
Cross-Currency Rate Swaps
To protect the value of our investments in our foreign operations against adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we hedge a portion of our net investment in one or more of our foreign subsidiaries by using cross-currency rate swaps. At September 30, 2020,2021, 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, 2020,2021, 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, 2020,2021, 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, 2020,2021, 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
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$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 fixedfixed-to-fixed cross-currency rate swaps hedging Canadian dollar and Euro net investments utilized the forward method of effectiveness assessment prior to March 15, 2018. On March 15, 2018, we de-designated and subsequently re-designated the outstanding fixed to fixed cross-currency rate swaps to prospectively use the spot method of hedge effectiveness assessment. Additionally, as a result of adopting new hedge accounting guidance during 2018, we elected to exclude the interest component (the “Excluded Component”) from the accounting hedge without affecting net investment hedge accounting and elected to amortize the Excluded Component over the life of the derivative instrument. The amortization of the Excluded Component is recognized in Interest expense, net in the 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, 2020,2021, 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$148 million with maturities to November 2021.2022. We have designated these instruments as cash flow hedges, and as such, the unrealized changes in market value of effective hedges are recorded in AOCI and are reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.
Credit Risk
By entering into derivative contracts, we are exposed to counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is in an asset position, the counterparty has a liability to us, which creates credit risk for us. We attempt to minimize this risk by selecting counterparties with investment grade credit ratings and regularly monitoring our market position with each counterparty.
Credit-Risk Related Contingent Features
Our derivative instruments do not contain any credit-risk related contingent features.
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Quantitative Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present the required quantitative disclosures for our derivative instruments, including their estimated fair values (all estimated using Level 2 inputs) and their location on our condensed consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
Interest rate swapsInterest rate swaps$(22)$(35)$(370)$(156)Interest rate swaps$15 $(22)$100 $(370)
Forward-currency contractsForward-currency contracts$(2)$$$(3)Forward-currency contracts$$(2)$— $
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$174 $(238)$91 $51 
(1)We did not exclude any components from the cash flow hedge relationships presented in this table.
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into EarningsGain or (Loss) Reclassified from
AOCI into Earnings
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2020201920202019
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate swapsInterest expense, net$(30)$(7)$(71)$(14)
Forward-currency contractsCost of sales$$$$
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in EarningsGain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings
(Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2020201920202019
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swapsInterest expense, net$15 $16 $56 $53 
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Fair Value as of
September 30,
2020
December 31, 2019Balance Sheet Location
Assets:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate$$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 $343 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into EarningsGain or (Loss) Reclassified from
AOCI into Earnings
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate swapsInterest expense, net$(31)$(30)$(92)$(71)
Forward-currency contractsCost of sales$(2)$— $(6)$
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,
2021202020212020
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swapsInterest expense, net$11 $15 $34 $56 
Fair Value as of
September 30,
2021
December 31, 2020Balance Sheet Location
Assets:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Foreign currency$$— Prepaids and other current assets
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency16 — Other assets, net
Total assets at fair value$18 $— 
Liabilities:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate$265 $430 Other liabilities, net
Foreign currencyOther accrued liabilities
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency353 434 Other liabilities, net
Total liabilities at fair value$619 $869 













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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 September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisingsNet losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings$$$$(1)Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings$$$$
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(23)44 (58)54 
Other, netOther, net(2)(2)(6)Other, net— (2)
Other operating expenses (income), net Other operating expenses (income), net$54 $(30)$59 $(44) Other operating expenses (income), net$(16)$54 $(50)$59 
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 appealingappealed this ruling. Oral arguments for the appeal were heard in September 2021 and the parties await a ruling on the appeal. 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 was 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
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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. 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 our 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 and RBI filed a reply in May 2021. The motion to dismiss is scheduled to be heard in December 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 our 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.
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
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
Revenues by operating segment:Revenues by operating segment:Revenues by operating segment:
TH TH$762 $881 $2,028 $2,472  TH$885 $762 $2,426 $2,028 
BK BK433 457 1,168 1,315  BK467 433 1,333 1,168 
PLK PLK142 120 414 337  PLK143 142 434 414 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$1,337 $1,458 $3,610 $4,124 Total revenues$1,495 $1,337 $4,193 $3,610 

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
Revenues by country (a):Revenues by country (a):Revenues by country (a):
Canada Canada$691 $805 $1,837 $2,245  Canada$808 $691 $2,200 $1,837 
United States United States499 489 1,392 1,412  United States500 499 1,493 1,392 
Other Other147 164 381 467  Other187 147 500 381 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$1,337 $1,458 $3,610 $4,124 Total revenues$1,495 $1,337 $4,193 $3,610 

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

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 (benefit) 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 proposedsignificant tax reform legislation, regulations and guidance under the Tax Cutsrelated restructuring initiatives (“Corporate restructuring and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”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
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
Segment income:Segment income:Segment income:
TH TH$258 $301 $594 $825  TH$278 $258 $738 $594 
BK BK245 254 605 728  BK272 245 755 605 
PLK PLK58 47 164 129  PLK57 58 171 164 
Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA561 602 1,363 1,682  Adjusted EBITDA607 561 1,664 1,363 
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 expense25 19 71 63 
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory feesCorporate restructuring and tax advisory fees11 22 Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees11 
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)11 20 22 42 
Other operating expenses (income), netOther operating expenses (income), net54 (30)59 (44)Other operating expenses (income), net(16)54 (50)59 
EBITDA EBITDA465 618 1,188 1,635  EBITDA583 465 1,613 1,188 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization48 47 139 139 Depreciation and amortization50 48 150 139 
Income from operations Income from operations417 571 1,049 1,496  Income from operations533 417 1,463 1,049 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net129 137 376 406 Interest expense, net128 129 378 376 
Loss on early extinguishment of debtLoss on early extinguishment of debtLoss on early extinguishment of debt11 — 11 — 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense65 79 62 232 Income tax expense65 65 83 62 
Net income Net income$223 $351 $611 $854  Net income$329 $223 $991 $611 
(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. 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 exchange represented an increase in our ownership interest in Partnership and will be accounted for as an equity transaction, with no gain or loss recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, upon the exchange of Partnership exchangeable units, each such Partnership exchangeable unit is automatically deemed cancelled.
Dividends
On October 2, 2020,5, 2021, we paid a cash dividend of $0.52$0.53 per common share to common shareholders of record on September 18, 2020.21, 2021. On such date, Partnership 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, 2020.21, 2021.
Subsequent to September 30, 2020,2021, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.52$0.53 per common share, which will be paid on January 5, 20212022 to common shareholders of record on December 21, 2020.2021. 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 distributions on Partnership exchangeable units are the same as the record date and payment date 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 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
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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 “RBI”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” are to Restaurant Brands International Inc. and its subsidiaries, collectively.
Overview
We are one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant (“QSR”) companies with approximately $31$34 billion in annual system-wide sales and approximatelyover 27,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories as of September 30, 2020.2021. 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.
In September 2021, we announced targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, as approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, as well as a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. While most of the impact is from scope 3 emissions that are not under our direct control, reaching these targets will require us to devote resources to support changes by suppliers and franchisees.

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COVID-19
The global crisis resulting from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19(“COVID-19”) has had a substantial impact onimpacted our global restaurant operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, which is expected to continue with2021 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 significant for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, asin the 2021 periods these metrics were affected to a result oflesser extent, with variations among brands and regions. During 2020 and the impact of COVID-19. During the first nine months of 2020,ended September 30, 2021, substantially all TH, BK and PLK restaurants remained open in North Americathe U.S. and Canada, some with limited operations, such as Drive-thru, Takeoutdrive-thru, takeout and Deliverydelivery (where applicable) and that currently remains, reduced, if any, dine-in capacity, and/or restrictions on hours of operation. During the case. While certain markets have opened for dine-in guests, the capacity may be limited, and local conditions may lead to closures 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. As of the end ofthree months ended September 96%30, 2021, on average 97% of our restaurants were open worldwide, including substantially allapproximately 98% of our restaurants in North America, Asia Pacificthe U.S. and Europe, Middle East and AfricaCanada and approximately 92%96% of our restaurants in Latin America.
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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 to have, an adverse effectthe world. By contrast, during the three months ended September 30, 2020, on manyaverage 94% of our franchisees’ liquidityrestaurants were open worldwide, including approximately 97% of our restaurants in the U.S. and we have worked closely withCanada and approximately 91% of our franchisees aroundrestaurants in the world to monitor and assist them with access to appropriate sourcesrest of liquidity in order to sustain their businesses throughout this crisis.the world. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we offered rent relief programsa number of markets required temporary complete closures while implementing lockdown orders. While many regions have since eased restrictions, certain markets continue to eligible TH franchiseesbe impacted and re-imposed restrictions 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 than2021. We expect local conditions to continue to dictate limitations on restaurant operations, capacity, and hours of operation.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. While these receivables remain contractually due2021, COVID-19 contributed to labor challenges, which in some regions resulted in reduced operating hours and payableservice modes at select restaurants as well as supply chain pressures.

With the pandemic affecting consumer behavior, the importance of digital sales, including delivery, has grown. We expect to us, the certaintycontinue to support enhancements of the amountour digital 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, 20202021 and 20192020
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 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)20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
SalesSales$541 $624 $(83)$(4)$(79)$1,450 $1,735 $(285)$(26)$(259)Sales$621 $541 $80 $25 $55 $1,718 $1,450 $268 $92 $176 
Franchise and property revenuesFranchise and property revenues796 834 (38)(6)(32)2,160 2,389 (229)(33)(196)Franchise and property revenues639 577 62 13 49 1,801 1,552 249 52 197 
Advertising revenuesAdvertising revenues235 219 16 13 674 608 66 11 55 
Total revenuesTotal revenues1,337 1,458 (121)(10)(111)3,610 4,124 (514)(59)(455)Total revenues1,495 1,337 158 41 117 4,193 3,610 583 155 428 
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 sales490 418 (72)(19)(53)1,358 1,156 (202)(73)(129)
Franchise and property expensesFranchise and property expenses128 133 — 388 401 13 Franchise and property expenses121 125 (5)358 380 22 (20)42 
Selling, general and administrative expenses302 320 18 — 18 922 948 26 21 
Advertising expensesAdvertising expenses237 209 (28)(3)(25)711 638 (73)(13)(60)
General and administrative expensesGeneral and administrative expenses123 96 (27)(1)(26)341 292 (49)(8)(41)
(Income) loss from equity method investments(Income) loss from equity method investments18 (11)(29)(30)36 (11)(47)— (47)(Income) loss from equity method investments18 11 — 11 12 36 24 — 24 
Other operating expenses (income), netOther operating expenses (income), net54 (30)(84)(85)59 (44)(103)— (103)Other operating expenses (income), net(16)54 70 (2)72 (50)59 109 (2)111 
Total operating costs and expensesTotal operating costs and expenses920 887 (33)(38)2,561 2,628 67 29 38 Total operating costs and expenses962 920 (42)(30)(12)2,730 2,561 (169)(116)(53)
Income from operationsIncome from operations417 571 (154)(5)(149)1,049 1,496 (447)(30)(417)Income from operations533 417 116 11 105 1,463 1,049 414 39 375 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net129 137 — 376 406 30 — 30 Interest expense, net128 129 — 378 376 (2)(1)(1)
Loss on early extinguishment of debtLoss on early extinguishment of debt— — — — Loss on early extinguishment of debt11 — (11)— (11)11 — (11)— (11)
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes288 430 (142)(5)(137)673 1,086 (413)(30)(383)Income before income taxes394 288 106 11 95 1,074 673 401 38 363 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense65 79 14 — 14 62 232 170 169 Income tax expense65 65 — (2)83 62 (21)(23)
Net incomeNet income$223 $351 $(128)$(5)$(123)$611 $854 $(243)$(29)$(214)Net income$329 $223 $106 $13 $93 $991 $611 $380 $40 $340 
(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 September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX ImpactNine Months Ended September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX Impact
20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:
Sales$592 $506 $86 $25 $61 $1,621 $1,345 $276 $92 $184 
Franchise and property revenues230 205 25 11 14 639 547 92 38 54 
Advertising revenues63 51 12 166 136 30 21 
Total revenues885 762 123 39 84 2,426 2,028 398 139 259 
Cost of sales462 388 (74)(19)(55)1,266 1,061 (205)(73)(132)
Franchise and property expenses84 80 (4)(5)251 242 (9)(18)
Advertising expenses67 46 (21)(2)(19)197 154 (43)(11)(32)
Segment G&A27 20 (7)(1)(6)77 65 (12)(4)(8)
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)31 28 (3)(2)(1)94 82 (12)(6)(6)
Segment income (c)278 258 20 13 738 594 144 39 105 
(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, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively. TH segment income includes $6$9 million and $11$6 million of cash distributions received from equity method investments for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively.

BK SegmentThree Months Ended September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX ImpactNine Months Ended September 30,VarianceFX Impact (a)Variance Excluding FX Impact
20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:
Sales$16 $17 $(1)$— $(1)$49 $49 $— $— $— 
Franchise and property revenues337 305 32 30 950 811 139 14 125 
Advertising revenues114 111 — 334 308 26 24 
Total revenues467 433 34 32 1,333 1,168 165 16 149 
Cost of sales16 16 — — — 49 49 — — — 
Franchise and property expenses34 42 — 100 129 29 (2)31 
Advertising expenses110 105 (5)(1)(4)337 318 (19)(2)(17)
Segment G&A47 37 (10)— (10)128 104 (24)(2)(22)
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)12 13 — 36 37 — 
Segment income272 245 27 25 755 605 150 11 139 


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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
PLK SegmentPLK 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)20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)20212020 Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
SalesSales$17 $19 $(2)$— $(2)$49 $57 $(8)$— $(8)Sales$13 $18 $(5)$— $(5)$48 $56 $(8)$— $(8)
Franchise and property revenuesFranchise and property revenues416 438 (22)(2)(20)1,119 1,258 (139)(18)(121)Franchise and property revenues72 67 — 212 194 18 — 18 
Advertising revenuesAdvertising revenues58 57 — 174 164 10 — 10 
Total revenuesTotal revenues433 457 (24)(2)(22)1,168 1,315 (147)(18)(129)Total revenues143 142 — 434 414 20 — 20 
Cost of salesCost of sales16 18 — 49 53 — Cost of sales12 14 — 43 46 — 
Franchise and property expensesFranchise and property expenses42 39 (3)— (3)129 124 (5)— (5)Franchise and property expenses— — — — 
Segment SG&A142 159 17 — 17 422 449 27 26 
Advertising expensesAdvertising expenses60 58 (2)— (2)177 166 (11)— (11)
Segment G&ASegment G&A15 12 (3)— (3)42 35 (7)— (7)
Segment depreciation and amortization (b)Segment depreciation and amortization (b)13 12 (1)— (1)37 37 — — — Segment depreciation and amortization (b)— — — — 
Segment income (d)245 254 (9)(2)(7)605 728 (123)(17)(106)
Segment incomeSegment income57 58 (1)— (1)171 164 — 
(d)No cash distributions were received from equity method investments for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and no significant amounts of cash distributions were received during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. BK segment income includes $2 million of cash distributions received from equity method investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Key Business Metrics2021202020212020
System-wide sales growth
    TH11.1 %(13.7)%12.0 %(19.1)%
    BK12.3 %(7.9)%16.0 %(12.1)%
    PLK4.4 %21.5 %7.3 %25.7 %
    Consolidated10.8 %(5.4)%13.8 %(8.9)%
System-wide sales
    TH$1,774 $1,520 $4,790 $4,010 
    BK$6,212 $5,484 $17,268 $14,610 
    PLK$1,392 $1,331 $4,122 $3,836 
    Consolidated$9,378 $8,335 $26,180 $22,456 
Comparable sales
    TH8.9 %(12.5)%10.7 %(17.2)%
    BK7.9 %(7.0)%8.5 %(7.9)%
    PLK(2.4)%17.4 %(0.5)%22.5 %
As of September 30,
20212020
Net restaurant growth
    TH4.1 %1.0 %
    BK1.3 %2.4 %
    PLK5.5 %7.1 %
    Consolidated2.4 %2.7 %
Restaurant count
    TH5,137 4,934 
    BK18,923 18,675 
    PLK3,607 3,418 
    Consolidated27,667 27,027 

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
For TH and BK, restaurant operations were less impacted by COVID-19 during the three months ended September 30, 2021 than in the same period in 2020, resulting in significant increases in system-wide sales growth and comparable sales during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.
TH comparable sales were (12.5)8.9% during the three months ended September 30, 2021, including Canada comparable sales of 9.5%. TH comparable sales were 10.7% during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, including Canada comparable sales of 10.6%.
BK comparable sales were 7.9% during the three months ended September 30, 2021, including rest of the world comparable sales of 16.2% and U.S. comparable sales of (1.6)%. BK comparable sales were 8.5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, including rest of the world comparable sales of 11.3% and U.S. comparable sales of 5.7%.
PLK comparable sales were (2.4)% during the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, including CanadaU.S. comparable sales of (13.7)(4.5)%. THPLK comparable sales were (17.2)(0.5)% 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, 2020,2021, including U.S. comparable sales of (3.2)(2.1)%. 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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restaurants, including our consolidated TH Restaurants VIEs.
During the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, the decreaseincrease in sales was driven primarily by a decreasean increase of $74$61 million in our TH segment and a favorable FX Impact of $25 million, partially offset by a decrease of $2 million in our BK segment, a decrease of $3$5 million in our PLK segment and an unfavorable FX Impacta decrease of $4 million.$1 million in our BK segment. The decreaseincrease in our TH segment was driven by a decreasean increase in supply chain sales due to an increase in system-wide sales.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the increase in sales was driven by an increase of $184 million in our TH segment and a favorable FX Impact of $92 million, partially offset by a decrease of $8 million in our PLK segment. The increase in our TH segment was driven by an increase in supply chain sales due to an increase in system-wide sales net ofand an increase in sales to retailers.
During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2020,2021, the decreaseincrease in cost of sales was driven primarily by a decreasean increase of $247$55 million in our TH segment, a decrease of $8 million in our BK segment, a decrease of $4 million in our PLK segment and an unfavorable FX Impact of $26 million. The decrease in our TH segment was driven by a $255$19 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 decreaseincrease in our TH segment was driven by a decreasean increase in supply chain cost of sales due to the decrease in system-wide sales, net of an increase in sales to retailers.sales.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, the decreaseincrease in cost of sales was driven primarily by a decreasean increase of $152$132 million in our TH segment and an unfavorable FX Impact of $73 million, partially offset by a decrease of $4 million in our BK segment, a decrease of $2$3 million in our PLK segment and a $20 million favorable FX Impact.segment. The decreaseincrease in our TH segment was driven primarily by a decrease of $161 millionan increase in supply chain cost of sales due to the decrease in system-wide sales, net ofand an increase in sales to retailers, and an increasepartially offset by a decrease 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, 2020,2021, the decreaseincrease in franchise and property revenues was driven by a decreasean increase of $38$30 million in our BK segment, an increase of $14 million in our TH segment, a decrease of $20 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.segment and a favorable FX Impact of $13 million. The decreaseincreases were primarily driven by increases in royalties in all of our segments, and increases in rent 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 decreaseincreases in system-wide sales. The increase in our PLK segment was primarily driven by an increase in royalties as a result
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During the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, the decreaseincrease in franchise and property revenues was driven by a decreasean increase of $157$125 million in our BK segment, an increase of $54 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$18 million in our PLK segment.segment and a favorable FX Impact of $52 million. The decreaseincreases were primarily driven by increases in royalties in all of our segments, and increases in rent in our TH segment, was primarily driven by decreases in royalties and rent from decreasesas a result of increases in system-wide sales and decreases in 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. 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 property revenues. We expect these negative effects to continue into the fourth quarter of 2020.franchisees.
During the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, the decrease in franchise and property expenses was driven by a decrease of $8 million in our BK segment and a decrease of $1 million in our TH segment, partially offset by an increaseunfavorable FX Impact of $3 million$5 million. The decrease in our BK segment.segment was primarily related to a decrease in property expenses and bad debt recoveries in the current year compared to bad debt expense in the prior year.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, the decrease in franchise and property expenses was driven by a decrease of $14$31 million in our BK segment, a decrease of $9 million in our TH segment, and a $4decrease of $2 million favorable FX Impact,in our PLK segment, partially offset by an unfavorable FX Impact of $20 million. The decrease in our BK segment was primarily related to bad debt recoveries in the current year compared to bad debt expense in the prior year.
Advertising
Advertising revenues consist primarily of advertising contributions earned on franchise sales and are based on a percentage of system-wide sales and intended to fund advertising expenses. 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. We manage advertising expenses to equal advertising revenues in the long term, however in some periods there may be a mismatch in the timing of revenues and expense.
During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the increase in advertising revenues was driven by an increase of $5$9 million in our TH segment, an increase of $3 million in our BK segment, an increase of $1 million in our PLK segment and a favorable FX Impact of $3 million. The increases in all of our segments were primarily driven by increases in system-wide sales.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the increase in advertising revenues was driven by an increase of $24 million in our BK segment, an increase of $21 million in our TH segment, an increase of $10 million in our PLK segment and a favorable FX Impact of $11 million. The increases in all of our segments were primarily driven by increases in system-wide sales.
During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the increase in advertising expenses was driven by an increase of $19 million in our TH segment, an increase of $4 million in our BK segment, an increase of $2 million in our PLK segment, and an unfavorable FX Impact of $3 million. The increase in all of our segments was primarily driven by an increase in advertising revenues, and for our TH segment, also driven by our support behind the marketing program in Canada.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the increase in advertising expenses was driven by an increase of $32 million in our TH segment, an increase of $17 million in our BK segment, an increase of $11 million in our PLK segment, and an unfavorable FX Impact of $13 million. The increase in all of our segments was primarily driven by an increase in advertising revenues, and for our TH segment, also driven by our support behind the marketing program in Canada.


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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 comprisedconsisted of the following:
Three Months Ended September 30,VarianceNine Months Ended September 30,VarianceThree Months Ended September 30,VarianceNine Months Ended September 30,Variance
$%$%$%$%
20202019Favorable / (Unfavorable)20202019Favorable / (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable / (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Segment SG&A:
Segment G&A:Segment G&A:
THTH$63 $77 $14 18.2 %$211 $236 $25 10.6 %TH$27 $20 $(7)(35.0)%$77 $65 $(12)(18.5)%
BKBK142 159 17 10.7 %422 449 27 6.0 %BK47 37 (10)(27.0)%128 104 (24)(23.1)%
PLKPLK70 56 (14)(25.0)%201 159 (42)(26.4)%PLK15 12 (3)(25.0)%42 35 (7)(20.0)%
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 expense25 19 (6)(31.6)%71 63 (8)(12.7)%
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization— — %14 14 — — %Depreciation and amortization— — %15 14 (1)(7.1)%
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory feesCorporate restructuring and tax advisory fees40.0 %11 22 11 50.0 %Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees(1)(33.3)%11 27.3 %
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$123 $96 $(27)(28.1)%$341 $292 $(49)(16.8)%
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,fees. The increase in Segment G&A for all segments during the three and Office centralizationnine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily driven by higher salary and relocation costs.employee-related costs for non-restaurant employees, largely a result of hiring across a number of key areas, and ongoing investments in digital and technology. In addition, the year over year change in Segment G&A at TH and BK was impacted by unfavorable FX movements.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the decrease in Segment SG&A in our TH and BK segments was primarily due to a decrease in advertising fund expenses. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense was consistentprimarily due to an increase in equity awards granted during 2021.
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees arise primarily from professional advisory and consulting services associated with prior year.certain transformational corporate restructuring initiatives that rationalize our structure and optimize cash movement within our structure, including services related to significant tax reform legislation, regulations and related restructuring initiatives.
(Income) Loss from Equity Method Investments
(Income) loss from equity method investments reflects our share of investee net income or loss, non-cash dilution gains or losses from changes in our ownership interests in equity method investees, and basis difference amortization.
The change in (income) loss from equity method investments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 20202021 was primarily driven by an increasea decrease in equity method investment net losses that we recognized during 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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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 September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisingsNet losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings$$$$(1)Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings$$$$
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(23)44 (58)54 
Other, netOther, net(2)(2)(6)Other, net— (2)
Other operating expenses (income), net Other operating expenses (income), net$54 $(30)$59 $(44) Other operating expenses (income), net$(16)$54 $(50)$59 
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.
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 September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019202020192021202020212020
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net$129 $137 $376 $406 Interest expense, net$128 $129 $378 $376 
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 %4.5 %4.2 %4.6 %
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, interest expense, net decreased primarily due to a decrease in the weighted average interest rate in the current year driven by the decrease in interest rates and the 2019 refinancing of our senior secured debt, partially offset by an increase in long-term debt.was consistent year-over-year.
Income Tax Expense
Our effective tax rate was 22.6%16.7% and 18.3%22.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively. Our effective tax rate was higher primarily dueimpacted by changes to changes in ourthe relative mix of our income from multiple tax jurisdictions unfavorable movements in foreign exchange rates related to unremitted earnings and lower benefits from stock option exercises for the quarter.impact of internal financing arrangements. 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%7.7% and 21.4%9.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 included a net decrease in tax reserves of $87 million related primarily to expiring statutes of limitations for certain prior tax years which decreased the effective tax rate by 8.1%. 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)%9.5%. Based on the analysis of final guidance related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") received during thisthe 2020 period, a deferred tax asset was recorded. TheOur effective tax rate forwas also impacted by changes to the nine months ended September 30, 2019 included a $37 million increase inrelative mix of our income from multiple tax jurisdictions, the provision for unrecognizedimpact of internal financing arrangements and the impact of excess 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.from equity-based compensation.

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Net Income
We reported net income of $329 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to net income of $223 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net income of $351 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.2020. The decreaseincrease in net income is primarily due to a $70 million favorable change in the results from other operating expenses (income), a $27 million increase in BK segment income, a $20 million increase in TH segment income, net, a $9 million favorable change from the impact of equity method investments, and a $1 million decrease in interest expense, net. These factors were partially offset by an $84$11 million unfavorableloss on early extinguishment of debt in the current quarter, a $6 million increase in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation, a $2 million increase in depreciation and amortization, a $1 million decrease in PLK segment income, and a $1 million increase in Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees. Amounts above include a total favorable FX Impact to net income of $13 million.
We reported net income of $991 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to net income of $611 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in net income is primarily due to a $150 million increase in BK segment income, a $144 million increase in TH segment income, a $109 million favorable change in the results from other operating expenses (income), net, a $29$20 million unfavorablefavorable change from the impact of equity method investments, a $43$7 million increase in PLK segment income, and a $3 million decrease in TH segmentCorporate restructuring and tax advisory fees. These factors were partially offset by a $21 million increase in income a $9tax expense, an $11 million decreaseloss on early extinguishment of debt in BK segment income, a $1the current year, an $11 million increase in depreciation and amortization, an $8 million increase in share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense, and a $1$2 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.net. Amounts above include a total unfavorablefavorable FX Impact to net income of $5$40 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 (benefit) expense, and depreciation and amortization and is used by management to measure operating performance of the business. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA excluding (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 proposedsignificant tax reform legislation, regulations and guidance under the Tax Act.related restructuring initiatives. 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.
Three Months Ended September 30,VarianceNine Months Ended September 30,VarianceThree Months Ended September 30,VarianceNine Months Ended September 30,Variance
$%$%$%$%
20202019Favorable / (Unfavorable)20202019Favorable / (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable / (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable / (Unfavorable)
Segment income:Segment income:Segment income:
THTH$258 $301 $(43)(14.1)%$594 $825 $(231)(27.9)%TH$278 $258 $20 7.6 %$738 $594 $144 24.1 %
BKBK245 254 (9)(3.3)%605 728 (123)(16.9)%BK272 245 27 10.8 %755 605 150 24.7 %
PLKPLK58 47 11 23.4 %164 129 35 26.9 %PLK57 58 (1)(2.6)%171 164 4.2 %
Adjusted EBITDAAdjusted EBITDA561 602 (41)(6.6)%1,363 1,682 (319)(18.9)%Adjusted EBITDA607 561 46 8.0 %1,664 1,363 301 22.0 %
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 expense25 19 (6)(31.6)%71 63 (8)(12.7)%
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory feesCorporate restructuring and tax advisory fees40.0 %11 22 11 50.0 %Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees(1)(33.3)%11 27.3 %
Office centralization and relocation costs— — — NM— 100.0 %
Impact of equity method investments (a)Impact of equity method investments (a)20 (9)(29)NM42 (41)NMImpact of equity method investments (a)11 20 45.0 %22 42 20 47.6 %
Other operating expenses (income), netOther operating expenses (income), net54 (30)(84)NM59 (44)(103)NMOther operating expenses (income), net(16)54 70 129.6 %(50)59 109 NM
EBITDAEBITDA465 618 (153)(24.8)%1,188 1,635 (447)(27.3)%EBITDA583 465 118 25.4 %1,613 1,188 425 35.8 %
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization48 47 (1)(2.1)%139 139 — — %Depreciation and amortization50 48 (2)(4.2)%150 139 (11)(7.9)%
Income from operationsIncome from operations417 571 (154)(27.0)%1,049 1,496 (447)(29.9)%Income from operations533 417 116 27.8 %1,463 1,049 414 39.5 %
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net129 137 5.8 %376 406 30 7.4 %Interest expense, net128 129 0.8 %378 376 (2)(0.5)%
Loss on early extinguishment of debtLoss on early extinguishment of debt— NM— NMLoss on early extinguishment of debt11 — (11)NM11 — (11)NM
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense65 79 14 17.7 %62 232 170 73.3 %Income tax expense65 65 — — %83 62 (21)NM
Net incomeNet income$223 $351 $(128)(36.5)%$611 $854 $(243)(28.5)%Net income$329 $223 $106 47.5 %$991 $611 $380 62.2 %
NM - Not Meaningfulnot meaningful
(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, 2020 reflects the decreases in segment income in our TH and BK segments, partially offset by an increase in segment income in our PLK segment. Segment income in our TH and BK segments for the three months ended September 30, 20202021 reflects the increases in segment income in our BK and TH segments, partially offset by a decrease in our PLK segment, and includes ana favorable FX Impact of $15 million.
The increase of $14 million andin Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 reflects the increases in segment income in all of our segments and includes a decreasefavorable FX Impact of $18 million, related to the timing of advertising fund revenue and expenses.$50 million.
The decreaseincrease in EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20202021 is primarily due to decreasesincreases in segment income in our BK and TH and BK segments, and unfavorable resultsfavorable impact from other operating expenses (income), net, and favorable decrease from 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 restructuringfavorable FX Impact of $13 million and tax advisory fees,$45 million for the three and the non-recurrence 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.




ended September 30, 2021, respectively.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash generated by operations, and borrowings available under our Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below). We have used, and may in the future use, our liquidity to make required interest and/or principal payments, to repurchase our 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 pay dividends on our common shares and make distributions on the Partnership exchangeable units. As a result of our borrowings, we are highly leveraged. Our liquidity requirements are significant, primarily due to debt service requirements.
As of September 30, 2020,2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,919$1,773 million, working capital of $1,059$832 million and borrowing availability of $998 million under our senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). 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,July 6, 2021, two of our subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”) entered into an indenture (the “2020 5.75% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $500issued $800 million of 5.75%3.875% first lien senior secured notes due AprilJanuary 15, 20252028 (the “2020 5.75% Senior“Additional 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% SeniorAdditional Notes were used for general corporate purposes.
Additionally, on October 5, 2020,issued as additional notes under the Borrowers entered into an indenture, dated as of September 24, 2019, (the “2020 4.00%“2019 3.875% 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 usedpursuant 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,which the Borrowers entered into a purchase agreement relating to the sale of $1,500previously issued $750 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.00% second3.875% first lien senior secured notes due OctoberJanuary 15, 20302028 during 2019 (the "November 2020 4.00%“2019 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes"Notes” and together with the October 2020 4.00% SeniorAdditional Notes, the "2020 4.00%“3.875% First Lien Senior Notes"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% SeniorAdditional Notes are treated as a single series with the October 2020 4.00%2019 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes and have the same terms for all purposes under the 2020 4.00%2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. The Additional Notes were priced at 100.250% of their face value. The net proceeds from the offering of the November 2020 4.00% SeniorAdditional Notes will bewere used to redeem the remaining $1,450$775 million principal amount outstanding of the 2017 5.00%4.25% Senior Notes on July 15, 2021, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, 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 impactdigital advancements at the TH business and supplement advertising fund amounts contributed by franchisees. Most of COVID-19our support has had, and is expected to continue for an uncertain period to have, an adverse effect on our franchisees’ liquiditybeen spent as of September 30, 2021, and we have worked closely with our franchisees aroundare on track to spend the world to monitor and assist them with access to appropriate sourcesentire amount by the end of liquidity in order to sustain their businesses throughout this crisis. 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. 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. A2021.
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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.
On August 2, 2016,July 28, 2021, our board of directors approved a share repurchase authorization that allows us to purchase up to $300$1,000 million of our common shares through July 2021. Repurchases under the Company’s authorization will be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. until August 10, 2023. On August 6, 2020,2021, we announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) had accepted the notice of our intention to renew the normal course issuer bid. Under this normal course issuer bid, we are permitted to repurchase up to 30,000,01530,382,519 common shares for the one-year12-month period commencing on August 8, 202010, 2021 and ending on August 7, 2021,9, 2022, or earlier if we complete the repurchases prior to such date. Share repurchases under the normal course issuer bid will be made through the facilities of the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and/or other exchanges and alternative Canadian or foreign trading systems, if eligible, or by such other means as may be permitted by the TSX and/or the NYSE under applicable law. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the prior notice, free of charge, by contacting us. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we repurchased and cancelled 2,843,562 RBI common shares on the open market for $182 million and as of September 30, 2021 had $818 million remaining under the authorization. Repurchases under the Company’s authorization will be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.
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, 2020,2021, our long-term debt consists primarily of borrowings under our Credit Facilities (defined below), amounts outstanding under our 2017 4.25%3.875% First Lien Senior Notes 2019 3.875% Senior Notes,(as defined above), 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, 2020,2021, there was $6,046$5,973 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
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average interest rate of 1.84%1.78%. Based on the amounts outstanding under the Term Loan Facilities and LIBOR as of September 30, 2020,2021, subject to a floor of 0.00%, required debt service for the next twelve months is estimated to be approximately $112$107 million in interest payments and $72 million in principal payments. In addition, based on LIBOR as of September 30, 2020,2021, net cash settlements that we expect to pay on our $4,000 million interest rate swap are estimated to be approximately $91$55 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, 2020,2021, 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 or shareequity 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.
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Senior Notes
The Borrowers are party to (i) the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes Indenture in connection with the issuance of the 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes, (ii) an indenture (the “2017 4.25%“5.75% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $1,500$500 million of 4.25%5.75% first lien senior notes due MayApril 15, 20242025 (the “2017 4.25%“2020 5.75% Senior Notes”), (ii)(iii) an indenture (the “2019 3.875%“3.50% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 3.875%3.50% first lien senior notes due JanuaryFebruary 15, 20282029 (the “2019 3.875% Senior Notes”), (iii) an indenture (the “2017 5.00% Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $2,800 million of 5.00% second lien senior notes due October 15, 2025 (the “2017 5.00%“2020 3.50% Senior Notes”), (iv) an indenture (the “2019 4.375%“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%an indenture (the “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 due on the 2017 4.25%3.875% First Lien Senior Notes, 2019 3.875%2020 5.75% Senior Notes, 2017 5.00%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, 2020,2021, required debt service for the next twelve months on all of the Senior Notes outstanding is approximately $294$264 million in interest payments.
TH Facility
One of our subsidiaries entered into a non-revolving delayed drawdown term credit facility in a total aggregate principal amount of C$225 million 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, 2020,2021, we had outstanding C$224217 million under the TH Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 1.88%1.83%.
Based on the amounts outstanding under the TH Facility as of September 30, 2020,2021, required debt service for the next twelve months is estimated to be approximately $3 million in interest payments and $4$9 million in principal payments.
Restrictions and Covenants
As of September 30, 2020,2021, we were in compliance with all applicable financial debt covenants under the Credit Facilities, the TH Facility, and the Senior Notes Indentures.
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Cash Dividends
On October 2, 2020,5, 2021, we paid a dividend of $0.52$0.53 per common share and Partnership made a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.52$0.53 per Partnership exchangeable unit.
Our board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.52$0.53 per common share, which will be paid on January 5, 20212022 to common shareholders of record on December 21, 2020.2021. 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 distributions on Partnership exchangeable units are the same as the record date and payment date set forth above.
In addition, because we are a holding company, our ability to pay cash dividends on our common shares may be limited by restrictions under our debt agreements. Although we do not have a formal dividend policy, our board of directors may, subject to compliance with the covenants contained in our debt agreements and other considerations, determine to pay dividends in the future. We expect to pay all dividends from cash generated from our operations.
Outstanding Security Data
As of October 20, 2020,18, 2021, we had outstanding 303,902,641315,071,796 common shares and one special voting share. The special voting share is held by a trustee, entitling the trustee to that number of votes on matters on which holders of common shares are entitled to vote equal to the number of Partnership exchangeable units outstanding. The trustee is required to cast such votes in accordance with voting instructions provided by holders of Partnership exchangeable units. At any shareholder meeting of the Company, holders of our common shares vote together as a single class with the special voting share except as otherwise provided by law. For information on our share-based compensation and our 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.
There were 155,453,689145,269,936 Partnership exchangeable units outstanding as of October 20, 2020.18, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, Partnership exchanged 3,294,9689,843,402 Partnership exchangeable units pursuant to exchange notices received. Since December 12, 2015, the holders of Partnership exchangeable units have had the right to require Partnership to
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exchange all or any portion of such holder’s Partnership exchangeable units for our common shares at a ratio of one share for each Partnership exchangeable unit, subject to our right as the general partner of Partnership to determine to settle any such exchange for a cash payment in lieu of our common shares.
Comparative Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $608$1,255 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, compared to $911$608 million during the same period in the prior year. The decreaseincrease in cash provided by operating activities was driven by a decrease in TH segment income, a decrease in BK segment income, a decrease in cash provided by other long term assets and liabilities and an increaseworking capital in the current year compared to cash used for working capital. These factors were partially offset bycapital in the prior year, an increase in segment income in all of our segments, and a decrease in interest payments, partially offset by an increase in PLK segment income, and a decrease in income tax payments.
Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities was $33$69 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, compared to $7$33 million of cash provided from investing activities during the same period in the prior year. The change in cash used for 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 capital expenditures during the current period.net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings.
Financing Activities
Cash used for financing activities was $182$970 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, compared to $106$182 million during the same period in the prior year. The change in cash used for financing activities was driven primarily by a decrease in proceeds from the issuance of Senior Notes, an increase indebt and cash used to repurchase RBI common share dividends and distributions on Partnership exchangeable units, payments from derivativesshares in 2020 compared to proceeds from derivatives in 2019, andthe current year. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in proceeds from stock option exercises, partially offset by proceeds from the draw down on the remaining availability under the TH Facility in 2020repayments of debt 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.


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finance leases.
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” section23, 2021.
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Table 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.Contents
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 3 – New Accounting Pronouncements in the notes to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
There were no material changes during the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 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, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the Company’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, 2020.2021. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, confirm there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 20202021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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 and the expected amount of and timing for planned expenditures relating to these 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) expected timing of debt refinancing transactions; (iv) our effortsgoals with respect to assist restaurant ownersreduction in maintaining liquidity and the impact of these programs on our future cash flow and financial results;greenhouse gas emissions; (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)(vi) the amount of net cash settlements we expect to pay on our derivative instruments; and (viii)(vii) 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 the Company 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
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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
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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 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 factorfactors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”"SEC") on February 21, 2020.23, 2021.
Our results can be adversely affected by unforeseen events,Climate change and our inability to effectively implement measures to address climate change and other sustainable business practices could negatively affect our business or damage our reputation.
Climate change may have a negative effect on agricultural productivity which may result in decreased availability or less favorable pricing for certain commodities used in our products, such as adversebeef, chicken, coffee beans and dairy. In addition, climate change may also increase the frequency or severity of natural disasters and other extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist attackswhich could disrupt our supply chain or threats, pandemics, such asimpact demand for our products. Also, concern over climate change and other sustainable business practices may result in new or increased legal and regulatory requirements or generally accepted business practices, which could significantly increase costs. In addition, any failure to achieve our goals with respect to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other sustainable business practices or perception of a failure to act responsibly with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic,environment or to effectively respond to regulatory requirements concerning climate change or other catastrophic events.
Unforeseen events, such assustainable business practices can lead to 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,publicity, diminish the United States or abroad, can keep customers in the affected area from dining out, cause damage to or closurevalue of restaurantsour brands and result in lost opportunities foran adverse effect on 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.business.
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Our operating results substantially depend upon
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Following are our franchisees’ sales volumes, restaurant profitability,monthly share repurchases for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021:
PeriodTotal Number of Shares PurchasedTotal Dollar Value of Shares PurchasedAverage Price Paid per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased under the Plans or Programs
July 1, 2021 - July 31, 2021— $— $— — $1,000,000,000 
August 1, 2021 - August 31, 20211,828,884 117,255,898 64.11 1,828,884 882,744,102 
September 1, 2021 - September 30, 20211,014,678 64,580,248 63.65 1,014,678 818,163,854 
2,843,562 $181,836,146 2,843,562 
(1)In August 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $300 million outstanding common shares for five years, none of which had been utilized. In July 2021, the Board of Directors extended and financial stability. The impactexpanded the authorization to repurchases of COVID-19 has,up to $1.0 billion common shares through August 10, 2023 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 franchiseesthe open market repurchases of the common shares listed in the U.S. and advancing certain cash paymentstable above were made pursuant 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.

authorization.
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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Description
101.INSXBRL 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.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
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 INC.
(Registrant)
Date: October 28, 202025, 2021  By: /s/ Matthew Dunnigan
   Name: Matthew Dunnigan
   Title: Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
(duly authorized officer)
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